Family Readiness Program volunteers recognized by 3rd Marine Logistics Group

Photo By Cpl. Matt Myers | 1st Lt. Angelique N. Owczynsky and Col. Edmund J. Bowen present Erica Thompson with a certificate of recognition during a Family Readiness Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon April 8 at the Butler Officers’ Club on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The event recognized the efforts and contributions of the volunteers and service members who participated in program events within the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. The Family Readiness Program hosts parties, bakes food and performs other activities that foster a positive sense of community and empower active duty service members and their families. Thompson is a volunteer with the Family Readiness Program. Owczynsky, from Sulphur, Louisiana, is a communications officer with Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG. Bowen, from Staten Island, New York, is the Regimental Commanding Officer, HQTRS REGT, 3rd MLG. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Matt Myers/Released)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.08.2015

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - U.S. service members with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, Family Readiness Program, volunteers and their family members attended the third annual Family Readiness Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon April 8 at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.

The event recognized the efforts and contributions of service members and volunteers who have assisted the Family Readiness Program and effected a positive change on the lives of U.S. service members and their families stationed in Japan and Hawaii.

Those recognized were presented with a certificate of appreciation from their respective unit commanding and executive officers.

“These volunteers, and the family readiness officers they assisted, provide an oasis for the young (service members) who are away from home,” said Brig. Gen. Tracy W. King, the commanding general of 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “For many of them it is their first time away from home, so we try to create an atmosphere that resembles that hometown feeling.”

Speaking in front of a large group of volunteers about to be recognized, King emphasized the important role each volunteer plays in the overall success of the Marine Corps mission.

“It’s important to foster this type of community because it directly contributes to the readiness of combat units,” said King, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “It makes them feel like this is (their) home right now, which in turn makes them a more ready individual and it’s the right thing to do – we take care of our own.”

The Family Readiness Program strives to be the foundation that single and married service members can rely on to ease the stress that comes with overseas military duty. Although most of the service members who attend events hosted by the program don’t know the volunteers, all are treated like family.

“We do parties, we bake and cook; sometimes when my husband goes to the airport or the hospital to see a Marine I am right there with him,” said Lisa M. Keyser, a volunteer with the program. “I was raised in a military family and I am married to a Marine, so in a way I feel like it’s my duty to volunteer for this program and help whoever I can.”

The majority of volunteers in the program are spouses of active duty military members. Every month the volunteers, family readiness officers, unit chaplains and unit commanding officers sit down together to decide future events the program will host.

“I just like to see smiles,” said Keyser, from Portland, Oregon. “These young Marines are away from home and we kind of become their family.”

Throughout the program’s existence, it has sought to empower service members by satisfying four critical tenants: official communication, readiness and deployment support, information and referral and volunteer management.

“What we’re doing with this program is making sure every Marine and sailor is self sufficient in all the daily challenges of a military lifestyle,” said Michelle C. Budzien, the family readiness officer with 3rd MLG. “We make it easy for these service members to meet and communicate, and their spouses get to know each other, which creates a stronger base of support for every service member who is out here.”

If you are interested in joining the ranks of volunteers and making a difference in your military community or have questions, the Family Readiness Program welcomes you to call your unit family readiness officer for further information.

“We make sure that every Marine, sailor and their families are ready and have the tools to be successful,” said Budzien, from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. “If you don’t know where to go call the FRO.”

• Date Taken: 04.08.2015
• Date Posted: 05.13.2015 06:19
• Story ID: 163089
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP