“You and your families are going to have issues,” said Col. Courtney Carr, “You have a personal and professional responsibility to use the resources that are available to you.” Carr was speaking to several Soldiers of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team as he explained numerous services provided not only by the Indiana National Guard, but also by the active duty. The brigade has shifted to an active duty status in preparation for a 2008 deployment.

Carr’s goal is for pre-deployment training issues to be as thoroughly completed as possible. That process includes an extensive re-evaluation of each Soldier’s personnel, medical and finance records at the Military Reception, Staging, Onward movement and Integration center located in building 722 just south of King’s Hall dining facility.

Lt. Col. Ron Morris, Deputy Commander of Camp Atterbury says the facility has been specially configured and staffed to meet the needs of the brigade.

We work hard to ensure that every Soldier that comes through Camp Atterbury is getting not only the best in training, but the best in administrative support,” said Morris. “That’s First Army’s standard and that’s Camp Atterbury’s standard.”
 
But, Morris says that the fact that they are supporting fellow Indiana National Guard Soldiers is not lost on his staff: “It’s obvious, there are as many handshakes as there are forms being signed.”
 
Many of my staff have worked with, served, been best of friends with the (brigade Soldiers) coming through the MRSOI. I can’t say that it’s purely professional. It’s personal for my folks,” said Morris.

Carr said he is pleased with the support at Camp Atterbury and cautions Soldiers of the brigade to be as prepared as possible when they report for processing.
 
“If you have pay issues, medical issues, personal or family issues, whatever, make sure you at least begin the process of helping us help you,” said Carr. “If we don’t know, we can’t help.”
 
Families are also encouraged to contact the Indiana National Guard State Family Programs at 1-800-237-2850 ext. 3192 or visit the website at www.inarng.org.
 
The state also has increased the staff to include family assistance coordinators around the state to support the deployment o the 76th Brigade, as well numerous other Indiana National Guard units deployed in 2008.
 
Unit Family Readiness Groups are tightly aligned with the coordinators and can guide family members seeking assistance in their direction.

By Staff Sgt. Les Newport