MFCN was established in 2005 in response to VTARNG soldiers experiencing heavy fighting in Iraq’s Sunni Province and the reality that the VTARNG was not prepared for their return. It was apparent at this time that we would continue to be sending and receiving soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan for the foreseeable future. The leadership of Family Programs and the VTARNG, Center for PTSD in WRJ and the VA knew we couldn’t do it alone. The plan was to bring together military and community service partners, stakeholders, community partners in an effort to identify the resources available for our soldiers and their families. The resources to address the physical and emotional issues that surface when families are faced with loved ones deploying into hostile territories.
MFCN is still going strong-the mission is still to identify the issues facing our veterans, service members and their families and uncovering the resources available to them and hopefully producing positive outcomes.
Due to the continuing uptick in COVID 19 cases, MFCN only met once during the Fiscal Year 2021. It had been a year and a half since the network had met in person on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Everyone was absolutely “giddy” to be able to gather in person after a year and a half of absence. The attendance of this meeting- 80 participants (in person, online, on the phone)- showed how much everyone appreciated coming together again.
On the minds of everyone at this point was the 8 different deployments happening for the VTARNG. To that end, we received a report from the “Rear Detachment” Brigade Administrative Officer, MAJ John Hearn on how the deployments overseas were going. In addition, we received an update on how the Soldier & Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) were making calls to the families, conducting family days, etc. This brief was given by the new State Soldier & Family Readiness Group Leader, SSG Jessy Smith.
