12 December 2009

NOSC Houston Family Day 2009


Navy reservists attached to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) at Ellington Field in Houston proudly showed off their new reserve center to their spouses and children at Family Readiness Day which was held Dec. 12.
NOSC Houston hosted the Family Readiness to help reservists and family members live up to the motto of “Mission Readiness through Family Readiness.” Visitors and their sponsors heard over and over throughout the day that it is imperative that reservists properly prepare their spouse and children for potential mobilization so that their family is taken care of while the military member strives to complete his or her mission.
Following welcoming remarks from CAPT Cliff Pish, NOSC commanding officer, reservists and their families visited information tables set up by invited organizations, including USO, the Ombudsman, Military One Source, Returning Warrior Workshop, American Legion, Military Family Counsel, U.S. Family Health Plan, Tricare, Operation Military Kids, American Red Cross, Veteran’s Administration, Navy & Marine Corps Relief Society, USAA, Navy Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and Legal Services.
Many of these organizations also conducted informative seminars throughout the day for reservists and family members.
BettyLynn Ulrich, wife of EO1 Christopher Ulrich, said she was very thankful for the information provided during the Readiness Conference. “Family Day was a good refresher on what is available to military families,” Mrs. Ulrich said.
Mrs. Ulrich and her husband have two young sons.
She said her husband has just begun a deployment. “The speakers made me aware of the changes that have taken place since the last time I attended a Family Readiness Conference.”
Mrs. Ulrich said the legal and financial briefings were the most helpful to her.
A blood mobile was also stationed at the center for those wanting to give blood during Family Day.
While reservists and their spouses learned how to be prepared for mobilization, their children were able to stay in the children’s room where they played games, watched movies, and made gingerbread houses.
For lunch, reservists and their families were treated to a catered meal while YN1 “Santa” Thomas made his rounds.

Story by MC1 Jerry Mullins / Photos by SK2 (SCW) John Stone