NOSC Quincy Hosts Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Conference

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matt Snodgrass, Commander, Navy Region Northeast Public Affairs

QUINCY, Mass. (NNS) -- Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Quincy hosted its annual Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Conference (PDFRC) for Sailors and families of the Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Sept. 12.

During the conference Sailors and their families were informed about support services offered to assist them before, during, and after a deployment.

"Navy Reservists have information provided to them on services and support available while in a drilling or activated status, and those resources are not only available through Navy sources but through Air Force, Army, Marine and even Coast Guard service providers, " said Cmdr. Scott Graham, NOSC Quincy commanding officer. "They also have access to local resources funded by state, municipal, non-profit or private resource and service providers to meet their needs on a day-to-day basis while activated."

The deployment process can be challenging for service members and families, alike. The PDFRC focused on legal and financial counseling, as well as emotional health and welfare.

"This is the one time of year the NOSC provides information for our deploying Sailors all in one place at one time," said Capt. Mary Jo Majors, Nurse Corps, Navy Reserve.

"We have the JAG and other legal counselors here to provide wills and other necessities," said Majors. "Military One Source is providing financial counselors while Navy medical, Fleet and Family Support Center and other organizations are providing mental well-being information."

Many military families attending the conference left their youngsters with the family activities coordinators at the NOSC gym. Local Sea Cadets and NROTC midshipmen were on hand to help provide entertainment for the children of the service members in attendance.

The children participated in activities such as painting, reading, coloring and making personalized buttons.

"We provided a place for the kids to have a good time while their parents got their affairs in order for deployment," said Majors.

The Navy Reserve and the Joint Family Support Center provided funding for the event.

"The Department of Navy provides yellow ribbon event funding for each NOSC to conduct Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Conferences annually to ensure Navy Reservists are aware of resources available to them for assistance while mobilized," said Graham.

These events provide assistance to more than 400 Reservists in 13 Reserve units affiliated with NOSC Quincy. NOSC Quincy's fiscal year 2011 Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Conference will be held during the April 2011 drill weekend.