By Pfc. Elizabeth Williams, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s Office of Family Programs hosted its annual State Family Program Workshop and awards ceremony June 6-8 in Marksville, Louisiana, to recognize volunteers from the Soldier and Family Readiness Group.
This year’s workshop was golf-themed and included training, planning and recognition of key volunteer team representatives, commanders, SFRG volunteers and command family readiness representatives.
“Volunteering with the National Guard is not just about giving hours, it’s about being a part of something bigger than ourselves. Your commitment helps build stronger communities, supports our service members, and reinforces the values we all stand for: courage, service and integrity,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Larry J. Johnson, Jr., LANG State Family Program division director.
Family members, volunteers and youth received training from guest speakers Kyah Spriggs, founder of the Six Feet Above suicide awareness nonprofit organization and state risk reduction coordinator for Louisiana; and Louisiana National Guard Capt. Derrick Ursin, Louisiana state consultant for Military OneSource.
Additional training included topics such as social media engagement, event planning, resource outreach and communication strategies.
At the same time, the Louisiana National Guard’s Child and Youth Program held its Youth Symposium in Marksville. Over the weekend, 15 teenagers and three adult volunteers participated in activities such as swimming and arcade games, as well as team building challenges and stress management training with Ursin.
The weekend concluded with an awards presentation recognizing service members and volunteers who demonstrated exceptional initiative and commitment to building an effective military family support network. This year’s awards were presented by Brig. Gen. John P. Plunkett, special assistant to the adjutant general of Louisiana.
“On behalf of Maj. Gen. Friloux, I really do appreciate this, and I’m honored to be here and to be able to present these Family Program awards to our volunteers and units that have gone above and beyond to help us mold and provide Soldiers and Airmen with the ability to actually conduct their mission,” said Plunkett.
The Family Readiness Group of the Year was awarded to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company. Family Readiness Volunteer of the Year was presented to Kennedy Brossett of the 773rd Military Police Battalion. The Family of the Year award went to the Wallace family of the 3673rd Maintenance Company. Family Readiness Newsletter/Social Media of the Year was awarded to the 773rd Military Police Battalion and the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 259th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron. The Magnolia Award was presented to Mrs. Monica Thompson.
