FRG Supports 72nd IBCT at State Conference

Photo By Cpl. Maxiliano Garza | Army Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, talks directly with deployed 72nd IBCT commanders via teleconference.  

AUSTIN, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

03.28.2010

Courtesy Story

72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (36th ID, TXARNG)

Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do. With no relatives, no support, we've put it in an impossible situation." Designed to support the families of military personnel at home and abroad, Family Readiness Groups tirelessly work to prevent this impossible situation.

One such group, the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team FRG out of Houston, Texas, harnessed new contacts and programs during the 2010 Family Readiness Conference. This conference was one of three feeding into the weekend-long event, the 4th Annual Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference, held March 26 - 28, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin.

With the guidance of its higher command, the 36th Infantry Division, and the Texas Army National Guard, the 72nd met to provide its concept of operation for Yellow Ribbon and Post Deployment Strong Bonds to prepare families for reintegration after its return from Iraq.

The 72nd IBCT had a video conference with the deployed command in Iraq, during which the overseas leadership described the well being of the unit. Afterward, they answered questions from stateside families and service members.

"Now is the time to ask about anything," said Army Lt. Col. Shaun McGrath, welcoming the open discussion with the forum. McGrath serves as the FRG commander for the 72nd IBCT.

Army Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, discussed with deployed leadership during their live feed the well-being of the overseas team and their mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

At the same time, the main FRG component conducted the State Youth Symposium, featuring dancers and musicians to entertain children in attendance from all over Texas. The symposium provided training and guidance for the youth of deployed service members and allowed children to make new friends in similar situations. The State Youth Program also sponsors Summer Camps in which kids from Texas meet new friends and reconnect with old ones.

"The State Youth Program provides the kids with a voice," said Corie Cooper, the State Family Program Youth Coordinator. "The program gives information on how to get in touch with their family overseas."

The State Youth Program has many events like this one throughout Texas for kids, open to all children of active, reserve and guard service members.

Only with the strong and supportive presence of organizations like the FRG can service members overseas endure the long and trying periods away from home.

"The Soldier's able to do his job, in theater," said McGrath, "because he know that his family is getting the support that it needs. They're able to do their jobs because their families are well take-care of."

• Date Taken: 03.28.2010
• Date Posted: 03.29.2010 00:03
• Story ID: 47360
• Location: AUSTIN, TEXAS, US