Commanding Officer's Vision of Family Readiness
Spouses and family members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit,
Because we are the only continuously forward deployed MEU in the Marine Corps, our tempo at times appears quite hectic. Despite our busy training cycle and your busy schedules at home, I would like to take a moment to provide you with my vision of family readiness and the principles that will guide our family readiness program.
My Vision: The Marines, Sailors and family members of the 31st MEU are primed for success, both on the home front and while embarked, through flexibility, preparation and open communication.
Family Readiness Philosophy: For Marines and Sailors to be flexible and ready to deploy on a moment’s notice, he or she needs to ensure that there are no lingering issues with their loved ones at home that would require their attention when deployed. Additionally, our spouses and family members need to be properly cared for while maintaining an avenue to communicate and receive information from the command. My end state is a successful family readiness program that meets the needs of our Marines and Sailors and their families, while in Okinawa or deployed.
Guiding principles of the program:
- This program will provide both a communication and referral network for spouses and communication links for other immediate family members.
- It is a program built on personal relationships based on mutual trust, understanding, and a sincere desire to help each other, regardless of rank or time in service.
- We will utilize multiple communication methods to pass information such as E-Marine, phone calls, e-mail, automated information online, social media sites, and the official MEU website. Whenever possible, we will strive to use personal communication as a way to disseminate information.
- We will provide as much information as possible in a timely manner without violating operational security.
I want to thank each of you for your continued support for your Marine or Sailor and this organization; your commitment and personal sacrifices allow the 31st MEU to be the contingency response force of choice for the Asia-Pacific region. My commitment to you is to provide a family readiness program that meets your needs and ultimately keeps our Marines and Sailors ready to answer our Nation’s call.
COL. JOHN E. MERNA, USMC
Commanding Officer, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit