FAMILY MATTERS
October 2009 Volume 1, Issue 1
North Carolina National Guard ~ 4105 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607 ~ (800) 621-4136 ~ www.nc.ngb.army.mil
Does Your Kid Have the Best Halloween Costume? We will include the best on the NCNG Website and our upcoming Family Matters. Email us ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com.
Diane Coffill State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324
SFC Calvin Buchan State Family Program Assistant calv in.buchan@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124
SSG Ju Autry
Welcome to Family Matters!
Budget Analysis ju.autry@us.army.mil (919) 664-7583
SPC Glenn Harris-McLean Family Program Specialist glenn.harrismclean@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124
Lana Greer State Family Assistance Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 271-5029
Renee Brotherton FAC Team Leader renee.brotherton@us.army.mil (704) 359-5736
Welcome to our first edition of Family Matters, North Carolina National Guard has a multitude of programs and services available to you across the State, and we‟d like to use
Armories. You will find them denoted as “storefront” FACs where our locations are listed.
the information, tips, and tools you need to successfully navigate life as a military family.
These facilities are designed to make
Especially in October, as the weather becomes
this monthly newsletter to help keep you informed.
accessing services and resources more available to
cooler and the leaves change, there are lots of
you.
fun Fall activities.
Through our Family Programs, you have access to those resources right
We have lots of events going on across the State
where you live. This month, we open four new Family Assistance Centers in community locations. These
this month, and we encourage you to attend as many as you can. Some events are educational,
State FRG Adv isor pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil (919) 693-5016 ext. 13
FACs are not located on
and can provide you with
Alice Dean
SECU Members Support NCNG KOG
Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.) Wing Family Program Coordinator
kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil
(704) 398-4949
Pamela Hughes
State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616
Individual Highlights Yellow Ribbon Program
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Western NC Highlights
3
Central NC Highlights
4
Eastern NC Highlights
5
Programs & Services
6
Child & Youth Program
7
FRGs
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State Employees‟ Credit Union members via the SECU Foundation have provided the Operation Kids on Guard Foundation with a Sports Utility Vehicle and trailer for Kids on Guard. The program will utilize the vehicle and trailer to travel to NCNG armories or training sites to provide fun and educational outlets for the children of Army and Air Guard members, helping to address fears and concerns many children have about their parent‟s service. Pictured left to right: SECU Foundation Executive Director Mark Twisdale; Operation
Dr. Al Wentzy, Advisory Board member of Kids on Guard Foundation members Bridgette SECU‟s Jackson Branch comments, “I am so Carroll, Alice Dean, Diane Coffill, Carlene Bloss; and Operation Kids on Guard Foundation proud of my Credit Union and its members Executive Director Dennis Roach for supporting the „Kids on Guard‟ program! If you want to be supportive of a combat Soldier and those deployed in the name (Continues on Page 7)
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FAMILY MATTERS
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
support information pre-deployment deployment
The mission of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is to enhance the quality of life of the North Carolina Guardsmen and their Families statewide by implementing programs that provides vital information during all phases of their deployment. Providing information about benefits and entitlements such as medical, legal and financial aid will ensure a safe and healthy reintegration back into their family, community, school and jobs following a deployment.
demobilization post-deployment/
Reintegration Event at Carowinds
reintegration
OCTOBER 24, 2009 Carowinds Amusement Park (Plaza 2) 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte RSVP by Oct. 7
800-621-4136 EXT. 6054 John Gattis Program Director john.gattis@us.army.mil David Coffill david.coffill@us.army.mil
SGT Khan Eakin khan.eakin@us.army.mil Adam Garrity adam.l.garrity@us.army.mil
Lola Lawson lola.lawson@us.army.mil Ken Martinsen kenneth.martinsen@us.army.mil
Gerald Murray gerald.murray@us.army.mil
David Nobles david.nobles@us.army.mil Chris Rosehart
christopher.rosehart@us.army.mil
We will need person‟s name and height (under or over 48”) at time of registration. Tickets available „til 9:30 a.m. at Will Call (Tent and Table) - located at North Gate to Plaza 2. Tickets will be distributed from roster obtained from registration. Program runs from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Speakers: Battlemind, VA Representatives, TriCare, and Life Consultants. Passes include a day in the park and Southern picnic lunch. ITA (Travel reimbursement) will be available for all; lodging available for families traveling over 100 miles. Each Service Member is entitled to 5 tickets for family members. Contact Rachel Talbott to RSVP, 800-621-4136 ext. 5756 or rachel.talbott@us.army.mil.
Upcoming Yellow Ribbon Events October 4 Pre-Deployment Brief Unit: 105th EN BN Location: Raeford
October 24 Pre Demobilization Brief Unit: All Units Location: Greensboro
October 17 Pre-Demobilization Brief Unit: Regional All Units Location: Raleigh
October 24 Pre Demobilization Brief/ Reunion Reintegration Event Carowinds Amusement Park (see above)
Nov. 7-8 30/60 Post Deployment Reintegration Unit: 449th TAB Location: Raleigh Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Contact a Yellow Ribbon Specialist for additional information.
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Across the State ‌
Upcoming Events October 3 1450th FRG Meeting Location: Jefferson Armory Contact: Lenoir Super FAC October 7 Caldwell County Fair Location: Caldwell County Fairgrounds Contact: Lenoir Super FAC/American Legion Post 29 Please visit our booth at the county fair. October 10 Kids on Guard Day Drill Asheville Armory 100 Minuteman Drive, Asheville, 28806 RSVP: Sept. 28/Asheville FAC Contact; Asheville FAC October 17 Kids on Guard Day Drill Lenoir Armory 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd. Lenoir, 288645 RSVP: Oct. 5/Lenoir FAC
Asheville FAC 100 Minuteman Drive, 28806 David Ponder, FAC Specialist david.ponder@us.army.mil Mark Woolbright, FAC Specialist mark.woolbright@us.army.mil Asheville (Storefront) FAC 7 Yorkshire Drive, 28803 (800) 621-4136 Lenoir FAC 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645 (800) 621-4136 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator nancy.davis3@us.army.mil Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil
N.C. State Fair Military Appreciation Day Wednesday, October 21 Member or Spouses FREE, along with four (4) guests The 2009 N.C. State Fair will pay tribute to members of the U.S. Military for their service to the country on Wednesday, October 21. The day will feature special activities and performances by military bands. Active duty, reserve and National Guard service members or spouses with valid military ID will be admitted free along with four guests. The day is filled with concerts on the Waterfall Stage. Stay tuned for a full schedule of events. Visit www.ncstatefair.org/2009/General/Military.htm for details.
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FAMILY MATTERS
Military Families on the Move Healthy Living Workshop
Across the State …
Saturday, October 17, 2009 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Guilford County Cooperative Extension Office 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro Sponsored by
Learn how to become a “healthy military family on the move.” Sessions include: healthy finance, healthy cooking, healthy body, and gardening ABCs. Youth activities also planned. RSVP by Oct. 9 to Sandy Harrison at (800) 621-4136 ext. 7763 or sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil.
The Research Triangle Eisenhower Fellowship Program invites the NCNG Families of the 1-130th ARB & 30th STB to attend a
FALL FESTIVAL Sunday October 18, 2009 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Morrisville Armory, 2050 National Guard Drive, 27560 Prizes, Treats & Fall Fun … BBQ Dinner, Pumpkin Give-away Activities Include: Costume Contest (ages 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15+) Dance Contest, Fortune Teller, Video Games, Football Pass Duck Pond, Face Painting Contact: Jim Roberson, Family Readiness Support Assistant, 919-664-7655 or james.roberson@us.army.mil
Thursday, October 15, 2009 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bojangles’ Coliseum 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte 28205 A free hiring event for veterans who already have civilian work experience, men and women who are transitioning from active duty to civilian life, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and M ilitary Spouses. To register for the event or for more information on RecruitM ilitary Veteran Opportunity Expos, please visit www.recruitmilitary.com.
Charlotte FAC 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist (704) 359-5756 rachel.talbott@us.army.mil Kannapolis (Storefront) FAC 6001 Gateway Center Drive Suite 105, 28081 (800) 621-4136 Shane Judd shane.judd@us.army.mil Doretha M cLaughlin doretha.mclaughlin@us.army.mil
Raleigh (Storefront) FAC 130 Penmarc Drive, 27603 (800) 621-4136
Greensboro FAC 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401
Valencia Green
Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil (336) 691-7712
Chinequa Knight
Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil (336) 691-7763 Raleigh FAC Wendi Bell, FAC Specialist wendi.bell@us.army.mil (919) 664-6078 Southern Pines FAC David Butler david.earl.butler@us.army.mil (910) 692-8747 Smithfield FAC Abby M illsap abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil (919) 934-2013
FAC Specialist
FAC Specialist chinequa.knight@us.army.mil
Eugene Sturdivant FAC Specialist eugene.t.sturdiv ant@us.army.mil
Kay Teseniar
FAC Specialist kay.teseniar@us.army.mil
Marci Thames
FAC Specialist marci.thames@us.army.mil
Check Page 7 for Kids on Guard Day Drills hosted in our region.
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Across the State …
CLINTON
MILITARY COMMISSARY CASE LOT SALES
sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 299-5466
Courtesy of the North Carolina National Guard and Fort Bragg Commissary North
GOLDSBORO
CHARLOTTE Take ADVANTAGE of spectacular savings on popular grocery items at the Commissary Onsite Sale! The Fort Bragg South Commissary is hosting an On-site Sale at the NC Air National Guard 145th Airlift Wing.
Upcoming Events October 13 American Legion Meeting - Greenville Contact: Greenville Super FAC October 14 Blood Drive - Dunn Armory Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please come out and donate blood. October 17 Kids on Guard Day Drill - Lumberton Armory 4502 Fayetteville Road, Lumberton, 28359 RSVP: Oct. 5/Wilmington FAC October 24 Kids on Guard Day Drill - Jacksonville Armory 309 Broadhurst Road, Jacksonville, 28540 RSVP: Oct. 9/Wilmington FAC October 31 Kids on Guard Day Drill - Fayetteville Armory 449 E. M ountain Drive, Fayetteville, 28306 RSVP: Oct. 16/Southern Pines FAC October 29 Halloween Guard-Tacular Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Location: Greenville Armory Contact: Greenville Super FAC This event is a Halloween Costume Contest. Children are welcome to wear costumes. Refreshments will be served. October 31 B Co. 230 th BSB Fall FRG Event Location: Dunn Armory There will be games, prizes and activities for the kids. Kids can come in costumes.
Sarah Strickland FRSA
4930 M inuteman Lane Charlotte, NC 28208 Friday, October 2 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Saturday, October 3 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) Sunday, October 4 (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) TRIANGLE NC National Guard Headquarters 4105 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607 Friday, November 6 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Saturday, November 7 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Sunday, November 8 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) WILMINGTON Carolina Beach Road Armory 2221 Carolina Beach Road Wilmington, 28401 Saturday, November 7 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Sunday, November 8 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Who ALL MILITARY ID CARD HOLDERS Service M embers, Retirees, and Dependents Payment Options Check Cash Credit (No Debit) Authorized I.D. Card Holders Only Items available include ~Several types of meat ~Seafood ~Produce ~Water ~Dry grocery club packs
Greg Smith FRSA gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 739-5319
GREENVILLE Greenville FAC 1401 N. M emorial Dr., 27834 Henry Noble FAC Network Coordinator henry.noble@us.army.mil (252) 551-5865 Jamie Jones FAC Specialist jamie.jones9@us.army.mil (252) 551-5865
JACKSONVILLE Judy Richardson FRSA judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352/line 11
WILMINGTON Wilmington FAC 2412 Infantry Road, 28412 Jim Marley FAC Specialist james.marley@us.army.mil (910) 251-7195 FAX: (910) 251-7130 Wilmington (Storefront) FAC 3114 Randall Parkway, 28403 Judy Howard FAC Network Coordinator judy.m.howard@us.army.mil (800) 621-4136 Jamie McCormick FAC Specialist jamie.mccormick@us.army.mil
(800) 621-4136
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FAMILY MATTERS
MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS The ongoing war on terror and the subsequent increase of deployments have heightened the stress placed on military families. You may struggle with issues such as single parenting resulting from deployment, childcare, financial stability, fluctuating family income and frequent relocations.
John Alleman Adult and Family Specialist (919) 745-9635
john.b.alleman@healthnet.com
Betty Steelman Youth and Family Specialist (919) 665-9178 bettys.ncmflc@gmail.com
MFLC NON-MEDICAL COUNSELING SERVICES LIFE SKILLS Anger M anagement Communication Conflict Resolution Decision M aking Skills Relationship Issues Parenting Productivity at Work MILITARY LIFESTYLE Building Resiliency Coping Skills Deployment Stress Homesickness Loss & Grief Relocation Adjustment Separation Reintegration: Warrior to Citizen
In response, the Department of Defense (DoD) established the M ilitary & Family Life Consultant, or M FLC, Program to provide non-medical, short term, situation, problem solving counseling services. The MFLC Program addresses issues that occur across the military lifestyle and helps Service members and their families cope with normal reactions to the stress resulting from deployments, war, and reintegration.
MFLCs serve all Services and Guard/Reserve components.
Need Legal Assistance? ncnglegalassistance@hotmail.com Quality legal services are available to NCNG Soldiers and Family Members and qualifying members of other branches of the armed forces. Here‟s a sample of some of the services we can provide:
family law, estate planning, real property, tax matters, civil criminal matters, personal property and debt collection/credit issues We also provide legal counseling in other areas of law on a case-bycase basis. If you have any questions regarding whether we can assist you, please contact us. However, please note that we cannot provide in-court representation for any Service Members or their families. For more information, visit our “Legal Assistance” page on Family Programs at www.nc.ngb.army.mil. To speak with us directly, contact your local FAC, and ask to speak with Reita Smolka or Chris Alderson. Additional Resources around the State Available Personal Financial Counselors Available The Military & Family Life Consultant Program includes Personal Financial Counseling to help you and your family manage your finances, resolve financial problems and reach long-term goals such as getting an education, buying a home and planning for retirement. With the help of our financial experts, you can take control of your finances, reduce money-related stress and overcome the financial challenges of military life.
Your contacts are: David Porter, AFC (704) 280-9555 (East NC) Frank M olinar, CFP (980) 329-8467 Email: ncng.pfc@gmail.com
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Child & Youth Program A HOOAH goes to our NCNG Teen Council. The Council was recently formed to help address the concerns of military teens here in North Carolina. The Teen Council made a presentation during the closing ceremony of the 2009 State Volunteer Conference & Youth Symposium. During the symposium, the council created the first issue of their publication, The Voices of NCNG Teenz Gazette. Stay tuned for more from our military kids.
October is filled with Kids on Guard Day Drills. Join Us. Please RSVP by calling the hosting Family Assistance Center (FAC) at 800-621-4136 plus the lastfour digits of their extension, Pre-registration for our Kids on Guard event is required. You can download the forms at www.nc.ngb.army.mil. Also, check our Child & Youth Program page periodically for the latest information that pertains to our military youth. There are some very useful programs and services available to help support our military children throughout the various phases of deployment. Stay connected!
Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator 2025 National Guard Drive Morrisville, 27560 (800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 FAX: (919) 664-6156 alice.dean@us.army.mil Bridgette Carroll KOG Coordinator (919) 664-7664
bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil
Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator (919) 664-7625 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil Upcoming KOG Events:
ATTENTION: ARMY KIDS www.myarmyonesource.com/cyss_tutor Child, Youth and School Services offers free resources and tutoring from Tutor.com! Math homework English Get Real-time Help Science project Find a Resource 24/7 Spelling test Get FREE Online Tutoring for Grades K-12+ History Book reports Social studies
Credit Union supports KOG (continued from Page 1) of freedom, take care of their family. Children of our uniformed service members don‟t understand why „Daddy‟ and „Mommy‟ are gone; the SECU Foundation‟s support of this Operation Kids on Guard Foundation outreach project enables the NC National Guard to help their children understand. It is so touching and reassuring to see SECU members caring for the children of those deployed – it is a clear example of the Credit Union practicing the precept of „Do the Right Thing!‟” “We are extremely grateful to the State Employee‟s Credit Union and its members for providing the Kids on Guard program with a Sports Utility Vehicle and trailer,” said Alice Dean, NC National Guard State Child & Youth Coordinator. “ “The Kids on Program is a hands-on, face-to-face program that provides unique support for our youngest military family members. Since the program began, we‟ve reached more than 1800 military children throughout the State. Having a dedicated vehicle for our use will increase our impact in the State and allow us to further extend the program. This type of support helps further our mission to keep North Carolina‟s military children resilient.”
October 3 Air Guard Training Site New London, NC RSVP: Passed Deadline October 10 Ashev ille Armory 100 Minuteman Driv e, Ashev ille, 28806 RSVP: Sept. 28/Ashev ille FAC October 17 Lenoir Armory 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd. Lenoir, 288645 RSVP: Oct. 5/Lenoir FAC October 17 Lumberton Armory 4502 Fayettev ille Road Lumberton, 28359 RSVP: Oct. 5/Wilmington FAC October 24 Jacksonv ille Armory 309 Broadhurst Road Jacksonv ille, 28540 RSVP: Oct. 9/Wilmington FAC October 31 Fayettev ille Armory 449 E. Mountain Driv e Fayettev ille, 28306 RSVP: Oct. 16/Southern Pines FAC
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FAMILY MATTERS Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring St. Oxford, 27565 (919) 693-5016
pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil
Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte Genesia Newsome nikkie.newsome@us.army.mil (704) 359-5707 Clinton Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 299-5466 Goldsboro Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 739-5319 Jacksonville Judy Richardson judy.r.richardson@us.army.mil (910) 347-4352/line 11 Morrisville Jim Roberson james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 664-7655 ~~ FRG Leaders, if you‟re hosting a Family Day, FRG Meeting, etc., please contact Family Programs and we can coordinate Specialists such as Financial Counselors, Military & Family Life Consultants, Legal, etc. to be on-hand for your ev ent to assist families and answer questions.~~
Spotlight on Volunteers – Above and Beyond By Pam Hughes
Spotlight Volunteer is Betty Dickerson.
If you know of anyone who has gone abov e and beyond, email ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com with your story.
I met Mrs. Dickerson when her youngest daughter Gloria and I became friends in the 7th grade. We became longtime friends, all three of us. I was able to witness on many occasions Mrs. Dickerson's lov e for the Lord and for serv ing others. I nev er knew back then what an important role she would play in my adult life. In 2004 and 2005, my husband's National Guard unit and my oldest son's activ e army unit were both deployed. Once Mrs. Dickerson learned of this, she contacted me and asked me to come by and see her. When I arriv ed, she presented me with a wonderful gift. It was 250 crocheted crosses wrapped in indiv idual baggies with a special note of thanks to the soldiers that would receiv e them. She asked if I could make sure that they get to the soldiers as she was wanted them to know personally that God lov ed them and would protect them and keep them safe until they returned again to their families. I told her I would make sure they were sent and had them placed into the care packages, and some for my son's activ e duty unit. Mrs. Dickerson receiv ed many thank you emails, notes and cards. As time passed Mrs. Dickerson continued to selflessly hand-make crosses for our military and I continued to include them in care packages sent out. Mrs. Dickerson had made approximately 2,200 crosses that were handed personally, placed in care packages or mailed to soldiers from North Carolina and Washington State. Mrs. Dickerson went Abov e and Beyond for our United States military. She bought all the materials for and hand-made each cross personally with her lov e. Ev en though her hands became arthritic in the last couple of years, her eyes became increasingly blurred and her health began to fail in 2008, she continued to make these crosses until her death in April, 2009. I cannot say enough about her inspiration on the role of what being a v olunteer truly means. She would say many times when I would go to pick up these precious items, "Pam, I don't hav e much, but I know God has giv en me the ability to try to make a difference while I'm here." What a wonderful testimony and what a truly wonderful Volunteer!! Thank you Mrs. Dickerson for all of your sacrifice to make sure that our soldiers ha d some inspiration in a time of hardship! I know you are watching ov er us all and hoping that someone else will pick up where you left off!!
NCNG FAMILY PROGRAMS 4105 REEDY CREEK ROAD RALEIGH, NC 27607
CUSTOMER NAME STREET ADDRESS ADDRESS 2 CITY, ST ZIP CODE
We’re on the Web! See us at: www.nc.ngb.army.mil