PSU 307 Captures Family Readiness Award as Multi-Year Winner

Story by PA2 Judy L. Silverstein, PADET St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Although only a six-year old award, the Reserve Affairs Family Readiness Award (RAFRA), has been captured by Port Security Unit 307 for two consecutive years. Even more impressive is the fact they've won the award five times.  

In 2001, the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs established the award in an effort to recognize superior family readiness. Broken down a bit, this means retention, mutual support and readiness form the cornerstone of mission focus in highly deployable units. 

At an award ceremony held at the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon Feb. 17, Capt.

Jeffrey. Bauer, commanding officer, proudly accepted the RAFRA award along with Lisa Fisher Meuche', unit ombudsman. In attendance were representatives from each of the five armed services and National Guard. They were joined by legislators and staff from the offices of Sen. Bill Nelson and U.S. Rep. Bill Young, both from Florida.

The PSU was singled out for, "minimizing the impact of mobilization on families by quickly resolving pay and benefit issues, providing routine legal assistance, holding a family day for members and family members, and preparing a monthly newsletter," said James Scott, master of ceremonies and director for Reserve Affairs for Individual and Family Policy at the Department of Defense.

"Family readiness is a key component of mission readiness, and robust family readiness programs have greatly enhanced the deployability of the Guard and Reserve," he said. "While deployed in response to Hurricane Katrina, (PSU 307) used e-mail and voice mail to communicate current information directly to family members." 

Unit cohesion and family readiness are concepts the leadership of PSU 307 takes to heart.

"The command leadership has stressed the importance to all hands that taking care of their family is one of our highest priorities," said Bauer. "It's the emotional support families offer that extend unit effectiveness, "he said.  "That in itself is a force multiplier that makes for smooth transitions."

Smooth sailing is critical to a unit that has deployed multiple times including a 10-month stint in the Persian Gulf since Captain Bauer has been at the helm. Crediting unit cohesion to the concept of readiness, or Semper Paratus, Bauer is also quick to note a small active duty cadre works diligently to keep things humming in between drill weekends. Between the familial support and volunteer time, active duty and reservist collaboration, this winning combination increases productivity and unit cohesion, said Bauer who attributes much of the unit's successful and lengthy deployments to the readiness and stability of the families.

For Meuche', who accepted the role as ombudsman when the unit deployed to New Orleans in response to Hurricane Katrina last September, the additional commitment to serve as ombudsman is an honor. Her son, Petty Officer 1st Class Evan  Trefcer, has deployed four times during his tenure with the unit.  

"A large part of this job is about listening and offering support," she said. "Having gone through multiple deployments, I try to offer some perspective."

Bauer echoed her sentiments. "Our families sacrifice just as much as the members to serve our great nation. All of the unit members understand how difficult it is for the family members who stay behind."

"Communication", said Bauer, "is the critical element."

"Family members in our unit are patriotic troopers, just like their spouses, sons, daughters, mothers or fathers who serve in the unit," he said. "Routine and continuous communication to let them know we care and can help when they need it, goes a long way."

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