Family Matters December 2009

December 2009 Volume 1, Issue 3

FAMILY MATTERS

North Carolina National Guard ~ 4105 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607 ~ (800) 621-4136 ~ www.nc.ngb.army.mil

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 Ju Autry Budget Analysis ju.autry@us.army.mil (919) 664-7583 SPC Daniel Holland Human Resources Assistant dan.holland@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

Happy Holidays We Were Happy To Assist You In 2009. We Look Forward To A New Year Of Working Together To Ensure Each North Carolina Military Family Remains Ready and Resilient.

May Your New Year Be Filled With Joy & Love.

To you and yours from the entire NCNG Family Programs Team

Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.) Wing Family Program Coordinator kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil

Upcoming Yellow Ribbon Event

(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 Marriage Enrichment

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Western NC Highlights

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Central NC Highlights

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Eastern NC Highlights

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Programs & Services

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Child & Youth Program

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FRGs/Above & Beyond

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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

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. Dates are subject to change. Check with any Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist for updates.

December 4 Hendersonville Unit: 163d ASMC Pre-deployment Brief: offers assistance, training and resources to Soldiers and Families faced with the challenges of a mobilization

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FAMILY MATTERS

MAKE YOUR 2010 VALENTINE’S ONE TO REMEMBER! RESERVE YOUR SPACE… FEBRUARY 19-21, 2010 The NCNG Family Programs and Chaplains are bringing spouses the 2010 Marriage Enrichment Retreat to Cary, NC on February 19, 2010.

Strengthening the Hearts and Minds of Marriage ~by Kathryn Jarvis

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

February 19-21, 2010 Cary, North Carolina ~Limited Space~

You and your spouse can join other military couples for a weekend to gain skills that will fortify your marriage while enjoying a time of relaxation, recreation, fellowship and fun.

Marriage Enrichment is about working together to create and maintain a healthy relationship. This is done by polishing each person’s communication skills, listening skills and having an overall understanding of each other. It is not only about fixing a marriage it is about making it stronger and more resilient. There are many resources couples can find on the subject marriage enrichment. In fact Google shows there are 228,000 results for searching the subject.

Unfortunately many people are apprehensive to attend Marriage Enrichment seminars and may miss out on educational resources, tips and tricks that could have otherwise prevented larger issues.

Come join the Marriage Enrichment Weekend Retreat to strengthen relationships, inspire hope and rekindle marriages.

According to the Article, “Strengthening Marriage through Marriage Enrichment Programs,” written by Written by Bradley Owens, Research Assistant, and edited by Stephen F. Duncan, Professor, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, There are three main reasons scholars found on why couples don’t attend.

Service members may be able to attend in lieu of drill with prior command approval. Lodging and breakfast will be provided.

Spouses may be eligible for additional reimbursable travel expenses.

Good marriages happen naturally. Many people think a happy, successful marriage should come naturally. They think what they learned about marriage from watching their parents and other couples should be enough. If marriage partners need help to build a successful relationship, the thinking goes, then they must be abnormal or deficient in some way. But this "it's natural" theory is a myth. Few people get enough information about how to create a strong and enduring marriage through absorption alone. Most need additional information and education to build a truly satisfying marriage.

RSVP by January 29, 2010. For additional details and to RSVP, contact SFC Calvin Buchan at 800621-4136 ext. 6124 or calvin.buchan@us.army.mil.

Marriage is a private matter. Some people believe the marriage relationship is too private to share with others. They feel it isn't proper to share their marital issues with anyone outside the marriage or to participate in an educational setting where others might see that they need help. Couples with this attitude deprive themselves of the many resources available to improve marital happiness, including the experiences of fellow participants in marriage enrichment programs.

Become a Fan we’re on

Marriage enrichment doesn't help. Some couples believe that marriage enrichment programs are "feel good" experiences that might help briefly but don't help in the long run.

In fact, research shows the best marriage enrichment programs help couples improve their marriages in a deep and lasting way.

Marriage Enrichment is not just for the health of a marriage. Relationship stress can affect your health as well. There are many resources showing the health effects of marital conflicts on a spouse.

search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs”

And get the latest news, information and updates. See you there!

Our Marriage Enrichment program offers the latest tips, tricks and tools for the betterment of military family relationships. For more information on the upcoming 2010 Marriage Enrichment Workshops, visit the Family Programs website at www.nc.ngb.army.mil or contact your nearest Family Assistance Center.

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Across the State…

December 6, 2009 UPCOMING EVENTS

December 3, 2009 Fire Safety Class Gamewell Fire Department, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Gamewell Fire Department, 2806 Morganton Blvd. SW, Lenoir

Lenoir is kicking off the month of December with some pointers on fire safety. Over the holidays, candles are burning, fires and wood stoves are cranked up and trees are lit; all of which are a fire hazard.

Stay on top of your fire safety and refresh your safety awareness.

Contact Nancy Davis or Frances Johnson for additional details and to RSVP.

***

1451st Christmas Family Day Marion Armory, 9:30 a.m.

Contact Frances Johnson for additional details and to RSVP. 630th CSSB Christmas Family Day Lenoir Armory, 12 p.m.

Soldiers and families of the 630th CSSB are invited to the Christmas Family Day. Lunch will be provided at noon.

Contact Nancy Davis or Frances Johnson for additional details and to RSVP.

December 8, 2009

Pictures with Santa Lenoir Armory, 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

FACTS @ THE FAC “Mental Prep & Coping Strategies for Deployment” 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Asheville Storefront FAC 7 Yorkshire Drive, 28803

December 4, 2009

On December 8, Military Family Life Consultant, Rob Morrison, will be at the new Asheville Storefront, 7 Yorkshire Street, Suite C, presenting during the FACTS about the FAC event. Rob Morrison will pin point stress and coping with it and will be available for any questions you may have. The event will start at 6:30pm and will end at 8:30pm. Contact David Ponder or Mark Woolbright for additional details and to RSVP.

Avoid long lines to see and get a picture with Santa. Check him out at the Lenoir Armory. Contact Nancy Davis or Frances Johnson for additional details and to RSVP.

163rd ASMB Yellow Ribbon Event, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

163rd ASMB Christmas Party, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Lion Crest at The Biltmore Estate Family members of the 163rd ASMB are invited to join their service member at the Dept. of Defense Yellow Ribbon Reintegration event at the Biltmore Estate Lion Crest facility. Following the Yellow Ribbon Event, the 163rd will be hosting a Christmas Party at the Lion Crest Club from 6pm to 9pm. Contact Mark Woolbright for additional details and to RSVP.

*** Operation Toasty Toes America’s Armed Forces Tree Lighting Ceremony Henderson County Heritage Museum, 4 p.m.

Families and service members are welcome to join the official Operation Toasty Toes America’s Armed Forces Tree Lighting Ceremony. RSVP by Sunday, November 29, 2009, to Patricia-Lee Pirog, 828-696-9777. Operation Toasty Toes, Chapter 7, is an organization that sends yarn comfort items to service members overseas.

December 5, 2009 211TH

MP CO. VA Welcome Home Celebration (in conjunction with) Family Day/Christmas Party 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Clyde Armory, 1824 Jones Cove Road, 28721

*** 210th MP CO. Family Day/Christmas Party, 3 p.m.

Franklin Armory Contact David Ponder for additional details and to RSVP.

December 12, 2009 A Btry 1-113th Christmas Family Day Lincolnton Armory, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Contact Nancy Davis or Frances Johnson for additional details and to RSVP.

If you would like to attend an event or have questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope that we have been of assistance to you this year and will be, too, in the coming months. Happy Holidays! We look forward to seeing you around western North Carolina for some of these great events.

Contact Us Asheville Storefront FAC, 7 Yorkshire Drive, 28803 David Ponder, FAC Network Coordinator, david.ponder@us.army.mil (828) 274-8571 Mark Woolbright, FAC Specialist, mark.woolbright@us.army.mil (828) 274-8571

Lenoir FAC, 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645 (800) 621-4136 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

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FAMILY MATTERS

Across the State…

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

Kannapolis Storefront FAC

6001 Gateway Center Dr., Suite 105, 28081 Shane Judd, FAC Specialist shane.judd@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9556 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist doretha.mclaughlin@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9556

Greensboro FAC 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 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

Raleigh, JFHQ Headquarters Wendi Bell, FAC Administrative Specialist wendi.bell@us.army.mil, (919) 664-6078

Raleigh Storefront FAC 130 Penmarc Drive, 27603 (800) 621-4136 Chinequa Knight, FAC Network Coordinator chinequa.knight@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9568

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 5, 2009 HQ 690th Family Day Kinston, 9 a.m.

Family Day/Christmas Party JFHQ JFHQ, Raleigh 9:30 a.m.

JFHQ Family Day Christmas party will be happening at the Headquarters in Raleigh, 4105 Reedy Creek Road, 27607, starting at 9:30 a.m. on December 5.

December 6, 2009 Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Governor’s Mansion, 1 p.m.

The Governor’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony honoring service members and their families will take place on December 6 at 1 p.m.

The tree is being decorated with hand-made ornaments sent in from military dependants throughout the state. You must be on the guest list to attend the event; RSVP deadline has passed.

1-130th ARB Christmas Party Morrisville Armory, 10 a.m.

Contact Kay Teseniar for additional details and to RSVP.

230th BSB Christmas Family Day Benson Armory, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lottie Anderson, FAC Specialist lottie.anderson@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9557

Contact Abby Millsap for additional details and to RSVP.

Valencia Green, FAC Specialist valencia.green@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9554

December 8, 2009

Kay Teseniar, FAC Specialist kay.teseniar@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9559 Marci Thames, FAC Specialist marci.thames@us.army.mil, (919) 485-9560

Smithfield FAC 406 Hospital Rd., 27577 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil, (919) 934-2013

Southern Pines FAC 500 Morganton Rd., 28387 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil, (910) 692-8747

Co C 1-252 CAB Christmas Party JFHQ American Legion Hut, Aberdeen Contact David Butler for additional details and to RSVP.

December 19, 2009 USO Breakfast with Santa Charlotte Armory, 4240 West Blvd., 28208 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Join Santa for breakfast, along with the USO. RSVPs are limited to children of military personnel. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent with military ID. For questions, contact the Charlotte FAC. Or, for more information and to RSVP, email usoncevents@gmail.com.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you and your family. We look forward to 2010, as we have a lot of great programs, services and events in store for you. Please be certain to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Happy Holidays!

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Across The State…

UPCOMING EVENTS On December 5th at the Kinston Armory Families and soldiers of the unit are invited to attend Family Day starting at 9 a.m. Join other families in the unit for a fun day of activities. *** On December 5th, Co B 690th BSB is hosting their Family Day Christmas Party at the Farmville Armory from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. *** Also, on December 5th, the 694th Main. Co & Det. 1 will be hosting their Family Day Christmas Party at the Snow Hill Armory from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. *** 1-120th Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) Family Day will be on December 6, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 2501 North College Road, Wilmington. The units are inviting families of the 1-120th CAB, including E/230th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB). The day’s events will be kicked off with a light lunch starting at 1 p.m. Following a day of fun filled activities and entertainment like foosball, video games, billiards, bounce houses and more.

During the event special guests Santa and Mrs. Clause are taking a detour in their holiday plans to visit our families and units.

Have your kids bring their wish lists so they can tell Santa some things they would like, face to face. Parents, Santa’s “helpers” have asked for ages and genders of children that are attending by the November 18th in hopes of having specific toys for each child.

Don’t miss out on the 1-120th Family Day. Call your Family Assistance Center, Jim Marley, FAC Specialist at 910-251-7195, or Judy Howard, FAC Coordinator at 910-251-7151. *** December 19th is the 9th ANNUAL Afternoon with Santa (Military, Law Enforcement, & Fire/ EMS) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenville Armory, home of the 430th Ordnance Company (EOD) 1401 N. Memorial Drive Greenville, N.C. If you have a special gift for your child, wrap it and put your child’s name on it. Bring it with you or drop it off to Paula Sauls or SFC Stu Stevens prior so “Santa” can deliver the gift to your child. Snacks, cold & hot beverages provided. Don’t forget your cameras for pictures with Santa. Please RSVP with number attending to Paula Sauls at 252717-9367 or SFC Stu Stevens at 252-414-2087.

We would like to wish you and your family a very safe and Happy Holiday season.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Greenville FAC 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834 Henry Noble FAC Network Coordinator henry.noble@us.army.mil (252) 551-5865

5th Annual Reindeer Dash For Cash 10 Miler and 5K Run December 6, 2009 1 p.m.

Greenville, NC On December 6, 2009, at 1 p.m. the 5th Annual Reindeer Dash For Cash 10 Miler and 5K run will be taking place in Greenville. Race day registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenville Town Common (start/finish area). Please note registration will close at 12:30. Race starts at 1:00 p.m. You can also register on December 5, 2009 at Omega Sports from 14 p.m.

The Reindeer Dash for Cash is dedicated to keeping the legacy of Christopher S. Cash, Sr. alive and is a fund-raiser for the Capt.

Christopher S. Cash Memorial Foundation of NC, Inc., which annually funds scholarships at several educational institutions. Each year, the foundation will offer deserving students the financial assistance needed to pursue a higher education and the accompanying rewards of learning and character development achieved through hard work and dedication of earning a professional degree.

For more information contact Dawn Cash-Salau at (252) 531-4241 dawn@reindeerdashforcash.org.

Jamie Jones FAC Specialist jamie.jones9@us.army.mil (252) 551-5865

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

When to Use debit or credit

Military & Family Life Consultants Counselors 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

Asheville: ng.mflc.lenoir@gmail.com (828) 729-0729 Charlotte: ng.mflc.charlotte@gmail.com (980) 213-6458/6459 Greenville: ng.mflc.greenville@gmail.com (252) 295-8558 Morrisville: ng.mflc.morrisville@gmail.com (919) 627-4360/4361 Wilmington: ng.mflc.wilmington@gmail.com (910) 508-6170 Financial Counselors ncng.pfc@gmail.com David Porter, AFC Certified Financial Planner (704) 280-9555 (East NC) Frank Molinar Certified Financial Planner (980) 329-8467

LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Reita Smolka Reita.smolka@us.army.mil (919) 485-9545 Chris Alderson James.alderson@us.army.mil (919) 485-9564 TAX CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENT In 2010, the Legal Assistance Team will be traveling through the state to prepare federal and state income tax returns free of charge. Check the Legal Assistance webpage for details.

Reprinted Military.com - By USAA You've been asked this question over and over again: debit or credit? Like many American consumers you probably answered "debit." And why not, it's designed to be more convenient for purchases. In fact, Americans made 28.4 billion debit purchases versus 21 billion credit card transactions in 2008. Debit card users also spent as much as $1.1 trillion dollars in purchases, according to The Nilson Report.

Establish a credit history. Debit card activity doesn't translate to your credit report.

However, there are instances when paying with a debit card is not the answer. Debit cards come with rules and stipulations that may not be in your best interest if you buy a big-ticket item that is damaged, or if you want to boost your credit score.

Pay with debit, when you want to:

Don't know whether to use your credit or debit card? Use this guide to help you decide.

Pay with credit, when you want to: Shop online. One of the biggest cardholder benefits is purchase protection. If, for example, an item never arrives, is damaged or you have a dispute with the merchant, you can ask your credit card company to withhold payment. With a debit card, the money is gone from your account until the matter is settled.

Buy something big. Some credit cards offer warranty protection beyond the manufacturer or store's coverage. For example, a home theater system may come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

Buy it with a credit card, such as MasterCard® or American Express® and you get another year's protection automatically.

Review the specifics with your credit card company before making the purchase.

Establish a credit history. Debit card activity doesn't translate to your credit report.

Rent a car. Some credit cards offer damage insurance, eliminating the need to pay for the add-on coverage rental agencies charge. Be sure to check your card's exact coverage and exclusions before you charge.

Rent a car. Some credit cards offer damage insurance, eliminating the need to pay for the add-on coverage rental agencies charge. Be sure to check your card's exact coverage and exclusions before you charge.

Stay at a hotel or travel in general. Using a credit card is usually easier, especially for hotel and airline reservations.

Get cash fast. You can get cash from your bank's ATM without the fees and interest many credit cards charge for cash advances.

Avoid interest charges. You'll pay no interest on purchases and only buy what you truly can afford. Set up overdraft protection to avoid fees or penalties for spending more than your available funds.

Buy something inexpensive. Debit cards are great for purchases under $50. It's faster than writing checks and most merchants accept them. Make sure you keep track of your debits to avoid overspending.

Pay with debit or credit, when you want to: Earn perks and points. Many credit cards offer frequent-flier mileage and points for hotels, restaurants and purchases from participating vendors. More and more debit cards now have cash-back bonuses similar to those offered by credit card companies. Review reward programs carefully — some may offer smaller bonuses for debit card transactions than credit card purchases.

For more information about using your debit and credit cards wisely, visit Military.com's Credit and Debt Channel.

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Child & Youth Program Child and Youth Program Holiday Update…

For the Governor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, we requested your hand-made, military-theme ornaments. We are thrilled with your response. We expected to receive between 350-400 ornaments, from all military branches. We’ve received wellover 700 ornaments. Your support is tremendous, and we extremely creative military children across our state. The Governor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. for previously registered guests. Thank you, again.

ADD BOOKS TO YOUR SHOPPING LIST!

The Holidays are approaching! If you’re wondering what to buy your children, check out the Books For Military Children website. This site contains fiction books portraying children with parents in the U.S. Military. Categories are arranged into age groups, such as picture books for younger children, middle school age, and teen collections.

2025 National Guard Drive, Morrisville, 27560 FAX: (919) 664-6156

It’s time for the Armed Forces YMCA 2010 Art Contest “My Military Family” Who can enter? K-6th grade children of Military Families in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard & National Guard/Reserves. The military parent must be active duty or retired (with 20+ years of service).

What to do? Drawings should be of the student’s family and in color on a 6 by 8 inch template. Oversized and threedimensional entries will not be judged.

Entries should depict the student’s military family. Please do not identify family members on the drawings.

Facts to know! Art contest Entry Forns can be found at www.asymca.org and should be included with the entry in order to be judged.

When is the deadline? All drawings must be postmarked by February 19, 2010.

CONTACT US 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

Questions? Call (703) 313-9600, ext, 106 or email to tharper@asymca.org.

All artwork becomes property of the Armed Services YMCA and will not be returned.

Completed Entry forms with 6” x 8” artwork may be sent to: ASYMCA Attn: Art Contest 6359 Walker Lane, #200 Alexandria, VA 22310

TUTOR.COM

Tutor.com is available directly to students, as well as schools, libraries, businesses and community colleges to help K-12 and adult learners succeed.

Need Extra Help? Check out www.tutor.com!

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FAMILY MATTERS

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS 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

If you know of anyone who has gone above and beyond, email ncngfamilyprograms@ gmail.com with your story.

Spotlight on Volunteers

Above and Beyond

Small Acts of Kindness Carried On ~by Kathryn Jarvis

Jennifer Neese and Kina Boles are two military wives, moms and unique supporters of what their loved one is doing. They show there pride to many people by carrying a handbag.

This is not an average handbag though. It is a handmade purse pieced together with material from their spouses Army Combat Uniform (ACU) top, and Jennifer Neese is the one who has been making them.

Mrs. Kina Boles holds her new purse Jennifer Neese made out of Mrs. Boles' husband's old uniform top.

She started making the purses around the beginning of the summer. Neese said, “There’s a lady on the internet, well actually you go on the internet, they are all over the internet but they are $100. So there was a lady who had one. So I looked at hers and I sew and I’m like I can make that. So I make her (Kina Boles) one.” th

Even with her husband deployed with Battery A, 1/113 Field Artillery, two kids and many responsibilities, Jennifer began making purses for several spouses like Kina Boles.

Mrs. Boles said she “mailed her his (Cpt. Joes Boles’) uniform top, she cut it up and made a pocket book. Although she may have to fend off her daughter from using it all the time Mrs. Boles is elated with the special purse lined with a pink and white polka dotted pattern. Mrs. Boles says “I love it, you did wonderful, I am tickled pink.”

For Mrs. Neese sewing seems to be second nature. What would take some weeks to do she does in two days. Mrs. Boles said, “It doesn’t take her long.” However, Mrs. Neese says with the kids she has “to start/stop and stuff” but it doesn’t take too long.

However long it does take her, it still takes time. Time Jennifer Neese donates to give military spouses something unique and special. Above all she goes above and beyond for the military families on the home front so that each one can “carry” on.

Upcoming FRG Trainings: FRG Leaders are cordially invited to attend either of the training sessions below. Training topics include: FRG Essentials, Key Caller, Funding, and Communication. We encourage any and all command to attend with their FRG Volunteers. Please RSVP to Pam Hughes at pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil or (919) 693-3651 ext. 13.

We’re on the Web! See us at: www.nc.ngb.army.mil

December 1, 2009, 2 – 4 p.m.

Lenoir FAC, 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, Lenoir 38645 December 2, 2009, 2 – 4 p.m.

Mooresville Armory, 720 N. Broad St., Mooresville 28115