FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- As the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion gets ready to deploy overseas early this year, its members and Families have been preparing for the time of separation through town hall meetings, the last of which takes place Jan. 28.
The battalion, a subordinate unit of the 470th MI Brigade, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Family Readiness Group plays an important role in the effectiveness of today's military. The main mission of the FRG is to help Families develop self-reliance and resiliency during times of deployment, training, or military exercises.
Although it doesn't adhere to the same formal structures as the military, the FRG benefits spouses during the difficult times that military Families must face. To this end, the 201st MIB FRG prepares battalion Families for the unit's upcoming deployment.
The battalion has already conducted two town hall meetings to provide an opportunity for training and exchanging information that will help prepare the unit for the deployment.
The first town hall took place at Blesse Auditorium Oct. 22. During this meeting, Lt. Col. Dennis F. Lewis, 201st MI Battalion commander, presented the training "glide path" for the unit; sharing all the information available and vowing to protect Soldiers' Family times and holidays.
"I really appreciated his candor," said Erin Jacobs, spouse of a 201st MIB Soldier. "The fact that we can plan our time together makes this a lot less stressful for me."
Army Community Service, Red Cross, United Way and Military OneSource representatives and the Military Family Life consultant all presented information and material at this town hall.
"Providing Families with the information about services available to them is an effective way to make them more self-reliant," said Barbara Matson, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment FRG leader.
The unit conducted a second town hall meeting Nov. 12 in the ACS auditorium, where the battalion commander provided the audience with an update on training and deployment information. Briefers presented information on operations security, the casualty notification process and financial readiness for deployment.
"We have a responsibility to arm our spouses and Families with information, tools and contacts," said Maj. Jason Liddell, battalion executive officer. "This is the best opportunity we have to make sure that our Families are prepared for issues that may arise during deployment."
It isn't all business for the FRG, however. It is important to build relationships and have fun too.
"We ask a lot of our Families before, during and after a deployment," explained Marcia Barber, A Company FRG leader. "Taking the time to relax and enjoy each other socially is an important part of a successful FRG."
For the battalion's Black Knights, taking time included a Fall Fest at McAllister Park with games, crafts, costume contests and plenty of food for everyone. FRG volunteers then raised funds for a holiday party in December.
During the final town hall meeting Jan. 28, there will be an update on the deployment timeline and "Battlemind" training offered by ACS for Family members.
These events offer opportunities for all the Soldiers and their Families to get together and build memories.
"These memories will sustain our Soldiers and Families until we have them all safely back home," said Deborah Liddell, battalion FRG adviser.
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