Family Matters January 2012

FAMILY MATTERS January 2012 2012— —Volume 4, Issue 1

2011 RECAP Special Moments with Special Families

Military Spouse Healthcare Career training Online Online--MYCAA

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Webinar

Volunteer Webinar Veterans Opportunities Community outreach with

Kids Guard Localon Organizations

Transition Assistance For employment readiness

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Volume 4, Issue 1

Contents 3 4 5 6 7 9 12 13 15 16 17

Director’s Column Asheville Year End Review Charlotte Year End Review Exclusive, Virtual Training for National Guard , Reserves, Wounded Warriors and their Families Greensboro Year End Review Raleigh Year End Review MyCAA-Healthcare Training Online Coping With Deployment Training FRG Community Outreach Webinar

FAMILY MATTERS JANUARY 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 Vacant Family Program Assistant (919) 664-6000 Ext. 46876 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 652-4595 Ext. 14 Kathleen Flaherty Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr. kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil

(704) 398-4949

Child and Youth Governor’s Holiday Reception

On the cover: Spc. Lyndsey Gill, with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 213th Personnel Company (HR) Forward 5, surprises her 7-year old son, Cooper, during the 7th Annual Step-up For Soldiers Fishing Tournament held in June 2011 at Kure Beach, NC. Spc. Gill’s husband, David, and son moved to Carolina Beach to be with Family while Lyndsey was deployed. David sought transition assistance with the Wilmington Family Assistance Center and helped coordinate a surprise reunion while Lyndsey was on 2-week Rest and Recuperation (R&R) from Iraq. The NCNG Family Readiness Group Leader and head of Step Up for Soldiers, Tom Russell, NCNG FP Family Assistance Center Specialist, Jim Marley, Pennsylvania Family Assistance Center and Fort Indiantown Gap worked together to make this reunion special. During the Tournament, the Wilmington Police Bagpipes Band marched down to the end of the pier with Spc. Gill behind them. The Band parted and there was Spc. Gill to greet her son. (Photo by NCNG Wilmington FAC Specialist, Jim Marley.)

@ncngFamily

Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 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 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 Happy New Year!

As we embark on new journeys and adventures, we are taking the time to reflect on last year’s accomplishments. We give thanks for all the partners within North Carolina, the National Guard and Families.

We’ve included a few highlights from each of our FACs about some of their activities last year. While this list nowhere near covers all that’s been done, these are the same types of support we’ll provide again this year.

There is not one person or organization that can have the impact that a team and community, likes ours, can. Thank you to the Family Programs Staff for your unwavering dedication, hard work and patience in 2011. We have branched out to make North Carolina National Guard Communities better and stronger through the partnerships like the North Carolina Military Veterans Partnership Program.

We strive to expand our forces by joining together the Servicemember and Family even more in 2012. Whether you are married, single, have children or not, Servicemembers have a Family and that Family is not alone in our communities.

I encourage Military Families of whatever dynamic to reach out to other Military Families in your community. Throughout the year Family Programs has planned events to bring together our community and we will continue this tradition in 2012. Take action and become a part of the readiness of your Servicemember and your Family.

Our Family Readiness Groups are an awesome force that is integral to bridging the gap between Commanders and Families. They are the eyes and ears for Military Families and the platform for Unit Leaders to explain answers to questions like why and when. Use the resource...and if you have questions or need help...All you have to do is ask.

Thank You North Carolina Military Families for what you do and for the grace and fortitude of how you do it. You are different...You are strong!

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.

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Year in Review | Asheville Military Family Resource Center

230th BSB, COMPANY B Holiday Flashback

Asheville Military Family Resource Center 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

Worked with 105th MP CO Rear Detachment to plan a Welcome Home for our Soldiers returning from deployment in Iraq. We worked very successfully with the Asheville Regional Airport staff, City/County Police and Sheriff Departments, Trinity Baptist Church, Dunkin Donuts, and various other local food vendors. We were able to talk with many of the Family Members and share in their joy in seeing our Soldiers come home safely.

We held our first Military Spouse Appreciate Day at Biltmore Methodist Church. The Culinary Commandoes provided an outstanding meal which received rave reviews from our guests. We had more than 20 Spouses attend. Our own Rene Brotherton, wife of Col. Jeffrey Brotherton, was our keynote speaker and shared her experiences as a Military Wife of over 20 years. We also had an appearance from Mrs. North Carolina who expressed her appreciation for the sacrifices that Military Spouses make. The church opened their doors to us and made each of our spouses feel welcome.

We have continued to keep in touch with other components to share info with them as well as invite them to our events. We have done briefings for Navy Recruits and NCNG Recruit Sustainment Program.

We worked with our local Red Cross in setting up the Military Family Connection Group. The purpose of the group was to bring together Families in Western North Carolina who share the same experiences, caused by having a loved one in the Military. We aimed to provide a confidential environment in which they could share experiences and receive support. The group met on a monthly basis.

We held our first North Carolina Military Veteran Partnership meeting in March. We invited community agencies and organizations that provided service for our Military/Veteran Families. We are meeting every other month at locations thru out Western North Carolina. These meetings have proved to be an asset as they give members a chance to meet face to face, network, as well as get current information on programs and services that are important to our Soldiers, Veteran and their Families. Our next meeting will be January 18th at the Charles George VA Medical Center.

We worked with Operation Homefront to host another Back to School Brigade. We collected school supplies from the participating Dollar Tree Stores and were able to provide school supplies for eligible children from all of our National Guard Units as well as Army Reserve Units, Army Recruiting, Navy Recruiting, and the 14th Sir Force Weather Squadron. We also participated with Operation Homefront on the Dollar Tree Christmas Toy Drive which provided toys for our Military Children.

We worked with the 105th MP Co. Command and FRG Leader to plan a Family Day/Christmas event for Family Members. Children from the 105th MP Co received toys from the Dollar Tree Toy Drive, as well as other presents.

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Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Fax: n/a Keneitha Delaney, FAC Specialist keneitha.delaney@us.army.mil (704) 344-2352 Ext. 14547

SUPPORTERS  American Legion, Raleigh, NC, Frank Stancil Helps Families with financial issues  Crystal Reddington, Huntersville, NC Gave furniture to unit in Belmont  NCARNG, Lt. Col. Cristina Moore, Charlotte, NC Assisted with Halloween Fling and adopted Family for Christmas  NCARNG, Sgt. Rachel Ross, Charlotte, NC Assisted with Halloween and adopted Family for Christmas  Red Cross, Robin Callahan, Charlotte, NC Helped with all events  Red Cross, Margaret Royster, Gastonia, NC Disaster Preparedness Training for Military Families  Reeders Italian Ice, John McClendon, Charlotte, NC Gave a Family in Matthews 11% of earnings on Veteran Day  USO, Megan Grady, Charlotte, NC Helped with events, adopted Families  Dollar Tree, Joe Parderelli, Charlotte, NC Donated Back to School Supplies and Toys for Christmas  Dollar Tree, Cary Stone, Charlotte, NC Donated Back to School Supplies and Toys for Christmas  Operation Homefront, Lisa Zederbaum, Charlotte, NC Collected Back to School Supplies and Toys for Christmas

Keneitha Delaney rejoined the NCNG Family Programs Team in mid-2011.

Here’s a little of what kept her busy, outside of calling Families, building relationships, and more.

In July, we held a Blood Drive for the 130th MEB and 1/113th FA in which the American Red Cross collected 43 pints of blood. It was an excellent turnout. We also held a Kids on Guard day drill; the event was great! We had about 40 children that participated in the Charlotte KOG. After the opening ceremony, the children participated in the activities planned for the day. They made bionic arms, listened to a medical lab speaker, and a beacon prosthetics speaker. When they weren’t polishing up on their drill and ceremony or archery skills they were competing in relays and other games like Minefield.

The following month, in August, we held the Back to School Brigade. This event was held at the Charlotte Armory. Operation Homefront donated school supplies to the first 50 children that signed up for the event. The Dollar Tree also donated school supplies for National Guard Families. In addition, we held the Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Training at the Belmont Armory.

Gaston County American Red Cross conducted Disaster Preparedness Training for children. The children were also taught First Aide, CPR, and a readiness drill was conducted. The class was both fun and educational.

We participated in the Veterans Stand Down in Charlotte in October. We assisted the Mecklenburg County Veterans Affairs Office with the Veterans Stand Down. The event was great and attracted over 600 local veterans. The event also provided an opportunity to collect resources in Charlotte and surrounding counties. Friendship Baptist Church Veterans Affairs held a Veterans Informational Fair. We briefed the veterans and current Service Members on NCNG Family Programs to include the six essential services we provide and information on Military OneSource.

The Charlotte FAC and Kannapolis FAC teamed up for a Halloween Fling, which was a night of fun. There was bobbing for apples, donut string contest, dance and music, haunted house, throwing the ball through the holes, costumes, cake walk, count the candy corn, and lots of food and drinks. The American Red Cross and USO of Charlotte were our primary volunteers for this event and everyone had fun. Each child was a given a bag for candy at check-in.

We look forward to many more good times in 2012, and please know that we stand ready to assist you … should you need us.

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

The Fayetteville Center provided assistance during the April 16th, 2011 tornadoes that destroyed much of the region. Also, we did outreach to individual Families as well as working the Operation Homefront venues at the Soldier Support Center on Fort Bragg (financial Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center 3555 Owen Drive, 28306 and food assistance applications) as well as a community event for Fax: n/a food assistance and toiletries.

Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist  The June 2011 mass SRP for the 30 HBCT conducted at the amy.wallace3@us.army.mil (910) 321-1001 Ext. 14920 Fayetteville Armory where approximately 2500 Soldiers filed through. The Smithfield, Southern Pines and Raleigh FACs assisted as well as FRSA’s Greg Smith and Sarah Strickland. MFLC and PFC staff were there too.  We participated in the Community Blueprint committees for Fayetteville and the Giveanhour.org grant.  Also, we participated in the Cumberland County Schools Military and Media Partnership and the donated books are currently stored at the Fayetteville FAC since the partnership dissolved after the chairman left her Military Child Liaison position. Any ideas for the use of books is encouraged.  Participated as an Operation Military Kid State Team member.

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Job Fair Success Strategies January 11, 8 p.m.

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Decoding Military Skills for Civilian Employers January 25, 8 p.m.

Federalizing Your Resume January 28, 8 p.m.

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January  Supported the Soldiers Readiness Processing (SRP) in Greensboro (113th Sustainment Brigade) and in Winston Salem for the 1452nd TRANS. CO (HET) March  2 March attended the 130th Fin Co Deployment Ceremony in Raleigh  4-6 March SRP for the 883rd Sappers and Bravo Co 113th SUS BDE  21-22 March attended staff training in WinstonSalem FRG Meeting May  Staff training in Winston-Salem June  113th SUS BDE SRP in Greensboro  OMK / NCNG Training Winston-Salem July  Yellow Ribbon Event and deployment ceremony for the 1452nd TC August  Yellow Ribbon Event / Deployment Ceremony for the 881st and 883rd  Support the Yellow Ribbon Pre-Demo for the 113th Suet Bde, 881st & 883rd EN Companies October  29 October supported Yellow Ribbon & deployment ceremony for the 113th SUS BDE in Greensboro  30 October worked with Unit FRG and American Red Cross to support the 113th SUS BDE’s departure to Mobilization Station at Fort Hood, Texas December  8-11 December Scheduled to support the SRP Event for the 5-113th FA BN in Greensboro  14-16 December FAC Training in Raleigh  Provided support for multiple unit Family day events  Provided assistance to the Families of NG Soldiers who are in need during the holiday season with Christmas gifts for children

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) 691-7712 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil, (336) 691-7763

Miscellaneous:  Conducted multiple Family Program briefings during unit’s Family days and units briefings  Provided support for multiple Yellow Ribbon Events and Deployment Ceremonies  Provided NG Families with school supplies  Attended local job fairs  Routinely worked with Unit FRGs and Unit Leadership  Coordinated and assisted Families during the Holiday Season

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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

Pictured here are Dawn White, Barbara Whitehead, Earlene Capps, and Gabrielle O’Flanagan at “Give2theTroops" in Greenville, NC. Whitehead received donations and sent 70lb. boxes to our troops.

This year, I have had the opportunity to take part in different types of trainings, events for the Service Members and their Families including Family Program events, Family Days, retreats, and the Teen camp. I also worked with some great community resources to make Christmas special for all the Service Members.

I had the chance to learn more about being a part of the Military community through the trainings I have attended.

In May, I attended a Suicide Prevention training as well as the OMK Yellow Ribbon Kit Training. I received invaluable information while at both of these trainings. At the end of October, I was lucky enough to go to the MCEC GRI training. I was able to connect with people in the education systems that are looking to better support our Military Children. I am still working with Military Liaisons in the Craven County School System to enhance their activities for Military clubs.

This past year, I had a chance to work closely with Military Children through different events (including the Marriage retreat, the Family Retreat, a Yellow Ribbon event as well as partnering with the Raleigh FAC at the Back to School event). During the summer, I had the chance to spend a week at a 4-H Camp with some of our Military teens at the NCNG Teen Camp. That was an experience I will never forget, from ropes courses to pool time to a fancy dinner, and dance ... it was a great week for everyone.

The summer was also filled with other events. I attended several unit’s drill weekends and was able to help with serving breakfast, and we also gave briefs on Family Programs to the Service Members. I also had the chance to plan a Family Day here in Kinston, and it was a huge success.

I was also able to support another unit in their Family Day by running activities for the kids and, again, everyone had a great time.

Before the summer was even over the plans for Christmas had started. I started visiting a great resource in Greenville, Give to the Troops, with other FACS. We were able to collect great items for our Family Days (including recordable Christmas books, Girl Scout Cookies, Seattle’s Best coffee, and much more)! Through my travels for training and with the help of Service Members, I was able to spread some of these great items to Wilmington and Lenoir. It was great having these items in my office when Hurricane Irene hit. As our armory became a fueling stop for units headed to the coast all the cookies and coffee were a nice treat for soldiers who were stuck at the armory night after night waiting for orders and for the units just passing through.

When December finally arrived and my office was filled to the brim with Family Day goodies. I worked with RNCOs and FRGs to spread the wealth to all my units.

Along with the Dollar tree donations each Christmas party was a hit. I was lucky to be able to attend two of the Christmas parties and the Families were blown away by all the presents for the kids and adults.

Overall, it was a great year. I learned a lot and got to spend some quality time with Service Members and their Families. I am looking forward to seeing what this year has in store.

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SUPPORTERS

Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 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 Morganton Unit Family Contact Center 411 Kirksey Drive, 28655 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator Fax: (828) 437-2068 nancy.davis3@us.army.mil (828) 437-0746 Line 18

 Operation Homefront of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC  TRI County DAV Chapter 6 and VFW 5381, Larry McMullen, Lenoir, NC  DAV Auxiliary Tri County Chapter 6, Beverly Martin, Lenoir, NC  American Legion Post 29, Lenoir, NC  American Legion Post 392, Hudson, NC  GOOGLE/Lenoir Data Center, Lenoir, NC  Employment Security Russ Vickers, Lenoir, NC  Veterans Service Officer’s Kathy Hutchings and Regina Goforth, Lenoir, NC  South Caldwell Christian Ministries, Becky Barlow Granite Falls, NC  Debbie Cerminaro , Boomer, NC  Caldwell County 4H, Debbie Cox, Lenoir, NC  Yokefellow Christian Services Center, Lenoir, NC  Helping Hands Clinic, Lenoir, NC  County of Ashe, DSS, Jefferson, NC  County of Ashe, VSO, Jefferson, NC  Chix with Stix, Lenoir, NC  Dollar Tree/Store #3741, #2171, #1005 Jessica, Tammy and George Lenoir, Watauga, West Jefferson, NC  Shops at Rivercrest , Granite Falls, NC  Leona Schell, Lenoir, NC  American Red Cross , Hickory, NC  Lenoir Chamber of Commerce, Lenoir, NC  FRG’s, Karen Garner, Glenda Osborne, Sabrenia Miller, Lynn Mullinax.  Units, Schools, Food Pantries, many volunteers, and our Families.  Special thank You to; Gene Johnson, Marcie and Geneva Haney, and Hillary Tate.  VFW Post 5362, Morganton, NC  Jennifer & Kaylen Forney, Morganton, NC  Barbara Daye, Boone, NC  Rita Honeycutt, Burnsville, NC  Lynn Berry /Hudson Elementary, Hudson, NC  Suzanne Rhinehart/Alexander Co. Cooperative Extension, Taylorsville, NC  Kings Tree Lot, Morganton, NC  Debbie Hollingsworth/Christian Crisis Ctr Of Alexander Co., Taylorsville, NC  Samaritan’s Purse Of Boone, Boone, NC  Randall Porter, Valdese, NC  Peri Moretz /Blue Star Mothers Of Boone  Town Of Boone P.O. Drawer 192, Boone, NC  Brook Holmes, Morganton, NC  American Legion Post 56, Marion, NC  Michael Bradshaw/Church Of God Morganton, NC

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Raleigh Military Family Resource Center 130 Penmarc Drive Suite 110, 27603 Fax: (919) 334-9971 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil (919) 334-0195

As the end of 2011 drew near, the Raleigh MFRC was in full swing preparing for the holiday season. We are so thankful for the support that we are received from our local and state resources and the support they provided for our Military Families throughout the year!

In February, Region 3 (Raleigh and Smithfield) hosted our first NCMVP meeting here at the storefront and have successfully increased our list of resources as the year progressed! The NCMVP has proved to be a valuable tool in order to help meet the needs of our Service Members and their Families as we come into contact with other Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator individuals and organizations with common goals. We will resume our bi-monthly mark.woolbright@us.army.mil meetings in February 2012.

(919) 334-9966 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil (919) 334-0196

In July, along with Triangle Baptist Church, we hosted our annual Back to School event on their church grounds. We had a great turnout and were able to provide backpacks filled with school supplies to many of our Military Children, thanks to John Deere. They provided 170 backpacks this year. Triangle Baptist Church cooked hot dogs and baked cookies, cakes, brownies‌etc.! They also set up craft tables and bouncy houses! Thank you John Deere and Triangle Baptist for making this a huge success!

Our fall festival was also a hit as the USO brought in their mobile unit again this year along with a DJ! They also provided hot dogs, sodas, and bottles of water. Triangle Baptist Church sent two volunteers to help with the event by setting up a craft table again since it had been such a big hit at the Back to School event in July! We handed out recordable Hallmark books to all of the children that attended (Provided by Give to the Troops in Greenville) and had drawings for other gifts and door prizes that were also donated to us!

We are excited to announce that we have a new staff member on board here at the Raleigh MFRC! As of November 1 st, Laura Forrest joined the Family Programs team as one of our legal assistants! She and her Family recently moved here from Atlanta Ga. Her husband Tim is a Major with the Active Army Reserves at Fort Bragg and they have two sons, Bo who is 3 1/2, and Noah, who is 22 months old. Laura is both professional and fun to work with. We are so glad to have her here.

Overall, the Raleigh team has had a very productive year while we have strived to do our best in serving our Military Families! We will continue to explore and find new resources as well as educate ourselves in order to provide the best service possible. We are honored to be a part of the Family Programs team and for the opportunity to serve those

Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Road, 27577 Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil 919) 934-2013 Ext.16

The Smithfield UFCC held a Military Child Appreciation event in April, a Fall Festival in October, a Christmas Party in December, and our annual December Christmas for Kids/Spouse Pamper Day. We enjoy contacting our Military Families and working with the various units assigned to our Region. Please contact our office if you need anything, and stay tuned for events and activities coming your way in 2012.

Created by Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist

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Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 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

If you, your Family, your Airman, Your Soldier, Your Wingman, or Battle Buddy need help ‌ call today!

Voluntary, Confidential, Free, and Professionally Staffed 1-800-621-4136 Option 1

In addition to making well-check calls to Families and working with units, we held our Military Child Appreciation Day in April, working with the Town of Aberdeen and Kiwanis of Sandhills. In May, we held a presentation of awards for the AFJROTC at Pinecrest High School, where we partnered with American Legion Post 72 and ROTC Instructor Maj. Steven Smith. In July, we held a Family Day for Co. C 1-252 CAB in Southern Pines. This event allowed us the opportunity to work with the FRG from this unit to make the Family Day a success. In the Fall of 2011, we were apart of the OEF/OIF/OND Welcome Home Event with the VA Hospital in Fayetteville. There was also a fundraiser for Co C 1-252 CAB, where we did a car wash setup with Advance Auto for the unit. We rounded out the year with various other events like a Job Seekers Boot Camp, with Richmond Community College and Congressman McIntyre. In November, our office partnered with the Employment Security Commission and the American Legion for a Veterans Job Fair. Our Family Assistance Center and the American Legion also worked together in December for the Wounded Warrior Program out of Fort Bragg; we served breakfast and lunch for this program.

Military Family Life Consultants Make a Promise to yourself, Take a right this New Year John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178 JANUARY 2012

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MyCAA Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) is a career development and employment assistance program sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). MyCAA helps Military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certifications or Associate's Degrees (excluding Associate's Degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies that do not have a concentration) necessary for gainful employment in high demand, high growth Portable Career Fields and Occupations.

As part of the Military Spouse’s Career Lifecycle, MyCAA offers the following: Training and Education Financial Assistance: MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible Military spouses who need professional credentials to meet their Portable Career goals. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000).

Employment Readiness Counseling: Counseling services are provided to all Military spouses married to active duty service members of all ranks, regardless of their eligibility to receive MyCAA financial assistance and their desire to pursue higher levels of education. Counseling services help Military spouses identify additional sources of federal, state and local financial assistance, expanded career choices and opportunities, and support resources (e.g. child care, transportation, books, computers, equipment, supplies, etc.).

Employment Assistance and Career Services: Referrals are made to networks of Military friendly employers for MyCAA spouse participants who have completed their programs of study using MyCAA funding and who are ready to seek gainful employment.

Who is eligible for MyCAA Financial Assistance?

Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who can start and complete their coursework while their Military sponsor is on Title 10 Military orders, including spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserve Components in these same pay grades.

How can you establish a MyCAA Account?

Visit the MyCAA Spouse Portal online at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Provide required Spouse Profile information. A real-time DEERS eligibility check will confirm if you meet MyCAA eligibility requirements so you can move forward and establish your MyCAA Account. Those who do not pass this check will be provided additional guidance.

FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

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MyCareerSkill.org is a distance learning initiative from Florida Gulf Coast University.

Their online video-based distance learning programs not only prepare you for a rewarding career, they validate what you learn through nationally recognized industry certifications. Their online learning portal and easy to use training allow you to learn at work or home and track your progress. If you are a Military spouse and qualify for MyCAA funding, your tuition could be 100% covered.

These career certification training programs are offered as non-credit continuing-education and do not lead to an academic degree.

Earn your Healthcare Certification Their comprehensive Health Information Systems Administration programs prepare you for the following certification exams: The Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) The Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 (MOS 2007) More at http://mycareerskill.org/

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2011 was a very busy year here at the Greenville Family Assistance Center.

I have grown closer to some of the resources here in this area and have been able to share them with other Family Assistance Centers and Service Members throughout the State. Barbara Whitehead who has the biggest Give2thetroops warehouse in the U.S. has been one of the biggest benefactors for this area. Give2thetroops has helped with Family Days and holiday events by giving the Service Members recordable books, girl scout cookies, gold clubs and sending our deployed Service Members goodies.

Isabelle Plant, with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, here in Greenville helped with the 11th annual Saturday with Santa event. The VFW ladies have always been willing to help us in any way they can.

We also had a Kids on Guard event this past year, which in my opinion was the best I have been too. We had archery, a helicopter, crafts, and a representative from the folks who makes prosthetics for Service Members who have been injured and lost limbs.

I have also been able to partner with Angela Cline from Pitt Community College in identifying Service Members who have needs outside of using their GI bill to go to school.

I am looking forward to 2012 and building upon this strong foundation of resources to better serve our Service Members and their Families.

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

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MAJOR SUPPORTERS

The following Dollar Tree Stores have been very generous in their support of Operation Home Front with “Back to School” supplies for Military Children and Toys for Christmas. Thank you for your support.  Cathy Deas, Manager, Dollar Tree, Leland, NC

Quarter 1  Family Programs and Step Up for Soldiers/FRG leader packed 135+ boxes for Servicemembers in Afghanistan  Supported Yellow Ribbon events, Veteran Stand Down events, Veterans Community Fair, 1/120th Memorial Dedications for our Fallen Soldiers, Family Fun Day, Strong Bond Events across the State  Launch 1st NCMVP meeting which now includes 16-18 committee members  Partnered with the Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide Baby Noah Baskets to newborn babies of our Service men and their Families Quarter 2  Conducted AIM at the Clinton Armory, 2 nd Annual FRG FP Community Yard Sale, and 3 rd NCMVP Committee Meeting  Participated in the 1st Annual Job Seekers Boot Camp, Veterans Stand Down and Community Fair event, Yellow Ribbon Training Camp, Step Up for Soldiers 7th Annual Fishing Tournament, and Strong Bond Events  Partnered with North Side Baptist Church for Family Day Easter Egg Hunt, the Employment Security Commission, UNCW, ESGR for a Veterans Job Fair and Expo and Tri County Homeless Integration Council Quarter 3  Continued with the partnerships and committee meetings with the Onslow County Veterans Organizations, Veterans Job Fair & Expo, Veterans Stand Down, and New Hanover County Veterans Organizations  Supported the State FRG Workshop, UNCW Student Veterans Fair, NCMVP Committee meeting, Back to School Events, and Annual Fall Family Programs Community Yard Sale Quarter 4  Continued with the partnerships and committee meetings with the Onslow County Veterans Organizations, Veterans Job Fair & Expo, Veterans Stand Down, and New Hanover County Veterans Organizations  Participated in the 1st annual GE Nuclear plant Veterans Resource Expo and New Hanover County Veterans Expo and Job Fair  Partnered with Covenant Church for the 2nd Annual Fall Festival and North Side Baptist Church for Trunk or Treat event with more than 2,000 participants.  Launched the Holiday Ornament Crafts for the Governors Christmas Tree and Turkey Express/Holiday Assistance for NCNG Families  Attended National Guard Specific training programs such as, the MCEC Guard and Reserve Institute, Family Child Care: Getting Started

 Ana Schlemmer, Manager, Dollar Tree, Southport, NC  Warren Hardy, Manager, Dollar Tree, Shallotte, NC

Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 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 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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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) 299-5466 Greensboro: Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields@us.army.mil (336) 691-7762 Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 731-2021 Ext. 2

FAMILY MATTERS| FAMILY READINESS GROUPS

“How to Do Community Outreach with Local Organizations Webinar” Session 1 January 10, 10-11 a.m. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/454385474 January 12, 9-10 p.m. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/161425106

Session 2 January 17, 10-11 a.m. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/956444554 January 19, 9-10 p.m. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/132879234

NCNG Volunteer

Jacksonville: Judy Richardson judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352 Ext. 15

Where are you going? When are you going? How are you going to get there? How much is it going to cost?

Are there connections? What’s the game plan? Who’s in charge?

Sounds like planning a vacation, doesn’t it?

These are the same questions Volunteers ask themselves when thinking about community involvement and support. Join us this month as we teach you how building trust, effective communications, commitment and community collaboration efforts combine to Connect the Flights between your FRG Volunteers and Community in support of your Families and Service Members.

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.

COMING FEBRUARY 2012 Everyone Ready® (ER) TOPIC: It Takes Two to Tango: Building Successful Relationships Between Volunteers and Paid Staff, including Commanders Presented By: Ivan H. Scheier

Session 1 February 14, 10 a.m.

February 16, 9 p.m.

Session 2 February 21, 10 a.m.

February 23, 9 p.m.

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Child & Youth Program Staff Please contact one of our offices if you have questions about programs, resources, etc. for your Military child.

Whether it’s upcoming events, educational support or scholarships, we are well -connected with opportunities that are available to you, and we work hard here in our State to ensure we can deliver the very best to your Family.

Give us a call or send us an email if you have questions.

Alice Dean State Child & Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 16289 (919) 664-6000 ext. 16289 alice.dean@us.army.mil

CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM | 2011 RE-CAP

“I would like to personally thank each of you for all your hard work this year in supporting our NCNG Service Members, Families and especially the children .Many times we have asked what seems like the "impossible" but without your help we would not have been able to accomplish all the things we did in 2011.“ Alice Dean, State Child & Youth Coordinator

Search North Carolina National Guard Family Programs

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator (919) 693-3651 ext. 23 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil JANUARY 2012

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FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS

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) 691-7712 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil (336) 691-7763 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

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 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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FAMILY MATTERS | GOVERNOR’S HOLIDAY RECEPTION

Governor’s Holiday Reception Governor Perdue has taken time to make the holiday season a little special for North Carolina Service Members and their Families.

The day before the Executive Mansion opens to the public, North Carolina Military Members and their Families have the chance to meet with the Governor and First Gentleman while they have a look around the decorated mansion.

The mansion includes an array of holiday decorations to include a Christmas tree dedicated to displaying ornaments made by Military Children from across the state.

Gold Star Family, Lauren Voss (right) and Maddie Voss (left) stand in front of one of the Christmas trees in the Governor's Mansion. The tree behind them is decorated with ornaments made by Military children across the state. Maddie and Lauren are the daughters of SSG Michael Voss, KIA in 2004. SSG Voss was with the 1st Battalion 120th Infantry Regiment.

SSG Stacy Garner (left) and sons Izaiah, age 2, (center) and Zachary, age 3, (right) walk through the Governor's Mansion during a special Military reception for the 2011 Christmas season.

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Happy New Year

2011 Photo Illustration by NCNG Family Programs

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