Can You Provide Assitance and Ideas to one of the RP Family Members for their Family Support Group?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:03:01 -0400

Can You Provide Assistance and Ideas to one of the RP Family Members for their Family Support Group?

Please respond with ideas on how they can improve their FRG Program based on your experience. All comments and feedback will be appreciated.

Lauren W is representing a Tennessee Army Reserve Engineer Company. They don't deploy often. About 60% of the unit is comprised of single soldiers. The Command is very supportive and excited about the program. The Command Team is scheduled for their FRG training next month.

Our Command is new to the FRG program and has been leaning heavily on Lauren, although this is her opportunity to serve on the FRG Team and this is first contact with FRG duties, despite her husband's prior active duty! She is working very hard to learn as much as possible quickly. So RP Members anything you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

I really appreciate your help.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 6:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:08:17 -0400

Breakfast fundraisers were always a big hit at my unit to make money. With a unit of Single Soldiers they may look forward to something other than the chow hall food.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 6:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:10:58 -0400

@Lauren W and COL Mikel J. Burroughs Seeing that 60% of your Soldiers are single. Something that immediately comes to mind is PARENTS. I say that because as a Commander I had parents come to me and ask for reassurance, information.... I would also ensure these Soldiers do complete a Will even if they think they don't need it. (Harsh reality). If they are single parent Soldiers, of course the family care plan but also make sure they have a good communication plan in place with the care provider. Said another way don't forget to include care providers in the FRG program.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 6:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:24:49 -0400

Energy is a combatant and of course seizures but I know we can help because some of my contacts are pro-military like no one else. I just need to know the full extent of this program and how we can help. Please let me know, I know how to fundraisers and support groups, though at times I feel lost.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 25 at 2015 8:30 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 08:30:47 -0400

Hi!
There are MANY things to do - don't think you need to do them all by yourself - ask for help and delegate certain tasks. After your training next month, make a list of everything that needs to be done no matter how large or small the task - keep track of these things (suggest an excel spreadsheet) - then, prioritize the items and complete them as quickly as you can making sure to utilize volunteer assistance where applicable. I found this guide online that has a TON of info and checklists which appear very useful.
Good Luck!
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/army/frg_hdbk.pdf

Response by Meagan Ahmad made Aug 29 at 2015 11:00 PM

Meagan Ahmad — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 23:00:04 -0400

A goal for all FRG's should be to be welcoming to new members. Maybe there could be a new comers packet with helpful information like contact emails and ways to get involved.