Ohio National Guard News

Annual Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Conference ‘energizes the force’

Maj. Gen. Greg Wayt, Ohio's adjutant general, address attendees of the 2009 Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Conference held April 3-5 at the Columbus Marriot Northwest. The theme for Friday night's activities was Hollywood theme night and Wayt came dressed as Bruce Springstein.

Maj. Gen. Greg Wayt, Ohio's adjutant general (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Whatmough, senior enlisted Soldier for the Ohio Army National Guard, pose for a picture during 2009 Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Conference held April 3-5 at the Columbus Marriot Northwest.

Lt. Col. Tom Haidet, 112th Transportation Battalion commander (middle), attends the 2009 Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Conference held April 3-5 at the Columbus Marriot Northwest. The theme for Friday night's activities was Hollywood theme night and Haidet came dressed as John McClane from the movie 'Die Hard'.

Story and photos by Spc. Sam Beavers
196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Ohio Army National Guard

COLUMBUS, Ohio—More than 900 Soldiers, Airmen, and Family members descended upon the Columbus Marriot Northwest hotel April 3-5 for the 2009 Family Readiness Conference.

The conference, which swells with more attendees each year, provides an opportunity for unit Family Readiness Groups to network, focus their efforts, receive guidance, hear from senior leadership as well as learn what resources are available.

“The conference hit the mark,” said Lt. Col. Robert Bramlish, state Family Programs director. “It energized the volunteers and the force while providing ideas, guidance and support to unit FRGs.”

Attendees participated in several classes on topics including Family Wellness, Warrior 360—Ohio’s Yellow Ribbon Program, Building Strong Families as well as several others.

“Resources have exploded and improved in the last few years,” said Kent Killingsworth, husband of Staff Sgt. Theresa Killingsworth of Company B, 237th Support Battalion.

The weekend conference kicked off Friday evening with a Hollywood theme night designed to be a fun way for Family members and volunteers to connect with Ohio National Guard leaders. Both volunteers and military members dressed up like their favorite celebrity and the night even featured a “Hollywood Squares”-style game show.

“The highlight of Friday was the adjutant general (Major Gen. Gregory L. Wayt) dressed as The Boss (Bruce Springsteen),” Bramlish said. “It is great to start this way, fun and inspiration makes the rest of the weekend flow.”

Saturday was highlighted by a speech by Ohio Gov.Ted Strickland. Following Strickland’s address, attendees learned what resources were available and communicated ways to improve their unit FRGs.

(The conference) has given us tools to better support our Families,” Killingsworth said. “A lot of resources that aren’t advertised, the FRG can tell you about.”

While Bramlish feels the conference was a success, he said there is always room for improvement. One of the main ways Bramlish seeks to improve the Family Readiness Program is to build relationships with other services, “to build a military community regardless of branch,” Bramlish said.

To help implement these improvements and to continue the success of the conference and the Family Readiness Program, Bramlish said he wanted to thank the Family Program Team.

“Their efforts, passion and support is what ensures our conference success each year,” Bramlish said

For more information on Family Readiness Programs or to learn how to get involved, contact your local or regional Family Assistance Center FAC) or log on to http://ong.ohio.gov/Family.

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