Family Matters-March 2013

Family Matters March 2013

Military Kids Serve, Too Operation Kids on Guard Upcoming Events Operation Purple Camps

Employment Assistance

Military Families Connect Family Retreats Single Soldier Retreats Marriage Enrichment Retreats

YOUR ULTIMATE SOURCE FAMILY MATTERS

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Director’s Column Volunteer Training Strong Bonds Retreats, 2013 Dates Family Retreats, Single Soldier Retreats and Marriage Enrichments Retreats are back! See which dates work best for you, and get registered TODAY!

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Child and Youth Programs Explore the many upcoming opportunities for our Military Kids!

Find Caregivers for:  Before/After School; Last Minute Needs; Infant Care; School Closings; Pet Sitting; Senior Care; and, more.

Activate today at: sittercity.com/DoD

Filing Your Taxes is Pain Enough! Let us Help!

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Legal Assistance Section, will be preparing and electronically filing federal and state income tax returns free of charge for members of the NC National Guard, their Families and Retirees through 12 April 2013. Services will be provided every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 0900-1400 at Joint Force Headquarters, Raleigh, NC. Appointments only.

Eligible applicants may contact the NC National Guard JAG Office at (919) 6646000 Ext. 47035 for additional information and to schedule appointments.

The appointment line is now open.

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Employment

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FAC Contacts

Search “NC National Guard Family Programs”

@ncngfamily

ON THE COVER: USAR 1st Lt. Leah Dunne, USMC Lt. Col. Justin S. Dunne and their daughter, Lochlyn, re-unite after 6-months apart. Lt. Col. Justin S. Dunne, Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, deployed to Okinawa, Japan the day after Lochlyn was born. Leah, formerly a member of the North Carolina National Guard, joined the Reserves to accommodate life as an active-duty spouse and frequent moves. Prior to Lt. Col. Dunne’s mission, the family lived at their new duty location for just a few months. Leah said, “Thank-you to the support of family, friends and the Family Readiness Group. I was a new mom, in a new place, with a new unit and new people. That is a lot of change, but we made it through those months and we did it together…. I am glad to have him back for more adventures together.” The Dunne family will soon journey to a new duty station keeping old friends and experiences with them wherever they go.

(Photo provided by Leah Dunne)

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

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NCNG State Family Program Director Diane Coffill with members of the VFW in December 2012. The VFW, along with many other organizations across the State, have partnered with Family Programs to provide support for our State’s Military Members and Families.

DIANE COFFILL State Family Program Director diane.l.coffill.civ@mail.mil (919) 664-6324 MSG RAMONA SCOTT Family Program NCOIC ramona.k.scott.mil@mail.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 47005 SGT TAMMY FOWLER Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext 46876 WENDI BELL FAC Administrative Assistant wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (919) 664-6000 Ext. 46078 LANA GREER State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer.ctr@mail.mil (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11667 TERRY HENDERSON Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr.

terry.henderson@ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949 ALICE DEAN Lead Child & Youth Coordinator alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil (919) 520-9548 ANGELENA DOCKERY Marketing & Communications Mgr. sallie.a.dockery.ctr@mail.mil (919) 485-9570

Photo Courtesy of NC National Guard

Hello to you all, This month, we’re all about keeping it rolling. We’ve learned some very valuable lessons along the way.

And, through it all, one of those great things that sticks out is “sticking together.” Building relationships. Not burning bridges. Asking for help. Accepting help. Compromising. Being focused on the goal. I could go on and on.

I am very pleased to know that Military Families are on the minds of those that can bring our issues to light, and help put the resources in place to help solve those issues and provide support. I must admit, I am extremely proud of all that we’re doing here in North Carolina to provide and care for our Servicemembers and their Families.

We’ve come a long way, but we still have more to accomplish. I’m confident that we can do that together. Create your vision, stick to your plan, change it when you need to, and, know that whatever path you have to take, you are not alone.

We have the dates for you for the Strong Bonds Retreats; so, from Single Soldiers, to Families, to Married Couples, you can plan to have a nice weekend away.

Also, our Child & Youth Program has lots of upcoming events, and is well-tapped into other opportunities for our Military Kids. You can get the most recent information from our Facebook page (search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs”) and Twitter.

Sincerely,

Diane Coffill

“Partnerships … that’s how we survive.”

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director

KATHRYN JARVIS Marketing & Communications Mgr. kathryn.a.jarvis.ctr@mail.mil (919) 485-9571 JUDY RICHARDSON Senior FRSA judith.r.richardson.ctr@mail.mil (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11346

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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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Family Readiness Support Assistants

Trainer: Susan J. Ellis There are many important decisions and actions necessary to maximize the contributions of volunteers, many of which cannot be made or taken unilaterally by front line staff or even a designated volunteer involvement manager. An organization's top management must take responsibility for assuring that the proper foundation is laid for volunteer involvement – and then follow through to ensure implementation. But, if executives don't realize what their role is, how can they be taught?

BG Marianne Watson, Director of the J1, at the National Guard Bureau.

I am pleased and excited to announce and invite your participation in the 2013 "Driven

by Mission, Inspired to Serve" National Guard Volunteer Service Challenge.

Submit your videos for consideration by March 29th, 2013, so please post your videos to the JSS Facebook "Service Challenge" event at http:// www.facebook.com/events/477396838971308/

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Bonded by Change Stronger Together

CHIP JURGENSEN, CFP (919) 334-8313 FAMILY MATTERS

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NC National Guard Staff Joined Forces to Bring a Family Together

The Sanchez family: Naelis, Jayden & Joel, a SPC with 1-130th Attack Recon Battalion (ARB) pose w/NCNG Legal Asst. Laura Forrest, after they reunited at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Forrest, a licensed NC attorney previously working for the Legal Assistance Program, co-sponsored by NCNG Family Programs & NGNC SJA, assisted the happy family with immigration/legal documentation for their reunion. Joel tried for 3 years to bring Naelis here.

The couple was married in Dominican Republic during a visit in 2011.

RALEIGH, N.C. – In the military, everyone has a story. Some join to see the world and experience adventure. Some serve to affirm their patriotism in our nation. Still others serve for all of the great benefits the military has to offer.

For one Soldier, however, military service meant much more.

Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, here, were there to help.

For Spc. Joel Sanchez, military service meant seeing his family again after three -long-years. Sanchez, originally from the Dominican Republic, is a member of the North Carolina National Guard’s D Company, 1-130th Aviation Battalion, based in Morrisville.

Forrest is a licensed N.C. attorney working for the Legal Assistance Program cosponsored by NC Family Programs and the NGNC SJA.

“I cannot believe this is finally happening, I cannot believe this is finally happening”, saidSanchezashereunitedwithhisfamilyrecentlyatRaleighDurhamInternationalAirport(RDU).

For three years, Sanchez attempted to bring his fiance Naelis to the United States from the Dominician Replublic after they were married there in 2011.

With the help of Laura Forrest, civilian paralegal, and Judge Advocate, Army Maj. Ruth Ann Cresenzo, of the NCNG SJA, the two women prepared and filed a 34 exhibit response to the Notice of Intent.

“I was touched by this young man’s story and I felt I had to do something to help bring this family together,” said Forrest.

After nearly 30-days, Sanchez and his spouse received word from USCIS that the petition was granted and Naelis would be issued a visa to immigrate to the United States as a permanent resident.

In August 2012, after filing all of the proper forms with the United States Immigration and Customs Service (USCIS), and after the couple went through the interview process at the Consulate in the Dominion Republic, Sanchez Received a notice of intent to revoke his petition.

Not soon after, the couple learned Naelis was pregnant with their son, Jayden, which made the coming reunion extra special. Jayden was born in October 2012, and Forrest and the NCNG SJA office assisted Sanchez in obtaining a Certificate of Live Birth Abroad for the baby so that he would be able to legally accompany his mother to the United States.

Sanchez was frustrated and feated he may never see his wife again due to this new turn of events. Fortunately for Sanchez, Members of the Staff Judgue Advocate (SJA) Office at the N.C.

The day finally arrived in January of this year for the long-awaited reunion and wit hthe help of the NCNG SJA Office and other local charities, Sanchez was

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waiting for his family to arrive at RDU. “We been trying to be together for three years; it’s taken us three years,” said Sanchez emphatically as he waited anxiously for his family to arrive.

As his wife and son came down the Hallway into the Terminal, Sanchez ran to greet them and he embraced his wife and child for the first time on United States soil. It was truly an emotional moment for all who were involved.

After a few minutes of reuniting and resting in the USO of North Carolina’s RDU Center, Forrest present the happy family with a framed United States fla and some goodies for the baby, as the officially welcomed Naelis and Jayden to the United States.

We are a family because of what Laura did,” said Sanchez. “We will never forget what Laura and the SJA Office has done for us.”

“This was truly one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had practicing law,” said Forrest. “It’s not every day that you get the chance to help someone and it made it more special to be part of their special day.”

Thanks to Forrest and the SJA Staff’s diligent efforts, the Sanchez Family is happy and healthy, and living in Wilmington together.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT

NCNGFAMILYPROGRAMS@GMAIL.COM

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CAMOUFLAGE KIDS

KOG Special Day Events 23 March 2013: SciWorks Museum 400 W. Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27105 18 May 2013: Cradle of Forestry, US 276, Brevard, NC 28712 19-20 July 2013: " Sleep with the Fishes" NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Rd., Kure Beach, NC 28449

KOG Day Drills Hickory Area: Newton Armory 1811 Hwy 321S, Newton, NC 28658 from 9AM to 3PM Charlotte Area Date/Location TBA Greenville Area Date/Location TBA KOG Overnight Weekend Camp 27-29 September: Camp Butner Training Center 539 Roberts Chapel Road Stem, NC 27581.Date and Location to be Announced.

For questions or more information, contact Alice Dean at alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil or (919) 693-3651 Ext. 12183.

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MONTH

Make plans now to celebrate your Military Child next month!

MILITARY CHILD

April is the Month of the Military Child, and we extend an invitation for your to join us across the State as we celebrate and honor our Military's Youngest Heroes. As a united effort, we've put together a variety of ways for you to personally express your love and gratitude to the Military Child in your life. Join other Military Families as you recognize your child(ren) by posting a photo and a special message honoring him/her on our NCNG Family Programs Facebook. Simply visit www.facebook.com, and search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs.”

Find awards for kids, upcoming events, and more information about ways you can celebrate Military Children in April at the Family Programs’ section of www.nc.ngb.army.mil.

Military Parent, Caregivers, Family and Friends There are three different Military Child Appreciation Awards – one is for your youngest heroes, birth to elementary school-age, and the others are geared for middle-to high-school Military Youth.

Anyone can be a kid, it takes a someone special to be a Military Kid!

Simply, download the certificate of your choosing at www.nc.ngb.army.mil ‘Family Programs, Month of Military Child’ and customize a thank you/appreciation message to present to your child in April. You can make presenting your child’s award a simple occasion among Family or go all out and make it a grand celebration.

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CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM

Did You Know???

March 4th is "Hug a GI Day" Give a big hug to any and all GI's you see today. The men and women in our Armed Forces deserve out Thanks and Appreciation. GI's perform an invaluable service to our country. They risk their lives for our freedom, and to keep us safe. A simple hug is a small thanks for this vital service to our country. Origin of "Hug A GI Day" is not known. Some think this special day was selected since it is the only date in the calendar that is an order...March Forth!.

PVT RICHARD UPDATE

Hello, hope all is well. PVT Richard is doing great, a little home sick, but in training on a daily basis. First picture showing PVT Richard how to work the temp gauge. Second he is training with SPC Walker third picture communicating, fourth just keeping a watch out and last learning the weather feed.

Update from Jacci

Operation Purple Camps Summer is just around the corner and so is Operation Purple Camp! The National Military Family Association has collaborated with outstanding camp partners to continue supporting military kids with Operation Purple Camp. At Operation Purple Camp we embrace being “purple” and bring together military kids from all ranks and services -to include National Guard and Reserve components - over a unique and memorable summer camp experience.

See more http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operationpurple/2013-camps/.

The North Carolina Camp is: Hendersonville, NC

June 30, 2013—July 5, 2013 Camp Ages 7-16 FAMILY MATTERS

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Apply By March 4th

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eKnowledge Donates $200 SAT and ACT Test Prep Programs to Military Families Worldwide eKnowledge has donated more than $42 million of SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ Programs to Military service members and their families worldwide. This valuable donation from eKnowledge is in its eighth consecutive year. The Military Donation Project is in alliance with the Department of Defense and supported by professional athletes from the NFL and MLB, as well as over 100 organizations, groups and nonprofits.

Testimonials

eKnowledge has received over 55,000 thank you letters and testimonials from About the SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ Programs military families who have The SAT or ACT PowerPrep™ Program comes in a single DVD and includes more than 11 hours of video instruction and 3000 files of supplemental test prep material, ordered the donated softthousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, practice tests and graphic ware. teaching illustrations. Students select the training they need and can study at their own pace.

Who is eligible to receive the donated software?

Eligible recipients included Service Members from all branches of the Military who are active duty, retired, Veterans, Guard, Reserve, all DOD employees, contractors and civilians performing military support. Also eligible are relatives and dependants of anyone who otherwise qualifies from the prior list.

How to order: The eKnowledge Sponsorship covers the complete $200 purchase price for the standard SAT or ACT Test Preparation Program. *There is a nominal charge of $17.55 (per standard program) for the cost of materials, support and shipping. Each SAT or ACT Test Preparation program has a one-year license from the day the product is shipped. The DVD may be renewed for an additional twelve months at the same donation rate.

To place an order visit www.eKnowledge.com/USNG or call 951-256-4076.

“Thank you very much for this fantastic sponsorship.

We used this program for our eldest daughter in 2008 and she achieved a 34 on her ACT. Because of this she was awarded amazing scholarships to several elite colleges. Now we are using this program for our other daughter and are hoping she will be as successful after using this program. ”

How Does Our Organization Promote the Donation Project?

The value of the donation of SAT and ACT Test Prep programs to Military Families is tremendous. The donation project requires very little time to implement.

Simply share the availability of donated SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ Programs through communication tools already in place, i.e., website, newsletters, email broadcasts, social media, etc.

Be sure to include your unique URL, www.eKnowledge.com/USNG For further information contact: Lori Caputo, Director LoriCaputo@eKnowledge.com 951-256-4076

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North Carolina National Guard Promotes Anti-Bullying Campaign

By Staff Sgt. Robert Jordan North Carolina National Guard

RALEIGH, N.C. (2/19/13) – Joe Pacheco, a mixed martial artist with Bellator Fighting Championships, can grab hold of about any body part you can mention in polite company.

Head, foot, leg, arm, wrist are no problem, but students at Central Cabarrus High School in Concord presented a more difficult target for the fighter: hearts and minds.

Pacheco, his coach Michael Allen and Army Sgt. Michael Graham with the North Carolina National Guard and a former student at Cabarrus High, taught a Healthy Living and Anti-Bullying seminar Feb. 12 for the students in Concord.

"I want to be a role model,” said Pacheco. “I was bullied as a kid and it makes it hard to stay focused in school.”

Photo from blackstarjournal.org

Pacheco, with Graham, taught the physical education class and stressed the importance of healthy habits and proper diet. The message seemed to carry a little more weight coming from teachers who fight for a living; a martial artist and Soldier.

"It is a fresh look and kids love a professional fighter they see on television," said Graham.

Pacheco, with an infectious grin and easy manner, encouraged the class to eat better with more fruit and vegetables, getting enough sleep and the other basics expected of an athlete in training.

"Once you get in shape you never want to stop," said Pacheco.

The benefit is not just long-term health but a more immediate need for the students, dealing with bullying.

"Bullies feed off fear and when someone is healthy and confident, they can defend themselves and it makes it easier to turn around and walk off," Allen said.

Having the confidence and strength is just part of the response. Graham led the freshman class gathered in Central Cabarrus gym in techniques for preventing bullying: telling the bully to stop, walking away and getting help from friends, teachers, school staff, police or other officials.

Sometimes these non-physical techniques do not work and that is where Pacheco shared his expertise.

With the help of some students, Pacheco taught them how to defend themselves from a bully's attack.

With the skill one expects of a professional fighter, he demonstrated how to use an attacker's force against him.

Playing the role of the bully, he grabs a young student by the shoulders and with a push of the arm, a twist of her hip, she escapes the hold and successfully managed to push Pacheco to the side.

"Bullies do not pick on people who know how to fight back," said Pacheco.

The demonstration continued as students practiced on the mats in the center of the gym. Cheers, laughter and an occasional gasp from their peers resonated through the gym as students practiced the techniques that were taught.

"It is amazing as a graduate to come back and make a difference," said Graham.

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EMPLOYMENT

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FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS

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