New Orleans -- The Marines and spouses of 4th Marine Logistics Group attended the Commander’s Conference held at the Marine Corps Support Facility, New Orleans, Sep. 6-7, 2014. The conference informed the Marines and spouses about upcoming training and expectations for 4th MLG, it also focused heavily on the importance of the spouses and how they are an integral part of the command.
“We are bringing the leadership in and getting them up to speed as an organization and showing where we are going as an organization,” said Brig. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann, commanding general of 4th MLG. “Additionally we brought in the families, because the families and their involvement are a key to our success.”
The Marines and their spouses attended various briefs covering the commander’s intent, how 4th MLG is continuing to remain ready, relevant and responsive and the importance of family readiness. The spouses of 4th MLG learned about the numerous resources available to them, how to pass that information to fellow spouses back home and how participating allows families to better support their Marine.
“I’m here for spousal support, it also helps to learn what they [Marines]do every day and puts things into perspective,” said Dennise Erwin, wife of Sgt. Maj. James Erwin, with Combat Logistics Battalion 453, 4th MLG. “Just being there for support helps him be a better Marine as well.”
The spouses received a brief showing how each could become part of the Family Readiness Program for the 4th MLG. They learned about resources such as Military OneSource and how their involvement in the command allows passage of information and offers support to younger Marine spouses and their families.
“The conference is a way to bring everyone together to get them in sync,” said Sgt. Maj. Gary Smith, sergeant major of 4th MLG. “Spouses are also part of the command team, they play a pivotal role, they communicate with other spouses in the unit and have a network amongst themselves.”
Through this network the spouses have the ability to keep families up to date with what is going on in the unit. It also allows Marines to stay focused on the mission while knowing their families are being taken care of and have the resources they need back home.
“We are trying to bridge the gap between the command and the family readiness officers to bring them together as a team,” said Hillary Smith, the family readiness officer for 4th MLG. “The spouses are the eyes and ears back home, they have immediate contact with the Marines’ families and have the ability to help.”
According to Sgt. Maj. Smith, the ability to help back home and bridge that gap between the families and the Marines is a critical part of keeping a unit functioning and prepared.
“A unit’s family readiness is interwoven with how well a unit does,” said Smith. “If it’s not hitting the mark, it shows up in other areas. If you lose the Marines’ or Sailors’ family, you then lose the Marine or Sailor. They go hand in hand.”
At the close of the conference the spouses proved they are not only a support system for each other, but for the Marines they dedicated their lives to. It is a dedication that allows the Marines of 4th MLG to stay ready to augment the active force whenever necessary.