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Family Readiness Group supports soldiers families |
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John Rotolo - SPANISH FORK PRESS
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When a soldier is deployed they leave behind their family, and often times family life can be turned upside down while they are away. This is where Family Assistance Center Specialist Ann Bennett steps in. Bennett is the hub of an elaborate support center provided to families of deployed and even non-deployed soldiers serving in the Guard.¬ According to Bennett, something always seems to go wrong for a soldiers family once they are gone and usually family members are not sure what to do.
The center uses a volunteer system, women who are called FRG's-- or Family Readiness Group Leaders.¬ These ladies, Jenny Ludlow, DeeDee Hathaway, Rebecca Christianson, Jenny Taylor and Jessica Birchenough are the first step in attaining help.¬ Through them Bennett gets involved by providing information on how to solve everything from pay problems to plumbing issues.¬ There are always emergencies popping up as well as needs for baby items and even food. Bennett says that in a lot of cases, when a soldier is deployed his pay decreases, causing hardships for his family.¬ Bennett started a food pantry when she took the post and is always looking for donations, especially food items and baby items like diapers and wipes. Sometime in early June the 145th will return home and the Family Assistance Center will be hosting a welcome home dinner for soldiers and their families. The dinner is scheduled for June 12, and will feature speaker General Tarbett, the Guard's Adjutant General.¬ Bennett is hoping to gather door prizes and needs help from local businesses. If you would like to provide such a gift, contact Ann Bennett at 794-6011 or 404-9546. |
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