Family Matters April 2015

Family Matters Special Month of the Military Child Issue Vol. 6 Issue 4 April 2015

In this issue: It’s all about the Military Child!

Look for upcoming events to help you celebrate this month!

Family Matters April 2015 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 Jason Pleasant Senior FRSA matthew.j.pleasant.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7017 Alice Dean Lead Child and Youth Coordinator alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6676 Terry Henderson Airman & Family Readiness Program Manager terry.henderson@ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949 About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Service members and 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 or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

A Message from the Director Happy spring, everyone! We finally made it. In April’s special issue of Family Matters, you will find lots of great information on Month of the Military Child (MOMC). It is definitely time to celebrate our children! They support us every day. They impact our lives every day!

Please take the time to read the stories our Military children have written and shared. The pictures are wonderful!

Spring is a time for “renewal” or starting over. If you’re without a job or maybe looking for something different, please take a look at the Education and Employment Center information. Just like Family Programs, the EEC are located around the state to serve you.

While we’re talking about “renewal”, don’t forget those very special relationships in your life. The Chaplains are planning an exciting Strong Bonds season this year. We have information on the upcoming events for you to participate in, whether you are married, have a Family or maybe just single and dating. All of these wonderful programs and the Chaplains do a fantastic job of making these events informative and fun.

You will notice many of our MOMC events are different this year than in the past. We’re trying to reach out to all of you, no matter your interests and provide an opportunity to celebrate your children. We have a Teen Lock-In in the western part of the state, a Teen Appreciation Night and a military “type” Ball for Service Members and their children. This is a chance to have that special “date” with your child(ren). There is also an opportunity to take a trip to the Arboretum in the Village of Pinehurst where they will be hosting a Month of the Military Child Celebration as well. We are able to provide these events by partnering with some amazing organizations such as the folks at the arboretum, USO of North Carolina, the Elks Lodge of Raleigh and many more.

I can’t close out this month’s Family Matters without saying “Happy Easter” to all of you! I hope that you are able to enjoy your time together during the month of April. Thankfully, daylight savings time has started so it’s lighter longer in the evenings and the weather is getting warmer (well, at least it’s supposed to be).

Remember, if you need anything, we are always here for you. Our locations and phone numbers are listed on the last page.

Happy Spring! :)

Diane

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Table of Contents 4

Meet Your Family Programs Staff

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April is the Month of the Military Child

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Spotlight on Military Families

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MOMC “Their Lives, Their Stories”

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MOMC “We Salute You!”

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Easter at the Executive Mansion

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Meet Your Family Programs Staff Kyle Snyder Family Assistance Center Specialist Greenville, NC Kyle began working with Family Programs in October of 2014. His duties include Soldier and Family Support of approximately 10 units through out the state, providing anything from guidance for issues that may come up to helping a family in a support role . He has always had a passion for helping Soldiers and their Families.

Originally from New York, Kyle now resides in Clayton, NC. He is married to Joann Ryan-Snyder and together they have 5 wonderful kids- Brandon, Kayla, McKenna, Macy and Kyle. Kyle was medically retired from the NC National Guard in October of 2014 after15 years from injuries sustained in Afghanistan.

He is an avid sports fan and has done some part time coaching for some local high schools. His passion is his family and enjoys spending time with them.

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Meet Your Family Programs Staff Wendi Bell Family Assistance Center Specialist JFHQ– Raleigh, NC

Wendi began working with Family Programs in June of 2008. Her duties include providing confidential assistance to Service Members and their Families, educating them on benefits and entitlements as well as assisting in unit and community events.

Wendi is a native of Garner, NC and is a mother to four wonderful kids and also has a nine month old granddaughter. Her children are very active so Wendi spends a lot of time either on the baseball field, gymnastics events or whatever afterschool activity is going on at the time. Her father is a Veteran of the Vietnam War so she has a great deal of respect and admiration for all Veterans and Military Families.

Wendi loves to travel but mostly enjoys traveling to the beach or anywhere where the weather is warm and there is a lake or pool nearby.

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The EEC also has locations across the state to better serve the needs of you and your family!

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Month of the Military Child was started in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. He stated that the “Total Force” did not only mean Active, Guard and Reserve components but the Service Member, Spouse and Children. Children are our inspiration and we should recognize their personal sacrifices and resilience. Being part of a military family brings many challenges with separations but also opportunities to grow and thrive.

We have approximately 1.7 million military children between birth and 18 throughout the US and its Territories. So let’s all celebrate the courage, sacrifice, confidence, character, leadership and resilience of our military kids during Month of the Military Child this April. This year’s theme is “Their Lives, Their Stories” and some pretty amazing stories they tell not only in words (poems & songs) but in their art work. Don’t forget Wednesday 15 April is “Purple Up” for Military Kids so put on your purple to show your support.

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Spotlight on Military Families

Abagail Smith Daughter of MSG James Smith 130th MEB Charlotte, NC

Being a part of a military family can be both challenging and rewarding. Each month, we will be “spotlighting” a NCNG Family Member who exemplifies what it is like to be a part of a military family. This month, our feature Family Member is Abagail (Abbey) Smith, daughter of MSG James Smith (130th MEB).

“What challenges have you faced as a military teen?”

Abbey: “The first challenge is moving and having only my mom at home while my dad is working. Luckily I have only had to move twice but it is still a major change when you go somewhere and you don’t know anyone. Another challenge is when a military parent cannot be there all the time for special occasions like going to events or just not being home due to work.

Abbey is a 15 year old sophomore at Pinecrest High Another challenge is when a parent has to deploy School in Pinehurst, NC. She is a member of the high because it can take a huge emotional toll on a teen. school varsity volleyball team as a setter. She also has Having a parent deploy at a young age myself was been playing travel volleyball with the AC Sandhills tough but having family and friends surrounding you Volleyball Team for the past four years where she is helps you get through it all” the starting setter. Abbey also played local recreation and travel softball for about six years.

“Do you feel like there are advantages or disadvantages of having a parent in the military and if Not only is Abbey a superstar on the volleyball court, so, what would those be?” she also excels off the court as well. She currently Abbey: “There are both advantages and carries a GPA of 4.5 and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s disadvantages to having a parent in the military. I am Degree in Forensic Science with hopes of continuing lucky to call my parent a HERO as a kid because he is on to a Master’s Degree in the same area of an actual real hero. Another advantage is having the concentration. Abby is a member at Fairview Baptist benefits to go to college. The military gives out Church and is an active member of the Girls in Action scholarships which can help getting into a school. The (GA) ministry . major disadvantage is just having my dad being gone.

It is like a missing piece of a puzzle of the family. We We asked Abbey some questions about what it means all miss him.” to her to be a military teen and how it has affected her life and here’s what she had to say.

What advice would you give other military teens?

Abbey: “I would tell them to stay strong no matter “What does it mean to you to be a military teen?” what the situation may be whether it is a parent is Abbey: “It means to be able to sacrifice some things going through deployment or if work has kept them and to be able to support my family while my parent is from most of the events in your life.” away from home whether it is because he is deployed or just has to work a lot. Sometimes you have to take We truly appreciate Abbey sharing her thoughts on on the responsibility to step up and become another being a part of a military family. If you would like to see parent to younger siblings or even giving up things on your family member featured in upcoming issues, feel weekends to help around the house. Being a military free to contact us. We would love to share your story! child is something I am proud of because knowing that I have a parent that would risk everything not just for me and my family but for this country is a privilege.”

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The theme for the 2015 Month of the Military Child is “Their Lives, “Their Stories”.

We want to highlight the unique lifestyles, contributions and sacrifices military children make to our nation. Here are just a few amazing military children who wanted to share “their story” with you!

Being a military child can make you feel a lot of ways! There are advantages and disadvantages. It can make you feel sad, scared, proud, anxious, worried, and very excited. It can make you feel sad when your Daddy or Mommy gets deployed. When they leave, it can make you really sad, especially knowing that you’re not going to see them for awhile.

It can make you feel scared when your Mommy or Daddy is fighting in a war because a lot of people die during that time. It can make you feel proud when you’re at a restaurant, store, park...anywhere and somebody thanks your Mommy or Daddy as they see them walk by in their uniform and YOU get to hold their hand. It can make you feel anxious when your Mommy or Daddy get deployed. You never know where or when they’re going to go. It can make you feel worried when they have to go somewhere out of the state. You never know, anything could happen at any time. In the end, something good can come out of it. When they come back it can make you feel very excited to see them. The big hug and kiss makes a memory right there, right then. That’s what it feels like to be a Military Child!

Month of the Military Child

“Their Lives, Their Stories”

When my dad leaves on the drill weekends I feel sad, but when my dad comes home, I smile and I am excited to see him. I know my dad is leaving for more than just a weekend coming soon and I will be sad again, but I know he is helping people which makes me happy. He is my HERO!!!

Christopher (age 7)

Faith (age 9)

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Hi, my name is Morgan. I am 11 years old and in the 5th grade. I would like to share a little about my life as a military child. I have been a military child since birth. I was 18 months old the first time my Dad deployed to Iraq. He was gone for 14 months on this tour of duty. I do not remember much about this deployment except that my Mother would sit us in front of the computer and show us a picture of him when he called home so that we could see him in his military surroundings. We never knew exactly where he was for our safety and his. My Dad always tried to call home on Sunday afternoons so that we could all speak with him. When he returned, I was almost 3 years old. I knew who he was by the pictures Mother had shown us but I really did not know him. It took me a few weeks to get to know and trust him. I was glad when my Dad returned home.

He was able to stay home with us until his deployment in 2012. The deployment of 2012 was the hardest for me. I had gotten use to my Dad being home with the exception of monthly drill weekends and his 2 week Annual Training Exercises that took place each year. The time difference made it hard for us to talk to him. My Mother arranged with our school for my Dad to be able to call and talk to us due to the time difference in Afghanistan. I was so surprised when my principal came and got my sister and I from class so we could talk to our Dad. At that time, we were the only kids at our school with a deployed parent. Dad’s tour of duty lasted a total of 9 months or so this time. We were able to Skype with him and he even joined us on a Sunday morning service a couple of times, which was great. Everyone at church was able to say hello and he cried along with us. My Mother got sick while he was gone and had to have surgery on her nose and throat. She could not talk for 3 months which was hard for her to do. She would try to talk to Daddy when he would call home. We did not hear from him for a couple of weeks at a time. This scared me because I did not know if my Dad was alive or not. My Dad has served almost 18 years in the National Guard. I am so glad that my dad loves our country enough to put his life on the line to protect us. My heart goes out to every family that serves in the military. You do not realize how much they mean to you until they are 9,000 miles away from you. God be with all the Soldiers and their families! I do not know if my Dad will be deployed again or not but if he is, my family and I will support his whole unit until they return home safely. Thank you all for your sacrifices!

Morgan (age 11)

Don’t forget to Purple Up for Military Kids on April 15th!

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My name is Janene and I am 13 years old. My dad is in the military. I was 3 years old when he was first deployed to Iraq in 2005. He was gone for 14 months. It was not long until he was deployed again to Afghanistan in 2012. He came back in April of 2013. All I have even known is military life. It will not be long until he will have 18 years in April. I am so proud of my dad. It is so hard on me because there are not enough military kids around where we live. I never know when he is going to be deployed or when he can call to tell us he is okay. I like when he is at work because he is making us money to pay bills with and buy groceries.

When he first deployed to Iraq, my little sister was 18 months old. He is so good at being at work on time. He loves helping others while away.

Janene (age 13)

Month of the Military Child

“Their Lives, Their Stories”

Hi, my name is Cadence Mullis.

Both my parents are in the Army and both are E-7s or Sergeants First Class. It can be hard when they are away, like when daddy went to Afghanistan or when mom and dad went to Iraq together for 15 months. I was only 18 months old and almost 3 when they came back. Even though it’s hard when they are gone, I know they are serving our country. It is a little easier now when they are gone because they got me dolls with their pictures on it. Even though I am only 10 years old, I understand a lot about the military. I am very, VERY proud of both of my parents!

Cadence (age 10)

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I was very sad when my dad told me he was leaving because he takes good care of me. I am very sad but I am very proud of my dad. I will be glad when my dad gets home. He will be gone a whole year.

Rickie (age 6)

My name is Sydney Hayes. I am 14 years old and have been a military child all of my life. Being a military kid can be challenging at times, emotional, fun and extremely hard. The challenging times are when your parent is gone for awhile. You have to step up in the house, helping more, being a little adult. I feel like as a military child, you mature faster than a kid with a parent that has an everyday regular job. It’s emotional because you have a parent gone quite often. It’s hard not having them there. There are upsides to it too. The military offers a lot for kids like us. For example, when I was about 8-10 years old, every year I went to a Kids on Guard event. I got to meet a lot of kids that I could relate to about a parent being gone.

I’ve made a lot of friends over the past years. It makes it easier having someone that can relate to what you’re going through and has the same struggles as you do and to talk to. You also get a different sense of pride for your parent than other kids do. I’m proud to be a military kid and I’m proud of my dad. He’s my best friend, even though he’s not here for every game or dance competition. He’s always there to rely on.

Honestly, I think it’s him being away that makes the bond between us stronger. I wouldn’t want to be an average kid. This way is way more fun!

Sydney (age 14)

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Month of the Military Child

We Salute You! Being a Military Child isn’t always easy. It can bring many challenges that other kids may never have to face. This is a time when we show our appreciation to those amazing kids and let them know just how much their support means to all of us. So to all the military kids out there, a BIG thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!

Lanie, You are strength and you help me strive to be the best father I can be.

Love you with all my heart, Lanie Bug! Love always, Dad Submitted by CPT & Mrs. Ben Reeves Submitted by SPC Lloyd Messer

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Thanks for being an awesome nephew and for all of your support!

Love you!

Jamie and Sam, Thanks for being such great kids!

Miss you.

Love, Dad

Submitted by SSG Tammy Fowler

Submitted by SSG Ken Martinsen

Submitted by MAJ Sarah Miller

Submitted by SSG Candita Brandon

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Month of the Military Child

We Salute You! Submitted by SSG Justin Hedgepeth

Submitted by SSG Semra Leary

Submitted by SSG Lance Hayes

Don’t forget to Purple Up for Military Kids on April 15th!

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Submitted by Sarah Thorpe

Submitted by April McCorvey

Submitted by SFC April Smith

Submitted by SFC Robert Shook

Submitted by Tiffany Weber

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EASTER at the Executive Mansion Governor Pat McCrory and First Lady Ann McCrory opened up the Executive Mansion to host an Easter egg hunt for Military Families across North Carolina. Military Families from all branches of services came together to enjoy a fun-filled day. Thank you to Gov. and Mrs. McCrory for hosting such an incredible event.

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Family Assistance Centers

Statewide Support

Family Assistance Centers are located across the State to provide assistance to ALL Military Service Members and their Families.

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 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

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 Kyle Snyder: kyle.j.snyder.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 Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd. 27607 Lisa Faison: lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7100 Mark Woolbright: mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7102 JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center 1636 Gold Star Dr. 27607 Wendi Bell: wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6078 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd. 27577 Abby Millsap: abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2784

Family Readiness Support Assistants Raleigh Jason Pleasant matthew.j.pleasant.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7017 Senior FRSA

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

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 Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4735

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

Goldsboro Vacant (984) 661-5423

Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 500 Morganton Rd. 28387 Earlene Capps: earlene.b.capps.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

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