9th Comm. Bn., family readiness officers host family new join brief

Photo By Sgt. Joshua Young | Freddie Darnell, a Marine and family programs and information referral supervisor with Marine Corps Community Services, sets up an information booth for Marines and their families during a family new join brief at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 2. By giving the family the information and resources they need to face a deployment, the deployed Marine can focus on his mission rather than on the situation at home.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

08.02.2012

Story by Cpl. Joshua Young 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines with 9th Communication Battalion attended a family new join brief hosted by the battalion’s family readiness officer at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 2.

Every quarter, the commanding officer, chaplain and family readiness officer of 9th Comm. Bn., conducts the brief to introduce themselves to the new Marines and their families. They provide the families with contact numbers and information on available resources and programs.

The meeting kicked off with a movie and dinner. The speakers covered every topic from legal preparation for deployments to understanding Marine Corps jargon.

“It’s important to gain knowledge about resources that are available to them and what the program can help them with as a young or experienced couple,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Rayburn, the deputy family readiness officer with 9th Comm. Bn.

One of the key points stressed was the importance of utilizing the resources of the family readiness officer. The readiness officers act as a link between the Marine Corps family and families of Marines. They offer help for deployments and opportunities to meet new people and build a support group.

“Having that knowledge that you can go to the family readiness officer to get help and the direction you need is essential,” said Rayburn, who spoke to the families first. “It gives you a tool to help you with almost anything.”

Some of the resources addressed at the brief included tuition assistance for Marines and their spouses, weekend get-away programs, and employment assistance programs. Pamphlets and program guides were provided for the families to take home.

“It’s important to meet with the family readiness officer when you first get to a new unit because they give a lot of help, especially when you’re in a new area like this,” said Cpl. Ronald Isaacs, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist with 9th Comm. Bn. “It’s information dissemination.”

The family readiness officer also helps families with financial advice and resources, family education and parenting programs as well as legal assistance for families. By giving the family everything they need to face a deployment, the deployed Marine can focus on his or her mission rather than on the situation at home.

“A healthy stable home front is going to lead to a Marine who is mission ready,” Rayburn said. “Their mindset will be there because everything’s going to be ready for them.”

The 9th Comm. Bn. hosts several activities and fundraisers to keep families busy, happy and informed. They are creating the atmosphere for a battalion family by providing opportunities for families to intermingle.

“Here in the battalion, we don’t look at our Marines as a married or single Marine or a single parent,” explained Rayburn.
“Once you join our unit, you belong to the 9th Comm. Bn. family. No matter what your background or your status is or where you’re from, you’re part of 9th Comm.”

• Date Taken: 08.02.2012
• Date Posted: 08.03.2012 16:19
• Story ID: 92651
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US