May 2010—Volume 2, Issue 5
F AMILY M ATTERS Diane Coffill State Family Program Director
diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324
SGT 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
SGT Daniel Holland HR Assistant dan.holland@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124
May is Military Appreciation Month The North Carolina National Guard recently welcomed home more than 4,000 Soldiers from the 30th HBCT at the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. Also last month, Soldiers from the 1/130th ARB returned to States. Welcome home to our returning Soldiers, and we pray safety for our currently deployed and deploying troops.
PFC Carolyn Stevens HR Assistant carolyn.stevens@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124
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 Mgr. kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil
(704) 398-4949
Pamela Hughes
Salute to Military Families North Carolina National Guard Family Programs presents its first-ever
Family Retreat August 20-22, 2010 Military Families deserve a break from the daily grind and chance to “reset” their life at home.
State FRG Advisor pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil
Raising a military family is a little more complicated when challenged with family life changes. Chaplains and Family Programs are bringing military families training relevant to the special dynamics of military family life during the North Carolina National Guard‟s first Family Retreat in August.
(919) 693-5016 ext. 13
Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616
Individual Highlights Taking Care of Families Yellow Ribbon Program Child Registration Info Community Cares Upcoming Events 30th HBCT Photo Spread FAC Directory Face to Face Volunteer Appreciation YR Child Registration
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Registration will begin Friday at 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. Following registration at 7:30 p.m. family participants will have some time to meet others who have registered for the event. Rooms will be available for both Friday and Saturday nights. Childcare will be provided. Children at least 8 years old and older will have the opportunity to participate in activities tailored for that age group. Please direct questions about this retreat to: PFC Carolyn Stevens at 1-800-621-4136 ext. 6124 or carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil. Mail Registration Form along with non-refundable registration fee by July 20, 2010 to: NCNG Family Program, c/o PFC Carolyn Stevens, 4105 Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607-6410. For a Registration Form, visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil; „Family Programs;‟ „Family Retreats.‟
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MILITARY SPOUSES |military spouse appreciation day
Taking Care of Families By Diane Coffill, NCNG Family Programs State Family Programs Director
We recognize Military Spouses also during Military Appreciation Month. Thank you to all the Military Spouses whose sacrifice and strength shoulder the men and women who so bravely serve our State and our Nation. You should be proud. Here in the State, we’ve been given Military Family Life Consultants (MFLCs) to assist you for free with any issues you may face. MFLCs specialize in adult, child and youth, and finances matters. MFLCs don’t keep records; so, call them up. It may help to have a different perspective. We have a Director of Psychological Health, Stephanie Nissen, to assist in elevated instances. Our FACs are located in armories, at armories in separate buildings, and even in community storefronts. All of these resources are designed to support you … because we care and know that military life can be challenging. Please register for the upcoming Yellow Ribbon events. You’ll get good information on where you, your Soldier and family are in the deployment cycle. You’ll interact with many military-connected agencies. Your children will take part in age-specific activities on experiences as military children. We care about you. We not only appreciate our Soldiers, we appreciate their Spouses, as well. I can, without hesitation say, that it is not just a “job” for us. Let us help in any way we can. We hope you’re finding Family Matters informative. Make sure your local FAC has your email address and that you’re registered on JSS (www.jointservicesupport.org). Check us out on Facebook where you’ll receive regular updates on what we’re doing across the State. Become a fan! We care about you all, and know that no matter what you phase of military life you’re in, that you can call on us when you need us … because we are here, taking care of families. Wishing you and yours a safe, fun and happy Summer! Sincerely,
Diane Coffill State Family Program Director (800) 621-4136 ext. 6324 diane.coffill2@us.army.mil
“Guarding Families on the Homefront”
Military Spouse Appreciation Day Events May 8 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. To honor the sacrifices of NCNG military spouses, several Family Assistance Centers are planning Pampering Events just for you. Check your email or Facebook for Military Spouse Appreciation Day events happening in May. If your local FAC does not have your current e-mail, contact them soon. Don’t miss out on the exclusive Rest and Recuperation event for military spouses.
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YELLOW RIBBON |DEPLOYMENT CYCLE SUPPORT
YELLOW RIBBON Members of the Yellow Ribbon in April at the 30th HBCT Welcome Home Ceremony in Raleigh.
―We’ve evolved and made our events more fun and easily accessible to families. We aim to supply everything that families will need … from a great location, lodging, food, travel reimbursement. We’re here to try to keep the family members informed of what to expect before the Soldier leaves and once he/she returns. Even with the best that we can give them, they deserve more,‖ said Lola Lawson with the Yellow Ribbon Program.
30th HBCT Events 30 Day Reintegration Event is mandatory for Soldiers and highly recommended for Family Members. The 60 Day PDHRA is mandatory for Soldiers only. Contact Yellow Ribbon at 800-621-4136 ext. 6054 for questions. 30-Day Reintegration, Uniform: Civilian Clothes ~~~LOCATION~~~ KOURY CONVENTION CENTER 3121 HIGH POINT ROAD AT 1-40 GREENSBORO, NC 27407 Lodging and Meals will be provided. Standard is one room with double beds, per married Soldier. Exception: additional room available for immediate family with five or more dependant children. Immediate family members can include: mom, dad, but if spouse is coming the extra family members are not authorized. Single-Soldier information: one room with double beds per Soldier and guest. Only exception: additional room available for divorced parents.
Time: 1st Day—No Earlier than 2 p.m.; No Later than 5 p.m. 2nd Day—Classes 8 a.m.—5 p.m. EVENT DATES: 30-DAY MAY 13-14: 1-120th CAB + E Co. BSB, HHC 30th HBCT MAY 14-15: 113TH Fires, and the Dets of 30th, 252, 120th + G Co. BSB, HHC 30th STB + B Co. 30th STB MAY 15-16: 1-252 CAB + F Co. BSB
60-Day PDHRA, Uniform: ACUs Time: Friday night: No earlier than 2 p.m.; No later than 5 p.m. Saturday: Classes/PDHRA—8 a.m.—5 p.m. Sunday: Classes/PDHRA—8 a.m.—5 p.m. EVENT DATES: 30-DAY JUNE 11-13: 1-120th CAB + E Co. BSB, HHC 30th HBCT JUNE 4-6: 113TH Fires, and the Dets of 30th, 252, 120th + G Co. BSB, HHC 30th STB + B Co. 30th STB MAY 21-23: 1-252 CAB + F Co. BSB
~~OVER 60 VENDORS WILL BE PRESENT~~ ~~DOOR PRIZES & DRAWINGS THROUGHOUT THE DAY~~
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YELLOW RIBBON |CHILD REGISTRATION REQUIRED YELLOW RIBBON TEAM 800-621-4136 EXT. 6054
Dear Families,
We look forward to having all of your children with us for the upcoming Yellow Ribbon Events. We have planned a fun and educational time for all. Some of the activities the children will be doing will be focused on family reintegration. Children ages five and up will have a uniformed NCNG Service Member participating in the activities and sharing information about their deployment, reintegration and how their children met the challenges of reintegration. In order to provide the best experience, we need your cooperation with the following. Keep in mind that the approximate 4,000 Soldiers processing for the Yellow Ribbon Team means more than 8,000 infants, toddlers, children, and teens for the NCNG Child & Youth Program.
Ages Birth to Four
If your child(ren) are in diapers, please bring a diaper bag that includes diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. All children will have childfriendly snacks and lunch. If your child(ren) are on formula and baby food, please bring. If your child uses a sippy cup, please bring with their name on it. On your diaper bag, please have your child’s and military member’s name clearly marked (with your cell phone number). If your child(ren) are on any medications, please let us know. We will go over this with you at registration. We will not be administering any medications. You will need to do this prior to drop-off.
Ages Five and Up
Children are not allowed to bring cell phones, iPods, Game Boys or other electronic devices. We want your child(ren) to socialize and participate in activities with the other children attending. Your child(ren) will be able to interact with other military kids who have also experienced this deployment. If your child(ren) are on any medications, please let us know. We will go over this with you at registration. We will not be administering any medications. You will need to do this prior to drop-off. In order to save time when you sign in your child(ren), the Registration Forms that need to be filled out, one per child, are at the end of this newsletter. To make this as stress-free and smooth as possible, please return the Registration Forms upon receipt. Registration Forms can be found here on the last two pages. Please complete the form online and email back to BECAUSE alice.dean@us.army.mil or print Y AR MILIT and mail to the address below. KIDS Contact 1-800-621-4136 ext. 7616 or alice.dean@us.army.mil with SERVE, TOO! questions. Your assistance in advance will help ensure a smoother process for all parties.
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 Chris Rosehart christopher.rosehart@us.army.mil NCNG CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM 2025 National Guard Drive Morrisville, 27560 FAX: (919) 664-6156 Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 alice.dean@us.army.mil Bridgette Carroll KOG Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil Kristi Wagner Assistant Youth Coordinator (919) 693-3651 kristi.wagner@us.army.mil
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR CHILDREN
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COMMUNITY CARES |RESOURCES FOR YOU
I can think of no better way to show how much we value our men and women in uniform than through these simple acts of neighborly kindness. When a soldier serves, their whole family serves along with them. Join us, as we help care for these families, while honoring the service they provide to our nation. To find some help in your area visit, Carolina Helping Heroes at www.carolinahelpingheroes.nc.gov.
Bob Eaves First Gentleman
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eed help mowing the lawn or have some home repairs that have to wait till your spouse gets home from a deployment or heals from an injury? Carolina Helping Heroes is a great resource for families to get the little things or even the big things done around the house. Community groups register, indicate who they are and what help they can offer to military families in need. Military families then search the site for community groups near their home that can help with whatever tasks they need. An easy process with clear-cut volunteer tasks will support our troops and their families, strengthen our communities and help our neighbors in need. Carolina Helping Heroes was inspired by the Minnesota Military Family Care Initiative created by Minnesota First Lady Mary Pawlenty.
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 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
The North Carolina National Guard Family Programs maintains a Legal Assistance Team that is available to assist military members and military families with a range of legal issues. Tax assistance remains available for those who have extensions. Contact one of our qualified legal professionals today.
Family Programs Legal Assistance
ncnglegalassistance@hotmail.com Reita Smolka – (919) 485-9565 Chris Alderson – (919) 485-9564 130 Penmarc Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh NC
Free Counseling, No Paperwork! John Alleman, Adult and Family Specialist john.b.alleman@healthnet.com, (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman, Youth and Family Specialist bettys.ncmflc@gmail.com, (919) 665-9178 Asheville: ng.mflc.lenoir@gmail.com, (828) 729-0729 Charlotte: ng.mflc.charlotte@gmail.com, (980) 213-6458 or 6459 Greenville: ng.mflc.greenville@gmail.com, (252) 295-8558 Morrisville: ng.mflc.morrisville@gmail.com, 919) 627-4360 or 4361 Wilmington: ng.mflc.wilmington@gmail.com, (910) 508-6170 Stephanie Nissen, LMHC & LPC NCNG Director of Psychological Health at (919) 257-8863.
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UPCOMING EVENTS | MARK YOUR CALENDAR Single Soldier’s Retreat How Not to Date a Jerk ((or Jerkette)) April 30-May 2—Beach August 20-22—Smoky Mountains For more details, call 800-621-4136 ext. 6124
Marriage Enrichment Weekend Retreats … Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage
VIEW EVENTS ONLINE www.nc.ngb.army.mil, ‘Family Programs,’ ‘Events Calendar’
Reserve your Slot Now! July 9-11, 2010 - Beach July 23-25, 2010 - Beach August 13-15, 2010 - Beach August 27-29, 2010 - Beach For more details, call 800-6214136 ext. 6124
GET WITH THE “PROGRAM!” FACEBOOK ~ BECOME A FAN North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Military Potluck Picnic Come enjoy a time of fun & fellowship with other local military families at our Potluck Picnic on Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 5pm-8pm at the Shelter at the Soccer Field of Calvary Baptist Church (5000 Country Club Rd., Winston Salem, NC). RSVP: Please email Jesse Hopkins at jesse619peaches@yahoo.com by Friday, May 14th, stating how many people are expected to attend. Please bring a dish or dessert item. Drinks and paper products will be provided.
DINNER AND A MOVIE … LET’S ALL HAVE SOME FUN!!! Military Spouse & Parent Appreciation Night Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 6-8pm St. James Episcopal Ch. Fellowship Hall, 806 SW College Ave. Lenoir, NC 28645 Come enjoy dinner, movie and a massage. A spaghetti dinner and salad will be prepared by the American Legion Post 29 Women’s Auxiliary. Movie Of The Night: “Did You Hear About The Morgans” Childcare will be provided for children 0-4 years old. If you need childcare, please let the FAC know when you call to RSVP. Children 5 years old and up will be participating with the Caldwell County 4-H Club in fun science activities. Please RSVP to the Lenoir FAC by Fri. Apr. 30th by 5pm by calling 1-800-621-4136 Ext. 8073 or email nancy.davis3@us.army.mil or frances.johnson3@us.army.mil. If you send an email, you will receive a confirmation. If you do not receive a reply back, please call the FAC to confirm your RSVP.
Check with your local FAC Rep for Military Spouse Appreciation Events in your area in May.
OPERATION KIDS ON GUARD Hurry and register your child to attend one of our upcoming KOG camps. Registration material is available at www.nc.ngb.army.mil, ‘Child and Youth Programs,’ ‘Kids on Guard.’ Day Drills: June 19: Kinston Armory, 2875 Dobbs Farm Road July 10: Raeford Armory, 305 Teal Drive July 24: Winston Salem Armory, 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy August 21: Morrisville Armory, 2025 Nat’l Guard Drive August 28: Asheville Armory, 100 Minuteman Drive
Overnight Weekend Camps: April 23-25, 2010 September 24-26, 2010 Camp Butner Training Site 539 Roberts Chapel Rd, Stem NC Spaces fill quickly. To learn more and to register, contact Alice Dean, State Youth Coordinator,
at alice.dean@us.army.mil, or call (919) 6647616. You may also contact Bridgette Carroll, KOG Assistant, at bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil, or call (919) 664-7664.
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F AMILY P ROGRAMS recaps
30TH HBCT WELCOME HOME CEREMONY | MEMORIES Photos by Kathryn Jarvis & Angelena Dockery, NCNG Family Programs
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30th HBCT WELCOME HOME CEREMONY | memories “I thought I could handle it since I have been deployed...but it is a lot harder when you are the one waiting at home,” said Mrs. Dillon. SGT Christopher Dillon and his wife just got married before he deployed with the 30th. Mrs. Dillon deployed with the Air Force prior to SGT Dillon‟s Deployment.
“I cannot put in words all that would sum up how much I appreciate all my spouse did when I was away,” said 2nd LT Kenneth McArthur.
Thank you to the RBC Center for your outstanding show of support to the NCNG and their families.
PHOTO OF THE YEAR Can you imagine how much fun these two are having back together? Good luck, mom!
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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
Family Assistance Centers … Here to Help
Debra Collington, FAC Specialist debra.a.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
Dedicated. Willing. Knowledgeable. Let us help! Call or Stop By! Take Advantage of the Monthly Events We Offer.
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) 485-9560 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)
Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist sandy.harrison1@us.army.mil, (336) 691-7763
406 Hospital Rd., 27577 Fax: (919) 934-2901 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist abby.e.millsap@us.army.mil, (919) 934-2013
Greenville State Family Assistance Center (SFAC)
Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC)
Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC)
Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC)
1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834 Fax: (252) 551-6136 Dawn White, FAC Network Coordinator dawn.white@us.army.mil, (252) 551-5669
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) 757-4519 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
500 Morganton Rd., PO Box 1317, 28387 Fax: (910) 692-3659 David Butler, FAC Specialist david.earl.butler@us.army.mil, (910) 692-8747
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 BECOME A FAN Get the Latest Updates on Facebook. Search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs.” TELL A FRIEND
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FACE TO FACE
COURAGE resilience BRAVERY honor STRENGTH
MEMORIAL DAY MAY 31, 2010 Imagine a State whose foundation and bonds are so tight that not only are Soldiers held in high esteem … but, so are their children. So much so … that the North Carolina State Employee’s Credit Union Foundation paid for a Ford Expedition and attachment Leonard Trailer u-haul for use for the North Carolina National Guard Kids on Guard Program. Military spouses, this means more support for your kids … where you live, where you need it, and when you need it. The NCNG Family Programs’ Child & Youth Program first unveiled the mobile unit at the Welcome Home Ceremony of the 30th HBCT in April at the RBC Center. The unit will hit the road for weeks to come for upcoming KOG events. Make plans to attend! Thank you NC State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation. Your more-than generous contribution affords our program the mobility to travel across the State and beyond in support of military children.
VETERAN’S RALLY & PICNIC IN THE PARK COME OUT TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF VETERANS
MAY 18, 2010 2:00 PM TO 6:00 PM (3rd
MARSHALL PARK & McDowell Streets) CHARLOTTE, NC
FOLLOWING THE PICNIC THERE WILL BE A MARCH TO THE GOVERNMENT CENTER TO KEEP THE VETERAN SERVICES OFFICE OPEN ―ALL VETERANS ARE ASKED TO REPORT BACK TO DUTY‖ Appropriate military attire and flags welcomed! SPONSORED BY THE MECKLENBURG COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL
11 Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring Street Oxford, 27565 (919) 693-5016 ext. 11 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 james.roberson@us.army.mil
(919) 664-7655 james.roberson@us.army.mil (919) 664-7655
JOIN JSS jointservicessupport.org
Get program information, events, chat with other military families, and more. You will also receive emails with lots of great opportunities. NCNG Family Programs “Guarding Families on the Homefront.�
Spotlight on Volunteers
Above & Beyond This month, the NCNG Volunteers would like to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Month. Because Military Spouses go Above and Beyond. Thank you for supporting the men and women of the North Carolina National Guard and serving in The Silent Ranks.
The Silent Ranks Author—unknown
I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens. But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen. I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give. But the military world is the place where I live. I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get. But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget. I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line. But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind. My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man and the call to serve his country not all can understand. Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free. My husband makes the sacrifice. But so do our kids and me. I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life. But I stand among the silent ranks known as the
Military Wife
.
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