I hope the military is still lurking on my blog (thanks for that temporary spike in traffic, BTW), because I have something to say.
You need to reevaluate the Family Readiness Groups.
Ultimately, when you rely purely on volunteers, you are going to get uneven results–which is disheartening and unfair to those who not getting the good results.
True, spouses are theoretically adults (although we have a few show up who are 16-19). Still, supporting the spouse supports the mission AND improves retention rates. You want that guy to re-up? Convince his wife …

Tonight we had the Brigade Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony. Last thing I need is another certificate and pin, but I went to honor the other ladies in our Battery and Battalion.
Of course, hardly anyone in our Battalion showed up–just a handful of others who, like me, already have volunteer of the month and/or year awards from the Division, and just came to honor the others.
At least the ceremony was brief and I got a different pin this time. They gave us a heart pin…to add to the Battalion, Brigade, and Division …

Friends and family often ask what they can do for me and DH. We appreciate their thoughts and prayers and are thankful that we are blessed with a wonderful support network.
While there are always things that might make DH’s deployment easier and more comfortable, both of us want for very little.
So, these offers of help always makes me think of the soldiers who do not have such a large, loving group of family and friends.
Remember that our troops are adults who volunteered (or at least re-enlisted or continued their commitment) …