Family matters July 2013

FamilyMatters July2013

FUNLOUGH FEVER

YO UR ULTIMA TE SOURCE

Happy 4th of July!

With the upcoming furloughs that are starting in July, many of you are affected. We thought it might be a great idea in this month’s issue to show you some ways to turn “fur”loughs into “fun”loughs.

Time off gives you an extra opportunity to spend time with family and friends, catch up on some projects around the house, volunteer, and more. While you will miss the pay, there are lots of free activities and innovative ways you can offset some costs.

For instance, with the kids, we have provided free events that will provide them with networking skills, leadership skills, resiliency, and fun. Military Families can also take advantage of free museum admission.

MESSAGE FROM The Director

Remember, also, that we have our Strong Bonds Retreats. In August, we’re having two Marriage Retreats in two different locations. Our single Servicemembers can also benefit from the Single Soldier Retreat. Take a look inside for additional information and how to register.

For hands on assistance, our Personal Financial Counselor can give you tips on how to make the best on less money and/or with more money … how to save, etc. The Legal Assistance Program and Employment Readiness Program, also, provide free services for some very important life situations. Please utilize these free services.

We’ve also included some Independence Day celebrations happening across the State.

Thank you to all of our Servicemembers and their Families for always being ready when the call comes!

As always, follow us on Facebook at ‘NCNGFP’ for the latest on upcoming events, programs, news, and services. You can also catch us on Twitter @ncngfamily.

Please remember, we're all in this together. And, we’re going to make the best of it. If you need assistance, we are here for you.

Sincerely,

Diane Coffill

FA MILY MAT T ERS J u ly 2013 Dia n e C off il l S t a t e Fa m il y P rog r a m Direct or d ia n e. l . coff il l . civ @ m a il . m il ( 919) 664- 6324 M S G R a m on a S cot t Fa m il y P rog r a m s S pecia l is t r a m on a . k. s cot t . m il @ m a il . m il ( 919) 664- 6000 E x t . 47005 S G T Ta m m y Fow l er Fa m il y P rog r a m s A s s is t a n t t a m m y. l . f ow l er. m il @ m a il . m il ( 919) 664- 6000 E x t 46876 L a n a G reer S t a t e FA C C oor d in a t or l a n a . m . g reer. ct r @ m a il . m il ( 800) 621- 4136 E x t . 11667 Ter r y H en d er s on Ai rm a n & Fa m il y Rea d in es s P rog r a m M g r. t er r y. h en d er s on @ a n g . a f . m il ( 704) 398- 4949 A l ice Dea n Lea d C h il d & You t h C oor d in a t or a l ice. c. d ea n . ct r @ m a il . m il ( 919) 520- 9548

NC National Guard and Families first line of Defense Call the Behavioral Health at

1-855-322-3848 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, services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by NCNG Family Programs.

A n g el en a Docker y M a rk et in g & C om m u n ica t ion s Ma n a g er s a l l ie. a . d ocker y. ct r @ m a il . m il ( 919) 485- 9570 Ka t h r y n Ja r v is M a rk et in g & C om m u n ica t ion s Ma n a g er ka t h r y n . a . ja r v is . ct r @ m a il . m il ( 919) 485- 9571 Ju d y R ich a r d s on S en ior FR S A ju d it h . r. r ich a r d s on . ct r @ m a il . m il ( 800) 621- 4136 E x t . 11346

contents 05 The Day that Changed My Life North Carolina resident, Linda Beck, overcame life's obstacles and triumphed by changing her life while helping others.

06 Boost of Motivation

page 4

Making a Health Behavior Change: 'I Know What I Need to Do, I Just Can't Seem to Get There'

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Are You In?

Operation Funlough

So you received the dreaded notice that you are on the list of having to take furloughs and now you are worried about changing your lifestyle, postponing vacations and how to replace the lost income.

Well, fear not the financial guy is here to turn these lemons into lemonade and actually make this a positive experience for you and your family.

Single Soldiers Retreat

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Child and Youth Programs Keeps it Moving

Kids on Guard takes a trip down memory lane to the Transportation Museum.

11 Inaugural NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat, 17 – 20 June 2013

page 8

Trey Cook, a North Carolina National Guard Teen Council member since 2006, shares why youth

Fun -

page 11

page 09

wanted to host their first annual Teen Retreat and all they "endured" ranging from 6AM Physical Fitness Training to Litter Carrying exercises.

13 Staying Connected and Building Resiliency Role of the Key Caller: This is the Volunteer position that reaches out to Soldiers’ Families to keep them informed and up-to-date on Unit happenings and Family Readiness issues that affect the Unit.

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News for You

Final Strong Bonds events for 2013 coming soon!

page 13 ON THE COVER: Image by Mrs. Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs

We're easier to find ... search NCNG FP

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JOINING FORCES — Linda Beck the financial aspect of the ministry. The recycling has become a hobby for other ladies which enabled me to continue sending large amounts of recycled or handmade cards.

At the end of 2012, over 100,000 cards have been sent through this ministry. People have asked how long I intend to continue this and my reply has been "for as long as I'm able, until the Soldiers come home, or until the Lord calls me home for eternity." And I thank God every day for the blessings this ministry has given me!

About Linda Beck

THE DAY THAT CHANGED MY LIFE

By Linda Beck

“Dear Mrs. Beck, thank you so much for the greeting cards. The guys in my unit think they are so beautiful. I felt bad when some Soldiers came back and asked if they could have another one but I had no more to give them."

That was the day that changed my life!

Linda S. Beck was born and raised in Salisbury, NC. She is a widow, mother of two adult daughters, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. Her husband, Joe, passed away when he was 47 and Linda was 45. They were married 27 wonderful years.

In 2002, I had built a handicapped accessible home out in the country. Four months later, I had a major exacerbation from multiple sclerosis that put me in a wheelchair. For two years, I read, watched television, talked on the phone, worked puzzles, wrote stories, and took physical therapy.

Linda has multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and several other health problems. Linda started out as a journalist. Her first article was published in The Salisbury Post in 1994. Since then, several hundred stories have been in four local papers, and readers encouraged her to put her stories in a book. Her first book, “My Sanctuary,” consists of some of her favorite spiritual/scriptural stories. Her second book is “The Event-filled Life” and includes all her stories with titles beginning with “The.”

One day I met a new neighbor who was also disabled.

She wanted to teach me to stamp and design handmade cards. I rediscovered how much I once had loved to color! Debbie stamped, I colored, and we made cards.

Then I discovered a lady who was making cards and sending them to our Soldiers in Iraq. I gave her 900 cards, we became friends, and later I started my own card ministry. I began receiving thank you notes from the Soldiers and then I got the note from the commanding officer as mentioned in the first paragraph of this story.

Linda's, “My Sanctuary” and “The Event-filled Life” are available on various web sites such as Amazon.com and lulu.com.

The image above is a free card that users may download at http://parentingteens.about.com/od/

I wrote an article to our local newspaper telling folks if they had cards we could recycle, any help would be appreciated. Used cards began to arrive by the hundreds.

Several elderly ladies who are no longer able to make cards have donated their supplies to me. I have been blessed with new friends who have made donations to

cardmaking/ss/thankyoucards.htm or scan the QR Code with your smartphone J U LY 2 0 1 3 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

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m o t i v a t ion boos t

Making a Health Behavior Change: 'I Know What I Need to Do, I Just Can't Seem to Get There'

B oos t

Of Motivation

Do you know more about being healthy than sometimes your choices reflect? Why is it that you can know in your head what a healthily day of meals and physical activity looks like, but you struggle to eat healthy and exercise?

The space between knowledge and practice can be vast and, at times, discouraging. It is in this gap that we get in the way of ourselves and our own success. This chasm is the breeding ground for self-defeating thoughts—mind games that can keep us stuck in inactivity.

Identifying these negative thought patterns and developing a plan for solution-oriented, positive thinking can make the difference in knowing what to do and in developing those healthy habits.

Mind game #1: “This is too hard. It takes

Mind game #3: “I’ve tried everything to lose

a positive direction creates change.

too much work.”

This game actually is based in truth—the recognition that it does take diligent effort to be healthier, and that being less healthy is easier.

Driving through a fast-food restaurant for a meal, taking it home and eating it while watching television is easier than stopping for a walk on the track, studying the menu and making a healthier choice, or having healthy food stocked at home.

Solution: Think about your reasons for getting healthier—what’s in it for you? Do you want to lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce medications, sleep better, have more energy, keep up with your children or grandchildren, get into a certain clothing size, train for a 5K race? Writing a personal “wellness vision” that includes the results you would like to achieve can help overcome the “too much work” game.

weight and nothing seems to work.”

There are many sound approaches to weight loss based on the energy balance formula: calories in - calories out = what happens with weight. When you eat less and move more you will lose pounds. Making excuses and telling yourself that nothing will work will only keep you trying!

Solution: Decide on an eating and exercise plan that will work in your life and make a decision to stick with it. Start with a realistic, daily calorie goal that allows for foods that keep you from feeling deprived. If you don’t like to exercise, find ways to increase activity in your day: take the stairs, quit circling for the closest parking space, take a 15-minute walking break at work.

When the “nothing works” thought starts in your head, counter with “I knew you’d start again. I’m not listening to you anymore. This plan will work and I’m going to stay with it!”

Mind game #5: “Yes, I know that would help,

Mind game #2: “It’s taking too long. I don’t

Mind game #4: “I’ll do it when I am ready!”

see results!”

Again, there’s some reality here. If only a few exercise sessions or a couple of weeks of healthy eating would bring immediate results!

Solution: It took time to get where you are and it will take time to get where you want to be.

For results to be permanent, time is necessary to help shift your thinking so you can develop new habits. Focus on improvements and small accomplishments, like a 10 percent weight loss or being able to walk 3 miles in less time.

In that gap between knowing what to do and doing it, is there a rebellious child inside you saying, “Nobody can tell me what to do!?” If you hear yourself, the first step is to recognize the pattern.

Solution: “You can’t make me” keeps the focus on the power struggle you are having with someone else, instead of focusing on what you need to do for yourself. Step out of the power struggle and take care of yourself. For change to occur, you may need to plan and get prepared: Gather information and start small. Any step in

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but I just don’t have time.”

If some version of “Yes, I know that keeping records of what I’m eating would help, but I don’t have time in my day to do that” sounds familiar, recognize that this game allows a person to make excuses for any healthy change. In this zone, any suggestion for improvement is met with resistance—not enough time, energy or money to be healthier.

Solution: Stop yourself from engaging in “Yes (I know that would help), but I can’t because (your excuse).” Find a way to get started. Engage support. Consult a dietician, a trainer, a wellness coach. Join a group such as Weight Watchers, Overeaters Anonymous or Food Addicts Anonymous. Set a time to walk or ride bikes with a friend. Gather information from healthy websites or books. Prioritize your health and tell yourself you are worth the investment.

This quote sums up the importance of bridging this gap between knowing and doing: “It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”—Anonymous Start today. Begin taking positive steps toward your goals to move you in the direction of who you know you can be.

By Kristen Hooks, MEd, LPC, LMFT, CEAP, Certified Wellness Coach Original Article can be found at Military One Source

I n d e p en d ence D a y C elebr a t ions

Downtown Asheville, July 4, 2013 An event for the whole family, the Ingles Fourth of July Celebration festivities start at 4 PM in Park Square Park and close with fireworks at 9:30 PM. The day features live music, old-fashioned games, a variety of food from area vendors and a grand fireworks finale. Free For More information about this event of other celebration in the area visit www.romanticasheville.com/fourth.htm.

Bellhaven 4th of July Celebration All day event with a mile-long parade, helicopter rides, concerts and more. Festiviites start at 9:00AM and is capped off with a fireworks show off the water beginning at 9pm. For more information visit www.belhavenchamber.com/.

Charlotte 4th of July Celebration There are lots of choices for families in and around the Charlotte area. The 4th celebrations offer Blue Grass music, parades, contests and more. To find an event visit events.charlotteobserver.com/charlotte_nc/events/4th+of+july.

Winston Salem Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 4, 2013 9:30am - 4:30pm in the Old Salem Historic District watch how ice cream used to be made, hear Jazz, and explore the wonders of Old Salem. For More information visit www.oldsalem.org/independence-day.

Raleigh The ‘Works!

July 4th, 2013 on Fayetteville Street and the Red Hat Amphitheater Enjoy the day with live music, Beer/Wine tent, kids rides and games, Circus Maximus, street performers, eating contests, food and art vendors, Picnic on Fayetteville Street and much more! Fireworks will light up the sky over The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts starting around 9:30pm. For more information, visit www.raleighconvention.com/works/.

Wilmmington 4th of July Celebration Thursday, July 4, 2013 Along Water Street in historic downtown Wilmington with Music and food vendors from 5-9pm.

Fireworks begin at 9:05pm. More at www.wilmingtonnc.gov/community_services/events_permits/special_events.

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Are you In? July 19-21 Single Soldier Retreat Location: TBA

Registration Forms are online at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/SS/FP/Pages/SB.aspx .

For questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Wendi Bell at (800) 621-4136 ext. 46078 or wendi.bell@us.army.mil.

Dates and Locations are Subject to Change.

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O

MONEY & FINANCE

peration Funlough

So you received the dreaded notice that you are on the list of having to take furloughs and now you are worried about changing your lifestyle, postponing vacations and how to replace the lost income. Well, fear not the financial guy is here to turn these lemons into lemon aide and actually make this a positive experience for you and your family. I know what most of you are thinking, its easy for this guy to talk about it since he is not losing pay, but let me put a little of myself out there, when I accepted this position I too had to change my lifestyle and spending habits due to a decrease in pay. I don’t say this to make you feel sorry for me, as I looked at this as both a challenge and an honor to help those that maintain my freedom. Now back to you and how we are going to make this a positive thing in your life.

The first thing I see that is positive is now you can spend a little extra time with the ones you love. We as a society work so much because we want to provide for our families but most of the time all they want is our attention. With the ability to spend more time with family I have gathered a list of activities that you can do with your new days off and potentially make some extra cash too.

1. Clean out your house/apartment and sell items you don’t need or want on Ebay or Craigslist. Heck you can even trade these items with people for other goods or services ... “one man’s junk is another mans treasure.”

2. Check out your local community calendar. There are usually events going on in the summer and they are free to attend.

3. Set up a walking tour, you can always find historical places nearby, so pack your lunch, take a free tour and eat in the park.

4. Organize a neighborhood pot luck party. It is also a great way to meet the neighbors you never knew you had.

5. Do a “bill reduction.” Spend a few hours trimming your monthly bills. Find ways to reduce your regular bills. Ask for credit card rate reductions. Think about what monthly bills you can completely eliminate, then do the footwork to get rid of them. This might be a boring task now, but if you can trim $50 from your monthly bills for free, your future self will be very happy.

6. Have a yard sale. A yard sale is a very lucrative way to spend a money-free weekend. Not only does it provide you an excuse for cleaning out unwanted stuff from your home, it can also bring in a nice little wad of money as well, plus give you a weekend’s worth of entertainment and activity. This is really a great way to spend a money-free weekend.

7. Volunteer your time. There are countless volunteer projects out there that need nothing more than your time. A Saturday spent working for a volunteer cause is a Saturday well-spent. It gives you a full day spent making a positive contribution to society, working your body and your mind for the benefit of others, and leaving you at the end of the day knowing you used your gifts to provide for others.

8. Go on a bike ride. If you’ve got a bicycle and a helmet in your garage or closet, you already have everything you need for some good exercise and some good fun. Head outside and bike away. Almost every town and every state park around here has an extensive array of bike trails, so you can almost always find somewhere new and interesting to ride, plus it’ll help get you into shape really quick.

9. Take care of the honey-do-list. How many times have you said I will get to that and it never happens? Well guess what, now you have the time to take care of all those chores and in the process potentially raise the value of your home.

10. Camping with a tent. How great is it to get back to nature and live like our ancestors for a day or week. Make it fun and challenging by trying to live like mountain men. You can even do this in your backyard with the kids. Nothing tastes better than a piece of meat cooked over an open fire.

Always remember that life is what we make of it and maintaining a positive outlook plus thinking outside of the money box will keep things interesting. Who knows you may clean out your house and find a hidden treasure….have fun and stay safe.

Chip Jurgensen, CFP® NCJFSAP 919-334-8313/CJurgensen@mflc.zeiders.com

@ncngfamily J U LY 2 0 1 3 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

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F u n t h a t Mo v es Yo u

Come out and join us at

THE MUSEUM THAT MOVES YOU........

Operation Kids on Guard will be holding an event at the NC Transportation Museum, 411 S Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159 on Saturday, 10 August 2013. The event will be from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

Come on out and have BumbertoBumperFUN!

Ride a Train Discover the Wright Flyer with a full-size replica Be the one to visit one of the largest Roundhouses EVER constructed.

Pre-registration is required by 1 August 2013. POC: alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil, (800)621-4136 ext. 12183.

NCNG CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM STAFF Alice Dean Lead Child And Youth Coordinator (800)621-4136 Ext. 12183 alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil 10

FA M I LY M AT T E R S J U LY 2 0 1 3

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 Ext. 12023 kristi.l.wagner4.ctr@mail.mil

Teen le a d ers h i p

Inaugural NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat 17 – 20 June 2013

“

”

Teens need extra love and support especially during the teen years, years that are so crucial to development...

By Trey Cook June 21, 2013

After months of preparation, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Teen Council hosted the inaugural NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat at Camp Butner. In our first year of existence, the Teen Council has undergone various training sessions in leadership, team building, communication, and other elements vital to being a group of teenagers who represent not only our age group, but also NC Family Programs and the NC National Guard as a whole. After several months of training, we decided the time had come to put our training and our Council to the test.

NCNG Triangle Teen Council that provided support. (Left to right - Josh Cook, Daria The result: the NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat at Camp Butner. Many Teen Council members have experienced deployments in recent years. We know first-hand the difficulties of being without a parent for an extended period of time. Teens need extra love and support especially during the teen years, years that are so crucial to development, years of transition from kid to adult, years when challenges become steeper and expectations are elevated.

When parents are away serving our Country, U.S. citizens benefit, but their teens make a special sacrifice. As teens who know these challenges very well, we endeavored to give back to our fellow NCNG teenagers and provide an opportunity for them to benefit from some love and encouragement from fellow NCNG teens who know exactly how they feel.

Continued on page 16

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E MP L O YM E N T

reinfo r c e d r e u n l d e r t o e ok c c A Volunteered traveled E xecuted d e i f i l p m i s d e t a

Make Employers take notice by describing your Skills and Accomplishments with

Action!

WORDS

jo in ed learne d initiated

improvised For a full list of action words visit www.quintcareers.com

NC National Guard Education and Employment Program Maj. Mark Pickett Office: (800) 621-4136 Ext. 46406 mark.e.pickett.mil@mail.mil

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Vol u n t eer re a d iness

Family Readiness ~ Communication ~ FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (800) 621-4136

Staying Connected and Building Resiliency One of the most

Charlotte: Nikkie Newsome genesia.k.newsome.ctr@mail.mil Ext.14548

important roles in

Clinton: Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 14735

This is the Volunteer

the FRG is the Role of the Key Caller. position that reaches out to Soldiers' Fam-

Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.p.smith14.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 15423 High Point (Temporary location due to Construction): Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields.ctr@mail.mil Ext.15620 Jacksonville: Judy Richardson judith.r.richardson.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 11346 Morrisville: Darlette McCormick darlette.s.mccormick.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 16313 Oxford: Norman Dean norman.g.dean2.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 12182 Raleigh: George Lane george.w.lane2.ctr@mail.mil Ext. 46714

Now we're easier to find. Just type (or search)

NCNGFP

ily Members to keep them informed and up-to-date on Unit happenings and Family Readiness issues affecting the unit. The Key Caller makes sure each designated Family Member on their list is kept informed and updated on educational information, resources and benefits available both in the local community and in the NCNG to build stronger, self-reliant Military Families.

Key Caller Duties: The responsibilities of the key caller are to: provide accurate information, maintain confidentiality, assist Families in resolving problems, communicate with FRG leader (or chairperson) issues of concern, and maintain phone records (e.g., phone tree log form, Family contact form). A Key Caller Handbook and sample forms are provided in the Operation READY Smart Book to assist volunteers in this role. Additional training offered through/by Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) or Senior FRSA. The Communication Process: Timely and accurate information is imperative to keep Families abreast of happenings within the unit in order to limit confusion and stress. Various types of calls/email messages are made to pass information to Families depending on the situation. These calls are made through an organized system called the telephone/email tree. Ongoing communication with Family Members during all stages of the deployment cycle is important to maintaining the flow of information from command to Families. Working with company leadership (including the Rear Detachment Commander, RDC, during deployments) will be critical to obtaining important news from the unit that the FRG leader can then pass on to Family Members through these communication activities. Using multiple communication methods is encouraged and is necessary to reach all Family Members. The method of communication used will be based on the number of FRG volunteer’s available and geographical dispersion of Family Members.

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VO LU N T E E R

Staying Connected Continued from page 13

What is a Phone/Email Tree?

The Telephone/Email Tree is a system that enables Key Callers to quickly and accurately disseminate information to Families. It is used to disseminate routine information to Families as well as communicate emergencies, limit rumors, complete morale checks and build rapport with the Unit's Families. It is one of the most important and useful tools a Family Readiness Group can develop and maintain.

What are the Goals of the Phone/Email Tree?

Goals of an effective FRG phone/email tree are: the tree enhances a sense of belonging and provides needed information, including news about upcoming FRG events and the unit’s status. It also gives Families a secure feeling that there is someone to talk to during Family emergencies or someone that they can express their concerns to. A well-run phone/email tree helps improve the quality of life and morale of the unit. Leaders – both military and volunteer – who know their Servicemembers and Families, develop a greater understanding of their needs and are better able to assist and support them. Moreover, when the Servicemember witnesses a consistent level of support for their Family, they are better able to focus on the mission.

Required by Regulation Telephone Trees are to be established by regulation. Refer to: Forces Command (FORSCOM) 14

REMINDER – TRACK YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS

500-3-3, Task 2-1-21b.; Army Regulation 608-1, Appendix J-2d.; Army Regulation 600-20, paragraph 5-10a. (b). and U.S Army FRG Leader’s Handbook, pages 29, 41-43. (See appendix) Certain items (of which telephone/email trees are one), are reviewed during unit inspections which indicate if a unit has a viable Family Readiness Program.

Inspectors review the telephone/ email tree to see if it has been developed, if it is current and if it is periodically tested.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer with a National Guard unit or would like more information about Family Readiness Groups, please contact Judy Richardson at 910.347.4352 ext 5 / judith.r.richardson.ctr@mail.mil.

If you are a current FRG Volunteer and need to schedule your yearly/ refresher training call your Brigade FRSA or Judy to schedule training!

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Volunteer hours are one component that National Guard Bureau (NGB) utilizes to determine budget dollars that states receive annually for the operation of their Family Program. Reports are pulled from the NGB website, jointservicessupport.org.

In order for NGB to pull accurate reports on each state’s Family Program, our State Family Program Office asks you to register on www.jointservicessupport.org to record your volunteer hours using the Activity Tracking function.

NGB utilizes the measurement of hours because they need a concrete measurement to determine if our state’s program is active and viable. Hours are looked at cumulatively not individually so all hours make a difference. Hours are only looked at individually to help determine volunteer awards.

Once you are registered on the site, you gain access to information pertinent to National Guard Families. Additionally, our office can send email campaigns and workshop and training registrations more simply with the capability for you to do it online.

Documentation of volunteer time and activities can be completed under Activity Tracking, eliminating the need to forward your volunteer time records to our office. This will simplify the process of recording your time for you since projects and activities can be recorded as you complete them.

Additionally, National Guard Bureau tracks these entries to help identify trends with our Families, support required, needs, and training. Your entries will allow the services in our state to continue and expand.

If you do not have access to a computer, or have not registered and utilize the Activity Tracker on JSS, Please send in your volunteer hours to your Brigade’s FRSA on a monthly basis and we will see that your hours are tracked in our State totals.

Thank you for your service and making a difference!

Judy Richardson State & Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant, NCNG

JSS

Webinar Sessions

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Using the Volunteer Activity Tracker in JSS for Volunteers This webinar shows volunteers how to enter volunteer activity hours, as well as search and edit volunteer activity hours in the JSS Volunteer Activity Tracker Tool. Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email.

Thursday July 11, 2013, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails.aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=04576853-6E5C48C1-8140-3859EE94C66E

JuLY 2013

NEWS FOR YOU

Updating your User Profile in JSS During this session, you will learn how to request a change to your state affiliation and role permissions, update your personal information, reset your JSS password and view your JSS History. Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email.

Thursday July 11, 2013, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails.aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=B5F3F168-7B3E-40AE-9DE3-E230D636875A Creating an Event in JSS This session orients ESGR, FMAP, Family Program, PHP, SAPR and Transition Support Staff on how to create an event in JSS. This includes how to create events, and register for events.

Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email.

Wednesday July 17, 2013, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails. aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=55C2C865-E830-4F1F-8BCA-6DF1AD99411F

Get R.E.A.D.Y. with JSS – State Youth Coordinators This session orients State Youth Coordinators to relevant JSS features and how these can be applied in the field. This includes how to set-up program-specific events, create targeted email campaigns and announcements. Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email.

Wednesday July 17, 2013, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails. aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=A423C266-C9E9-42D2-A2B7D7615513A82A

Maintaining Unit Information in JSS Keeping unit data current in JSS is critical for a variety of system functions. This webinar shows SFRSAs how to maintain unit information, including step by step instructions for adding, deleting, and editing units in JSS. Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email.

Wednesday July 17, 2013, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails. aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=A5D18CDC-DFA1-4CDD-B319C4A0AE4FB040

Communicating in JSS During this session, you will learn how JSS enables you to connect with JSS members through Announcements, Blogs, Forums, Email Campaigns, the File Library and Groups. Please register online. Instructions for connecting to the webinar will be sent via email. Tuesday July 23, 2013, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Eastern Register here (or cut and paste entire link below into browser) https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails. aspx?Mode=ReadOnly&Id=9A955AEB-2F9B-46E4-8CAC-CB

***JSS Training provides Family Programs staff, VOLUNTEERS and Yellow Ribbon staff instructions on utilizing Joint Services Support applications and features*** J U LY 2 0 1 3 FA M I LY M AT T E R S

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T E E N R E T R E AT Continued from Page 11 This retreat was run by the NCNG Teen Council, and teens from all across the state gathered together to enjoy entertaining and educational experiences not normally offered at the average summer camp. Attendees were instructed in basic first aid methods and various ways to transport injured comrades to safety. We learned how to go about sustaining ourselves in survival situations and find their way even without a compass. But after all, we were at Camp Butner and we are NCNG teenagers. Thanks to the fantastic Camp Butner staff, we learned how to move through wooded and urban terrains as small teams, how to breach and clear buildings in the safest way possible, and competed on the same obstacle course as every military unit who trains at Camp Butner. While many of these elements were just as new and exciting for us as Council members as for the attendees, I believe the most important piece of our four-day camp was the development in the communication, leadership, and team building skills of the participants. By dividing into four-person teams, each partici- Getting dirty during the mud survival training was just part of the fun. pant was forced to take an active role in every team activity from volleyball to the final special operations mission to enable his/her team to succeed.

Rise and Shine for NCNG Teens. During the retreat teens started the day with early morning PT.

NCNG Teens got first hand experience practicing how to do a litter rescue.

Very quickly, we saw team spirit start to soar. The small team format forced quiet participants to voice their opinions and pushed each member to both lead and follow, as well. For me, seeing the quick development of these crucial skills in the attendees was the ultimate satisfaction for all the hard work put in by the Teen Council in preparation for this event.

About Trey Cook: Trey is a member of the NCNG Triangle Teen Council, son of Lt. Col. Kenneth Cook. Trey has been attending NCNG Child & Youth Program events since 2006. He just graduated from high school in June and will be attending East Carolina University this fall.

The NCNG Child & Youth Staff would like to thank Camp Butner for extending their time and professionalism during the teen retreat. We truly appreciate your support.

Also, a special thanks to Caliber Technologies for providing our official 2013 NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat T-shirts and T-shirts for tie-dyeing.

Teens "ran the gamete" at Butner's Obstacle Training Course

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NEWS FOR YOU

Upcoming Strong Bonds July 19-21 Single Soldiers Retreat

August 9-11 There will be TWO Marriage Enrichment Events this weekend at the same locations

August 23-25 Single Soldiers Retreat September 13-15 Family Wellness Retreat Locations for upcoming retreats will be announced. For questions, please call Wendi Bell at (800) 621-4136 ext. 46078 or via email at wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil.

Registration Forms are online at www.nc.ngb.army.mil/SS/FP/ Pages/SB.aspx.

Dates are subject to change. Locations have not yet been confirmed.

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Asheville Military Family Resource Center 7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-7209 Vacant, (828) 274-8571 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd., 28208/(800) 621-4136 Carry Bandy, FAC Specialist, carry.s.bandy.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 14547 Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834/(800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Dawn White, dawn.m.white2.ctr@mail.mil Kinston Unit Family Contact Center 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504/(800) 621-4136 Ext. 15817 Gabrielle H. O'Flanagan, gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@mail.mil Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., 28645/ (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11242 Frances Johnson, frances.r.johnson28.ctr@mail.mil Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27607/(800) 621-4136 Lisa Faison, lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 47100 Mark Woolbright, mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 47102

Raleigh JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center 636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27607/800-621-4136 Ext. 46078 Wendi Bell, wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd., 27577/(800) 621-4136 Ext.12784 Abby Millsap, abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 510 W. Morganton Rd., PO Box 1317, 28387/ (800) 621-4136 Ext. 12863 Earlene Capps, earlene.b.capps.ctr@mail.mil, Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd., 28405/(800) 621-4136 Jim Marley, james.e.marley.ctr@mail.mil, Ext. 16918 Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) (Temporary location due to construction in Greensboro) 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy., 27103/(800) 621-4136 Ext. 15651 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist, sandra.b.harrison2.ctr@mail.mil

Family Assistance Centers Family Assistance Centers are located across the State to provide assistance to ALL Military Service Members and their Families. If you know of a Service Member or Military Family that has a question or concern, please share our contact numbers, web site, newsletter, and Facebook link. We're here to help.

Personal Financial Counselor Our Personal Financial Counselor can provide FREE one-on-one financial counseling services to you and your Family.

Mr. Chip Jurgensen, CFP, NCJFSAP (919) 334-8313 cjurgensen@mflc.zeiders.com

MFLC PROGRAM ~Provides short-term, situational, problem-solving counseling services to Servicemembers and their Families ~Provides psycho-education to help military Servicemembers and their Families understand the impact of stress, deployments, family reunions following deployments and the stresses of military life ~MFLC services augment existing military support services ~Flexible service delivery (Outreach/Rotational and OnDemand); Services can be provided on or off military installations ~Services provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups ~Children’s Support Program addresses military impact on children ~MFLCs are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic abuse and duty-to-warn situations ~Services are otherwise confidential and private ​ taff: S John Alleman Adult and Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Youth and Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

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