69th ADA sets up new Soldiers for success

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

10.30.2009

Story by Pfc. Maria Kappell 

69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

FORT HOOD, Texas — Soldiers just becoming a part of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade attended the brigade's new in-processing program called Building Strong and Ready Families at the 76th Street Chapel here, Oct. 29 and 30.

The BSRF is a new program that 69th ADA hopes will be a successful monthly activity for new Soldiers and Family members in the brigade to attend. During the BSRF, Soldiers and their Families are provided with free lunch and free on-site child care.

"The program is executed at brigade level for two days. Our program takes a holistic approach by integrating the entire family into the brigade prior to Soldiers reporting to their respective battalions," said Col. Jimmy Jenkins, the brigade commander of 69th ADA.

During this two day newcomer's brief, Soldiers and their Families learned about financial management, how to build resilient families, how not to marry a jerk or jerkette, and they listened to introductions given by the command and staff of the brigade.

The financial management section of the in-processing was filled with videos from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. Dave Ramsey's videos focus on a number of different aspects of money saving and money making. He gives advice on how to save money, get rid of debt, improve credit scores and much more.

Several of the Soldiers said that after watching the videos from the Financial Peace University that they feel more aware of how they are spending their money, and they have been introduced to a new way of organizing their finances.

"It showed me how to better manage my money. I don't have much debt, but it opened my eyes, teaching me if I save now while I am still young I can retire and not have anything to worry about," said an anonymous 21 year old single Soldier.

Not only can a person learn from the Financial Peace University in 69th ADA's BSRF brief, but the classes are also available here at the Comanche Chapel several times a year. For more information on attending a Financial Peace University class call 287-8979.

The married Soldiers received training on how to build resilient families while the single Soldiers learned about how not to marry a jerk or jerkette.

"The Chaplain did an excellent job with the entire program and was great with Resilient Army Families presentation," said a 37 year old Soldier who has been married for 15 years. "Putting the couples in smaller groups for discussion helped the younger couples get some ideas on how to strengthen their families from the older couples," the Soldier added.

Many Soldiers liked the concept of the families being included during the BSRF. When the Families know what is happening in the brigade it makes them happy, and when the Families are happy so are the Soldiers.

Another part of the brief was the introductions from the command and staff. The commander, Col. Jimmy Jenkins, and the command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Tedd Pritchard, of the brigade gave their introductions and met with the Soldiers along with the Family Readiness Support Assistant, Susan Ulsamer, and the different staff sections of the brigade.

"The Staff presentations were really good. We have a really good chain of command, and I really like everyone I am working for. They are all very professional and down to earth," said a 21 year old single Soldier.

Several of the Soldiers were thankful for the section staff introductions because after going through Advanced Individual Training they finally got to figure out with "S1-S6" does.

After the BSRF training was complete, the brigade Chaplain, Lt. Col. Ron Leininger, conducted an After Action Review with the Soldiers.

The Soldiers provided some insightful feedback stating that they would like to have better post maps and more information about activities that are available to do on post. And a 26 year old married Soldier was pleased that the BSRF did not involve "death by power point."

"The training was Family-friendly and showed me that leadership really cares about us newbies," said a 27 year old married Soldier.

"As a leader, this training helped not just me and my Family, but also gave me information that I feel I can pass on to younger Soldiers and help them," said a 35 year old married Soldier.

"95 percent overtly liked the training, especially the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University material," Leininger said. "This has been a positive step forward in building renewed resiliency into our warriors. But there is more work to be done," he added.

• Date Taken: 10.30.2009
• Date Posted: 11.04.2009 14:35
• Story ID: 41085
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US