Family Matters August 2010

FAMILY MATTERS

Back to School Inside this Newsletter: New Kids on Guard Location and Date Added Meet NCNG Family Programs New Military One Source Representative Stuff Care Packages or see a movie at different armories throughout the State North Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend

2

3

Director’s Column

Dear Families, We‟ve breezed through Summer; although it‟s been really hot here in North Carolina. Hopefully, you‟ve had plenty to keep you busy and cool.

We still have Service Members that continue to deploy and return home. There are also those Families that are in the peak of the reintegration process. Give us a call and let us know how we can help.

Our Family Readiness Group leaders and Unit Commanders are highly encouraged to attend one of our upcoming Regional FRG Training workshops. These are designed to Diane Coffill (left) at John equip you with the skills, tools and resources Deere to accept more than needed to maintain a strong Family Readi100 Backpacks for Military ness Group throughout the various phases kids with FRG Leader Gail of pre-deployment, deployment, reunion Dawes (right). and reintegration.

This month, we focus our attention on the thousands of Military children across the State who will head back to school. We hope that each child is looking forward to going back to school, and we want to do a little something special to help get them started back on the right foot (and, save you some extra cash). We‟re hosting “Back to School” events at different locations in August where your child can receive free school supplies. Thanks to organizations such as John Deere in Cary and Operation Homefront, among many others, we‟re able to provide these supplies at no cost to you or your Family.

These events are also a wonderful way for you to connect with other Military Families who have school-aged children, and perhaps, face many of the same daily issues. Come on out and join us!

If you haven‟t done so already, join us on Facebook. It‟s a really quick and easy way for us to spread the word to you about upcoming events, new resources, changes in events, and free tickets or specials. I also would like for you to join Joint Services Support at www.jointservicessupport.org. This is brought to you by the National Guard Bureau to help you stay in the loop.

FAMILY MATTERS Diane Coffill

State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324

SFC Calvin Buchan

State Family Program Assistant calvin.buchan@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124

SSG Kitange Jordan

Budget Analysis kitange.jordan@us.army.mil (919) 664-7583

SGT Daniel Holland

HR Assistant dan.holland@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124

PFC Carrie Stevens

HR Assistant carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 ext. 6876

Lana Greer

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

Renee Brotherton

FAC Team Leader renee.brotherton@us.army.mil (704) 359-5736

Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.)

Airman & Family Readiness Program Manager

kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil

(704) 398-4949

Please don‟t hesitate to contact me or any of our other Staff Members with questions or concerns. If you have any suggestions that you‟d like to share, we‟re just a phone call away.

Pamela Hughes

Yours Truly, Diane Coffill State Family Program Director

Alice Dean

State FRG Advisor pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil (919) 693-5016 ext. 13

State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616

4

Community Cares | John Deere Backpack Drive

Every effort counts

Last month, employees at the John Deere in Cary, North Carolina brought in school supplies for Military kids. The company also sold „casual day‟ stickers to help supplement supplies, and kicked-off the Back to School Drive during Fourth of July.

In July, we accepted more than 100 backpacks filled with a wide range of school supplies, and arranged by John Deere to spell U.S.A. Monica Grimsley, Manager of Pricing, said, “We were delighted.”

Thank you, John Deere.

John May, Vice Present, said “We‟re proud to be supporting the ones that are serving and have served by supporting their children.”

Family Programs‟ staff were on hand to formally thank the group for their efforts and to transport the backpacks to headquarters for distribution during August Back to School events.

While thanking the group, Pam Hughes, State FRG Advisor, said “With the economy the way it is, these types of donations are important to help support Families that may be in a little, extra need.”

Hughes said, “With their support (and others), we‟ll be able to serve Service Members and their Families around the State.”

The Cary office of John Deere is no stranger to assisting Military Families. In November, Dawes, FRG Leader for the HHC 30th STB in Durham, and colleagues donated food baskets for Military Families, with gift cards for each basket.

Dawes approached Family Programs recently wanting to help, and decided on a Back to School drive.

Dawes‟ said, “100 was the goal.”

Your Organization Can Help, Too. Carolina Helping Heroes Register your organization online, and simply check any and all tasks your members are willing and able to perform, and that the contact listed is who Families will call or email for the volunteer services your organization is offering. Military Families will search the database of careproviding organizations for a list of nearby groups. Families will get in touch with your primary contact directly to make arrangements. It‟s that easy.

www.carolinahelpingheroes.nc.gov/community/ registration.aspx

5

STAYING CONNECTED | Relationship Enhancement Programs

ENHANCE YOUR RELATIONSHIP IN AUGUST Marriage Enrichment Retreats Spend time focusing on the one that matters most to you, as we wrap-up this year‟s round of marriage retreats. We bring you fresh new material from a theme called “Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage. Due to the popularity of this program, all spaces are filled. Call if you’d like to be added to the waiting list.

August 13-15, 2010 —Myrtle Beach, SC August 27-29, 2010 —Myrtle Beach, SC

Single Soldiers Retreat Learn "How Not to Date a Jerk or Jerkette" in NC‟s Great Smoky Mountains at Fontana Village Resort.

The Resort offers a range of amenities and outdoor fun like hiking, biking, fishing and rafting. The Fontana Village Resort offers free Wi-Fi, pools, dining and much more. Only a few more spaces remain available for this event, act soon.

August 20-22, 2010 —Fontana Village and Resort

Registration Material at www.nc.ngb.army.mil ‘Family Programs.’

Call 800.621.4136 ext. 6124 for more information.

FAMILY RETREATS August 20-22, 2010 Fontana Village Resort Bring your Family to the Fontana Village Resort for the Family Weekend Retreat on August 20, 2010. North Carolina National Guard Family Programs and Chaplains are bringing Families together during an interactive weekend of fun. Over the weekend, your Family will learn techniques tailored to help Military Families stay resilient when faced with unique challenges.

Due to the popularity of this program, all spaces are filled. Call 800.621.4136 ext.

6124 if you’d like to be added to the waiting list.

6

UPCOMING EVENTS MOVIE NIGHT AT THE ARMORY

August 27-29, 2010 YR Reintegration Program Event 60-Day PDHRA for Soldiers and Families of the 1-130th ARB and 638th ASB in Greensboro.

SHOWTIME Saturday, August 12 6-8:30 p.m.

Fayetteville Armory 449 E. Mountain Drive

For additional information, call: (800) 621-4136 EXT. 6054

Southern Pines Movie and Pizza Night Based on the Jeff Kinney series of books, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is the "Journal" of a rising 6th grader in middle school.

This film is Rated PG. Bring Family & Friends for some fun!

Snack on Hotdogs, Chips, Popcorn, and Drinks.

Please let us know who and how many are coming by August 6th by calling Amy Wallace at 910-672-5125 or amy.wallace3@us.army.mil.

August 11, 2010 6-9 p.m.

Bring your Family to the “Pizza and a Movie Night” at the Southern Pines Armory, 500 Morganton Road.

RSVP by August 2 to David Butler at 910-692-8747 ext.17 or david.earl.butler@us.army.mil.

Teen Soldiers for a Day August 24, 2010 Join the free “Teen Soldiers for a Day” at Fort Bragg on August 24, 2010. This event is open to all teens ages 13-18. Space is limited.

For more info and to reserve your space, call (910) 432-1023.

Teens! Experience a day in the life of Soldiers.

Register now for the “Teen Soldier for a Day” event.

NC’s Tax-Free Weekend August 6-8, 2010 Applies to:



Clothing, footwear, and school supplies $100 or less per item

  

Sports/recreation equipment $50 or less per item Computers under $3,500 Instructional School Material $300 or less per item



Computer Supplies under $250 Information from NC Department of Revenue

7

BACK TO SCHOOL HEADQUARTERS | Welcome Back to School

Asheville First Come, First serve. Register now for the Back to School Backpack Brigade School Supply Distribution event. Operation Homefront and the Ashville Military Resource Center are bringing Families (who have a Service Member on Active Duty status—that is Private to Staff Sergeant) a host of free school supplies. If you have a child in school and a valid Military ID let us know before you come by. To learn more or to register, please visit www.operationhomefront.net/nc.

Supplies can be picked up at the Asheville Army Reserve Center, 224 Louisiana Ave., Asheville, NC on Saturday, August 14 from 2-4 p.m.

Burlington Pick up some school supplies while you put together care packages for our Soldiers overseas. Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Families are invited out to the Burlington Armory, 1935 N. Church St., for a fun filled day.

Fayetteville You are invited to the National Guard Back to School Bash on Sunday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come Enjoy a day of fun activities.

Arts, crafts, games, face painting and snacks will be provided. Parents, check off some items on your child's school supply list with some free stuff we have available. To ensure we have the amounts of supplies to accommodate participants we ask you RSVP to Amy Wallace at 910-551-8243 or amy.wallace3@us.army.mil. Directions to the location will be given with your reservation confirmation.

Lenoir Friday, August 6, 2010 from 2-5 p.m. the Lenoir State Family Assistance Center has teamed up with Dollar Tree to help Military Families get a head start on school supplies. Before drill weekend, Families and Service Members can pop in to select for some free school stuff. It's only for three hours and could end sooner if supplies are gone.

Wilmington/Jacksonville First Come, First serve. Register now for the Back to School Backpack Brigade School Supply Distribution event. Operation Homefront and the Ashville Military Resource Center are bringing Military Families (who have a Service Member on Active Duty status—that is Private to Staff Sergeant) a host of free school supplies.

If you have a child in school and a valid Military ID, please RSVP to Julie Rowe at 910-343-1775 or julie.b.rowe@us.army.mil.. Register at www.operationhomefront.net/nc/ events.aspx?id=4115. Supplies can be picked up at a location to be announced on Saturday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Winston Salem/

Raleigh/Smithfield/

Greenville Celebrate the approaching school year at the Regional Back to School event Saturday, August 14 from 12-4 p.m. at the Raleigh Elks Lodge, 5538 Leadmine Road, Raleigh. Thanks to the John Deere employees, in Cary, NC, backpacks filled with school supplies will be available. Save some extra cash this year with our free school supplies. Enjoy light refreshments, meet other Guard Families and select a book-bag to jumpstart the new school year. Registration is required; and quantities are limited. RSVP to Earlene Capps at 919-334-9957.

Greensboro Thursday, August 12, 2010, from 4–8:30 p.m. at the Winston Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Parkway, Military Families can save some extra cash this year with our free school supplies. Drop by any time to see what we have available. We will have light refreshments and kids’ activities.

Registration is required; and quantities are limited. RSVP to Sandy Harrison at 800-621-4136 ext. 7763 or

BECOME A FAN

Get the Latest Updates on Facebook.

Search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs.”

8

Child & Youth Program

NCNG Teen Weekend Retreat August 13-15, 2010 NCNG Teens are invited to the first-ever NCNG Teen Weekend Retreat at the Betsy Jeff-Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville, NC. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, teens ages 14-18 (upcoming senior/Fall 2010) can challenge their coordination on the ropes course, showcase their video shooting and editing techniques, and learn ways to succeed in and out of the classroom based on the 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. Space is limited to 40 teens and limited transportation is available from eastern and western parts of the state to the camp.

For more information or to reserve a space for your teen(s), please call or email Alice Dean, State Child and Youth Coordinator at alice.dean@us.army.mil or (800) 621-4136 extension 7616.

OPERATION KIDS on GUARD

2025 National Guard Dr. Morrisville, 27560 FAX: (919) 664-6156 State Child and Youth Coordinator

(800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 (919) 664-7616 alice.dean@us.army.mil KOG Coordinator

(800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 line 21 bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil Youth Coordinator

(800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 line 23 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil

9

Back to School | Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 3. Need to write with. Can be erased.

6. Used to carry books.

7. Given by teachers to evaluate what was learned.

8. Where you go to learn.

10. the study of the physical and natural world and phenomena, especially by using systematic observation and experiment.

11. (4Letters)____ a Book 12. Used to study from and read.

(Plural) DOWN 1. Work teachers assign to be done at home.

2. Is used to be written or printed on.

4. The class that teaches you grammar, punctuation, sentence structures and writing.

5. Person who provides schooling for others.

9. The study of the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities, using numbers and symbols.

13. Sometimes is a (5 words) hall but can be done at home. Commonly done to prepare for a test.

Contact your local Military OneSource Representative today with questions or concerns.

April Prout Military OneSource NC MOS Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant (919) 745-0929 april.prout@Militaryonesource.com

www.MilitaryOneSource.com call 1-800-342-9647 You name it ... we can help!

Answers Across: 3-pencil; 6-bookbag; 7-test; 8-school 10-science; 11-read; 12-books Down: 1-homework; 2-paper; 4-english 5-teacher; 9-math; 12-study 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 12

13

Parents and students preparing for the new school year can check out these Military OneSource tip sheets and tools to help stay organized, manage stress and change associated with going back to school, and plan for the future: Helping Your Young Child Prepare For A New School Year, Letting Go But Staying Involved During the Middle School Years, Helping Your Child With Homework, Keeping A Child’s School Life Organized At Home.

Access these and related articles on the Military OneSource website www.MilitaryOneSoure.com, click on the Find Information tab and enter a key word search from the title of the article. For students considering college - Applying to College Tool Kit www.Militaryonesource.com/MOS/Tools/ ApplyingtoCollegeToolkit.aspx is a great resource which includes a “Countdown to College Timeline” for step by step instruction to aid with planning for college and the admissions process.

10

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS |

Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring St. Oxford, 27565 (919) 693-5016 ext. 11 pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil

FRG Regional Training NCNG Family Programs is bringing Family Readiness Group Training to you. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Readiness Group personnel and leaders will focus on maintaining an effective Family Readiness Group.

Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte

August 21, Durham Armory 801 Stadium Drive, Durham (RSVP by August 18)

(704) 359-5707

August 28, Asheville Armory 100 Minuteman Drive, Asheville (RSVP by August 25)

Sarah Strickland sarah.r.strickland@us.army.mil (910) 299-5466

Clinton

Commanders, MPOCs, Unit Coordinators, FRG Leaders, and Unit Volunteers With Appointment Letters are encouraged to join an upcoming training. This workshop is designed to assist Commanders with Family communications; maintaining FRG communications with Families in the areas of phone trees, e-mail campaigns, and newsletters; managing FRG activities; and, knowing the resources in your areas that you can share with your Soldiers and Families. Please note: Lunch will be provided during the training. Costs incurred by individuals for alternative meals or travel are not reimbursable expenses. These trainings will be held in conjunction with our Operation Kids on Guard events. To register your child for KOG, please contact Bridgette Carroll at 800.621.4136 ext. 8820.

For questions or to register, contact Pamela Hughes, State Family Readiness Advisor, at 800.621.4136 ext. 8820 or pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil.

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS

Call us, weâ€&#x;re here to help

John Alleman, Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman, Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178 David Porter, Personal Financial Counselor (704) 280-9555

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

NC OMK and Moore County 4-H are excited to announce the Mobile Tech Lab (MTL) Boot Camp. Experience the "Basic Training" of the MTL. The Boot Camp is designed for those who are interested in providing access to this technology to Military youth in their own communities. Following satisfactory completion of the training session, participants are eligible to borrow the MTL for use at local events to give Military Families this extra support.

The Boot Camp will be held 11 or 12 August 2010 at the Moore County Cooperative Extension Office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Registration is due by 6 August 2010. Cost of the MTL Boot Camp is $15 (cost of educational supplies).

For directions check out moore.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php? page=contact.

For additional questions concerning registration and location, contact Mrs. Linda Gore, Moore County 4-H Agent, at 910.947.3188

11

Meet the FAC

Abby Millsap, Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center Hello Families and Soldiers, Most of my Smithfield Families know who I am. My name is Abby Millsap. I have been a Military spouse for almost 20 years. Our Family includes two wonderful teenage children, Dillon and Taylor. We are also the proud parents of two “furry” children; a Yellow Lab and a Great Dane.

I am a NC native and have lived here my entire life. Growing up in Durham, living in Wilmington for eight years, and now living in Clayton has given me the opportunity to experience a variety of “lifestyles”. I attended Peace College in Raleigh and hope to continue my education in the near future.

When I am not working, I love to read (the Twilight Saga is my favorite) and I enjoy art in many forms. Currently, I am painting animals with attitudes!

My collection includes a zebra, a tiger, a llama, and a rooster. I find that painting is a great hobby and allows me to express my creativity in many ways.

I have been with Family Programs as a Family Assistance Center Specialist for more than 2 years. During this time, I have been with Families through long deployments and short training cycles. My experience as the wife of a Soldier helps me understand what challenges our Military Families face on a daily basis. To be able to a part of something bigger than yourself and to be there, to help and support Soldiers and their Families is what I love to do.

It is an honor for me to be with the Soldiers and Families not only during the lows but the highs as well. It is most rewarding to have the chance Military Families give me to be a partand have a glimpse of some of the most precious treasures, their Family.

Thank you for all you do and for letting me have the chance to be a part of your Families.

Abby is Part of the Central North Carolina Team. The Central North Carolina Team consists of Family Programs staff from Smithfield, Raleigh and Greenville.

Above: American Legion Auxiliary Banner Post 109 and Family Programs Central North Carolina Team serve up some home cookin’ to the Soldiers at the Benson Armory.

12

Family Assistance Staff Asheville Military Family Resource Center

Lenoir State Family Assistance Center

7 Yorkshire St. Suite C, 28803 Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-857

1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., Lenoir, 28645 Fax: (828) 757-4519 Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator, nancy.davis3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365

Sue Bennett, FAC Specialist susan.j.bennett.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571

Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil, (828) 757-4365

Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center

Raleigh Military Family Resource Center

4240 West Blvd., 28208 Fax: (704) 359-5759 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist rachel.talbott@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5756

130 Penmarc Dr. Suite 110, 27603/(919) 334-9966 Fax: (919) 334-9971 Mark Woolbright, FAC Network Coordinator mark.woolbright@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9966

Lynn White, FAC Specialist lynn.white2@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5769

Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957

Fayetteville Unit Family Contact Center

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

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 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 Fax: (336) 691-7725 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator katy.m.jones@us.army.mil, (336) 691-7712

Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 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

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

500 Morganton Rd., PO Box 1317, 28387 Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil, (910) 692-8747

Greenville State Family Assistance Center

Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center

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

6001 Gateway Ctr. Dr., Suite 109, 28081 Fax: (704) 359-5759 Sierra Johnson, FAC Specialist sierra.johnson@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4553 Shane Judd, FAC Specialist shane.judd@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4553 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist doretha.mclaughlin1@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554

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 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