CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan -- Applause echoed throughout the ballroom as guests praised the efforts of selfless individuals being recognized for their contributions to their community.
The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing hosted its 3rd annual family readiness volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Butler Officers’ Club at Camp Foster May 30.
The luncheon recognized more than 120 volunteers for their contributions to the unit, personal and family readiness program for the 14 1st MAW units on Okinawa.
“The unit, personal and family readiness program is about readiness of the personnel and families who make up the 1st MAW,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, the commanding general of 1st MAW, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The focus is to create tough Marines and ready families capable of thriving during times of crisis and separation from loved ones.”
The program consists of four tenets, which make the program so successful, according to Beydler. The tenets are official communication, readiness and deployment support, information and referral, and volunteer management.
“We stay focused on the program’s four tenets, and it has produced tangible increases in personal and family readiness with the 1st MAW,” said Beydler.
Volunteers for the program include active-duty Marines and sailors, spouses and family members, according to Frank W. Fay III, the family readiness officer for the 1st MAW.
“Maj. Gen. Beydler and his wife Kim hosted this event, so the 1st MAW could formally recognize those individuals who have donated their time in support of the (program),” said Fay.
This important program has proven to be a tremendous resource for service members and their families during deployments.
“The program is a great way to support the families at home,” said Kelli Julian, a volunteer with Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW. “The program helps provide assurance to all Marines that their family is well taken care of.”
The program also gives the volunteers an opportunity to interact with other people in the military community, according to Julian.
“The program provides a (sense) of family, especially for those single military members,” said Monica Y. Woods, the family readiness officer for Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, 1st MAW. “It is a great organization to work with and allows you to form a network with those around you.”
The volunteers with the program are average Americans who want to do a little more and make a difference, according to Beydler.
“The 1st MAW volunteers make a huge contribution to our overall readiness,” said Beydler. “Their efforts make all the difference in ensuring families are ready for all situations. Family readiness equals combat readiness, and in the 1st MAW it is all about readiness.”