FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - Soldiers and family members make up our Army. While they each play different roles, soldiers must complete their assigned mission and family members are expected to "hold down the fort" while their soldier is deployed.
The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade provides soldiers, spouses and family members access to an informative and reliable Family Readiness Group to help them manage these responsibilities.
"We ask a lot of our soldiers and their families," said Col. Paul Bontrager, 101st CAB commander. "Our families will get the support they deserve."
Family readiness is a deep and complex process, involving a variety of different functions. The FRG plays a major role in family readiness and support.
"The FRG leaders and volunteers coordinate activities that establish a connection between family members," said Julie Akers,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st CAB FRG leader.
"It also imparts information to family members from command and establishes what needs must be met in order to improve the group's overall morale."
It is beneficial for all members of the unit to be involved with FRG.
Getting involved in the FRG will help families endure the hardship of a deployment, and receive information about activities to strengthen the family while they are home, said Rachel Wolverton, HHC, 101st CAB FRG point of contact. It is a good way to make new friends and connect with other spouses who are in similar situations.
"For the service member, it is nice to know that when they are gone their loved ones have a support group," said Wolverton. "We are here to help, no matter what the problem is."
Family readiness plays a large role in the unit's mission accomplishment. Soldiers can train to react to any situation, but when something happens at home, they may feel helpless.
"When things are going well at home and families are well supported and feel a sense of order, soldiers are able to concentrate on their mission," said Bontrager. "A trained, safe, focused soldier gets their foundation from a strong home front."
As soldiers train for upcoming operations abroad, they must also prepare their families to stay behind.
"Prior to deployment, we need soldiers to focus on administrative documents," said Bontrager. "It is essential for the information on administrative forms to be current and accurate in order for us to provide for their families."
A large element of family readiness has to do with communication. Service members must not only communicate important information to their family, but also connect with them to build and sustain a strong bond.
"Soldiers need to take ownership of their families readiness," said Bontrager. "Make family members aware of the important information they need, such as phone numbers and addresses of basic and essential services on post."
There are many resources on and off post available to assist soldiers
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