FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- The 82nd Airborne Division hosted the second Family Readiness Symposium April 2 at the Brig. Gen. William S. McArthur Reserve Center where approximately 170 Family Readiness Group Advisors, Leaders and command representatives attended the much anticipated event.
"Under the direction of Task Force All-American Commander Col. Mark Murray and Command Sgt. Major Steven Payton, Mrs. Melissa Huggins' guidance and the success of the Fall 2011 Family Readiness Symposium, the 82nd coordinated a Spring Symposium which entailed a group of workshops selected to help the Family Readiness Leaders increase skills and knowledge to better assist Families during the Deployment Cycle," said Ms. Faith Belt, 82nd Airborne Division Family Readiness Program Coordinator. "The families in the 82nd are placed under great demands as a result of our high operational tempo. Our Family Readiness Leaders need to be equipped with tools to take care of their own families and those of their unit. What the attendees learn has the potential to positively affect their individual families all the way up to the Army as a whole."
This year's symposium focused on any spouse that may impact Family Readiness. The audience was not restricted to FRG Leaders or Family Readiness Support Assistants. It was open to spouses of unit commanders and senior noncommissioned officers or anyone in the unit that influences the Family Readiness.
The topics discussed throughout the Symposium included Leadership, Be the Ball, Coping with Transitions, Event Coordination, Fundraising, Caring for a Surviving Spouse, Children and Deployment, Know your Role and an overview of the Army Community Service. Every attendee was provided the 82nd Family Readiness Battle Book which will serve as a continuity tool for Family Readiness.
"Serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and knowing we're a part of something more special than individuals is humbling," said Ms. Jennifer McFadyen, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Group Advisor.
Throughout the symposium, instructors and attendees shared their personal experiences
"I volunteer because I want to serve the unit and support the Soldiers and their Families," said Mrs. Michelle Davidson, Company B, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Group Co-Leader. "It is also a way I show my support for my husband for what he does for our country."
The day-long symposium featured keynote speaker Dr. David Brady, Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. His discussion centered on the concept of functional capacity.
"It's important for me to discuss the issue of balance between the mental, physical and spiritual," said Brady. "And, to understand how to use balance to be functional and have reserves to deal with difficult situations."
The 82nd Airborne Division tentatively plans to host the third Family Readiness Symposium in the Fall 2012 and build from this year's success.
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