Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler, Command Master Chief (AW⁄SW) Evelyn Banks, and Ombudsman Naomi Sullivan will be guest speakers for the event.

To assist in establishing a relevant and responsive FRG, Fowler authorized a needs assessment survey for local military families, which took place in February. Coordinated with the Naval Academy’s Personnel Office and the Human Research Protection Program, the survey went out to 700 military households, and yielded an impressive 46% response rate.

The FRG Advisory Committee is using information gained from the survey to help shape the FRG based on the unique needs of military families in the Annapolis area. Many survey respondents provided valuable feedback about the benefits of an FRG.

''Having come from a large Marine Corps base, I was used to having this at hand,'' wrote one survey respondent. ''It made life much easier during deployments and was a way to get to know the other people in the military community. I feel that although this base is not a heavily deployable base, there are those who deploy and those spouses would surely benefit from any and all support they could receive.''

Also known at the Spouse’s Club or Family Support Group, the FRG exists to provide a support network, educational resources, social opportunities, and a sense of command unity to military family members. According to the results of February’s needs assessment survey, 83% of respondents indicated that an FRG would have a lot or some value to the Annapolis military community.

''I think that the [Naval Academy] definitely needs an FRG,'' wrote another respondent. ''As [the spouse of an Individual Augmentee], I chose to return home to friends and family, because I knew there was almost no support for me in Annapolis. The lack of a true Spouse’s Club was also frustrating, as I wanted to be able to meet other spouses in the area.''

The survey asked respondents how often they would be interested in having FRG meetings, what time of day would be most convenient, and whether there would be a need for childcare. Based on survey results, a majority of respondents indicated a preference for monthly meetings between 5-7 p.m. The FRG Advisory Committee also plans to have childcare available for meetings.

Navy-wide, FRGs were developed in 2006 in accordance with OPNAVINST 1754.5, and mandated by the Chief of Naval Operations for all commands in the Navy. Official guidance for commands launching new FRGs explains that the military’s unique lifestyle often calls for sacrifices on the part of family members that create distinctive needs.

''There can be great reassurance in knowing that there are others ‘in the same boat’ when you are left behind during long deployments, temporary duty, adjusting to another move, or trying to get a job in a new area,'' the guidance explains.

To address those issues, the Annapolis Area Complex FRG will tie together a network of resources throughout the Annapolis area, to include the Fleet and Family Support Center, Housing, Personnel Office, Office of the Chaplain, Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, NSA Annapolis, and all Ombudsmen at the respective commands. However, the success of this organization hinges on the membership and participation of military families.

Free pizza and beverages will be available from 5:30 to 6:00, and children are invited to meet Lolo the Clown and have their arms painted.

For more information regarding the FRG or how to get involved, contact Sullivan at ombudsman @usna.edu.