Volume 1, Issue 2
EUROPE REGIONAL MEDICAL COMMAND
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS
3RD QUARTER OCTOBER 2012
Special points of interest: Message from CSM Noguerapayan Star Volunteer Recognition German/American Volksfest photos Kids Coloring Contest Recipe: Chocolate Scotcheroos Holiday Calendar What your FRSA can do for you (part 1) Developing an Attitude of Gratitude
A MESSAGE FROM COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR The Family Readiness Group (FRG) mission is to assist Commanders in maintaining readiness of Soldiers, Families and Communities. For over the past decade, this mission statement has been put to the test repeatedly. Continuous contingency operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere have put tremendous stress on our Soldiers and their Families. During these high uptempo times, it is crucial to have an FRG that provides valuable information, supports the morale of its members and gives them social outlets to enhance their well-being. By doing these things, the FRGs builds trust, confidence and cohesion for Soldiers and Families, which reduces stress and allows our Soldiers to concentrate on their mission. Our Families make tremendous sacrifices supporting our Soldiers. FRG have done an incredible job to educate leaders and to erase
the mindsets of the past where people would say, “that if the Army wanted you to have a Family they would have issued one.” Leaders at all levels understand now more than ever that a Soldier’s Family is a key component for the sustainment and support of our fighting force. Mission accomplishment is the number one priority for our Soldiers, but accomplishing the mission becomes much more difficult if our Families do not receive the assistance and care they need. The support that the FRG provides to our Families allows Soldiers at all levels to concentrate on the mission during deployments, contingency operations and in field exercises. The purpose of the FRG has direct and indirect effects, which are all beneficial to our military community and its members. As our expeditionary force returns
CSM Napoleon Noguerapayan
from the current conflict and we prepare to answer the call to our nation's next conflict, I want to assure you that our FRG will remain engaged and will be actively involved in our military community. The mission will continue and our need to sustain the functioning of the FRG will be just as important as it has been for the past decade.
KATTERBACH RECOGNIZES SUPER STAR VOLUNTEER
Romina Hutson with her son
One of the major developments for USAHC Katterbach during the past 18 months was the long overdue establishment of the USAHC Katterbach Family Readiness Group (FRG). A key figure in establishing this function was Romina Hutson, spouse of SGT John Hutson, Force Protection Sergeant. Of the many challenges to be overcome in getting the ball rolling for an effective FRG is the generation of funds. Besides her individual efforts in initial planning and development of basic FRG functions, Mrs. Hutson provided her unique abilities as a professional photographer for three full days to design
and set up an Easter photo booth for fund raising at the spring bazaar. With the help of her husband, SGT Hutson, and support of FRG volunteers consisting of clinic civilian employees, Soldiers, and family members, Mrs. Hutson and the FRG kicked off the first ever USAHC KTB FRG community event. Mrs. Hutson’s distinctive contribution of effort raised more than $500 to establish the initial FRG account, which served as the capital catalyst to plan and engage in future FRG events, and confirmed to the organization the potential of organized volunteer effort.
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS Page 2
BAMBERG
“I guess Grafenwoehr Health Clinic loves Volleyball!”
The Bamberg FRG travelled all the way to Grafenwoehr in Dirndl dresses and Lederhosen to participate in the BMEDDAC FRG Fundraising Event at the annual GermanAmerican Volksfest in Grafenwoehr. Fun was had by all!
GRAFENWOEHR
Jennifer Carder GHC FRG Leader
The Grafenwoehr Health Clinic Family Readiness Group had its 2nd meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Thirty FRG members (soldiers, civilians, spouses, children, and a dog) brought blankets and picnic dinners for the last outdoor event of the year. The group welcomed new treasurer, Richard Russell, and invited members to volunteer for planning of a Clinic Hal-
loween event. Business was followed by a couple friendly games of volleyball. The meeting concluded promptly at 7 p.m. courtesy of wind, rain, and lightning. The next FRG meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 October. Those in attendance will get to try their luck at BUNCO!
HOHENFELS
SCHWEINFURT
Nothing to report.
Nothing to report.
Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 3
VILSECK The Vilseck Health Clinic FRG has been busy the last few months. We participated in the Grafenwoehr Volksfest with HHC BMEDDAC and Bamberg HC. We had a great time selling ice cream and cold drinks and getting to enjoy the fest and each other's company. We held our monthly FRG meetings and were happy to welcome LTC and Mrs. Dorner, MAJ and Mrs. Gann, SGT and Mr. Peterson, PFC West, and SPC Bourns to our last meeting. SSG Smith (husband of our nurse
Vanessa) will be stepping up as Activities Chairperson and Mrs. Gann will head our Welcome Committee. Everyone had some great ideas regarding how we can better sponsor our incoming spouses and we look forward to Spouse Sponsorship training at ACS the 17th of October. On the 21st of September members of the clinic FRG will attend Care Team Training where we will learn how to support our families in the case of a tragic accident. We are also looking forward to the "Night Watch-
man's" tour of Vilseck, on October 13th, where we will learn how the Castle was attacked, plundered and burned down by the knights and how the black plague decimated most of Vilseck's population. We'll enjoy dinner together after the tour.
Vilseck Health Clinic would like to congratulate 1LT Sarah Talone, SPC Shanna Green and 1LT James Caldwell who earned their Expert Field Medical Badge. Quite an accomplishment!
KATTERBACH After initial charter approval, the Katterbach FRG proceeded forward to organize fundraising events and generate the capital necessary to arrange supportive services and community participation. As organizations go, the group has just completed the embryological stage, after conception about nine months ago. Despite its chronological condition of infancy, the organization is currently in a stage of precocious development, with an established leadership hierarchy and supportive infrastructure, due to the founding efforts of a few key individual volunteers.
The Katterbach FRG is currently bidding farewell to several of the founding members due to recurrent transition characteristic of a mobile organization like the US Army. Recently, USAHC Katterbach mustered a Hail & Farewell to welcome new arrivals, and say goodbye to departing Soldiers, employees, and families. This is a critical point in time to ensure the recognition of the contributions of individual volunteer effort and encourage new volunteers to assume civic responsibility. With the attrition of key personnel, newly arrived delegates must launch forward to grab the baton and run with it in order
to maintain the momentum that the valiant efforts of their predecessors have initiated. Presently, the Katterbach FRG is sponsoring a clinic social event and providing free lasagna and pizza at the Von Steuben Community Center in Katterbach to just get together socially in a relaxed atmosphere, disseminate FRG information, and gather ideas and suggestions for FRG activities and functions. The FRG is optimistic that new volunteers will step up to assume the essential roles required to sustain the organization.
“Despite its chronological condition of infancy, the organization is currently in a stage of precocious development…” Katterbach FRG
BMEDDAC FRG NEWS Page 4
HHC At the beginning of August, the HHC FRG participated and volunteer at the 55th Annual German-American Volksfest on Camp Kasserine in the Grafenwoehr Training area. FRGs from HHC, Bamberg, and Vilseck took turns selling ice cream and drinks at the BMEDDAC FRG booth during the three feast days. Each FRG was able to fundraise a good amount of money that will be used for the benefit of the members within each FRG. A huge thanks to all of our volunteers and everyone
who had a hand in making this fundraising opportunity a success! HHC is hoping to do a pizza party at the end of the month for those who volunteered their time to help out. HHC FRG is also planning for a Halloween party that will happen on the Saturday, October 27th at the main headquarters building on Rose Barracks. Details are in the works, but it should be a fun time for everyone. We are hoping to have costume contests, Halloween
VOLKSFEST 2012 Bamberg, Vilseck and HHC participated in this year’s German/American Volksfest
games, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treat bag decorating. HHC’s FRG is also looking for new leadership. If you or someone you know might be interested in a position within the FRG, please contact Mrs. Cheryl Hintz at Cheryl.K.Hintz@us.army.mil. Our next meeting is November 6, Building 700. All are welcome (kids, too!) and refreshments will be provided!
Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 5
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Monday
DECEMBER 24 Training
Training
Tuesday
25
Christmas
Columbus Day
Wednesday
26
St. Stephen’s
Monday
31
Training
Thursday
NOVEMBER 1 All Saints Day
Friday
9
Training
Tuesday
JANUARY 1 New Year’s
Monday
12
Veterans’ Day
Sunday
6
Epiphany
Thursday
22
Thanksgiving
Friday
18
Training
Friday
23
Training
Monday
21
Martin Luther King
Wednesday
3
Friday
5
Monday
8
OCTOBER Day of Unity
US HOLIDAYS US & GERMAN HOLIDAYS GERMAN HOLIDAYS TRAINING HOLIDAYS
KIDS CORNER: HOLIDAY COLORING CONTEST This quarter I am sponsoring a coloring contest for the children of BMEDDAC FRG’s. This coloring contest is for children ages 12 and under. All entries will be posted on www.issuu.com/frsabmeddac and everyone will have the opportunity to vote. Here is how you can enter:
Color the tree
Go to www.issuu.com/frsabmeddac
One vote per family member
Click to open the “Color the Holiday Tree”
All submissions must be received by 1500 1 Nov
Just below the picture are icons, select the file with the down arrow and download the publication
Scan and email the submissions to: bmeddac.frsa@amedd.army.mil Go to issuu.com/frsabmeddac Vote on your favorite by leaving a comment
Voting will take place between 5-12 Nov Winners will be announced on 13 Nov
Open the file
Color the Holiday Tree coloring contest
Print the picture
Chocolate Scotcheroos Featured at the 1st Grafenwoehr FRG meeting 1 1 1 6
CUP CUP CUP CUPS
1 CUP 1 CUP
SUGAR LIGHT CORN SYRUP PEANUT BUTTER RICE KRISPIES CEREAL OR COCOA KRISPIES CEREAL SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS BUTTERSCOTCH CHIPS
1. Place corn syrup and sugar into 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stir-
ring frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2 pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside. 2. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in 1 quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let stand until firm. Cut into
2 x 1-inch bars when cool.
TIP: Before measuring the corn syrup, coat your measuring cup with cooking spray, the syrup will pour easily out of the cup! Chocolate Scotcheroos Easy and oh, so good! Sources: Jennifer Carder FRG Leader Grafenwoehr
YOUR FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANT
PAGE 6
What can your FRSA do for you? Part 1
Cheryl K. Hintz FRSA BAVARIA MEDDAC CMR 411, UNIT 28038 APO. AE 09112 DSN 476-4788 CIV 09662-83-4788 BMEDDAC.FRSA@AMEDD.ARMY.MIL
Attends FRG Meetings to gather and update Family information.
Attends Steering Committee Meetings.
Researches and provides assistance to FRGs in utilizing Army and Community Services.
Finds and retains locations and scheduling FRG meetings.
Understands and provides assistance in understanding the SOP for FRG fund audits.
Gathers and updates contact information for in processing Soldiers regarding incoming Family Members.
Understands, gathers, and provides required info for Volunteer recognition.
Submits monthly volunteer hours to the VTS/VMIS system.
Understands regulations and be resource to FRG regarding fundraising.
Provides guidance to FRG leader in obtaining Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) for banking purposes.
Coordinates Child Care for Deployment Briefings and FRG meetings.
Schedules training for existing and incoming FRG Leaders, POC/Key Callers, Treasurer and other volunteer positions within the unit/ organization.
Attends Newcomers Briefings to obtain information on new Soldiers.
Steps to Developing an Attitude of Gratitude 1.
List three things for which you are thankful.
11. What good deed for others have you witnessed?
2.
Write a gratitude letter to someone.
3.
Say thank you to someone overdue to hear it.
12. Use your creative side-if you have a hobby, do it! If you don’t, find one!
4.
Focus on something of beauty, and share it with someone else.
5.
List three mundane things that enhance your daily life.
6.
Envision the life you’d like.
16. Look around-what’s right with your world?
7.
Find a blessing in something bad.
17. Make a list of five people to connect with.
8.
Stop whining!
18. Help someone outside your comfort zone.
9.
Focus on a bad situation and how you turned it around.
19. What’s your tagline? What do you stand for?
10. Do something for someone else-no thanks expected or accepted.
13. Make or bake something and share it with someone else. 14. After identifying your top five strengths/ talents, use one each day for a week. 15. Embrace your enemy.
20. Give thanks to those you love.