The commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), U.S. 7th Fleet command ship, presented the ship’s Family Readiness Group’s (FRG) cabinet with letters of thanks, Feb. 21.
Capt. Daniel Grieco presented the awards during an informal ceremony in his cabin while the group enjoyed cookies and coffee.
Each year a new FRG cabinet must be voted in. One of the newly elected cabinet members on hand was the group’s president, Kelly Esler .
“He thanked us for all the hard work that we do,” said Esler. “He wanted to let us know that we are appreciated, and that he looks forward to working with the new board.”
The new board members are not wasting any time getting back to work. They recently had a display setup at Blue Ridge’s pre-deployment fair, where they offered baked goods and information. Also, interested Sailors and spouses could sign-up to receive e-mail about upcoming events.
“The FRG is set-up to be able to disseminate information to family members,” said Esler. “It’s also there to support family members if they are having trouble with anything. Additionally, it’s there to help them feel welcomed while their Sailors are gone.”
And feeling welcomed is a big reason Esler is so involved with the FRG in the first place.
“When we first got to Japan, I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have any family over here. The FRG really helped me get used to Navy life, and it was a great way to meet people and get involved,” said Esler.
She and the rest of the group want to extend that opportunity to all of the Blue Ridge family.
On the first Wednesday of every month the FRG holds a potluck get together.
“That’s where people can find out what events are coming up, what’s going on around the ship and on base,” she said.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 23, 2012; Image: navy