Photo By Sgt. Amber Blanchard | Col. James D. Christmas, commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit,...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit family members took time to meet the commanding officer and learn about family readiness at the Paradise Point Officers’ Club aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 7, 2012.
The purpose of the event was to start a face to face relationship between the commanding officer, Col. James D. Christmas, and the families of the 22nd MEU.
Family readiness assistants, volunteers, and family members not yet associated with the Family Readiness Program attended to learn more about the MEU’s current events and how they can help strengthen the MEU through the program.
The Family Readiness Program is intended to create a support network among family members whether their service members are at home or on deployment, and to keep families up to date on 22nd MEU events.
“Everybody needs help once in a while, and they need somebody to turn to,” said Christmas. “That is what the Family Readiness Program is all about, to know who to turn to.”
Frank Smith, family readiness officer for the 22nd MEU, spoke to guests about what he and his assistants do for the program.
“Our volunteers offer great ideas. We are looking for volunteers not familiar [with] family readiness to contribute to and help grow our program,” said Smith. “We offer information and referrals. We are a support network, we put together social gatherings to offer support and exchange ideas.”
Melissa Seaver, a certified nursing assistant and a native of Newfane, N.Y., said the program gives her a chance to learn and provide her own experience to families.
“Last year was my first deployment and I was clueless. I had no idea who to talk to or what to do,” said Seaver. “I think being able to help first-time wives or even seasoned wives will be nice.”
Seaver went on to add that the program will keep her up to date with events her husband, Lance Cpl. Preston Seaver, may forget to tell her about.
If you would like more information on the Family Readiness Program or would like to become a volunteer contact Frank Smith at 910-451-0421 or e-mail him at frank.smith@usmc.mil.
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2012 10:44 |
| Story ID: | 95257 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 22nd MEU Families Meet and Greet Commanding Officer, by Sgt Amber Blanchard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT