When more than 80 unit members of Detachment HHC Second 2-112, Infantry Mechanized, National Guard Unit, Tyrone, were alerted to the possibility of being deployed on Jan. 6, friends and family began asking questions.
How will I balance my checkbook? What happens if the furnace breaks? Will I lose the medical benefits from my husband’s employment?
The answers to these questions, and many like these, will soon have a local source with the establishment of the Family Readiness Group for Tyrone area.
“We’re really excited about this program and all the unit members are also,” said Katie Nedimyer, one of the organizers of the group. “It’s basically just a support group for families in the immediate area that may have a relative deployed out of the local unit at some point in time. We just want to make sure everyone that would be left at home would have everything they need while their loved one is away.”
According to Nedimyer, the group is still in its infant stages. It was created less than two weeks ago, on Feb. 11.
“There are a lot of bugs and things that need to be worked out,” said Nedimyer. “We would like to hold monthly meetings to discuss things like the budget and fundraising ideas. We also want to share ideas within the group.”
Currently, the organization is being directed by a four-person staff. These individuals include Anita Snyder, president; Becky Kissell, vice-president; Melissa Bookhammer, secretary; and Nedimyer, treasurer.
In years past, a FRG group has functioned in Tyrone, but has since become inactive due to the low military activity of the unit.
“Every National Guard Unit in the country is expected to have a Family Readiness Group,” said Staff Sgt. Jay Nedimyer, unit readiness NCO, and wife of Katie. “Ours has been inactive, but now they getting up and running again.
“I feel it’s an important program that really shows the soldiers the support they have here.”
According to Katie Nedimyer, the group has scheduled a spaghetti dinner at the American Legion on Thursday to have family members of individuals involved at the armory to get acquainted with one another and develop some ideas.
The group is also searching for someone who will donate their time to take photographs at the dinner. Contact the armory for more information.
“This dinner is not a fundraiser,” said Katie. “We’re only looking to meet with the families of our men here and find out a little more about them. We’re asking all family members of individuals who are associated with the unit to come out and enjoy an evening with people who are just like us.”
Katie also said it is OK to bring along the children. She said the kids will be entertained following the dinner to allow the adults to mingle amongst themselves.
For more information concerning the Family Readiness Group, contact the armory at 684-1030.
Supplies sought by local Family Readiness Group:
Katie Nedimyer, treasurer of the Family Readiness Group, has compiled a list of needed items to prepare, create and send care packages to National Guard soldiers over seas. Those wishing to donate items can drop them off at the armory, located on Logan Avenue in Tyrone. For more information, contact 684-1030.
Items include:
Pens, stamps, paper, notebooks, coloring books, crayons, crafts, markers, safety scissors, glue, Playdoe, finger paints, construction paper, monetary donations, “in care of me” addresses, envelopes, brown boxes, packing tape, any size batteries, toiletries, drink mixes, cards, playing cards, travel games, books, magazines, newspapers and jerkey.
