22nd MEU gives thanks to Family Readiness

Photo By Sgt. Amber Blanchard | 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Family Readiness Volunteers, pose for a group photo with the MEU leadership at the Paradise Point Officer's Club aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 17, 2011. The 22nd MEU put together a family readiness volunteer luncheon to thank participants for their hard work during the MEU's ten and one half month deployment.  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

04.17.2012

Story by Sgt. Amber Blanchard 

22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Family Readiness Program hosted family members of MEU Marines and sailors for a volunteer appreciation lunch at the Paradise Point Officer’s Club aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April, 17, 2012.

Frank Smith, 22nd MEU family readiness officer, put together the lunch to recognize the volunteers who worked hard to keep things smooth on the homefront.

“April is designated as volunteer appreciation month,” said Smith. “That being said, units take this time to recognize their family readiness volunteers.”

Col. Eric Steidl, 22nd MEU commanding officer, thanked the family readiness volunteers for their hard work and dedication to maintaining family readiness during deployment. Steidl presented certificates of appreciation to volunters for their combined efforts during the MEU’s ten and one half month deployment.

“Without the support network you provided back here, it would have been very difficult for the Marines and sailors deployed to do what they did on a regular basis,” said Steidl. “Marines and sailors make the impossible possible everyday and we owe it to the families and you ladies for making it possible.”

Smith gave his thanks to the volunteers and said they made the program run smoothly for families during deployment.

“As your Family Readiness Officer, I appreciate the fact that I had some strong volunteers,” said Smith. “Everyone was right on target with assisting me with developing the programs, classes and resources for the families during this extended deployment.”

• Date Taken: 04.17.2012
• Date Posted: 09.26.2012 10:33
• Story ID: 95309
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US