Back to 1st Battalion In the News
Tropic Lightning -- 2 November 2000
 Photo(s) by Pvt. Leigh Snyder Cpl. August Nacino, team leader, 1st Bn., 27th Inf., holds his son, Shayne, 1, during a family readiness briefing. | Unit prepares families for deployment By Pvt. Leigh Snyder Family stability relates directly to Soldier readiness. During deployments, stress and anxiety can damage family stability. To ease the stress of a deployment to Japan for exercise Keen Sword, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, held a briefing for family members who will be left behind, said 1st Lt. Josh Nathan Bonner, an intelligence officer, with 1st. Bn., 27th Inf. "[Family readiness] is very important," Bonner said. "We understand that when Soldiers’ families are happy, unit readiness is increased." During the briefing, family members learned about different ways to communicate with Soldiers as well as the organizations and programs available to them in case an emergency arises. "It makes us feel better about leaving if our family members are taken care of and know a way to get a hold of us," said Sgt. Herald Smith, training NCO with Co. B, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. The family members will be able to receive daily updates about the mission via the internet on the Keen Sword Public Affairs Office Newsletter. E-mail and postal mail will be collected daily and distributed to the Soldiers and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is offering free phone calls. "Communication is an important part of deployment," said Brenda Smith, a family member. "We need to know what’s going on with them over there and they need to know what’s going on here with the family. It eases a lot of stress. This is the first time I get to e-mail him while he’s on a deployment to keep in contact with him. So, I’m really excited about that." Throughout the briefing, spouses learned important numbers to call in case of an emergency. "This is important because family members have a support network should anything happen while we are gone," said 1st Lt. Marvin King, executive officer for Co. B., 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Army Community Service, Army Emergency Relief, Legal Assistance and the Family Readiness Group also gave briefings about what they can do to assist Soldiers and family members in need, especially during deployments. "These briefings are important to every deployment," said Smith. "You always have new personnel coming into the units. Also, it’s a good refresher. If anything happens, all this information is fresh in their mind." |
