Family Matters February 2012

FAMILY MATTERS February 2012 2012— —Volume 4, Issue 2

Got Skills?

Buzz Words for translating your military life experience

When to Say When Re Re--integrating after more than a year

Hiring Heroes Employment Events for Servicemembers and Spouses

Military Kids Connect Free, online, interactive social network for more than 2 2--million military kids

Upcoming Events Strong Bonds Veterans Opportunities Character building events

foron North Carolina Kids Guard

National Guard Soldiers Married, Single or with kids

February 2012

FAMILY MATTERS 1

Volume 4, Issue 2

Contents 3 4 5 6 8 9 15

Director’s Column

13 14 15

Child and Youth

Hiring Heroes Events Strong Bond Events Coming Soon In the News Got Skills?

Reintegration-When is Enough, Enough?

FRG Community Outreach Webinar/Yellow Ribbon FAC Contact OMK Kids Visual Arts Contest

On the cover: Dylan, son of Sgt. Dana Perdue and Lisa, poses for a photo in his uniform while at one of the 2011 Family Programs Strong Bonds Events.

(Photo by NCNG Wilmington FAC Network Coordinator, Judy Howard) Want to be on the cover of the next Family Matters? Send a photo with a short description (who, doing what, when, where) and who took the photo to ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com

Become a FAN

FAMILY MATTERS FEBRUARY 2012 Diane Coffill State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324 SFC Ramona Scott Family Program NCOIC ramona.scott1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 47005 Wendi Bell Administrative Assistant wendi.bell@us.army.mil (919) 664-6078 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 652-4595 Ext. 14 Vacant Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr. (704) 398-4949 Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 804-5300 Ext. 16289 Angelena Dockery Marketing & Communications Manager sallie.a.dockery@us.army.mil (919) 485-9570 Kathryn Jarvis Marketing & Communications Manager Kathryn.jarvis@us.army.mil (919) 485-9571 Judy Richardson Senior FRSA judy.richardson@us.army.mil (919) 347-4352 Ext. 15

Join us on Facebook Search NCNG Family Programs

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NC National Guard Family Programs State Office 1626 Gold Star Drive Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 (919) 664-6053 www.nc.ngb.army.mil

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DIRECTOR’s COLUMN Families and Friends, We are kicking off February with ways our Families and Servicemembers can have a successful 2012.

Our North Carolina National Guard Strong Bonds events are scheduled throughout the year from the coast to the mountains. We are lucky to be able to have four Marriage Enrichment events, three Single Soldier events and three Family Retreats. Although we are unable to reimburse travel this year, we hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity for yourself and the important people in your lives.

We know as Citizen Military Families employment readiness is an integral part of your success. We have partnered with several organizations, such as Heroes 2 Hire, to provide you with tools to help navigate through employment searches and preparedness.

As a part of being prepared, we also recognize that reintegration can take some time and patience. For some of you, it has been more than a year and things just aren’t getting back to normal as quickly or smoothly as you may like. This month we have compiled a short article with the perspective of one military spouse and how, even after a year or two, you and your family can get unity back. Out Military Family Life Consultants and Behavioral Health Program staff are armed with the best knowledge and intent to make your reintegration as successful as you want it to be.

In addition, we are excited about having the opportunity to offer Dave Ramsey courses in select locations. Our Military Family Life Consultant, Dave Porter, Accredited Financial Counselor, will initially host the courses in Charlotte and Raleigh. Keep your eyes out for the dates; they will be announced soon.

We wish you all the best this year and look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. Remember, February 14th is Valentine’s Day … have some fun!!!

Sincerely, Diane Coffill, State Family Program Director About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Servicemembers and Families the most up-to-date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues or if you have suggestions and comments, please contact the NCNG Family Programs Marketing and Communications Department personnel, Angelena Dockery or Kathryn Jarvis at ncngFamilyprograms@gmail.com. E -Versions of Family Matters can be downloaded at the NCNG Family Programs webpage at www.nc.ngb.army.mil.

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

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Fayetteville NC Crown Center 1960 Coliseum Drive Fayetteville, NC February 10, 2012 9 a.m.—Noon Veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, and eligible spouses are welcome to this one-of-a -kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers.

Employers and job seekers must pre-register for FREE at HoH.GreatJob.net. If you need assistance registering, please contact hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.

The North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management will conduct a workshop to help to prepare our Heroes for this upcoming job fair. If you need to brushup on your interviewing skills, write or update your resume, or practice interviewing in a mock interview, then come to The Fayetteville Public Works Building at 955 Old Wilmington Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301 on February 2, 2012. HR professionals will be there to assist you. The workshop will run from 3-4:30 p.m. Mock interviews will be conducted from 5-7 p.m. Register for this workshop , by emailing david.ponder@us.army.mil or call (919) 4859567.

EMPLOYMENT EVENTS Preparing for Civilian Jobs Raleigh, North Carolina Workshop February 13, 2012 Capital Associated Industries, 2900 Highwoods Blvd, Raleigh, NC On February 13, 2012, the North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management will conduct a workshop to help to prepare our Heroes for upcoming job fairs. If you need to brush up on your interviewing skills, write or update your resume, or practice interviewing in a mock interview, then come to Capital Associated Industries, 2900 Highwoods Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604 on February 13, 2012. HR professionals will be there to assist you. The workshop will run from 3-4:30 p.m. Mock interviews will be conducted from 5-7 p.m.

Register for this event by contacting Wendy Bradley at (919) 431-6080. This Hero2Hired (H2H) sponsored hiring event is being conducted by the North Carolina Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative.

Charlotte (Concord), NC The Embassy Suites 5400 John Q. Hammons Drive NW Concord, NC February 13, 2012 9 a.m.—Noon

Veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members, and eligible spouses are invited to a one-of-a-kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers.

Employers and job seekers must pre-register for FREE at HoH.GreatJob.net. If you need assistance registering, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at hiringourheroes@uschamber.com.

The North Carolina Society of Human Resource Management will conduct a workshop to help to prepare our Heroes for the upcoming job fair. If you need to brush up on your interviewing skills, write or update your resume, or practice interviewing in a mock interview, then come to The Employers Association at 3020 W. Arrowood Road, Charlotte, NC, 28273 on February 7, 2012. HR professionals will be there to assist you. The workshop will run from 3-4:30 p.m. Mock interviews will be conducted from 5-7 p.m.

Register for this event at www.employersassoc.com or call (704) 5228011.

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FAMILY MATTERS| STRONG BONDS RETREATS

Retreat to Reintegrate Family Retreats April 20-22, 2012, Gatlinburg, TN June 22-24, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC August 10-12, 2012, Mountains

Need to talk? Call us today.

Voluntary, Confidential, Free, and Professionally Staffed 1-800-621-4136 Option 1 NORTH CAROLINA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

FREE INCOME TAX RETURN PROGRAM By the OFFICE OF THE STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate will be preparing federal and state income tax returns free of charge for members of the NC National Guard and their Families starting February 15 through April 15 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Services are available by appointment only at NCNG Joint Force Headquarters, 1626 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607-6410.

Interested soldiers and family members should contact Laura Forrest at laura.m.forrest2@us.army.mil or call (919) 334-9957 for additional information or to schedule appointments.

Marriage Enrichment Retreats March 16-18, 2012, New Bern, NC May 4-6, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC June 8-10, 2012, Asheville, NC July 27-29, 2012, Charleston, SC Single Soldier Retreats April 27-29, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC July 20-22, 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC August 17-19, 2012, Beach Download the Registration Form at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/strongbonds/. For Strong Bonds information, contact Wendi Bell at (919) 664-6078 or wendi.bell@us.army.mil. **Dates and Locations are Subject to Change.**

Please bring the following items with you:  Valid military identification for yourself and/or your spouse  Social security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents (social security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration or military IDs are also valid)  Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents  Current year’s tax package, if you received one  Wage and earnings statement(s) (i.e. Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc. from all employers)  Interest and dividend statements from banks (i.e. Form 1099-INT or 1099-DIV)  A copy of last year’s federal and state tax return  Bank routing numbers and account numbers if you’d like to take advantage of direct deposit  Other relevant information about income and expenses (especially if you plan to itemize deductions) such as medical receipts, mortgage interest statements, receipts evidencing property taxes paid, receipts evidencing charitable contributions, etc.  Total amount paid for day care and the day care providers’ tax identification number (the individual’s Social Security Number or the business’ Employer Identification Number)  Statement of a physician if you are blind and/or permanently and totally disabled  Valid power of attorney if you will be signing the income tax returns on behalf of your spouse February 2012

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IN THE NEWS Free Credit Score and Credit Analysis for Service Members and Military Families

THE MILITARY ONESOURCE FREE TAX FILING SERVICE IS HERE, FEATURING H&R BLOCK AT HOME® ONLINE

Military OneSource is pleased to announce the availability of the Military OneSource version of H&R Block At Home® Online tax preparation service.

If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save and file your 2011 Federal and up to three State returns online for free with the H&R Block At Home® tool. You must start your return from the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home® link to access this free offer.

In support of the National Guard Bureau, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), FINRA Investor Education Foundation (which is part of FINRA) has once again provided us with the opportunity to check our credit score and credit analysis free of charge, until 31 January 2012.

This program deadline has been extended in the past, so check Facebook for updates.

Every Service Member and Family Member alike should take advantage of this wonderful service!

NCMVP North Carolina Military Veteran Partnership

Join Family Programs Representatives, Local Community Leaders and Businesses for one of our upcoming NCMVP events, where we work together for solutions to better-support our Military Members and their Families within the local community.

Checking your credit through this site does NOT go against your credit history.

Pitt County Region Feb. 9, 2012 // 9a.m.—Noon Greenville Armory 1401 S. Memorial Blvd., Greenville

Go to: http://apps.finra.org/ myFICO/2/default.aspx On the right frame is the link to get the credit score Educator's code: NEU2BWJJ

Alexander Co. Co-Op Feb. 28, 2012 // 10 a.m. - 2 p.m 376 1st Ave. SW, Taylorsville

VA Announces Changes to Emergency Care Payment WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced a change in regulations regarding payments for emergency care provided to eligible Veterans in non-VA facilities.

“This provision helps ensure eligible Veterans continue to get the emergency care they need when VA facilities are not available,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

The new regulation extends VA’s authority to pay for emergency care provided to eligible Veterans at non-VA facilities until the Veterans can be safely transferred to a VA medical facility.

More than 100,000 Veterans are estimated to be affected by the new rules, at a cost of about $44 million annually.

VA operates 121 emergency departments across the country, which provide resuscitative therapy and stabilization in life-threatening situations. They operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The VA also has 46 urgent care units, which provide care for patients without scheduled appointments who need immediate medical or psychiatric attention.

For more information about emergency care in non-VA facilities, visit www.nonvacare.va.gov.

February 2012

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NC EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM | CAREER CONNECTIONS Virtual Military Career Fairs Now thru February 29, 2012 You are invited to participate in a Virtual Military Career Fair starting at Noon (EST) on Tuesday, January 31st.

This online recruiting event connects transitioning and former service members of all ranks and branches of service to a variety of "military friendly" employers. You will interact with a company's recruiter via electronic "text chats" to see if there is a potential fit between your background and the needs of the participating employers.

Regardless of where you are located, stateside or overseas, you can participate for free in this event using a computer with an Internet connection. After you register, you will receive additional instructions.

To register for the Jan. 31st event, visit http://www.brazenconnect.com/event/ corp_gray_jan_31 and complete the form.

You can also watch a video on “How Does a Virtual Military Career Fair Work” and read tips on how to prepare for a virtual career fair.

Be Ready For Your Opportunity Now, more than ever, leaders and businesses are coming together to train and hire Servicemembers, Veterans and Military Spouses. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities through our Website and Facebook Page !

Contact

David Ponder, Employment Specialist (919) 485-9567 DAVID.PONDER@US.ARMY.MIL

Don’t Hang Your Money Out To Dry Dave Ramsey Financial Courses Coming Soon!

Check back with us or join our Facebook to be the first to know!

Visit Corporate Gray Online to Find Jobs! http://www.corporategray.com/

If you need to re-arrange your finances, contact our Accredited Financial Counselor, David Porter at ncng.pfc@gmail.com.

(919) 334-8313

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GOT SKILLS? 1

2

DOWN 3 4 5 6

7

8

9

1. Work, home/car care and maintenance, (if children) take them to school, events, activities, pay bills, file taxes, ect (2words) 2. Reintegrate into your “new normal” & two parties getting what they want 4. Take on additional responsibilities as they need to be done; when Servicemember is gone for training, drill and deployments 5. Experienced in finding new ways for accomplishing goals and projects effectively and efficiently.

7. Able to accomplish set (5 letters) independently or as a team.

Revamp your resume and start searching today with

10

ACROSS 3. Ready at a moment’s notice to drive hours, so you can meet your Servicemember when they get off the plane.

6. Volunteer for Family Readiness Groups 8. Share experience, advice, & encouragement with other Military Families (2 words) 9. Pack and send care packages to someone overseas 10. Realize that you don't have to do everything alone, whether your Sevicemember is gone or back from duty. (2 words) Answers at the bottom of page 12

Military Spouse Employment Partnership Visit www.msepjobs.com/

Let your smartphone phone work for you!

Download the QR Code reader app, take a picture and the website is just a snap away!

NOMINATE A MILITARY DAD FOR THE 2012 MILITARY FATHERHOOD AWARD! National Fatherhood Initiative's Military Fatherhood Award annually recognizes a father who goes above and beyond his duties as both serviceman and dad to make sure he and his family stay connected and strong.

Your dad, or a military dad you know, could win this award! Nominations began in January, and will continue until the first 600 nominations are received. And, they always come in quickly, so complete your nomination as soon as possible!

Visit http://www.fatherhood.org/page.aspx?pid=1164 to register, or click the image above.

February 2012

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Reintegration When is Enough, Enough?

It has been more than 1 year since the last deployment and things are still not getting better. In the article “Reintegration: It’s More than Coming Home” by military spouse K. Tsetsi, Tetsi wrote, “…reintegration after deployment is the most challenging, treacherous, under-appreciated, under-acknowledged phase of the deployment cycle…You can’t go over it. You can’t go around it. You’ve got to go through it.” The challenge is still there even after the bags are unpacked and the closets are filled. The time when reintegration is complete for you will be different for another, there are too many individual factors to encompass this into a mold fit for everyone. But we can get the basics; the foundation for what might work for you.

So, what is reintegration anyway?

Reintegration, by definition is, “restoration to a unified state, or the process of returning the mind to an integrated state after it has been deranged by psychosis or the process of recalling an entire memory or a partial cue, as remembering the speech after hearing the first few words.” If you notice there is nothing mentioning things going back to the same fully or the way things were.

But it is finding what is best for you by combining your experience and changes that best fit you, make you happy. Tetsi wrote,

Add it to Your List

“The truth is the separation itself puts great strain on all the relationships involved regardless of what capacity the soldier served in while overseas. Regardless of whether they saw combat, or experienced an event that was physically or mentally harmful, regardless of the branch in which they serve. The deployment pushes and pulls us to our limits and affects every relationship. Husband/Wife. Father/Child.

Mother/child. Sibling/Sibling. The strain leaves all of these relationships altered.

When the soldier returns home, all of these relationships have to be renegotiated.

Problems often arise because the individuals attempting to negotiate with one another…actually don’t know each other all that well, anymore.”

So how do I get to know someone again?

People change and getting to know you and what you want is as important as getting to know someone again. This isn't always easy and can take some time and some coaching. We have programs and services in place to help with this sort of thing.

Call a Military Family Life Consultant Today John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

Throughout the year we are hosting Strong Bonds events. They are relationship strengthening, character building retreats for married couples, single Servicemembers and Families. During the retreats participants have time to focus on what they want what matters and how to negotiate in their relationships.

If you get frustrated or need a little help, our Military Family Life Consultants and our Behavioral Health program is a free benefit for Servicemembers, sisters/brothers, aunts/uncles, mothers/fathers, children and spouses. The services are staffed with trained professionals who honor privacy and are committed to a successful return to your new normal.

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THEME PARK MILITARY DISCOUNTS There are several places that are offering military discounts/or complimentary passes. Currently Seaworld and their affiliated parks are offering a free one -day pass, Dollywood is offering a 30% discount and the World of Coke is offering free admission. http:// www.militaryrates.com/military-discountsthemepark.cfm In addition to this and the information, below, the Army Times has a comprehensive list of theme parks, zoos and other attractions. Just click on the place of interest for more information about what and how the discounts are provided. http://www.armytimes.com/ marketplace/discounts/ theme_parks_zoos_attractions/2/ Also, Disney has extended their 2011 Salute the Troops into 2012. See below or at the link provided: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-ArmedForces-Salute.html The details on the 2012 Disney Military Salute are: The offer runs through 30 September 2012.

Military members may now purchase up to 12 of the Military Salute Tickets during the offer period,as long as no more than six (6) tickets are used at any one time.

There is maximum use of six theme park tickets per family at a time. However, Disney states exceptions should be made for immediate families larger than five people. For example, if a family has six children, Disney will allow all members of the family to purchase 4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets.

4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to add the Park Hopper® Option and Water Park Fun and More option. These options may be added any time prior to September 30, 2012. The noexpiration option is not available. Additional days may not be added to this ticket.

4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to Premium Annual, Annual, Seasonal and Weekday Select Passes. See here for a cost comparison (bottom of post).

Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida Resort Room Only Discounts – 40% off Deluxe Resorts, 35% off Moderates and Fort Wilderness Cabins, and 30% off Value Resorts.

Information pages on various Disney Resorts Disney World Room Blockout dates:  26-31 December 2012  1-12 April 2012  4 July 2012 See this page for information on Disney World's Resorts (continued)

The Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund’s New Website.

Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund (SAAF-NC) 7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607-5047 Phone: (919)-851-3390 Fax: (919)-859-4990 ncngsaaf@bellsouth.net

The mission of the Soldiers and Airmen's Assistance Fund is to provide emergency relied to our North Carolina National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and their families coping with extreme difficult situations. http://saaf-nc.com/ Theme Park  Four-Day and More  Four-Day and More

Ticket Discounts Park Hopper Tickets or Four-Day Water Park Tickets for $138.00 Park Hopper Tickets plus the Water Park Option for $165.00

These tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green, Your local Base Ticket Office, or Disney Theme Park ticket booths (Tax will be added at Disney ticket booths).

Blockout dates:  December 26-31, 2012  April 1-12, 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)  July 4, 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)

The Bobcats have a very special and unique offer to all the members of our Military. This year, every Friday Bobcats home game will be designated "Military Night" at Time Warner Cable Arena. As such, they have a special ticket offer that is being extended to our active duty military. For these games, any 200-Level seat can be purchased for just $10 and select 100 Level lo cations can be purchased for just $25! That’s a savings of up to 75%! Visit www.nba.com/bobcats/military.html

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FAMILY READINESS GROUPS | WEBINARS COMING FEBRUARY 2012 Judy Richardson, Senior FRSA 142 Broadhurst Road Jacksonville, NC 28540-3545 judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 15 (800) 621-4136 Ext. 8570 Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte: Nikkie Newsome nikkie.newsome@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14548 Clinton: Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 592-2100 Ext. 14735 Greensboro: Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15620 Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 731-2021 Ext. 2 Jacksonville: Judy Richardson judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 15 Morrisville: Jim Roberson james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 804-5300 Ext. 16313 Oxford: Norman Dean norman.dean@us.army.mil (919) 693-3651 Ext. 27 The Mission of the ARNG FRSA program is to empower commanders in their duty to deliver the Total Army Family Program (AR 600-20) so that soldiers and Families are entitled, informed, educated, assisted, and made ready for the unique demands of Military life before, during, and after deployment.

Everyone Ready® (ER) “It Takes Two to Tango: Building Successful Relationships Between Volunteers and Paid Staff, including Commanders” Presented By: Ivan H. Scheier

Session 1

Session 2

February 14, 10 a.m.

February 16, 9 p.m.

February 21, 10 a.m.

February 23, 9 p.m.

For further information, please contact deanna.l.cole@us.army.mil, (717) 533-2662, or tammychase.vtt@gmail.com.

Get more information and/or register on JSS.

2012 North Carolina Army and Air National Guard Military Ball The 2012 North Carolina Army and Air National Guard Military Ball for present and former NCNG Army and Air Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and their guests is scheduled for Saturday, 31 March 2012, at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel at Four Seasons, Joseph S. Koury Convention Center, 3121 High Point Road, Greensboro, N.C. The event begins with cocktails at 1700 hours. Seating for dinner will begin promptly at 1915 in the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. Dinner will be followed by dancing until midnight. Dress for the Ball is formal military attire for active officers and formal military or formal civilian attire for retired officers and guests.

The deadline to register for the Military Ball is Friday, 16 March 2012, or 550 attendees, whichever occurs first.

Feb 10, 2012, Raleigh, NC

Registration should be completed online at https://einvitations.afit.edu/2012NCNGMilitaryBall/amim.cfm.

If you have any problems with online registration, please contact PAOCR at (919) 664-6000 ext. 46889, (800) 621-4136 ext. 46889 or pao@ng.army.mil.

Detachment 17, Operation Support Airlift (OSA)

February 2012

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OPERATION Wedding Day The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte, NC March 2-6, 2012 Southern Shows, Inc. is teaming up with the USO of NC for Operation Wedding Day! One lucky military couple will be selected to win a complimentary wedding and prize package. The wedding will take place at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2012 in the gardens at the Southern Spring Home & Garden Show.

The prospective bride and groom will receive:  A wedding officiant to perform the ceremony (ordained minister)  Wedding Bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom  Beautiful gazebo setting in the Garden Showcase  Prize Package with gifts from home improvement companies  Ten complimentary tickets to the show  One free parking pass  And, additional surprises along the way

NOMINATION/SELECTION PROCESS To nominate a deserving Service Member, complete the form and email to Megan Grady at m.grady@uso-nc.org. All entries must be received no later than Monday, February 6, 2012. The Southern Spring Home & Garden Show will select one participant from the entries, with the selection finalized by February 10 with an official announcement on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012. 'Love is in the Air'. The form and additional information can be found at http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/

The Department of Defense (DoD) launched a new website for children experiencing the challenges of military deployments.

The highly interactive website, www.MilitaryKidsConnect.org, created by psychologists at the DoD's National Center for Telehealth and Technology, helps children of deployed parents cope with the stress, changing responsibilities, and concern for the safety of their parents.

The center, known as T2, developed the website with informative videos, educational tools, and engaging games and activities for three age groups: Youth, ages 6 to 8; Tween, ages 9 to 12; and Teen, ages 13 to 17. The site features monitored online social network forums for the groups to safely share their experiences with deployments.

MilitaryKidsConnect.org is the first DoD website to connect the more than 2 million children who have had one of their parents deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan in the widely separated active, reserve, and National Guard military communities.

The website has features that will help children, parents, and educators navigate the wide range of practical and emotional challenges military families must live with throughout the deployment cycle.

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) This website complies with all COPPA requirements concerning websites directed to children under age 13. MilitaryKidsConnect.org does not collect personally identifiable information from children or parents. We do not collect information for commercial marketing or give information to any private organizations.

During the course of a child's registration on the website, certain potentially personally identifiable information may be provided to us (parent's email address) in order to seek parental consent for social network access. This email address is never stored.

Down: 1. Multi-Tasker;2.Negotiate;4.Prioritize;5.Innovative;7.Goals Across: 3;Flexible;6.Dedicated;8.Team-Player9;Organized;10.Problem-Solver February 2012

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CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM | UPDATES SAVE THE DATE Operations Kids on Guard will kick off its 2012 season on March 31st at the Charlotte Armory, 4240 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme is “Deployment: Boots On/Boots Off.” __________

CAMPS

Get your round-up of topics that may benefit your Military Child.

Alice Dean State Child & Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 16289 (919) 804-5300 ext. 16289 alice.dean@us.army.mil Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator (919) 693-3651 ext. 23 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil

PROGRAMS NC Pre-K (More at Four) Enrollment begins soon. Check with your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency for dates. Go to ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/general/ mb_ncprek.asp.

Operation Purple Camps Camp locations and dates should be announced in March. Go to www.militaryfamily.org to sign up for email alert when camps are announced.

Operation Military Child Care Fees There have been recent changes in Operation Military Child Care Fees. Go to www.naccrra.org/army/army-programupdates to see if your Family is impacted.

Hard to believe it is winter with all the warm weather. Before we all know it, summer will be here. It’s not too early to start thinking about what your child/children will be doing this summer. Check out the summer programs at local YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, State, County & City Parks and Recreation, 4-H, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. Some programs provide scholarships for children to attend but would need to apply early. If you are eligible for a “Our Military Kids Grant,” it can be used for camps and summer programs.

Military Child Education Coalition Space Camp This camp is for children of Active Duty, Mobilized Guard & Reserve, and/or children of a military member who died while serving on Active Duty or Mobilized Guard or Reserve. Child must be enrolled in grades 6 through 9. Deadline for application is March 10, 2012. Go to www.spacecamp.com. __________

2012 SHELTON CHALLENGE The 2012 Shelton Challenge at UNC-Charlotte will be held June 24-29. At N.C. State on July 8-13 and, again, at July 22-27. The Shelton Challenge is a six day residential experience to help students expand their knowledge and skills of what it takes to be a leader. Students will participate in activities that will help them have a greater understanding for: Personal Leadership Assessment and Interpersonal Dynamics; Role of Values and Ethics in Leadership; Leadership Traits and Approaches; Teambuilding and Empowering Others; Civic and Social Responsibility; and Goal Setting. Students also have the opportunity to participate in team building activities, low and high ropes courses, service project, and fun night activities to help students get to know others participating in the program.

For more information & to apply go to www.ncsu.edu/ sheltonleadership.

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Kinston Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504 Fax: (252) 526-2772 Gabrielle H. O’Flanagan, FAC Specialist gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@us.army.mil (252) 208-0255 Ext. 15817 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645 Fax: (828) 757-4519 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil (828) 757-4365 Ext. 4 line 1

Asheville Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803 Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil (828) 274-7209 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Fax: n/a Keneitha Delaney, FAC Specialist keneitha.delaney@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14547 Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 3555 Owen Drive, 28306 Fax: n/a Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist amy.wallace3@us.army.mil (910) 321-1001 Ext. 14920 Greensboro State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 Fax: (336) 691-7766 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext. 15649 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil (336) 691-7700 Ext 15651 Greenville State Family Assistance Center (SFAC) 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834 Fax: (252) 551-6136 Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator dawn.white@us.army.mil (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 6001 Gateway Center Dr., Suite 109, 28081 Fax: (704) 788-0550 Lynn White, FAC Specialist lynn.white2@us.army.mil (704) 788-4554

Morganton Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 411 Kirksey Drive, 28655 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator Fax: (828) 437-2068 nancy.davis3@us.army.mil (828) 437-0746 Ext. 18 Raleigh Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 130 Penmarc Drive Suite 110, 27603 Fax: (919) 334-9971 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil (919) 334-0195 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil (919) 334-0196 Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator mark.woolbright@us.army.mil (919) 334-9966 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 406 Hospital Road, 27577 Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil 919) 934-2013 Ext.16 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 500 Morganton Road, PO Box 1317, 28387 Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil (910) 692-8747 Ext. 6 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 2412 Infantry Rd., 28405 Fax: (910) 251-7130 Jim Marley, FAC Specialist james.marley@us.army.mil (910-) 251-7100 Ext. 16918 Wilmington Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 3114 Randall Pkwy., 28403 Fax: (910) 343-6953 Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator judy.m.howard@us.army.mil (910) 343-1775

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North Carolina’s Operation: Military Kids Visual Arts Contest Submission Deadline 30 April 2012 North Carolina 4-H’s Operation: Military Kids program is proud and excited to announce the 5th annual OMK Visual Arts Contest. The contest is opened to all North Carolina youth. The age categories are 5-8 years old, 9-10 years old, 11-12 years old, 13-15 years old, and 16-18 years old. The contest is designed to introduce youth to photography and the arts as a part of the 4-H Expressive Arts Curriculum. Youth will utilize their photography skills and their artistry but most importantly what freedom, patriotism and support for our troops mean to them.

Selected photographs and artwork will be displayed during the week of the 2012 North Carolina 4-H Congress, other events and appropriate venues.

NC Operation: Military Kids PHOTOGRAPHY THEMES: 

Love of the USA



Spirit of Patriotism



All American Kids



Military Life



Honoring Our Heroes

DEFINITION OF CLASSES:



Color: photos taken with either emulsion film or digital cameras.



Black & White: photos taken with any camera, however, they must be in grey-scale only (this class does not include antiquing, sepia-tone, and/ or hand-tinting).

Task of the Artist: To develop original visual art focused on the contest theme.

Each entry submission must be the original work of the youth. It may not contain copyrighted material, such as popular songs, magazine cutouts, music videos, etc..., unless permission has been granted for its use. Use of copyrighted material without permission automatically disqualifies the entry.

PROPER ENTRY OF VISUAL ARTS: Each entry must include the following information to ensure proper entry. Some information will be based on the division and class entered. The information MUST be legibly printed or typed on the photo release and affixed to the back of the entry in the center. This form can be found online in a PDF format on the North Carolina 4-H website, located at: http://www.nc4h.org/ military/index.html

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