Guard’s family readiness program creates family atmosphere year round

Citizen-Soldiers with the 1107th Aviation Group enjoy time with family and friends during the Missouri National Guard unit's Family Day celebration each fall. Fundraisers held throughout the year add to the unit's celebration with food, music and inflatable toys. (Ann Keyes/Missouri National Guard)

By Ann Keyes
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil
NEOSHO, Mo. - During a scorching hot day on the shooting range at Camp Crowder, Missouri National Guardsmen with the 1107th Aviation Group were greeted warmly when breaking for lunch, with hot-off-the-grill hot dogs and hamburgers from their Family Readiness Group.

Vicki Vandergrift and friends manned a smoking grill full of hot dogs and hamburgers for the Citizen-Soldiers who might otherwise have made due with Meals, Ready-to-Eat after exiting the range.
"They served barbeque and had baked goods and then they cleaned up, all with smiles on their faces," said Spc. Jamie Jimenez, of Willard. "That's what I love about our Family Readiness Group. They're always there to help out. They're wonderful."

Vandergrift can be counted on at most any function or training event held by the Springfield-based aviation group, as can others who make up an active group of supporters. Vandergrift held the FRG leader post for some years before giving it up to take a paid position as a Family Readiness Support Assistant for the unit.

"We sell hot dogs, hamburgers, brownies and soda as a fundraiser for the unit," said Vandergrift, who still remains very active as a volunteer. "All the money raised goes back to the Soldiers for our company-wide family day each fall."

Last year at family day, Soldiers and supporters were asked what came to mind when they thought of the aviation group. The answer repeatedly included the word "family."
"We're like a family," said 1st Sgt. Kaonis Thomas, of St. Louis, a relative newcomer to the group with only two years in as part of Bravo Company.

"Many members of the 1107th work fulltime as technicians at the (Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group) shop," said Vandergrift of the aviation specialists who make a living in uniform. "The Soldiers forge bonds during the work week as well as at drill."
There are also blood-bonds throughout the aviation group. When the group deployed to southwest Asia in late 2009, five sets of father and sons served together.

"I'd rather he deploy with us," said Sgt. 1st Class Elva Combs of his son, Spc. Tyler Combs, of Bradleyville, before leaving for overseas duty. "I know he'll be treated well. The Guard, this unit, is like a family."

Another member of the Combs family, Master Sgt. Shelva Combs, Elva's twin brother, also deployed with the group.
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," said group commander Col. Williams Thomas. "When you have the same mechanical aptitude that your father has, if you gravitate toward fixing things and he helps mentor you, it makes sense. And that doesn't even take into consideration the patriotic piece of being in the service."

Jimenez, too, has formed a more permanent bond within the aviation group, having married Sgt. Keshee Jimenez five years ago.

Related by marriage, blood or through the family-like relationships built within the unit, it gives extra piece of mind for those serving in the Missouri National Guard.

"If Soldiers know their Families are ready, are going to be taken care of while they are away, they are better able to serve their missions. We're pretty good about that in the 1107th," said Vandergrift.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-888-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com
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For more information about this release, please contact Ann Keyes at (417) 766-2778 or at ann.keyes@us.army.mil