FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. - Soldiers and family members make up our Army. While they each play different roles, soldiers must complete their assigned mission and family members are expected to "hold down the fort" while their soldier is deployed.
The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade provides soldiers, spouses and family members access to an informative and reliable Family Readiness Group to help them manage these responsibilities.
“We ask a lot of our soldiers and their families,” said Col. Paul Bontrager, 101st CAB commander. “Our families will get the support they deserve.”
Family readiness is a deep and complex process, involving a variety of different functions. The FRG plays a major role in family readiness and support.
“The FRG leaders and volunteers coordinate activities that establish a connection between family members,” said Julie Akers,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st CAB FRG leader.
“It also imparts information to family members from command and establishes what needs must be met in order to improve the group's overall morale.”
It is beneficial for all members of the unit to be involved with FRG.
Getting involved in the FRG will help families endure the hardship of a deployment, and receive information about activities to strengthen the family while they are home, said Rachel Wolverton, HHC, 101st CAB FRG point of contact. It is a good way to make new friends and connect with other spouses who are in similar situations.
“For the service member, it is nice to know that when they are gone their loved ones have a support group,” said Wolverton. “We are here to help, no matter what the problem is.”
Family readiness plays a large role in the unit's mission accomplishment. Soldiers can train to react to any situation, but when something happens at home, they may feel helpless.
“When things are going well at home and families are well supported and feel a sense of order, soldiers are able to concentrate on their mission,” said Bontrager. “A trained, safe, focused soldier gets their foundation from a strong home front.”
As soldiers train for upcoming operations abroad, they must also prepare their families to stay behind.
“Prior to deployment, we need soldiers to focus on administrative documents,” said Bontrager. “It is essential for the information on administrative forms to be current and accurate in order for us to provide for their families.”
A large element of family readiness has to do with communication. Service members must not only communicate important information to their family, but also connect with them to build and sustain a strong bond.
“Soldiers need to take ownership of their families readiness,” said Bontrager. “Make family members aware of the important information they need, such as phone numbers and addresses of basic and essential services on post.”
There are many resources on and off post available to assist soldiers’ family members. In addition, the FRG is always armed with information to help.
“It is important for families to know that when they need help, we will provide it for them,” said Bontrager. “But we can only help what we are aware of.”
The flow of information and communication is critical. The FRG cannot assist a family member if they are not contacted, while the strength of a soldier is dependent on the strength and communication in the family.
“The most important part of family readiness is effective communication,” said Maj. Billy Graham, 101st CAB chaplain. “Being able to talk about important things and creating an atmosphere for communication, even when deployed, is essential.”
Partnership is not a one-way street. There are many ways for married couples to show their love and respect for each other.
You must express your ideas and actively listen to your spouse in order to sustain the strength of a marriage, said Graham. Even in separation families can grow together by corresponding.
Soldiers can set themselves and their families up for success by taking advantage of their time together at home.
“One way you can grow together is by intentionally doing a project and sharing your thoughts or ideas,” said Graham. “Sharing spiritual disciplines and praying together may also help strengthen the bond between you.”
Spending time together prior to separation will create good memories and loving feelings.
“Being separated is hard, but remembering the good times and celebrating them is important,” said Wolverton. “Building strong bonds with people who are dealing with the same thing helps you stay strong for yourself and your children.”
Family members must be as resilient as soldiers, being able to bounce back from difficult situations.
The 101st CAB is slated to have three Spouse Master Resiliency Trainers, to teach FRG and family members the basics of remaining strong while separated from their soldier, said Graham. These skills are very valuable to learn, because they can be used and shared amongst family members on a daily basis.
Financial readiness also plays a major role in preparing spouses for separation.
“You must talk about finances,” said Wolverton. “It is essential to get financial and legal documents in order prior to deployment, such as powers of attorney.”
Army Community Services provides financial readiness training, consumer affairs representatives and budget counseling to service members and their families.
It is also important for Soldiers to teach their spouse how to access and read their Leave and Earning Statement in case of any discrepancies in pay, said Wolverton. This way, they can detect and handle the situation on their own.
Training and Education is the best way to adapt and overcome adverse situations.
The unit and FRGs routinely provide pre-deployment training to family members in order to provide them with the information and resources they may need, said Wolverton.
The Wings of Destiny Brigade is devoted to training, preparing and providing for their soldiers and families for their next “Rendezvous with Destiny.”