Soldiers enjoy a day with extended family and friends

At first glance, all the cars turning into the long gated drive at the Lenham place looked to be a big family reunion with the typical good food, good fun and good friends.

Turns out, that's just what it was. However they are not all family by blood, but family by heart. They are all members of the United States Army Re- ser ve 141st Quartermaster Company.

About 100 soldiers and family members gathered at the home of Bob and Georganne Lenham, retired Navy, for an afternoon filled with food, music, games, horseback riding for the kids, door prizes and Hummer rides.

This fall festival is just one of the family events planned and executed by the Family Readiness Group (FRG) of the 141st QMCO. Kay Beauchamp, a reservist herself, serves as the unit liaison. The unit commanding officer is 1st Lieutenant Noe De La Cruz.

According to the Commander's Guide, an FRG is a command-sponsored organization

of family members, volunteers, soldiers and civilian employees belonging to a unit, that together provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance, and a network of communications among the family members, the chain of command, chain of concern, and community resources.

Beauchamp says their unit has several soldiers currently serving in Iraq and they are proud to say this unit has not lost a single person.

The USAR center is located on Hwy. 110 between Whitehouse and Tyler. This center serves reservists from a 45-mile radius and several come from Shreveport, Dallas and the Houston area.

The Lenhams' opened their gates to the group after hearing what a large group of people they served and activities the FRG provides to the families of those in service.

"We have a big place and the least we can do is offer our services," Mrs. Lenham said. "We are glad to do our part."

Kids enjoy a ride through the mud in the Army vehicles on site during the fall fest. In the top photos, a great spread is served up, as well as games, prizes and music.