Family Matters April 2010

Volume 1, Issue 1

FAMILY MATTERS Diane Coffill State Family Program Director

diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324

April is The Month of The Military Child Please enjoy our April edition of Family Matters. Inside you’ll find tons of upcoming events, programs, and resources.

SSG Ju Autry Budget Analysis ju.autry@us.army.mil (919) 664-7583

North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Child and Youth staff are diligently working hard to respond to the needs of our military children. A recent survey conducted by the RAND Cooperation for the National Military Association shows that military children go through more stress and that stress shows differently in different ages and genders.

SGT Daniel Holland Assistant dan.holland@us.army.mil

PFC Carolyn Stevens HR Assistant carolyn.richards1@us.army.mil

(919) 664-6124

Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer@us.army.mil (828) 271-5029

Child & Youth Programs

By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs

RAND Cooperation asked military children, enrolled in Operation Purple Camps, between the ages of 11-17, their parents and/or caregivers "…how are school-age military children faring and what types of issues do military children face related to deployment?" The survey found:

Renee Brotherton FAC Team Leader renee.brotherton@us.army.mil

(704) 359-5736 Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.) NC Air National Guard kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil

(704) 398-4949

Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil

(919) 693-5016 ext. 13

Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616 Individual Highlights Protecting our Youth Military Kids Resources Summer Camps Child Article/Workshop Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Children’s Finances Meet the FAC FAC DIrectory Volunteer Appreciation

April 2010 Volume 2, Issue 4

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Study results are consistent across Service branches: As the months of parental deployment increased so did the child’s challenges. The total number of months away mattered more than the number of deployments. Also, older children experienced more difficulties during deployment. There is also direct correlation between the mental health of the caregiver and the well-being of the child. Results also revealed that girls experienced more difficulty during reintegration, the period of months readjusting after the service member’s homecoming. Also, about one-third of the children reported symptoms of anxiety, which is somewhat higher than the percentage reported in other studies of children.

Alice Dean, State Child and Youth Coordinator, says she has noticed North Carolina National Guard children experiencing some if not many of these challenges, especially teens. Dean said, "Teens don't speak up often about their feelings…I have heard older children say I don't want to bother my mom or dad…they are smart enough to know that their parents are under a lot of stress…"

The problems teens are facing range from coping with fears of having a loved one deployed and the reintegration of that loved one coming home.

Around our state, the North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program is striving to help parents and teens face their issues head on. (Continue on Page 5.)

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Protecting Our Youth

By SSG Kristian S. Hall, JFHQ-NC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator ( SARC )

“Children are our future”. Protecting our children can be one of the most important things we do as a parent. I’m pleased to present some ideas, suggestions and links to helping protect our children. The majority of my research was provided by the NC Attorney General’s office website. Please access this website for further information regarding protecting your children and yourself in our communities and on the Internet, as well as staying aware of fraud attempts.

First, let’s discuss the most prominent device in our homes today……..the computer! Let’s discuss internet safety. Not only are computers great learning tools and a lot of fun to use for games and videos, they can also expose children to unwanted content and inappropriate contact from adults via the internet. We can limit the danger by helping show our children where to navigate on the Internet and protect them from unknown individuals. You can also set rules and time limits for your kids. Talk to them about the dangers. Install parental control software or activate the controls yourself.

Even if you do not know a lot about computers and you are not an IT wiz, you can call your Internet Service Provider who can walk you through some steps. Also, I highly recommend you check out the link provided to the state Attorney General’s office. This will show you a lot of great information regarding internet safety. http://ncdoj.gov/protect-yourself.aspx.

Here are some other tips; Look for advances in technology. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) probably has free parental control tools. Download or activate them. They can help you control what your child can access. Set a regular schedule for yourself to review and update them. Spend time with your kids, offline and online. Get them to show you what they do on the computer, and the websites they visit. Discourage children, especially young children, from communicating with anyone online that they don't know in real life. Monitor your kids while you teach them Internet safety.

Some parents may feel uncomfortable checking on their child's computer activities. However, experts say parents need to know what their children are doing online. It isn't snooping, it's caring. Prevent inappropriate content. In addition to the threat posed by online predators, the Internet is home to many images that are inappropriate for children. More young people are being exposed to unwanted sexual material on the Internet. In 2000, one in four youths reported such exposure. In 2006, the figure was one in three, despite an increase in the use of filtering, blocking and monitoring software. Some young people seek out sexual material online, but many encounter inappropriate material unintentionally. Sexual material can appear in search results, or arrive by unsolicited email, known as spam, as an attachment or link. Teach children never to click on a link in an unsolicited email, and to close out of inappropriate content quickly.

Use a child-friendly search engine to help them avoid inappropriate search results. Use this link for your search engine and save it to your favorites http://kidsclick.org .

Tillman Military Scholar Program Now Open The Pat Tillman Foundation invites you to apply to become a Tillman Military Scholar. The Pat Tillman Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans, service members, and their families (spouses or children under age 30). The Tillman Military Scholar Program provides direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other needs, such as child care. The 2010/2011 application is due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 30, 2010.

In 2009, the Pat Tillman Foundation awarded $642,000 to 52 Tillman Military Scholars to men and women at 21 universities in 16 states for the 2009/2010 academic year. The application, FAQs, and additional information are available online at: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.

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Our Military Kids

RESOURCES FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

Contributed By Marisa Benton, NCNG Spouse

Our Militarykids.org is one of the greatest resources for a National Guard family. To be provided two grants for children's activities allows flexibility in a budget and maybe a chance to try something new. I looked into it in early September for my son. He wanted to try wrestling. I found an organization in Holly Springs and called them and explained a little about the program. I explained a check would come directly from the organization and would cover the whole fee PLUS the registration fee. They were excited for us. I got all of my paperwork ready and faxed it in to OMK In about a week I received an email from the coach that he had the check in hand. He was very impressed with the speed and efficiency of the program.

That same week we received a welcome packet from the organization with all kinds of fun things for my son. It also had a certificate thanking him for supporting his father. It was all very sweet.

We used our second grant for Caleb's track out camp for the month of April. I work part time and with my husband deployed, staying home for four weeks isn't an option. On the other hand, paying for camp when you work part time is almost a wash. Once again the site came to our rescue.

This time the camp director wrote a letter with the payment specifics and the dates and I once again sent the info. The camp received their check in less than a week and we were all set.

Caleb's grant allowed him to participate in wrestling, and the change in him has been phenomenal. At home, instead of just meeting his responsibilities, he is proactively looking for new ways he can pitch in and help. His wrestling coach is in the military, and it has been great for Caleb to be around someone who understands what his family is facing. Since we do not live on a base, that is a luxury Caleb does not always have.

The biggest change, however, has been his overall outlook on trying new things. Wrestling was uncharted water for him and getting the chance to face up to a whole new experience successfully has made him think about all of the other things he would like to try. His increased confidence has shown in his improved grades in school and in his general demeanor. It is a lesson I think he will carry for a long time.

Our Military Kids www.ourmilitarykids.org Provides grants up to $500 per eligible child for activities designed to support military children. Visit them online for eligibility and criteria.

NEED AN EXTRA BOOST IN GRADES? HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HOMEWORK HELP? VISIT TUTOR.COM Service member does not need to be deployed to use this FREE service.

A Child Care survey is available on the JSS website. It will be available through April 9. Information gathered from this survey will assist us in determining the child care concerns of our Guard families during deployments and how best to assist them for better coverage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO HELP SUPPORT YOUR MILITARY CHILD INCLUDE: Zero to Three A national, nonprofit organization that address needs of military children ages birth to three. Visit www.zerotothree.org.

Military Child Education Coalition A national, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators understand the a military child ’s educational needs.

4 SUMMER CAMPS | APPLY EARLY

It’s Camp Season and Operation Purple has a slew of camps in North Carolina and across the country. For details, criteria and eligibility, visit: www.militaryfamily.org Operation Purple Camps Application Period ends April 16 Columbia, NC, Ages: 8-15 years old Sunday, June 13, 2010 - Friday, June 18, 2010 Columbia, NC, Ages: 8-15 years old Sunday, June 20, 2010 - Friday, June 25, 2010 Halifax, NC, Ages: 10-15 years old Sunday, August 01, 2010 - Saturday, August 07, 2010

Free Military Teens Leadership Camp This camp is free to all participants and travel expenses up to $500 will be reimbursed for teens selected to participate in the program. Operation Purple Leadership Camp is open to all military children ages 15-17 years old. Additional rules apply.

For more information, eligibility requirements, FAQs, and to apply, visit www.militaryfamily.org/ leadership.

Hendersonville, NC, Ages: 8-15 years old Sunday, June 27, 2010 - Friday, July 02, 2010

2010 Dates and Locations Wilderness Challenge in North Georgia June 14 – June 25

Hendersonville, NC, Ages: 8-15 years old Sunday, August 01, 2010 - Friday, August 06, 2010

Colorado Front Range Exploration June 23 – July 2

Hendersonville, NC, Ages: 7-17 years old Sunday, June 06, 2010 - Saturday, June 12, 2010

Exploring Florida’s Wonders July 6 – July 17

Parkton, NC, Ages: 7-17 years old Sunday, July 11, 2010 - Saturday, July 17, 2010

NC Appalachian Mountain Experience July 20 – 28

Parkton, NC, Ages: 7-17 years old Sunday, July 18, 2010 - Saturday, July 24, 2010

Idaho Rocky Mountain Hiking Expedition August 3 – 12

Swannanoa, NC, Ages: 8-17 years old Sunday, July 11, 2010 - Wednesday, July 16, 2010

Salmon River Rafting Expedition in Idaho August 11 – 19

OPERATION KIDS ON GUARD—UPCOMING CAMPS Day Drills June 19: Kinston Armory, 2875 Dobbs Farm Road, Kinston July 10: Raeford Armory, 305 Teal Drive, Raeford July 24: Winston Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston Salem August 21: Morrisville Armory, 2025 National Guard Drive August 28: Asheville Armory, 100 Minuteman Drive Overnight Weekend Camps: Camp Butner Training Site, 539 Roberts Chapel Rd, Stem NC April 23-25 & September 24-26 Spaces fill quickly. To learn more and to register, contact Alice Dean, State Youth Coordinator, at alice.dean@us.army.mil, or call (919) 664-7616 or Bridgette Carroll, KOG Assistant, at bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil, or call (919) 664-7664.

5 The North Carolina National Guard Yellow Ribbon Team Supports Military Members and their Families throughout the Deployment Cycle YELLOW RIBBON TEAM 800-621-4136 EXT. 6054 John Gattis Program Director john.gattis@us.army.mil David Coffill david.coffill@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

Child & Youth Programs (continued from page 1) Dean said, "The Yellow Ribbon Program is for the soldiers and their families." Her staff, national organizations and state organizations have developed age specific curriculum for children for all stages of deployment. She says when a child comes to the Yellow Ribbon event "we work with them… have them do activities that are within their age group…" in hopes of breaking the barriers that may be effecting their phase of military family life, whether it be a mom, dad, grandparent, brother or sister being gone on the deployment for a long time or coming home.

Yellow Ribbon is not all that is offered to our North Carolina National Guard Teens. A new program called NCNG Teen Council is a way parents can nudge their teens to "speak out". Teens in the council commit to the program for two years. During those 2 years teens participate in quarterly meetings that help provide skills in public speaking, public relations, photography, writing and other training to help military teens be stronger. Dean said, "The teens will also help with planning events in their area of the state and be a voice to the community for North Carolina National Guard children."

Dean says parents need to know they are not alone, we know they may be stressed and might need to have their teen be a part of one of our programs for a little pick me up for both of them. Encourage your child to participate in North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Programs and most importantly encourage them to speak up,

Hidden Heroes Workshop April 20, 2010 from 10am-4pm Cooperative Extension Office, Rockingham, NC Hidden Heroes is a program to help teach our community how we can help the military families in our community. The intent of Hidden Heroes training is to increase ordinary citizens’ understanding of the unique issues facing military youth and assist them in creating State and Local OMK support networks.

School personnel, youth-serving agency staff and civic groups may find Hidden Heroes training especially beneficial. As part of the training, you will receive resource materials training toolkit designed to educate youth workers, educators, counselors and other community service agencies on military culture, the deployment cycle, fostering resilience in kids, influence of the media, and building community capacity. A total of 45,754 youth in the South Central District are left behind once a loved one has been deployed: Anson County: 41 Bladen County: 88 Cabarrus County: 654 Columbus County: 149 Cumberland County: 33,850 Harnett County: 4,389 Lee County: 2,439 Montgomery County: 61 Moore County: 1,981 Richmond County: 150 Robeson County: 999 Scotland County: 141 Stanly County: 166 Union County: 514 A Hidden Heroes workshop will be held on April 20 from 10am-4pm at the Cooperative Extension office in Rockingham, NC. A fee of $10 for Richmond residents, Out-of-county residents $15, and lunch will be provided. Contact the Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Agent at 910.997.8255 by April 15th to register.

6 UPCOMING EVENTS | MARK YOUR CALENDAR Single Soldier’s Retreat How Not to Date a Jerk or Jerkette April 30-May 2—Beach July 30-August 1—Mountains For more details, call 800-621-4136 ext. 6124

Marriage Enrichment Weekend Retreats ―Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage‖ Reserve your Slot Now! April 23-25, 2010 - Mountains July 9-11, 2010 - Beach July 23-25, 2010 - Beach August 13-15, 2010 - Beach August 27-29, 2010 - Beach For more details, call 800-621-4136 ext. 6124

Raleigh, NC

Greensboro, NC April 6, 2010 from 10:00am to 2:00pm 110 Franklin BLVD, Greensboro, NC Families and servicemembers are invited to attend the Military Family Life Consultants Keys to Reintegration Workshop. Sometimes an outsiders’ perspective on life happenings can help us get through rough patches. Military Family Life Consultants are there to help " organize" changes families and servicemembers may be going through. Take advantage of this free, confidential service.

April 13, 2010 from 10:00pm to 2:00pm April 20 & 27, 2010 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm 110 Franklin BLVD, Greensboro, NC Families are invited to come and equip themselves and their families with some financial "secrets" not many talk about. Licensed Personal Financial Consultants will be on hand to guide military families on how to create a stronger financial future.

April 13, 2010 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm April 20, 2010 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm 130 Penmark Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC Stress Management Class MFLC are conducting a class on topics of interest.

MFLC are trained professionals to help military families cope with common issues with communication, anger management and conflict resolutions. The MFLC can teach families how to cope with the stressors of military life such as separation and reintegration.

April 15, 2010 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm April 22, 2010, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm 130 Penmark Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC. Financial Budgeting Class Families are invited to join our Personal Financial Consultants Financial Budgeting Class . Personal Financial Consultants will be arming families with action plans on how to keep the "reins" on spending, debt consolidation and budgeting for you and your family's future. Eliminate some financial stressors by being armed and ready.

BECOME A FAN Get our Latest News and Updates on Facebook Search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs”

ONLINE EVENTS For a full listing of events across the State, find “Family Programs” at www.nc.ngb.army.mil, then click “Events Calendar.

7 UPCOMING EVENTS | MARK YOUR CALENDAR The official 30th HBCT Welcome Home Ceremony is happening on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 2:00pm at RBC Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Free Concert The USO, USO of NC, and Ft Bragg FMWR are excited to announce Daughtry in Concert. Chris Daughtry will perform at the main Ft Bragg Parade Grounds on Sunday, April 11 at 7:00pm. This concert is open to all DoD ID Card holders and their families and is free. We hope to have military members and their families from across the state attend this great event. The grounds will open at 3:00 pm with food vendors and family friendly activities.

NCSU Recognizes Military Child Appreciation Month In recognition of Military Child Appreciation Month military children, families and servicemembers from all braches are invited to meet North Carolina State University Football players, Coaches and staff after the 2010 Kay Yow Spring Red vs. White Football Game on Saturday April 17, 2010, 1:00pm, at the Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. Families, military children and servicemembers are invited to watch the game for free.

3rd Annual NC Operation Military Kids Visual Arts Contest NC OMK is excited to announce the 3rd Annual NC Operation: Military Kids Visual Arts Contest. The contest is open to all North Carolina youth. Age categories are 5-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-19. Designed to introduce youth to the Visual Arts as a part of the 4-H Expressive Arts Curriculum, youth will utilize their skills and their artistry to capture their views of America and patriotism.

This year's themes are: Celebrating Military Careers; Honoring Our Heroes; and Growing Up in America Contest rules and guidelines can be found at www.nc4h.org/military/index/html.

Eligibility of Photos: All visual art must have been created by youth between the dates of January 1, 2010 and the time of entry.

Entry Deadline Entries must arrive in the North Carolina 4-H Youth Development Office, postmarked no later than Friday, April 30, 2010.

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By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs Teaching your child how to read and how to manage life and money are two different things. Generally, parents start teaching children how to read with books that showcase the most common colors, shapes and numbers. There are a multitude of authors offering the latest techniques on how to help your child understand the basics of colors, shapes and numbers but there aren't many that focus on teaching a child the basics and values of money.

David Porter, North Carolina National Guard Certified Financial Planner says parents can start teaching their child as early as pre-school about the value and basics of money. Porter suggests using play money or real money during a game of pretend shopping or banking. Show your child the differences of size and color. Start with pennies and count out ten. Group dimes, nickels and quarters and explain the different values. Children may have a hard time understanding that dimes are worth more than nickels so be patient, they will get it. Finally, have your child do small things like putting their shoes away and picking up their toys for an allowance. That allowance can be put in the child's piggy bank. Porter suggests a simple clear container or jar with a hole in the top because children are visual. Having the piggy bank be clear allows the child to see where the money is going and how the savings grows.

As your child gets older develop a more structured commission structure at home. Porter suggests children in 3rd to 8th grade should be more familiar with earning and saving. The best way to start this is to have your child think of goals of what they want or what Porter likes to refer to as dreams of what they want. The easiest way Porter found to do this is for parents and the child to make a chart or list of items they want and have the value of those items on the list. Pick one "dream" item the child wants to work towards. Have a countdown chart or count up chart with feasible increments. For example if your child wants a bicycle that is $50 have the chart show the amount of $50 but in $5 increments.

The child can fill or color in the increments until they have reached their "dream" of earning $50 for their bicycle. Porter teaches his children when they are putting their money in their piggy bank they are paying themselves first from what they have earned.

Earning is just important as saving. Porter suggests parents could give kids allowance but have a visual aid for kids to see why they get what they get. Break down the allowance into different chores with different values of money they earn. This teaches the child the value of money and earning it. Other ways to teach your child financial literacy are games such as life and monopoly.

As children get older the visualization of savings can be "branched" out to banks. If a child has filled their "piggy bank" and is continuing to save take the opportunity to teach your child about banks and the security they provide when saving large amounts of money. Many banks offer joint savings accounts for children. This is also a good introduction for the next step in teaching your child financial literacy, check accounts.

More and more people are missing the concept of a checking account. These misconceptions can lead to disastrous consequences that can take a lifetime to repair. Porter says high school students should try to have a checking account and be responsible for some kind of bill like a cell phone. Teach your child about keeping a check register and managing their checkbook. Show them that when they write a check for their bill it is taken out of their checking account. Also, explain to them their bank rules and fees. Sometimes they might miss taking out a fee and wonder why their account is "off". Keeping your child informed and aware helps them with their next financial literacy chapter. Working.

Porter suggests parents encourage children of legal working age to begin earning money outside of the home, in the real world. With their earnings they can gradually become more responsible for bills like car insurance or even a car. Having those responsibilities teaches them about budgeting and being responsible with their earnings, savings and spending. If your child is ready start introducing the concept of emergency funds so they can start being prepared for their next stage in being financially literate.

David Porter is a full time, Accredited Financial Planner with the North Carolina National Guard. If you have questions for David or would like to create a financial literacy plan for your children contact David at (919)334-8313 or email at ncng.pfc@gmail.com.

Additional Certified Financial Planners 980.329.8467 – for Western NC 919.757.1108 – for Eastern NC

FACE TO FACE

AC F e h t t e e M

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Hello, I am Alice Dean, State Child and Youth Coordinator for the NC National Guard. I was born and raised in Richmond, VA and during high school my family relocated to this beautiful state. After retiring, from Bell South after 21 years, I had the wonderful opportunity in March 2004 to come to work for the NCNG as a FAC Representative. I guess you are wondering what prompted me to come out of retirement. Well, I have been where many of you are; I too have served in the military as the wife of a NC National Guardsman for over 35 years and saw the need for a support program. My husband Norman retired in 2004 from the NCNG after 41 years and he wasn’t ready to leave the Guard. I became the one employed by the military and he became the volunteer. Before 9-11, many of us didn’t see the need of an ongoing support program for our families and children. Well life changed and the needs of our Guardsmen and their families changed. While working as a FAC I began to see/hear many of your concerns and play a role in meeting these challenges with the new programs being offered to the Guard & Reserve. One of my special joys in life is working with children and in April 2006 I was given the honor to become your State Child and Youth Coordinator. I have seen first-hand our Operation Kids on Guard Program grow from a day event at the Morrisville Armory to a statewide program offering day/weekend drills for all ages. Many new programs (Yellow Ribbon, Our Military Kids, 4-H Operation Military Kids, Operation Purple, etc) have started to support you and our ―Youngest Hero’s‖ at home.

Please feel free to call/email me about your concerns and any suggestions on how we can make our Child and Youth Program stronger. I would personally like to ―Thank You‖ for your service in the military and allowing me to support you.

Kristi Wagner (left) and Bridgette Carroll (right) My name is Kristi Wagner and I am the Assistant Youth Coordinator. My family relocated again to N.C. seven years ago. I have two beautiful daughters the oldest 15 just started JROTC and my 11-year old Middle School. I have always been very involved in all their activities including being a Girls Scout leader and serving on the school’s PTA board. I enjoy baking, cooking, outdoor activities, building things and I even have my motorcycle license.

Having several friends and family members serving in different branches of the military prompted me to look into ways to help. I volunteered with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg working with family members, Soldiers and the USO planning different events, sending holiday packages and preparing the barracks for their return. I also worked with my Girl Scout Troop to do activities with children during deployment briefings and family days for the NCNG 1132nd MP Unit out of Rocky Mount.

I am new to the program and I love every minute. If I can help just one family be better prepared for the challenges they face when there soldier is deployed or the changes they face upon their return I have made a difference. I will always continue to help support those who are serving to support us.

Hello, I'm Bridgette Carroll, Operation Kids on Guard program assistant. Let's see, I'm married to a NCNG soldier, SGT Shannon Carroll for 15 years now. We have two beautiful daughters, Alex 14 and Nickie 11. I have been a homemaker, PTA volunteer, recreation softball, soccer and basketball coach and family secretary for 14 years. In July 2009 I made the leap back into the working world, by accepting the position with Family Programs and KOG. In 2003 Shannon became interested in being in the National Guard so we, as a family, made the decision and he was off to Basic Training.

Within nine months of being home from Basic he received his first set of orders and was off to Iraq for a year. The second deployment was shorter but not any easier. That is what really started my career with the NCNG Family Programs. I found myself in need of assistance during his deployments. I leaned on my FAC representatives at the time for help. Eventually, I began volunteering at Family Program events, most of all KOG Camps. My girls have now grown up as National Guard kids. We have survived both of his deployments to Iraq.

I know I can attribute a lot of our success on the assistance we received from what is now my employer. I hope with what I do here I can give back and assist other NCNG families. I want to make sure all NCNG families especially our NCNG children know how much they are our Heroes at Home!

2025 National Guard Drive, Morrisville, 27560 FAX: (919) 664-6156 Alice Dean, State Youth Coordinator (919) 664-7616, 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

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Family Assistance Centers Asheville Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), 7 Yorkshire St. Suite C, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-8572

David Ponder, FAC Network Coordinator, david.ponder@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571 Debra Collington, FAC Specialist, debra.collington@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571

Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 4240 West Blvd., 28208/Fax: (704) 359-5759 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist, rachel.talbott@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5756 Lynn White, FAC Specialist, lynn.white2@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5769

Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 449 East Mountain Dr., 28306/Fax: n/a

Amy Wallace, FAC Specialist, amy.wallace3@us.army.mil, (910) 672-5125

Greensboro State Family Assistance Center (SFAC), 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401/Fax: (336) 691-7725

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, (252) 551-5669

Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), 6001 Gateway Ctr. Dr., Suite 109, 28081/Fax: (704)

359-5759 Shane Judd, FAC Specialist, shane.judd@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4553 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist, doretha.mclaughlin1@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554

Kinston Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504/Fax: (252) 526-2772

Vacant, (252) 526-2711

Lenoir State Family Assistance Center (SFAC), 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., Lenoir, 28645/Fax: (828) 7574519 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator, nancy.davis3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist, frances.johnson3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365

Raleigh Military Family Resource Center (MFRC),

130 Penmarc Dr. Suite 110, 27603/(919) 334-9966/Fax: (919) 334-9971 Chinequa Knight, FAC Network Coordinator, chinequa.knight@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9966

Lottie Anderson, FAC Specialist, lottie.anderson@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0195 Valencia Green, FAC Specialist, valencia.green@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0196 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist, lisa.faison@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Marci Thames, FAC Specialist, marci.thames@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0197 Mark Woolbright, FAC Specialist, mark.woolbright@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Earlene Capps, Administrative Assistant, earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9971

Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 406 Hospital Rd., 27577/Fax: (919) 934-2901

Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist, abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil, (919) 934-2013

Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 500 Morganton Rd., PO Box 1317, 28387/Fax:

(910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist, david.earl.butler@us.army.mil, (910) 692-8747

Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC), 2412 Infantry Rd., 28412/Fax: (910) 251-7130

Jim Marley, FAC Specialist, james.marley@us.army.mil, (910) 251-7195

Wilmington Military Family Resource Center (MFRC), 3114 Randall Pkwy., 28403/

Fax: (910) 343-1776 Judy Howard, FAC Network Coordinator, judy.m.howard@us.army.mil, (910) 343-1775 Julie Rowe, FAC Specialist, julie.b.rowe@us.army.mil, (910) 343-1775

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Spotlight on Volunteers Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring Street Oxford, 27565 (919) 693-5016

Volunteer Appreciation Week April 18-24, 2010

pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil

Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte (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

April is the time of year we Celebrate you – The Volunteer!! What a perfect time of the Year for this special occasion! The month we Celebrate all things Wonderful!

Cool mornings and warm days, spring flowers blooming, butterflies and most of all – New Life!!

Having been an FRG Volunteer leader myself and surviving a unit deployment….I truly can appreciate all of your hard work and what you put into the FRG Program!

Your loyalty, dedication and love of what you do is overwhelming!

Knowing most of you personally, I can say our North Carolina National Guard has never had a better group of Volunteers to help support the Command and Families than they do at this time! You are such inspirations to us all and everyone here at the State Family Programs Office says “THANK YOU”!!!

I hope you all know just how “WONDERFUL” you are and I am truly grateful to have the pleasure of working with you all!!

Take care and God Bless you for touching the lives of others!!

Thank You from Pam Hughes State Family Readiness Advisor, NCNG, MPSC

james.roberson@us.army.mil

(919) 664-7655 james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 664-7655

Contact one of our legal professionals, free of charge, with your legal and/or tax concerns.

Tax Clinic will remain open after April 15 for tax-payers who have extensions.

QUICK REFERENCE DEERS/ID Cards: 1.800.538.9552 TriCare: 1.888.363.2273 www.tricare.osd.mil Transition Assistance: Andy Jackson 919.664.6573 American Red Cross: 877.272.7337 www.redcross.org National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) Veteran’s Affairs (VA) The VA offers Readjustment Counseling Services for service members and their families working toward readjustment.

Locations

Family Programs Legal Assistance ncnglegalassistance@hotmail.com Reita Smolka – (919) 485-9565 Chris Alderson – (919) 485-9564 130 Penmarc Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh NC

Charlotte Vet Center, (704) 333-6107 Fayetteville Vet Center, (910) 488-6252 Greensboro Vet Center, (336) 333-5366 Greenville Vet Center, (252) 355-7920 Raleigh Vet Center, (919) 856-4616