Jeannie Sweezer knows how a spouse new to the military with little resources feels when a loved one deploys.

“I know what it is like to be the one who has no resources,” said Sweezer, a family readiness support assistant with the new Raider Family Center. “We’re here to assist families with events, training and anything they need.”

Here’s the backstory.

While preparing for a 12-month deployment to Iraq, the leadership of 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division — the Raiders — worked to provide family members with as much support as possible.

“It’s about supporting the families,” echoed Maj. Brian Lionberger, the rear detachment brigade commander.

Created to support the families of the brigade’s deployed soldiers, the center features full-time family readiness support assistants, or FRSAs, who assist each of the seven battalion family readiness groups, or FRGs.

The center is welcoming in appearance.  There is room for children to play and for adults to relax or talk in confidence with an advisor or chaplain.

The FRSAs are well-informed and ready to help.

Of special note is a “yellow ribbon room” with free telephones and Internet access for families to communicate with deployed loved ones.

“The room will soon be wireless,” said Lionberger.

The center is the first of its kind on Fort Lewis, and it may be the first of its kind in the Army.

“It is awesome; it’s a one-stop shop where families can receive brigade level support,” commented Sweezer.

The center’s goals are to sustain the lines of communication between families and their deployed soldiers and find resources for those who need them.

These are goals that Maj. James Freitag, the rear detachment’s chaplain, quickly understood.

“They’ve connected the dots here,” he said as he looked over the available and abundant printed material.  “This center makes it easier for me to help soldiers and their family members.”

Putting family members first is an attitude that Tracy Sutton, a FRSA who has no prior experience with the military, agrees with.

“I am like many new spouses in the military, and I think this works to my advantage in helping family members.”

Contact numbers are as follows:

• 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery — (253) 966-2718
• 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment — (253) 967-4972
• 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment — (253) 967-7556
• 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment — (253) 967-6528
• 2nd Regiment, 1st Cavalry Squadron — (253) 966-8515
• Headquarters & Headquarters Company — (253) 967-8405
• 702nd Brigade Support Battalion — (253) 967-9959
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