Kearsarge ARG Family Readiness Group Focuses on the Children

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Mary Popejoy, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet

NORFOLK (NNS) -- As Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSG ARG) prepares to return home May 16, the Kearsarge Family Readiness Group (KSG FRG) has been providing support to those left behind.

The KSG FRG made it their mission to include even the youngest family members in special activities throughout the deployment.

"We organized a beach day, a zoo day, painted pottery at Glazen Fyre, an outing at Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach, Va., a bowling party and a Christmas party which featured Santa and his elves," said Heather Harris, KSG FRG president.

While the group hosted the events to keep families entertained, the focus of each outing was always the children.

"I think the kids need to feel included during times of separation because they need to know that other people are going through the same thing they are," said Pam Burson, wife of Senior Chief Electrician's Mate Scott Burson. "Kids need opportunities to talk with other military kids about how they deal with the deployment."

Because of the sacrifices military children make, each April is designated as Month of the Military Child, which highlights the important role military children play in the Armed Forces community.

Even though April has come and gone, the KSG FRG remains focused on the children.

"Quite often the sacrifices of the families are forgotten," said Burson. "People are very supportive of the troops, but often don't realize families are left behind to continue on with day-to-day routines and having the empty seat at the dinner table is painfully obvious every night. Although military kids are pretty resilient and are able to survive an extended separation, they are dealing with big issues that civilian kids don't even have to think about. Military children need to know that people are thinking of them and appreciate the sacrifices they make."

According to Harris, its seeing the children smile that validates the group's mission.

"It's awesome to be able to see them smile," said Harris. "That makes it worthwhile to know that these kids are happy and content even though mom and dad are on a ship for an extended period of time."

As the KSG ARG prepares to return home, their FRG is busy planning the homecoming and putting the finishing touches on the party that will take place the day before the ships return home.

"We will host a 'Night Before Party' at Hunt Club Farm where families will make homecoming signs and enjoy the entertainment of a magician," said Harris.

KSG ARG consists of Norfolk-based amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3;) amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15); and dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

Also attached to the ARG are Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4; the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26 MEU); Naval Beach Group (CNBG) 2; Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21; Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6; and Helicopter Squadron (HSC) 22.