Family first for 53rd Transportation Battalion Soldiers

By 7th Sustainment Brigade Public AffairsDecember 9, 2010

Family first for 53rd Transportation Battalion Soldiers
Family Readiness Group leader, Yessica Bevil (pictured at far left) puts family first and not just her family but the families of all Soldiers assigned to the 358th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment, 53rd Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainm... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT EUSTIS, Va. (Dec. 2, 2010) - Family Readiness Group leader Yessica Bevil puts family first and not just her family but the families of all Soldiers assigned to the 358th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment, 53rd Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade.

As a military spouse and former enlisted member of the Air Force, Yessica and her husband Warrant Officer Greg Bevil, along with their two children, assist their detachment's Family members in navigating their way around the Army way of life and its many service programs and their commitment has not gone unnoticed.

The Bevil family has been recognized, representing the Army, as the 2010 Armed Forces YMCA Five-Star Military Family of the Year Award. The family was recognized during a Nov. 12 ceremony in Norfolk.

"Being able to help others when they need it, especially since there were plenty of people who have helped me, is the thing to do," said Bevil. My favorite part of being an FRG is being able to help young Soldiers' and their families who are new to the military way of life. It is hard in the beginning, learning to get your feet on solid ground and I like to be there for the Soldier's and their families and assist them in finding the available resources to use."

The family was nominated for the award based on the non-stop volunteer work they have provided the families of the 358th ACDD.

"Our battalion Family Readiness Assistant leader, Lisa Monroe, nominated us for the award," said Bevil. I was the Family Readiness Group leader for the battalion while they were deployed to Afghanistan and the 358th ACDD Soldiers deployed to Haiti. My husband would send a newsletter to the families at home while they were deployed to Haiti explaining their mission and what was happening. It helped the families understand why their Soldier was away and what it was that he or she was doing."

Originally from Puerto Rico, Bevil is fluent in Spanish and English. Her language skills have been a welcome asset for spouses of the detachment.

"I have helped our Spanish speaking spouses schedule medical appointments and take care of other family matters because I speak Spanish," said Bevil. Additionally I helped a family member who went into labor. Her husband was deployed so I was there to offer support during the birth and I even cut the cord. The family is gone now but it is a fond memory for me."

As an FRG the Bevil family has organized toy drives at Christmas for a local women's shelter and taken part in the unit's annual Christmas party with husband Greg dressing up and playing the part of Santa Claus.

Married for nine years Yessica and Greg are not sure if they will remain at Eustis now that Greg has graduated from the Warrant Officer Candidate School. But for Yessica wherever the Army takes them the Bevil's are dedicated to keep providing support to Soldier's and their families.

When asked what she finds most rewarding about being an FRG Bevil said, "Being involved and helping families is what I want to do. Whether it is organizing a unit Christmas party, or assisting young families with learning how to use the numerous Army resources that are available to them, providing help to those is what I enjoy doing."

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Story by Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Jo Bridgwater, 7th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs. For queries, contact the 7th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office: (757) 878-5112 ext. 268. Follow the brigade on Facebook for the latest stories and photos. http://tinyurl.com/2f4mxn9

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