Hi all, my husband's battalion is winding down towards the end of their deployment. Woo-hooah! Our Battalion Advisor, the LTC's wife, has done a great job since coming on board almost 2 years ago. Can anyone recommend a good parting gift for her? I've only been an Army spouse for 17 months so I'm not sure what's appropriate and the other FRG leaders I know aren't sure either. Thanks!

something local..something that can only be found in the area. this could be a piece of artwork or jewelery by a local artist..

I agree about giving her something local. Perhaps have something that is part of the unit, such as the crest with something saying "from the Soldiers and Families of..."

You could probably get a free Letter of Appreciation from the command, signed by the CO (or his boss) as an additional present. If she has been active in her community as a volunteer, you can ask the mayor to make the day or her farewell "Joan Brown Day" (or whatever her name is).
My rule of thumb has been to give something personal when someone has given generously of their time, energy and experience. The type of gift depends on the recipient. If money is an issue, but she likes fun earrings, why not have a potluck meal in her honor, and everyone brings a cute pair of earrings? If you can afford to do more, that's great. If the command logo has been engraved by local stores onto platters (Armetale is nice if she prefers more casual things), ice buckets, bottle stoppers or boxes, that might be a thought. (Her husband may receive something with the battalion logo on it though.) Or a local art print of something unique to your area, such as pottery. Clever crafts made only where you live are an option too. If you have funds, what about a charm bracelet, with charms that are significant to you all? Tents, a baseball, telephones, #1 Mom-the list is endless. Sometimes a personalized plaque or trophy for her own award can be cute. So can a painting or a wooden ornament (in the shape of her house, painted) so she'll always remember her time with the battalion. A scrapbook is always a wonderful memento: each couple or person in the command provides their own photos and decorates their own page, if possible. (Some help for the bachelors might be needed.) Since she has probably thought about her own farewell when farewelling others, it might be considerate to ask if there is anything she would particularly enjoy receiving at her own. If she's a wine drinker, a personalized wine glass can be a cute thought. If you ask the other spouses to all bring an inexpensive ($3-5 and under) gag gift to make her farewell more festive, that can be a nice addition. A cross stitched item (throw, tablecloth, set of napkins, quilt) would be a good joint gift if you have the time and inclination and someone who sews. If she collects teacups or loves silver, those can be good gift ideas. Don't be afraid to call her friends, even if you've never met them. You'd be surprised at how much they'll want to help you with ideas, information and local resources. The other battalion advisors can be a terrific resource for you too, and can tell you what has been done before, how much was spent (both personally or total) and give you still more thoughts. Our general policy has been no more than a $10 donation requested per person (for large gifts, a $300 price range). If someone doesn't wish to participate, that's fine. If someone wants to contribute more than that, that's all right too. But consider their finances and don't ask for too much. And clear the actual date with your advisor first! See if she would prefer to go to a favorite restaurant or dine in someone's home. And make it a group effort. The more people you can get involved, the better. They are all part of the team she has helped build. And do get the word out well in advance, so everyone can save the date, think about gift ideas, etc. Perhaps some flowers for the incoming advisor might be a nice touch too? But decide as a group. The most important part is that she knows her work was appreciated, and everyone has FUN. No pressure, no tension, just fun. Fun in the planning and fun in the execution. Personal notes and gifts are fine too for those who wish to give them. A cute photograph of her or her children, in a frame, could make a memorable gift without being too pricey. Or go to the nearest mall and tell the mall manager what you're doing, and ask them to write a farewell letter (the more humorous, the better) talking about how all of the stores in the mall are already preparing for the loss in profits. Then put it in a mat and collect business cards from all the stores to cover the mat before placing it in a frame. That's inexpensive and humorous. Her husband may have some good suggestions too, if he has time to answer an Email. This will probably be their biggest (and best!) command, so you may want to give her something she will enjoy for years to come. It's terrific that you've had such a positive experience under her leadership. Good luck!

I'm not sure what a Battalion Advisor is. Is that like an FRG Leader? As an FRG Leader, I have gotten trophy awards as parting gifts, small gift baskets from Bath & Body Works and such. Something along that line. Also, like others have said, a certificate of award can be created and have the commander sign it.

You can go to any trophy store and they can personalize a trophy for a reasonable price. That is something to always be remembered. I have mine on a display table in our livingroom along with DH's recognition awards.

Are you talking about the Family Readiness Support Assistant?? If so, any of the above mentioned is great. FRSA's are a paid position though...not a volunteer position.

The Battalion Adviser is different than the FRSA. The Bn Advisor is typically the spouse of the Bn Commander, and holds a volunteer position that supports and helps coordinate the company level FRGs. This person will organize monthly Bn steering committee meetings, coordinate with higher up units (Brigade, Division), and give guidance and mentorship to the company level FRGs. During a deployment, they can truly set the tone for how things will work, what the attitude will be in the unit, and how the FRGs will run.

A parting gift is generous, and it's nice to have something specific to that unit (with the crest on it) or a local item that suits their taste. It helps to know their decorating style, or items they have an interest in, so talk with close friends (or the spouse) to see if there's something they've had their eye on. I've seen military/ Americana framed prints, a rocking chair (she really wanted this style!), charm bracelets, jewelery sets, lg stained glass hanging with crest and name in it, and other embroidered/ etched/ engraved gifts. Check to see if there is a branch specific award (or state specific) that can be given in honor of their long-term service.

As someone else mentioned, this is a major command for the Bn Cmdr and their spouse, something they've probably poured heart and soul into for several years. It's like a culmination of all their great works.

Well then someone forgot to tell that to our Battalion.... They have no freakin' clue as to what they're doing. I'm glad we're out of that particular unit. ugh.
So a BA is like the FRSA, only not paid and is someone's spouse.

The Battalion Advisor is not the FRSA, the BA is also know as the Senior Spouse, in reality think of that person like the Senior FRG Leader, that is not really accurate but a good description.

As the Senior Spouse or Co Senior Spouse, (I really like to see a team approach) it gives a seasoned veteran such as BN CDR Spouse/ CSM Spouse are the most likely choses, although I have seen others, the opportunity to impart some guidance for the FRG Leaders. Used correctly, the person(s) would have been an FRG leader in their past, and they could impart lessons learned and guidance to the CO's. Remember the FRG is a CO level organization. The CO CDR is responsible that it is effective and operating. The FRG Leader, FRSA and FRL are cogs in helping in capacity. In a command structure like USAREUR, we happen have to

USAREUR Senior Spouses: Mrs. Ham/Mrs. Beam and a FRSA Program MGR.

MAJ CMD: Senior Spouse and MAJ CMD FRSA Program MGR.

BDE CMD: Senior Spouse AND BDE FRSA

BN CMD: Senior Spouse and BN FRSA

CO CMD: FRG Leader and FRL.

This allows for flow of information up and down. The great thing about this structure, if a FRG Leader has an issue that cannot be resolved at CO Level he/she can speak with BN Advisor, if it cannot be solved at BN Level, it can go up all the way to Mrs. Ham and Mrs. Beam at USAREUR, and I am sure it could go to Mrs. Cody at DA from there. It is another tool, like AFAP to help resolve Family Readiness Issues along the way.

When our Battalion Advisor pcs'd with her husband we got her several things. But my favorite was a clear glass pitcher (but you could also use a big vase) and had the battalion emblem, patch, whatever, etched on the side. Then we filled it with a big bouquet of flowers. It was beautiful and when the flowers fade away you have a really nice etched vase to remember the battalion by.