First Lady Speaks at National Guard Family Readiness Group Workshop

First Lady Mary Easley today commended more than 40 N.C. National Guard Family Readiness Group volunteers for their efforts to support the families of North Carolina’s soldiers and airmen, as well as the overall mission of the National Guard.  She delivered the keynote address at a three-day volunteer workshop held on Fort Fisher at Kure Beach. 
“Strong support networks within the military community are essential to the success of our Guardsmen serving at home and overseas,” said Easley.  “Family Readiness Group volunteers go beyond the call of duty to keep all the families in their unit in touch, informed and involved.  They are the glue that holds the North Carolina National Guard families together.”
The workshop was sponsored by the National Guard Family Readiness Program, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for members of the military, their families and communities by providing ongoing assistance and support through workshops, training and seminars.  The program also works through Family Assistance Centers equipped to meet the needs of National Guard families. 
Family Readiness Groups are a network of volunteers within a specific Guard unit who coordinate activities and provide information and support to unit families, especially during deployment and other periods of separation.  There are currently 111 Family Readiness Groups established in North Carolina.
The North Carolina National Guard includes more than 12,000 soldiers and airmen, with more than 1,800 Guardsmen currently deployed.  More than 9,900 North Carolina National Guard members have been called into active duty since the 2001 terrorist attacks, ranking North Carolina in the top three states for percentage of soldiers and airmen actively deployed.
For more information about the N.C. National Guard Family Readiness Program, visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/family/default.asp.