MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Sitting at a round table covered with brochures inside the banquet room of Millers Landing, several Marine families engaged with Amy Zier, the readiness and deployment support trainer with Marine Corps Family Team Building during its Ready for Anything: Pre-deployment Workshop.
The seminar encompassed the logistical, financial and emotional aspects of deployment preparations through an interactive guided discussion at Millers Landing, July 16. Used as a preparation tool, it informs and educates Marines and family members about a variety of subjects before deployment.
“We cover every aspect of readiness for the Marine Corps lifestyle,” said Zier. “Specifically, getting ready for a deployment, but also preparing yourself financially, emotionally and logistically for anything that Marine Corps lifestyle can throw at you.”
Marine Corps Family Team Building has been hosting this class for nearly a year, and makes all of its training available for all Cherry Point patrons.
Zier encourages all Marines to attend the seminar along with their family members because it offers something for everyone.
“It is extremely useful information, not just for me, but for my spouse too,” said Sgt. Derek H. Davis, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2. “I feel that it is important.”
Zier expects attendees to leave better prepared for the difficult challenges ahead.
To accomplish their mission while forward deployed, Zier said it is vital for Marines to be able to focus on unit family and personal readiness.
Davis said he found the legal section of the seminar most interesting.
“I didn’t know how to distinguish between the general and the special powers of attorney and what they did,” said Davis. “I was unaware that I had to get a power of attorney for my spouse and that was the most useful.”
Zier said she stepped in as the seminar director two months ago and has enjoyed every minute.
“I enjoy letting people know what resources are out there for them, and helping lessen others’ burdens,” said Zier. “I love my job and I love the people I work with very much. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything.”