Family Matters April 2016

Family Matters Volume 7, Issue 4, April 2016

Special Month of the Military Child Issue

Family Matters

April 2016 Diane Coffill State Family Programs Director diane.l.coffill.civ@mail.mil (984) 664-6324 MSG Ramona Robertson State Family Programs Specialist ramona.k.robertson.mil@mail.mil (984) 664-7005 SSG Tammy Fowler State Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil (984) 664-6876 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1667 Alice Dean Lead Child and Youth Coordinator alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6676 David Nobles Outreach Coordinator david.m.nobles.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6721 Terry Henderson Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager terry.r.henderson3.civ@mail.mil (704) 389-4949 About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Service Members and their Families the most up to date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues, please contact SSG Tammy Fowler @ tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil

References in this newsletter to specific commercial products, processes, services or the use of any trade, firm corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by NCNG Family Programs

A Message from the Director Happy Spring! It's April and not supposed to be so chilly anymore but I guess Mother Nature is working overtime!

We're very happy to provide you with this special April Family Matters Month of the Military Child (MOMC) issue. Did you know that April 2016 is the 30th Anniversary of Month of Military Child? Not too many people do but it is! As you read this month's issue, you'll see an opportunity for your child(ren) to share "YOUNG LIVES, BIG STORIES" about what it's like to be a Military Child. They can participate through words or drawings for a chance to win great prizes. Look inside this issue for the details.

Please take a few minutes to read this and look at the pictures. We have several MOMC events coming up across the state. I hope that you take advantage of these and participate with your children. Our military children are such an important part of our lives and careers but sometimes we forget to let them know just how special they are to us.

Before we know it, school will be wrapping up for this school year and you'll be wondering what your children are going to do to stay busy this summer.

You'll see a "SAVE THE DATE" for some camps that we're finalizing for the kids this year. Take a look, make an inquiry or 2 and get your kids name(s) on the list for attendance before all the slots are taken. We always enjoy the camps we're able to provide and this year, we're going to provide a "Kids Camp" for the our youngest group (ages 5-7). It's a great opportunity for your young children to see if they will really enjoy the camping experience without being gone for a full week.

We had many responses and pictures from our NCNG children on what it means to be a Military Child. Please take the time to read them. They are VERY enlightening and well written.

As you see, we have a SPOTLIGHT Family and we have an "Open Letter" from a Family who has taken advantage of many of the programs that are available to all of our NCNG Families.

In addition, North Carolina WELCOMED HOME some of our NCNG Service Members after their deployment and we have some pictures to share from their Homecoming Event.

Thinking ahead to next month, May is not only the month of Mother's Day, but the Friday before Mother's Day is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. So, don't forget to say "THANK YOU" to your Military Spouse and look for the events that honor them.

I hope you enjoy Spring! Please remember that we're always here for you!

Diane

Table of Contents 4

Month of the Military Child

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4th Annual Easter EGGstravaganza

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Lenoir Annual Easter Egg Hunt

11 PROSPER- Promoting Strong Military Families 12 Young Lives, Big Stories: Share and Win 13 Spotlight on Military Families 14 Being a Military Child 19 Let’s Go Camping 20 The Hermans: Living Family Programs 22 Families Welcome Home Soldiers from 1-252 AR If you would like to submit photos or stories for future issues of Family Matters, please contact SSG Tammy Fowler at tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil

On the cover: Son of CW3 Jimmy Suggs 30th ABCT

April is upon us and that means spring is in full force, tax deadlines are looming, the school year is slowly wrapping up and most importantly of course, it’s MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD! Children face many challenges being a military child. Whether it’s relocating and adjusting to a new school every few years or dealing with their military parent being away for days, weeks or sometimes even months at a time. Somehow, the military child manages to remain resilient and that is why it is important to honor and celebrate these kids and show them just how special their service is.

The service of a military child can sometimes go unnoticed and taken for granted so in 1986, Casper Weinberger, former Secretary of Defense, declared April as Month of the Military Child in order to honor the service of all Military Children. Schools, installations and organizations all over the world will be honoring and celebrating the Military Child all month long.

The North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Office will be celebrating Military Children across the state. Contact your Family Assistance Center to find out about the event taking place in your area.

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4th Annual Easter EGGstravaganza Local Service Members and their families celebrated Easter in a big way on March 26th at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, NC. The Raleigh Family Programs team along with volunteers from the USO of North Carolina, The American Red Cross and members of the North Carolina National Guard Triangle Teen Council stuffed and hid over 3,000 eggs around the campus of JFHQ. Military children of all ages searched for eggs stuffed with candy and prizes were given to those finding the most.

Wendi Bell, Family Assistance Center Specialist at JFHQ says events like the annual Easter egg hunt are the favorite part of her job. “It’s a lot of hard work planning these types of events but then when you see the faces on those little kids running around hunting eggs, it makes all the hard work worth it” says Bell. SSG Robert Benson says this was his first time at the Easter event. He was impressed that the event offered activities for all ages especially since he has five kids ranging in ages ten months old to ten years old.

SSG Jill Holtz of JFHQ said she particularly enjoyed the event because it was her son’s very first Easter Egg Hunt.

“It took him a while to figure out the concept of putting an egg in a basket but once he did, he pretty much cleared one side of the small field by himself.” says Holtz. She also said that it meant a lot to her to not only share this experience with her immediate family but her Army family as well.

SGT Jason Pleasant and his family were also first-timers at the EGGstravaganza and was pleased with the event.

“As a Service Member, we are always receiving recognition and attention as we are out and about in uniform so it was great to see every thing devoted to the kids”, says Pleasant. He adds, “my daughter is already planning for next year!”

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This year, the event had over 200 people attend and over 30 volunteers in attendance to help make the event a success. “We could not do events like this without the help of these volunteers”, says SSG Tammy Fowler, State Family Programs Assistant. “They put 110% into these events and we are so thankful to have such a great partnership with these folks”, Fowler continues. The USO of North Carolina has partnered for several years on Family Programs events. They provide food, arts and crafts, face painting and games as well stuff all of those eggs.

Volunteers from the American Red Cross and teens from the NCNG Triangle Teen Council were also on site this year to help out wherever needed. The event was a huge success and we look forward to the next EGGstavaganza!

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Easter in Lenoir

The Lenoir Family Assistance Center hosted the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Foothills Readiness Center in Lenoir on March 19th. The kids were treated to games, arts and crafts, prizes and much more. They were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their service as a Military Child.

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The Solis Family The Solis family was established in 2010! Sergeant Jose Solis and his wife, Holly first met through mutual friends at a summer BBQ. Benjamin Solis was born two years later and his brother Nathaniel Solis two years after that! Sergeant Solis and his family live in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The oldest son, Benjamin loves all things Lightning McQueen!

He first watched the movie Cars when he was just over a year old and has been obsessed with race cars ever since. Benjamin also loves being outdoors as much as possible. He is always climbing, running, and laughing. One of his favorite indoor activities is reading.

Before going to bed each night, he loves for his parents to read him several books.

Nathaniel, the youngest, is such a happy child. You can always find him with a smile on his face. He is not shy and loves to have all eyes on him. Nathaniel loves to take things apart and try to put them back together again, especially his big brother’s toys! One of his favorite snacks is Takis chips. He and his dad love to sit back after a long day of school and work with a bag of Takis watch some PBS shows!

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Being a Military Child isn’t always easy. That’s why there is a whole month to honor and celebrate our little ones. Check out these stories and photos from some of our own NCNG kids.

My name is Tylik Simmons. I’m 14 right now. I am a military teen not regular teen. When my mom said she was leaving, I was sad- just sad. I knew that she would come back but I couldn’t do anything but play games and eat because I couldn’t go anywhere. I like the job she has and my mom is funny and cool.

-Tylik, age 14

This is my first year participating in NCNG teen council but you can tell they treat each other like family. It is a lot of fun to meet new people and make so many friends. It has really helped me knowing what I want to do with my life. It’s so much fun to work with other kids and see them smile. I used to not talk a lot but when I joined Teen Council it really helped me get more confidence and now I’m in drama. They have known each other for years and it’s really very loving setting. I enjoy it a lot. Just being around them and talking with them makes me laugh and smile.

-Kassidy, age 13 14

I am so proud of my son. Since he was 3 years old all he has ever wanted to do was follow in his dad's footsteps and be a Soldier! Now at age 15 and in JROTC, he takes great pride in becoming a future leader. From Kids on Guard, Civil Air Patrol and now JROTC- the military is instilling Respect, Honor and Leadership in my son. I love you Sean and cant wait to see how God uses you and blesses your future. I am so proud of you today and everyday.

-Sabreina Johnson

Being military child has its pros and cons. Sometimes it can be difficult knowing that my dad can be deployed, but I am thankful for the time that I have been given with him. With the possibility of his deployment, I try extra hard to bond and keep a thriving relationship with him. As a child many opportunities are presented to me through Teen Council, all of which I happily attend. From honoring our Veterans to helping at an event with other military children, I am filled with joy knowing I helped put a smile on their faces.

-Nolan, age 16

My mom went overseas 3 times- 1 time to Afghanistan and 2 times to Iraq. When she was in Iraq, she was gone for a year and I was 7 years old. She only to come home twice. Once between September and October and another time in the Spring. It was one day in 3rd grade, we were in the computer lab and I was playing games on my computer. The door to the computer class opened up, and all I saw was a girl in an army uniform. It was my mom! I was so happy when I saw her.

-Desmond, age 14 15

I have been a military child for 8 years now. This deployment has made me more understand what a military child is and how hard it can be sometimes. There are times I miss my dad during training and deployments.

It does make me happy knowing that my dad is serving his country. I am very proud of my dad. When I see my dad in his uniform, it makes me want to be like him. I love telling people that my dad is always helping people from other countries. My dad is a leader and me being a military child, I am a leader also. Thank you dad for all you do to protect me and others.

-Christopher, age 8

My name is Autumn and I am 15 years old. When my dad was deployed, when I was in fourth and fifth grade, it changed my life, but in the end many positive things have from this experience. I found a community of people to support me and love me, I gained new experiences that I would never have had without have a father who deployed. I have been to different cities, states and even countries with my family, met kids my age from all over the United States and experienced joy when my dad came home. Being a military child changed my life.

It was hard and painful but all of this made me stronger than most people could ever imagine.

-Autumn, age 15

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Thanks for Supporting me throughout my Military Career. Love you both to the Moon & Back.

Dad - SFC Larry D Wilson II

Hello, my name is Jared Brodie and I am 14 years old. John F. Kennedy once said "Ich bin einen Berliner" which means I am a jelly doughnut. Well I say "Das Militär ist einen Berliner" because the life of a military kid is similar to a jelly doughnut. The inside of a jelly doughnut is sweet and so is a military kid's life. The military provides countless opportunities for kids. We are able to go to free camps, be a part of organizations like Teen Council, visit places we have never been, and attend countless other things.

Although a doughnut is sweet it can also hurt your health. Comparatively, the military life for kids hurts. It is hard to experience a parent's deployment. It is mentally and physically draining. In addition the military life exhausts your parents; therefore, fatigue prevents them from being as committed in your life as they could be. Overall, I am glad that my parents is a part of this great organization.

-Jared, age 14

Being a military kid has its ups and downs, the ups include getting recognition, going to volunteer opportunities, or summer camp. Waking up early may not be a part of every military household but waking up at the break of dawn, you realize how lucky you are. This causes character to build for your future, which ensures us kids that we can be or do anything if we set our mind to it. Respect may also develop for your parents as you learn from the military new techniques which can be fun at times. I’ve been to a lot of volunteer opportunities and it excites me how when I to bring joy to others, even if I am tired. This is the beauty of it, being a military kid. It helps you care about others which creates a sense of morality in how life is supposed to be. It also gives us opportunities to meet new people and friends which can create jobs for you or other unveil other interests. Being a military child is a blessing and if you are willing to take that blessing it will make ALL the difference!

-Hunter, age 17

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The Hermans Living Family Programs an Open Letter from Julia Herman We are the Hermans. My husband SSG Keith Herman has served seventeen years- nine active duty Marines and eight full time National Guard. Together, we have four wonderful children– Andrew (14), Aiden (10), Addison (8) and Anson (3).

I cannot say enough about the different opportunities that Family Programs has available and all that the Child and Youth Program has done for my children. It was such an honor and privilege to be able to visit Governor McCrory’s mansion in December! The kids, along with myself, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves that day.

I also took advantage of the Our Military Kids scholarship for Addison last year while my husband was deployed. This scholarship assisted with cost for dance competitions. We have used NAACRA to help pay for childcare costs while I was finishing my Bachelor’s Degree at UNC-Greensboro. We have also attended the Strong Bonds Marriage Retreats. The list could go on and on. Andrew, age 14, asks all the time about when he gets to go to camp again. He has really loved going to Betsy Jeff Penn. Millstone was really fun because of all the archery and shooting skills they got to do there. He said he looks forward to seeing the friends he meets each year and meeting new friends too. He is excited to be moving up to Teen Retreat this coming summer.

Aiden, age 10, said he is excited to be in Family Matters. He is looking forward to summer camp this year. He said he can’t wait to go back to Betsy Jeff Penn. He also mentioned how much fun he had at Camp Butner for the Kids On Guard Camp even though his rocket wouldn’t launch.

Addison, age 8, finally got her first taste of summer camp last year and had so much fun. She is constantly asking about getting to go again because of how many new friends she made last summer. She really enjoyed participating in the talent show and showcasing her dancing and tumbling skills.

Anson, age 3, hasn’t really been a part of any organized events aside from Yellow Ribbon but I was so happy to how he warmed up to all the loving child care teammates.

If there is a program available to us, I do my best to take advantage of it! I can’t thank you enough for always answering any and all of my questions. I really appreciate all you do for our family and everyone else too. If I had any advice it would be to take advantage of all the great free programs that are available.

Warmly, Julia Herman 20

Families Welcome Home Soldiers from 1-252 AR

Family and friends gathered at the Morrisville armory on March 22nd to welcome home the Soldiers of HHC and Alpha Company 1-252nd AR. They returned to tears of joy, lots of hugs and kisses and even one proposal.

Families members traveled from all across the state and a few even traveled from other states in order to greet their loved one for the first time in almost a year. Members of HHC and Alpha Company 1-252nd AR spent ten months in Kosovo on a peacekeeping mission conducting presence patrols.

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Family Assistance Centers

Statewide Support

Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd. 28208 Carry Bandy: carry.s.bandy.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4573 Anthony Moore: anthony.r.moore8.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4547

NCNG Service Members and Families’ First Line of Defense Call 1-855-322-3848

East Flat Rock Unit Family Contact Center 2025 Spartanburg Hwy. 28726 Rebekah Torres: rebekah.s.torres.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-0565 Military OneSource Here to help you with just about any need, by phone or online. The service is completely private and confidential with few exceptions. www.militaryonesource.mil 1-800-342-9647

Greensboro State Family Assistance Center 110 Franklin Blvd. 27401 Lynn Stenson: deborah.t.stenson2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5649 Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr. 27834 David Kovach: david.p.kovach2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1150 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd. 28645 Frances Johnson: frances.r.johnson28.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1242 Morrisville Unit Family Contact Center 2050 National Guard Dr. Mark Woolbright: mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6377 Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 1636 Gold Star Dr. 27607 Wendi Bell: wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6078 Lisa Faison: lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7100 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd. 27577 Abby Millsap: abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2784

Family Readiness Support Services Charlotte Nikkie Newsome genesia.k.newsome.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4548

Morrisville George Lane george.w.lane2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6313

Clinton Jacqueline Connell (984) 661-5136

Raleigh Norman Dean norman.g.dean2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6537

Goldsboro Gerald Murray gerald.t.murray.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5423 Greensboro Jill Hathaway jill.a.hathaway.ctr@mail.mil 984-661-5651

Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 510 Morganton Rd. 28387 Earlene Buchan edna.e.buchan.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2683 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd. 28405 Jim Marley: james.e.marley.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6918 Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy. 27103 Sandy Harrison: sandra.b.harrison2.ctr@mail.mil (984)-661-7131

@ncngfamilyprograms

@ncngfamily

FRSS Trainer Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5620