Upcoming FRG Events
For Fall 2005

I am very excited about the formation of the new NGCSU National Guard Family Readiness Group. I am sure that many of you are familiar with Family Readiness and Family Support Groups (FRG). I also realize that just as many of you may be new to the idea of a FRG. The FRG is simply family members and soldiers working as a team. ("TEAM" stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.) Together we provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance and a network of communications among family members, the chain of command and community resources.

The FRG has some very important purposes for its members:

I. the FRG helps families become more knowledgeable and self reliant;
II. the FRG reduces stress and promotes soldier and family readiness;
III. the FRG provides an opportunity for families to meet and in general contribute to the well being, morale and esprit de corps of the unit;
IV. the FRG provides an excellent opportunity for members to meet and communicate.

As a member of the NGCSU NG Family Readiness Group, you are a member of a unique group. In most cases FRG’s focus on supporting the spouses and children of deployed or soon to be deployed soldiers. Although spouses of deployed NGCSU soldiers will be a vital part of our organization, because of the large number of young, single soldiers, much of our focus will be on the support of the PARENTS of deployed NGSCU students.

I am looking forward to getting to know each and every member of the NGCSU National Guard family. Our first meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 25 Sep 2005 at 11:00 am in the Hoag Student Center Auditorium on our main campus. Following the meeting, please join us for a covered dish lunch at 12:00 pm. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of the NGCSU NG Family Readiness Group. Please call or e-mail me any time for any reason. You are each in my prayers.

Please help me plan future activities to strengthen you and your soldiers by completing the enclosed questionnaire. Email your response to me at mrsballew@tds.net or mail your response to NGCSU NG FRG, 82 College Circle, Dahlonega, GA 30597.

Sincerely,

Annabel R. Ballew
FRG Chair
NGCSU National Guard FRG
(h) 770-893-4172 or (c) 770-823-9817

 Dear Parents,

   As parents of the men and women deployed overseas we would like to invite you to take an active part in the new Family Support Group here at the North Georgia College and State University’s National Guard Detachment.  Through your help, we are hoping to more strongly show our appreciation and support for our soldiers.  The unit will be holding meetings at the school throughout the year for those interested in participating.  You are cordially invited to attend the following events:

• 25 September 2005 - Initial brief and “pot luck” lunch with the Parent’s association. In addition to the meeting, you are invited to attend the Corps of Cadets Distinguished Military Students Review later that afternoon. 
• 22 October 2005- Benefits Brief and cook out at Pine Valley (directions can be provided). 
• 12 November 2005- Video Teleconference (The unit will coordinate with your son’s or daughter’s unit to allow them to hopefully speak with you through video conferencing – You will hopefully get to see your son or daughter!)
• 21 January 2006 - Coordination meeting to plan for the return of our soldiers.  With your help, we plan solicit local businesses, restaurants, and private citizens for free meals, gift certificates, and any other “Welcome Home” gifts. 

You will receive more details about the meetings via email throughout the school year.

Click HERE for the FRG Questionaire...