10th AAMDC Family Readiness not just fun and games

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Zumer | U.S. Army Spc. Bobby Reeves, a Patriot missile operator and maintainer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, helps his 3-year old daughter Ayleana roll a ball, January 16, at the Vogelweh bowling facility. The Family Readiness Group for the 10th AAMDC brought families and soldiers together for some bowling fun, and also discussed exciting things on the horizon as the FRG attempts to boost morale and ease any quality of life concerns that soldiers and family members often experience. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Zumer, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command public affairs)  

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY

01.16.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. John Zumer 

10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Many Soldiers, as well as the family members who have partnered with them on the military journey, find daily challenges easier to face with an extensive support structure in place. While many units in the Army footprint have Family Readiness Groups to fill such a role, those involved with FRG efforts for the Kaiserslautern-based 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command work tirelessly to ensure that support is more than just lip service.

“We help provide the tools needed to adjust to military life,” said Lori Sweazey, the Family Readiness Support assistant for the 10th AAMDC, who is married to a Soldier assigned to the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (a subordinate unit of the 10th AAMDC). Those tools include referrals for financial readiness classes, seminars, short-term usage of household items through the “lending closet,” etc. Such assistance for Soldiers and families unaccustomed to an overseas deployment is frequently a welcomed relief for those involved.
Sweazey compares the process to helping families get onto the “information highway,” where they can access helpful resources, but perhaps more importantly, develop relationships that make a deployment more enjoyable.
Jacqueline Pierce, wife of Warrant Officer 1 David Pierce assigned to the 10th AAMDC, counts the Kaiserslautern community as her third duty station and is appreciative of the many benefits available through active involvement in FRG circles.
“I think it’s a really great way to support the spouses, especially overseas,” said Pierce.
While the group meets monthly to conduct business, they still attempt to sprinkle in some fun to help people relax. A January 16 bowling night at the Vogelweh bowling facility was one such event that brought children, spouses and Soldiers together for an evening of good food and fun.
The FRG events aren’t just for families, however, said Pierce.
“It’s also a chance to support our single Soldiers,” said Pierce.
She said one of the more refreshing aspects of being involved with an FRG, regardless of whether somebody is married or not, is the family atmosphere.
Citing cases where some couples have taken turns babysitting so other couples can enjoy date nights, Pierce said the chance to build relationships with other families often snowballs into such unexpected outpourings of support.
“It’s a good family away from family,” said Pierce.
Sweazey agreed, and while bowling nights and summer barbecues can help a deployment pass easier and more quickly for the families and Soldiers involved, they’ll never mask the primary mission of the unit’s FRG.
“It’s all about enhancing and building support within our military families,” Sweazey said.

• Date Taken: 01.16.2013
• Date Posted: 01.25.2013 04:29
• Story ID: 101011
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, DE