Welcome to the VMM-163 Evil Eyes family! On behalf of the Command, we are excited to have you as part of our exciting family.
My name is Ashleigh Thrasher, and I am your Family Readiness Officer. A little background on me, I have been married to my Corpsman for 8 years and I have a 14 year old step-daughter, Taylor. I also have a degree from Illinois State University in Communications. Throughout our military lifestyle, our family has traveled from the East coast to the West coast and it’s my hope that my many experiences will help me support you. It is my pleasure to be your Family Readiness Officer and help provide you with the tools and resources to make your journey in the military a little easier.
As the Family Readiness Officer, I serve as the communication link between the VMM-163 families and the Command team. I am your advocate and resource to things such as: attending L.I.N.K.S. and Life Skills classes offered on base, where to find information about tuition assistance, where you can get free childcare when you need to run errands, where to go when you’re stretched thin and need groceries, and deployment communications just to name a few! I am here to help you understand your Marine’s work lifestyle with its long hours and high operational tempo, plus to answer any other questions or concerns you may have about this hectic Marine Corps experience.
You may ask “What is the Family Readiness Program?” The Family Readiness Program consists of me (The FRO), the Command Team, and a lot of dedicated volunteers. Together we work to better the communication between the Command and you, the families. When we talk about families, we define it as the family he or she was “Born Into, Sworn Into and Married Into.” This includes not only the spouse and children but parents, guardians, fiancés, grandparents, or fellow Marines, whomever the Active Marine would like to include.
As family members, we welcome you to join our Family Readiness Volunteer Team. Whether you are new to the military or a seasoned spouse/parent, your input is needed and very much appreciated. Our Family Readiness Assistants and volunteers play an integral part in creating the bridge between the families and the unit. Our goal as a team is to give you power through knowledge, encouraging you to become a strong military family that is proactive versus reactive.
When your Marine checked-in with me, they provided your contact information for me to add to my email distribution list. Every Friday I send out a weekly update email with information on events taking place on base, off base, within the unit and more. If at any time you wish to no longer receive my emails, please let me know.
In November 2011, the Marine Corps launched eMarine, an information and resource website. Our unit has our own eMarine site for all our families to join and receive all sorts of information, resources and some fun things going on with the unit. Make sure your Marine invites you to join our site at www.emarine.org.
Please know that if at any time you need anything, I am here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you soon.