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Pre-Deployment Conference Teaches Tools for Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100921-10
9/21/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic Public Affairs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (NNS) -- Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Charlotte hosted a Pre-deployment Family Readiness Conference (PDFRC) for Sailors and family members at the Marriott Charlotte City Center Sept. 18.

A pinning ceremony kicked off the event to recognize the achievements of five local Sailors who have advanced to the rank of chief petty officer.

Chief Hull Technician (SW) Adam Burg, Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF) Jeffrey Lester, Chief Gunner's Mate (SW) Edward Mahoney, Chief Air Traffic Control Marco Smith and Chief Hospital Corpsman Deborah Spells were welcomed into the chief's mess.

"The chief's pinning is a historical time of the year that ties together a community that may not otherwise be directly involved with the Navy," said NOSC Charlotte Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. William Palmer.

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SCW) Keith Wright spoke to the new chiefs before family, friends and hundreds of Sailors.

"This season is for transition," Wright said. "Now you will be tested; now you are at where the rubber meets the road. I am absolutely proud to be with you all today."

Following the ceremony, more than 300 Selected Reservists remained at the venue to learn about the services offered to them before, during, and after a deployment. Sailors and their family members were encouraged to take notes and learn from each other during the conference to better prepare themselves.

"The primary purpose of a PDFRC is to make sure the Sailors and families are ready for deployment," said Michele Viola-Hudak, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) counselor. "Deployment is stressful, but they are not alone if they need help. This conference is an opportunity to expose them to a lot of information and resources."

Topics included legal affairs, employer support, health care, operational security, career counseling, education and the Fleet and Family Support Program.

Resource tables were also available from the American Red Cross, Military Ministries, Military One Source, Indiana Wesleyan University and many others.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Doudy Sayarth, NOSC Charlotte Operation Health Support Unit, brought his girlfriend Loua Lor conference.

"I want her to learn about Selected Reservists, what a deployment is, what to expect and how to deal with it," Sayarth said. "For me, I came to learn about all the educational benefits and how to use my GI bill."

"I want to learn everything," Lor said. "I came here to learn more about the military and the Reserves; more than what he has already taught me."

Each NOSC is entitled to Yellow Ribbon event funding to conduct PDFRCs. Their primary goal is to ensure Navy Reservists are aware of available resources and assistance before, during, and after a deployment.