Executive Board Elections 2018-2019

Volunteering with your Family Readiness Group is a great way to connect to new friends and the San Diego Area. Our group hosts educational workshops and conducts social and moral building activities. Learn teamwork and leadership skills, all while giving back to your military community. Volunteering with an FRG also looks great on resumes!

Per our bylaws, it’s time for annual elections and turnover. If you are a spouse interested in becoming a board member from August 2018 until July 2019, please fill out the application here: https://goo.gl/forms/oXCT1FKdrozZ7azY2

Please note that the deadline for submitting your application is Friday, June 29, 2018.

Executive Board Roles and Responsibilities

President: The President will arrange monthly meeting places, secure speakers when necessary, and will preside at all meetings of the group. The President will represent the group at all meetings and affairs when necessary. The President will keep in contact with the ship to keep them informed of the group’s activities. The President will also publish a monthly newsletter/ website.

Vice President:The Vice President will assume the responsibilities of the President in their absence. The VP will assist in the coordination of committees, and be the contact for the committee chairpersons to give information to. The VP will coordinate communications seeking donations and fundraisers.

Secretary: The Secretary records the minutes of all meetings and will handle all the correspondence of the group as directed by the President. The Secretary will be responsible for maintaining all minutes, treasury reports, and other forms as needed. They will also maintain and handle all media and Social media communications.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep a full and accurate account of all transactions of the Family Readiness Group. The treasurer will need to keep record of inventory of merchandise and bank accounts and present a treasurer’s report at every meeting. The treasurer will need to make sure to have an audit done once per year. They will also be head of the online store, sales tables, in-person sales, and shipping merchandise as needed.

President Ambassador: The President Ambassador arranges monthly meeting places, represents the FRG in San Diego while the ship is in Bremerton, and keeps the FRG board and the ship informed of the San Diego group’s activities. The President Ambassador maintains social media communications, updates to the website, and takes meeting minutes.

Treasurer Ambassador: The Treasurer Ambassador shares account access with the FRG Board Treasurer and is responsible for a budget and keeping financial records for San Diego. The Treasurer Ambassador will maintain communication with the FRG Board Treasurer and share all receipts, merchandise sales and purchases, and any other pertinent financial information for the FRG Board Treasurer’s records. The Treasurer Ambassador will be the liaison in San Diego for seeking donations and conducting fundraisers.

The Ambassadors work together to provide events for families in San Diego while the ship is in Bremerton, and are encouraged to utilize volunteers to support their efforts.

 

 

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Executive Board Elections 2018-2019

April is here!

Happy Spring Vinson Families!
We hope you are all doing well and are excited for the upcoming month. I know we are! During this exciting time, we want to make sure you knew we were still here for you, as well as a few other great organizations.

The FRG is here for social events. We hold gatherings, parties, meet ups, and other social activities to help build strong relationships with other Vinson families.

Our wonderful Ombudsman team is here to help you with any resource question or concern that you may have. Need information, support, help contacting your loved one who is out to sea during emergencies, they are your go to ladies.

Fleet and Family Support Centers are also there to help fill you with information and support you with a variety of things. They offer classes to help build skills, resumes, PSCing (moving) classes, etc. They also offer support with counseling including resources such as FOCUS.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society supports military families greatly when it comes to money situations. They can offer quick assist loans, budget classes, emergency travel, and budget for baby classes.

MWR also hosts many activities throughout every month. There is a mix between free events and ones that cost to participate. It is a great way to get out and see the area and try a wide array of actives you might have been hesitant to try on your own.

We are still working on getting our online store up and running again. In the meantime, please send an email to treasurer@vinsonfrg.org and our awesome treasurer, Kelly, will send you and invoice for your order. Thank you for your patience with us regarding this matter.

April is the Month of the Military Child. Purple Up Day is on April 13, 2018. Wear purple to support the children on this journey with us. Some organizations hold special events to attend to help celebrate the month as well. MCRD has multiple events as well as USO San Diego.

Last, but certainly not least, is COMPASS. Ever wish there was a place to go that would give you the rundown on handling the military lifestyle? The ins and outs on reading a LES? How to dress for balls/Christmas parties? Things to do to occupy your time in the city around you? How to manage a deployment? These are only a few of the things you will learn during COMPASS. Their next classes will be held April 23-25. Space is limited and child care provided so be sure to sign up early.

Ombudsman Team: https://www.facebook.com/cvn70ombudsman/

Fleet and Family Support Center: https://www.navylifesw.com/ffsc

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS): http://www.nmcrs.org/

MWR events: https://sandiego.navylifesw.com/events

USO San Diego: https://www.usosandiego.org/

MCRD Military Child: http://www.mccsmcrd.com/download/2018-MCRD-month-of-the-military-child-events/?wpdmdl=7252

COMPASS: http://www.gocompass.org/sandiego.html

 

 

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on April is here!

Adversity and Resilience

C.O.R.E. San Diego presents Adversity & Resilience. “HOW NAVY KIDS CAN NOT ONLY SURVIVE BUT THRIVE”
~Presented by Mark Katz, Ph.D.~
Plan to attend this valuable presentation and reception April 17, 2018, 6-8pm. RSVP required.

 

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Adversity and Resilience

Finding My Deployment Purpose

Happy Monday Everyone! I also wanted to take this opportunity to share why I joined the Vinson FRG Board. First of all, Cara Lynn Hanhurst roped me into it LOL. After last deployment, Cara Hanhurst  and Brittany Harker stepped up to take on the President and Treasurer roles, which was the only reason why the FRG stayed in tact at that time. I joined the game a little late, along with Brettany Buetow. I personally joined because I was looking for a hobby as well as something to boost my resume. At the time, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I didn’t anticipate becoming as attached to the group as I am now. Planning events may seem trivial, but when you are able to bring people together in a welcoming and supportive environment, you really do feel a purpose. I was doubtful at first in my capability of sliding in to the President position for this past term, especially knowing there was a deployment on the horizon, because I am just a spouse too! How am I supposed to be upbeat and plan events for our families on top of struggling through the regular stress that deployment brings? Well, it has given me something to channel my energy towards, turning my frustrations into something positive. I also truly have made a family from the FRG – between the board as well as all of you members that attend our events. It makes me so happy to see familiar faces coming back, as well as new faces trying out our events for the first time. It does bring a sense of purpose during the monotony of deployment. Circling back to the part about boosting my resume, this has been a great opportunity practice decision-making, public speaking, and crisis management. Everyone joins the board or comes to FRG events for their own reasons, but I feel like we all get the same thing out of it at the end – becoming a family. If you are even slightly interested in running for a board position to influence the success of the FRG in the future, please fill out an initial application: http://vinsonfrg.org/elections/

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Finding My Deployment Purpose

Conversation, Love, & a Sense of Family

Good afternoon! I’m the current Vinson FRG VP. Since Brett’s post I’ve been thinking about why I ran for the role of Vice President and want to share with anyone thinking about running. My husband and I have only been together a handful of years and this was my first ship experience. He recommended that I run for a volunteer role with the FRG to help with the deployment. I decided to start going to the events to see what the FRG was about and to talk with the current board members and get a feel of what the roles entailed. I found the events to be super chill and the people were very down to earth and kind. Over the past year I’ve been able to help with events that fed spouses and families with food, conversation, love and a sense of family. If you’re looking for a rewarding way to pass the time while your loved one is away, this might be the thing for you.

If you are a spouse interested in becoming a board member from July 2017 until July 2018, please fill out the application here:https://goo.gl/forms/FO2JrLSTqyd0DAf42

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Conversation, Love, & a Sense of Family

Learning to Be A Leader

Brettany Buetow, VinsonFRG Secretary

Hi everyone! As most of you know, I am the secretary of our FRG. I have been blessed to have this position over the past two years and I am so thankful I have had this opportunity.

When we first moved to San Diego, my husband had been in the Navy for 4 years but this was his first sea duty. I felt like a newbie to the Navy life all over again. I knew we would be experiencing a deployment just over a year after arriving and even though we were closer to family, we were still hours away. I needed to make friends and find things to fill my time. I decided to join the FRG board even though I was really hesitant and nervous about what all it would entail. Would I be able to handle it? I had a one year old and 3 year old and this new “large” responsibility… how would it all work? I knew I needed something to help commit me to the different events so I would get out of the house and meet people. If not, I would find some excuse to not go and then regret it later.
After joining, I immediately met new friends who are more like family to me now. I learned my way around San Diego and learned how to better manage this new adventure that we had started.

The idea of joining the FRG board was a lot more intimidating than it really was. Yes, there is plenty of work to be done, but it is so exciting to plan events and see people smile and enjoy themselves when their loved ones are away. It makes every moment worth it to me. I have been able to see myself grow into someone that I wasn’t sure I could be. I became a leader, a mentor, and a friend to many. I was able to break out of my shell and come to almost all of the events… something I would not have done had I not been in this position. I am so thankful to be a part of the Vinson FRG board!


If it’s something you’ve considered doing, please consider filling out the board election questionnaire and running for a board position! 
http://vinsonfrg.org/elections/

Brettany Buetow

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Learning to Be A Leader

Elections for 2017-2018 FRG Board

EXECUTIVE BOARD ELECTIONSVolunteering with your Family Readiness Group is a great way to connect to new friends and the San Diego Area. Our group hosts educational workshops and conducts social and moral building activities. Learn teamwork and leadership skills, all while giving back to your military community. Volunteering with an FRG also looks great on resumes!

Per our bylaws, it’s time for annual elections and turnover. If you are a spouse interested in becoming a board member from July 2017 until July 2018, please fill out the application here: https://goo.gl/forms/FO2JrLSTqyd0DAf42

Please note that the deadline for submitting your application is Friday, May 19th.

Executive Board Roles and Responsibilities

PRESIDENT

  • Arranges Monthly meetings
  • Attend Monthly Meetings and regularly attend planned events
  • Secures speakers for meetings when necessary
  • Presides over all meetings for the group
  • Represents the group at all meetings and affairs when necessary
  • Keep the Appointed Command Point of Contact informed of the group’s activities
  • Call special meetings when necessary
  • Signs checks
  • Publishes a newsletter and updates the website with pertinent information
  • Maintain notebook of pertinent info to be turned over to the successor
VICE PRESIDENT

  • Attend Monthly Meetings and regularly attend planned events
  • Assists with coordinating committees, and be committee chairperson point of contact
  • Assumes role of President in their absence
  • Acts as parliamentarian at meetings
  • Maintain notebook of pertinent info to be turned over to the successor
SECRETARY

  • Attend Monthly Meetings and regularly attend planned events
  • Record the minutes of all meetings
  • Handles any correspondence as directed by the President
  • Maintains minutes, treasurer reports, and resignation letters in a bound folder
  • Provides president with a copy of the minutes, to be forwarded to the USS Carl Vinson Command Point of Contact
  • Has minutes ready for duplication on request by the next scheduled meetings.
  • Maintains permanent records of the group
  • Maintain notebook of pertinent info to be turned over to the successor
  • Maintains and handles all media and social media
TREASURER

  • Attend Monthly Meetings and regularly attend planned events
  • Keep a full and accurate account of all transactions
  • Collects donations
  • Maintains the group’s checking accounts, petty cash funds, PayPal and Square accounts
  • Signs checks
  • Presents a written report at each meeting
  • Submits a record for auditing no later than February 10th of each year
  • Maintain notebook of pertinent info to be turned over to the successor, including receipts, monthly bank statements, treasurer reports
  • Responsible for filing annual taxes
Entire Board – Other Potential Duties

  • Assist with merchandising
  • Write thank you notes to sponsors and donors
  • Assist with planning events – including venue research, activity research, gathering donations
  • Increasing membership / welcoming new members
This entry was posted in FRG. Bookmark the permalink. Edit
Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Elections for 2017-2018 FRG Board

DONATE

MAKE  A DONATION
You can send us a donation by emailing treasurer@vinsonfrg.org

The USS Carl Vinson Family Readiness Group (FRG), Tax ID 46-1954397, is a volunteer based team that supports family members of sailors aboard the USS Carl Vinson, an aircraft carrier stationed on Coronado Island. The FRG’s role is to plan and coordinate activities to enhance family readiness and enable USS Carl Vinson sailors and their families to meet the goals and challenges of their military lifestyle changes.

Each deployment year the FRG hosts a Final Countdown Party to celebrate our sailors return to their homeport in San Diego. The date and location of our events are private for operational security purposes. The purpose is to celebrate the families staying strong throughout the deployment, as well and helping pass the final hours before finally reuniting with our sailors.  Financial support is extremely important to the FRG, as we rely on donations to fund special activities like the Night Before Party to our Vinson families throughout the year.  

We ask that you consider supporting our cause with a donation (i.e. basket with goodies, voucher for your services, or monetary support). In return for your participation, we will provide you with a receipt for tax deduction purposes and we will publicize your business on our social media accounts. 100% of donations received are used to benefit the families of the USS Carl Vinson sailors.

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on DONATE

Five Guys Fundraiser

We are so excited to have another restaurant fundraiser! Come join us at Five Guys in Liberty Station any time between 5:30pm and 8:30pm on Monday, March 27th.

No flyer or mention of the Vinson FRG is needed – the FRG will be receiving 20% of ALL sales during that time frame!

Thanks for always supporting your Vinson FRG, and we will see you there!

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Five Guys Fundraiser

Bod Squad Fitness Group

Join your Vinson FRG in a fitness challenge. We are coming together to help each other stay on track health wise and reach our goals!

How it works:
1. Email Treasurer@vinsonfrg.org and request to be added.
2. You will be sent an invitation to create an account and join our group on Ourweigh.in, a free weigh loss tracking website.
3. Create your account and weigh in weekly/monthly.(Only your percentage lost will be shown to the group. Your actual weight is kept private.)
4. Complete your official start weigh in ON OR AFTER February 20
5. Participate in mini challenges, post tips and questions to help keep each other motivated.
6. See the change!!!

We will have prizes available for our top overall Losers. The site/challenge go by percentage lost.

This challenge will go from February 20 12am, to May 20th 11:59pm ( facebook only allows the date to be so far out so the end date will be changed as we go, just know it officially ends May 20th).

Posted in FRG | Comments Off on Bod Squad Fitness Group