Family Matters January 2011

Family Matters January 2011-Volume 3, Issue 1 Volume 3, Issue 1

Free Personal Coach Programs

10 Year In Review

Exceptional Family Member Needs

Personal Health Coach 2010 Highlights Upcoming Events

2011Military Child of the Year Nominations

Exceptional Family Member Program JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS

Family Matters January 2011

Director’s Column | Happy New Year Dear Families, I hope you had a great Christmas and will have a wonderful New Year. We made it through 2010 and are now looking forward to 2011. Many Families across the state are embarking on a new journey (i.e. an upcoming deployment or continuing the reintegration process) and our Family Program staff will be with you every step of the way.

From Manteo to Murphy, there are North Carolina National Guard Families in transition. Some have their Families back to together and others are preparing for a new mission.

Our 2011 mission and goal is to help ease you through the challenges you are facing as a Military Family. We hope you were able to take advantage of some of our programs in 2010, and we look forward to seeing you at our events in the new year.

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director diane.coffill2@us.army.mil (919) 664-6324 SFC Ramona Scott Family Program NCOIC ramona.scott1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 ext. 7005 SFC Calvin Buchan Family Program Assistant calvin.buchan@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124 Vacant Budget Analysis (919) 664-7583

We are excited again this year to be able to provide you with more Strong Bonds events, some for our single Soldiers, our Families, and Couples. I strongly encourage those of you who haven’t attended any of these events, to register for the event best suited for you.

SGT Daniel Holland Family Program Assistant/Warehouse dan.holland@us.army.mil (919) 664-6124

In addition, the NC National Guard now has a team of Behavioral Health professionals dedicated to serving you and your Family through the rough times.

PFC Carrie Stevens Family Program Assistant carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil (919) 664-6000 ext. 6876

You will also see the Family Program staff at all of your Yellow Ribbon events throughout 2011.

In this edition, we have put together a few highlights from 2010, so that you can see the types of things we’ve done and what we’ll be doing again this year.

All of our National Guard Servicemembers and Families are very special to us and your contributions to our Family network continue to be amazing. We, in Family Programs, are here to serve you and hope that together we can make 2011 the best year for all of you.

Sincerely, Diane Coffill, State Family Program Director

Shane Judd, paralegal (919) 485-9556

Kathleen Flaherty Airman & Family Readiness Program Mgr. kathleen.flaherty.ctr@ncchar.ang.af.mil (704) 398-4949 Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil (919) 693-5016 ext. 11

NCNG Legal Assistance Team Thomas Harington, paralegal Sarah Boshears, paralegal (919) 334-9957

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

FREE LEGAL HELP 

Estate Planning



Estate Administration



Family Law Problems



Consumer Law Problems



Many Others

Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator alice.dean@us.army.mil (919) 664-7616 North Carolina National Guard Family Programs State Office 4105 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 (919) 664-6053 www.nc.ngb.army.mil/Family/index.php

CALL ONE OF OUR

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE

PARALEGALS TODAY! JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 2

Community Cares | Volunteer Spotlight

You Get What You Give

By Kathryn Jarvis, NCNG Family Programs Three years ago, Mella Pool, a veteran business woman and Fonville Morisey Real Estate Associate, set out to make a difference for North Carolina National Guard kids during Christmas. Pool said, "Children are important all year round but especially at Christmas time; you want to make sure they are taken care of. I've got three grand-children, and it would just break my heart if they didn't get anything for Christmas. It would kill me. " Top from left to right: Fair Pickel and Jennifer McMaster Bottom from left to right: Sheila Disbrow, Mella Pool and Stacy Odum; (Photo from Fonville Morisey Mella Pool Team Website www.mellapool.com)

Every year, Mella Pool and Team members Jennifer McMaster, Fair Pickel, Sheila Disbrow and Stacy Odum host a Customer and Client Appreciation Brunch at the Northridge Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. Guests would bring Mella Pool's team “hostess gifts” but a few years back giving to North Carolina National Guard Families and Servicemembers became a part of the Appreciation Brunch tradition.

In 2007, Mella proposed that her team "spice" things up by adding a twist to the hostess gifts that year. Pool said, "… I always had avidity [keen eagerness] for our troops, my dad served in World War II and I thought what could we do, you know, as a team to try to help. Then I got the name of the North Carolina National Guard and I said, you know, what about toys." Guests began bringing one, two or even three toys to be donated to National Guard children in North Carolina instead of their previous hostess gifts. Pool said, "People will call every year and say do you know specifically what they need. I tell them no, just anything that you want to provide. Lots of the people say they think it's really, really nice, and they are glad that we do this."

Alice Dean, NCNG Child and Youth Coordinator, said the group collected more than 130 toys this year and more than 500 over the years. With donations from people like Mella Pool's team, NCNG Family Programs was able to provide support packages for 145 North Carolina National Guard Families and 352 children this year. Kristi Wagner, Child and Youth Programs Assistant Youth Coordinator, said, "We were able to deliver donations to one Family who is having hard times. When the spouse walked in and saw all the stuff for their Family, she started crying. Everything we do and the long hours we put in is worth it for our Families." Dean said, "I have had people year after year, some of the same people, call and say they want to help children of the North Carolina National Guard." Across the state, many Families and businesses are struggling through the storm; but, even with the current tough economic times people are still giving. Pool said, "As tough as it is ... sometimes you might think you are having a tough time. But, if you could just take a second and know there is somebody else that is having a tougher time, it makes your time seem not as bad.

If we continue to thank our people for supporting us and then we continue to support our troops or other people that we can, you know it comes back to you in many ways." □

Left to right: Sgt. 1st Class John Talyor, Pfc. Brittany DeMichele, Mella Pool, Stacy Odum, Sheila Disbrow, Jennifer McMaster, Sgt. Chris Poinsette, and Sgt. Princess Taylor.

Soldiers from 1-130th AVN BN, Company E helped pick up boxes of toys donated to NCNG Families. The group collected more than 130 toys this year which where distributed to NCNG Families before Christmas. (Photo Provided

by Mella Pool)

Nominate Your Local Community Organization to receive the “Community Cares” Honor.

Send nominations to ncngFamilyprgrams@gmail.com.

If your nomination is accepted, we will contact you to conduct an interview and receive additional information about how your organization helps North Carolina’s Military Families.

Call (919) 485-9571 for questions.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 3

Operation Homefront announces the opening of the nomination period for the 2011 Military Child of the Year Award.

For the first time, the award will be given to an outstanding Military Child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for a special ceremony on April 7, 2011. Nominations are being accepted until January 31.

Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their Families and within their communities.

For more information or to nominate a child, visit Operation Homefront at www.operationhomefront.net.

2011 Scholarships for Military Children The 2011 Scholarships for Military Children program is open. Dependent, unmarried children of active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, or survivors of service members who died on active duty or while receiving military retired pay, may apply for a scholarship.

Applicants must be younger than 21, or 23 if enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university.

Eligibility is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database. Applicants should ensure they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military ID card.

An applicant must be planning to attend, or already be attending, an accredited college or university, full-time in the fall of 2011 or be enrolled in a program of studies

Greensboro Coliseum Discounts The Greensboro Coliseum is offering special Military Group Discounts for upcoming events. Please see the below for a few of the upcoming events that offer a discount. The discount is good for a group of 8 or more. Please direct questions to (336) 373-7433.

designed to transfer directly into a fouryear program.

Applicants must also submit an essay on the following topic that answers the question: “Our nation has a goal of improving health and wellness: What are your ideas

The group order forms can be downloaded on the Greensboro Coli-

and, more importantly, how do you pro-

seum website at www.greensborocoliseum.com/tickets/

pose to put these ideas into action in your

group_sales.

Upcoming Group Events Monster Jam—January 14-15

local community?"

Applications must be turned in to a commissary by close of business February 22, 2011. At least one scholarship will be

U.S. Figure Skating Championships—January 22-30

awarded at every commissary with quali-

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey—February 10-13

fied applicants.

Men's Basketball Games—Various Dates

Scholarship awards will be based on funds

Harlem Globetrotters—March 20

available, but the scholarship program anticipates awards of at least $1,500.

Scholarship applications are available in commissaries worldwide and online at www.militaryscholar.org.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 4

It can take 6-9 months for the Exceptional Family Member Program approval process to be completed. Often times it is too late for Soldiers not on Active Duty to reap the full benefits of this program. If you start early on the process, you can rest assured that your Family at home will have the help this program offers before it’s too late.

Does this Program Pertain to You? Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to Families with special needs. This includes Army National Guard and Army Reserve personnel serving under the authority of Title 10, United States Code (USC), and Title 32, USC to enroll in the EFMP when they have Family Members with special needs.

How Do I Help my Soldier Enroll?

If you live near an installation, you can contact the nearest Army medical treatment facility EFMP point of contact to begin the assessment process and obtain the enrollment forms. Families not near an installation can call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 and ask to speak with a special needs consultant. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact your local Family Assistance Center Representative.

The Military OneSource Program is a supplement for helping with programs and services available on the installation to geographically dispersed Soldiers, especially helpful for Guard and Reserve personnel.

Required Forms DD Form 2792, Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary for medical issues only, and; DD Form 2792-1, Exceptional Family Member Special Education/ Early Intervention Summary for educational issues.

Who is an Exceptional Family Member?

The Army defines an EFM as any Family member, regardless of age, who has a disability which limits that individual's ability to function on a daily basis and requires ongoing counseling, training, education, therapy, or treatment.

Examples • • • • • • • • •

Blind/Visually Impaired Deaf/Hard of Hearing Orthopedically Handicapped Need to see a medical specialist more than twice a year Speech and Language Handicaps/Learning Handicaps Developmentally Delayed Specific Learning Disabilities Severely Emotional Disturbed Many other special needs may qualify an individual for enrollment and/or services.

For More Information About the Program, visit the DOD Military Homefront Exceptional Family Needs website at www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/

What are the benefits for being Enrolled in EFMP? Families can benefit from the program in many ways. The program offers help and support with: Childcare, Legal, Education, Medical Care (TRICARE and ECHO), Financial, Federal and Respite Care.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 5

2010 A Recap of what we have been doing….

Throughout 2010, Fayetteville FAC Coordinator, Amy Wallace, has formed partnerships with various organizations to ensure that Families in the Fayetteville Region have specialized services for their needs. Partnering Organizations include: American Legion, Red Cross, USO, Operation Homefront, Operation Bandanas, 4-H/Operation Military Kids, and Sandhills Family Heritage Association.

Together partnering organizations, Family Programs team members and Fayetteville have brought Military Families Operation Military Kids State Team; Military and Media Services Partnership; Month of the Military Child Resource Fair; An Employment Readiness/ Employment Fair during drill weekend; Kids on Guard; and, the Cumberland County Agriculture Fair.

The Fayetteville Region has welcomed home Soldiers at over 16 returns from various units in the area and has coordinated with Family Assistance Centers from Virginia, Wisconsin, Florida and New York to provide information for their Families needing assistance in the Fayetteville Region.

Photo Courtesy of Amy Wallace

When not working with partnering organizations, assisting Families or welcoming home Soldiers, the Fayetteville FAC hosted several events for North Carolina National Guard Families like “Movie Night at the Armory” and the “Back to School” Bash.

Further down South in Wilmington FAC Specialists teamed up with Step Up For Soldiers for the 2010 Kids on Guard Fishing Tournament, Operation Homefront’s Backpacks for kids events, and North Carolina National Guard’s Marriage Enrichment Retreat in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Judy Howard, Wilmington FAC Network Coordinator said, “One of the best events for me were the homecomings.

I got to set up the receptions and see all the soldiers loading off the buses. Seeing them reunite with their Families really hit me. I was crying and I really didn’t know any of these guys. It made me feel like our jobs are meaningful and important.”

Jumping to the mountains of North Carolina, Asheville FAC personnel worked with community organizations and National Guard personnel throughout the year. They hosted events like Meet the FAC, Family Fun Day, “Back to School” Brigade and Spa Day. National Guard children from more than five units were been given backpacks filled with donated school supplies, spouses of deployed Servicemembers were pampered while their children made ornaments for the Governor’s Christmas Tree, and Families have had the chance to build support networks with other Military Families.

When not hosting events, Asheville staff supported several unit Family Days and Family Programs events. In addition, FAC personnel have worked with their local Army Recruiting Office to host “Get to Know Us” Briefs for future Soldiers and Families. During the brief representatives from organizations like TRICARE, Army Strong Community Center, and Military One Source explain the new benefits and services they will have once the Servicemember joins the military.

Photo Courtesy of Asheville MFRC

This is just a highlight of some of the activities that happened in 2010. In this Family Matters Edition, Family Programs staff have included a few more highlights from last year.

FAMILY RETREATS June 24-26, 2011 August 12-14, 2011 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 Family Retreat.

For Registration Forms and additional details, visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/singles/.

Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or 919-664-6000 ext. 6876.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 6

LEGAL ASSISTANCE A YEAR IN REVIEW: FIGHTING THE BATTLE Legal problems can seriously impact your Family’s security and stability. For a National Guard Soldier facing deployment or coping with the dynamics of postdeployment, the emergence of legal issues can seriously aggravate an already unsettling situation. If you leave such issues unaddressed, they can bring you and your Family to breaking point. Not only do unresolved legal issues affect your resilience as part of our fighting force, they can cause you serious personal, emotional and financial upheaval. Your North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Legal Assistance Office urges you not to stand alone when facing legal problems. We are available to assist you, but you should act quickly in taking advantage of our services at the earliest possible opportunity.

During 2010, our legal assistance attorney, LTC Beth Smart, and our paralegal staff, Shane Judd, Thomas Harington, and Sarah Boshears, have gotten financial support to near destitute families, battled unscrupulous businesses and landlords, and prepared hundreds of wills, even for elderly clients confined to their homes.

We receive over 200 inquiries per month, while providing active legal assistance in the form of correspondence, document preparation, and/or legal counseling in the vast majority of those cases. This workload requires a legal staff with the training and compassion to understand your legal issues, obtain all the necessary and relevant information from you, and give you our best recommendations on how to resolve your problem. Our paralegals also provide our Legal Assistance attorney with high quality legal research support.

This allows the attorney to roll up her sleeves and get straight to the business of addressing your serious legal concerns.

During this Christmas season, a military spouse called our office facing imminent eviction because she was not receiving any support for herself and her four children. Our paralegals were able to help the legal assistance attorney track down the Soldier’s command and arrange for emergency assistance and long term support. Then, Christmas for that Family meant a home, food to eat, and a warm place to celebrate. When numerous calls were received by our office regarding a car dealer taking advantage of Soldiers, we were able to identify this business and urge Soldiers to report their problems to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Affairs.

Our attorney has provided expert legal advice on cases dealing with marital separations and child-related issues, financial and nonsupport issues, consumer fraud and scams, estate planning, and military administrative Soldier issues. In many of our cases, there is no civilian substitute for the services we provide. Our military standing allows us to provide a unique understanding of the problems you and your Family have and their possible solutions. We exist as a service organization that not only takes advantage of our immediate resources but also those of the larger military community. This year we have solidified sound working relationships with Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson to assist Soldiers where we cannot due to caseload or client conflicts.

Remember that this is your legal assistance office. You are eligible for these services because of your service to our Country and the protections of our freedoms. While we are here to assist you and your Family when you need us, we can only help if you first make that call. So for this next year, please continue to allow us to help you. That way, you can continue to fight and win our nation’s wars. We have resources and we do care. □

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 7

Hounds4Heroes success stories has prompted organizations to conduct further research. Featured in the November 2010 Issue of Time Magazine, wounded Servicemembers recount the positive effects of having “man’s best friend” by their side.

In 2010, the Department of Defense recently dedicated 12-months to study the effects dogs have on helping Servicemembers cope and heal from their traumas. To view the article and other success stories visit, hounds4heroes.org.

If you are a veteran who is interested in adopting a dog, you can call H4H at (704) 900-3933. If you have a general inquiry, are interested in volunteering with H4H, or are a health care provider who would like to provide referrals, please send an email to jenn@hounds4heroes.org for the quickest response.

Smithfield Family Assistance Center

Single Soldiers Retreats “How Not to Date a Jerk”

Courtesy of Army.mil

Gain the tools for weeding out the ones that are not right for you.

NCNG Family Programs and Chaplains are bringing single Service Members the 2011 “How Not to Date a Jerk” Retreat to the locations throughout North Carolina. Not all people are “cut out” to date someone in the military. You can join other Servicemembers for a weekend to hone your skills and knowledge on dating the right person for you. Our “How Not to Date a Jerk” Retreat focuses on teaching you how to recognize compatibility.

2011 Dates April 29–May 1, 2011 ~ Myrtle Beach August 26-28, 2011 ~ Raleigh Visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/ singles/ for more information.

Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or (919) 6646000 ext. 6876.

2010 Highlights  Created a Regional Team for Family Programs  Sunday Lunch with “Family Programs” Bunch  Fall Festival with USO  30th HBCT Homecomings  Back to School, Turkey Express and Angel Tree with Raleigh Elks  Christmas for Kids/Spouse Pamper Day & care packages with Fairway Ministries

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 8

Yellow Ribbon Program | Deployment Cycle Support

ABOUT US Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Section 582 of the NDAA: Established a national combat veteran reintegration program to provide National Guard and Reserve Members and their Families with sufficient information, services, referral, and proactive outreach opportunities throughout the entire deployment cycle. This program shall be known as the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP).

Yellow Ribbon

Pre-Deployment Support.

Highlights NCNG’s Yellow Ribbon Program conducted 44 events from November 1, 2008 to September 30, 2010. The Yellow Ribbon Program has held three events since October 1, 2010.

YELLOW RIBBON TEAM 800-621-4136 EXT. 6054

Pre-Deployment Brief: (Mandatory) this is the 1st step in the deployment cycle, were we offer assistance, training and resources to Soldiers and their Families facing the challenges of a mobilization. Soldiers, children and Family packs are distributed.

Reunion | Homecoming.

Pre-Demobilization Brief (Reunion /Homecoming): Time to get together as a Family unit to support and discuss the challenges and stressors associated with deployment. We gather in a casual atmosphere to celebrate the milestone in the deployment stage. Representatives are invited to supply services specifically to spouses, children, Family members, and /or employers of deployed Service members. This step is very important to prepare yourself and your Family members for your Sol-

2011 UPCOMING EVENTS Unit 130th FIN BN & 136th Chaplain Det.

Date(s) of Event January 21-23, 2011

City Greensboro

TYPE Pre-Deployment

105th EN BN HHC 105th MP BN & 163 RD ASMC A-Co 30th STB CO B 3-20 SFG 1-131 AVN BN 105th EN BN A-Co 30th STB HHC 105th MP BN &

January 21-23, 2011 January 22, 2011

Greensboro Asheville

30 Day Pre-Demobilization

February 25-27, 2011 March 11-12, 2011 April 2-3, 2011 March 18-20, 2011 March 18-20, 2011 April -May, 2011

Greensboro Raleigh Charlotte Greensboro Greensboro Asheville

30 Day Pre-Demobilization Pre-Deployment 60 PDHRA 60 PDHRA 30 Day

June-July, 2011

Greensboro

60 PDHRA

163 RD ASMC HHC 105th MP BN & 163 RD ASMC

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 9

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 10

Reflecting on 2010 at the Raleigh Storefront We are Glad You Were There!

The Raleigh Military Family Resource Center changed gears and moved forward throughout this year beginning with the forming of the Central NC Regional team better known as the “Lunch Bunch” which consisted of the Smithfield, Greenville and Raleigh FAC’s. While visiting different armories over the past few months to introduce ourselves and the services that we offer, we had the opportunity to feed the full-time staff with delicious meals sometimes provided by local churches, sometimes The Red Cross and occasionally by our own staff!

Soldiers, Volunteers and FAC from the Central NC Region Team join together for one of the many Lunch Bunch events.

(Photo courtesy of Abby Millsap)

In April, the Raleigh Storefront hosted a “Spouse Appreciation Day” which was primarily sponsored by the Raleigh chapter of “The Links Inc.” These wonderful ladies provided gifts, makeovers, food, massages and fashion consulting! The turnout was outstanding and I’m sure it was an event that will be remembered for a long time by the military spouses that were in attendance!

As we moved toward the end of the summer, we co-hosted a “Back to School” event with the Raleigh Elk’s Lodge. While they prepared hot dogs and hamburgers by the poolside, the Raleigh MFRC staff handed out new book bags and school supplies that were donated by John Deere in Cary, NC. Over 100 book bags were donated and distributed throughout the region to our military children.

In October, we went around the office complex and invited all of the local businesses to our “Meet and Greet” which gave us the chance to get to know who’s who in the park as well as let them know about the services that we provide and that we are multi-component and welcome the opportunity to serve the families of all branches of service. The turnout was very good and we really appreciated the RDU Center of the USO for providing and serving coffee and donuts!!! Not only did they support us during the “meet and greet” but a couple weeks later they brought in the USO mobile unit for a special day of fun for the kids as we did our annual Fall Festival. The Raleigh staff hosted and manned craft and game tables along with USO volunteers. On the outside of the mobile unit, the kids played Wii and ate hotdogs which were also provided by the USO. Everyone had a great time!

NCNG Youth Visit with Santa during Fairway Ministries Christmas for Kids.

Photo Courtesy of Abby Millsap

Just a couple weeks ago Fairview ministries sponsored their annual Christmas Spouse Pamper day that the Raleigh team participated in along with Abby from the Smithfield FAC. The event was held at Celebration Family Church. Fairview provided food, massages and arranged a visit from Santa for the kids while their moms received back massages and manicures. Once again the USO volunteers came in and assisted our staff while we entertained the kids with crafts and tables full of toys in which each child stuffed into their stockings. That was a big hit!

Overall, the Raleigh MFRC has had a good year and now that we’re are fully staffed, we are geared up and ready to get out into the community more and more in the months to come to build stronger relationships with both our Military Families and the resources that we have been blessed with. As we move into 2011 we are determined to become a better equipped hub of resources throughout our region where we can serve our military Family more efficiently and effectively. We are proud to be a part of Family Programs and honored for the opportunity to serve those that protect and serve us!

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 11

Personal Health Coach What Changes Do You Want to Make to Your Life?

Changing habits is easier when you have the information, tools, and support that you need!

Military One Source “Change, Relax, Thrive and Achieve” programs are designed by health professionals who can help you reach your health goals and stick with them for life!

SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF YOUR LIFE STRESS IMPROVE YOUR CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

HEALTHY HABITS FOR A HEALTHY TEEN WEIGHT

Personal health coaching is what really makes Military One Source programs different from all the rest. You work one-on-one with a highly trained personal health coach who will support you throughout your program enrollment. Start with your personal Health Coach today. See “Healthy Habits Coaching Program” at www.militaryonesource.com or call 800-342-9647.

You must be a registered user to have access to this pro-

NC Employment Readiness Program Last year, the NCNG Family Programs Office introduced a new program to assist NC National Guard Members and Spouses with various employment issues.

The NC Employment Readiness Program was created to expand employment and career opportunities to help improve the financial readiness of North Carolina’s Military Families. Our desired result is to improve Family financial readiness to help increase overall force stability and deployment readiness.

To learn more, contact David Ponder, NC Employment Readiness Specialist at (828) 274-8571 or david.ponder@us.army.mil.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 12

Child & youth program 2025 National Guard Drive—Morrisville, 27560—FAX: (919) 664-6156 Happy New Year! We are looking forward to a new year of fun with our National Guard youth and hope together we can make 2011 the best year yet for our Children and Youth.

In 2010, the Child and Youth Program proudly served more than 846 National Guard Children at a multitude of events.

We supported 13 Yellow Ribbon events and 2 other Family Programs events including the first Family Retreat. Over the year, our team has hosted eight Kids on Guard events and a Teen Weekend Retreat. It is always a joy to be there with NCNG Families and watch how they grow. We are especially grateful to the NC State Employee’s Credit Union Foundation who paid for our Ford Expedition and Leonard Trailer U-Haul for our use in serving our military children.

Community support from individuals and organizations has helped us bring Families of the North Carolina National Guard gifts, food and items ranging from computers to holiday assistance. We have supported Purple Elephant Computer Factory track and distribute 165 re-furbished computers and holiday assistance to 140 Families and over 325 children.

2010 marked another year the Child and Youth Program was able to coordinate with personnel for the Governor’s Holiday Reception where more than 200 multi-component Families joined together to create handmade ornaments that adorned on the tree. What a treat to see our children’s ornaments on the Governor’s tree.

Alice Dean State Child and Youth Coordinator (800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 (919) 664-7616 alice.dean@us.army.mil

Bridgette Carroll KOG Coordinator

(800) 621-4136 ext. 8820 bridgette.carroll@us.army.mil

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator

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

Follow us on Twitter @ncngfamily

Our NCNG Youth are truly special. We are glad to serve you and your Family and look forward to an even better 2011.

Help Your Kids with Homework & Finals: Tutor.com Benefits Overview Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. EST Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. EST

Become a Fan Get the Latest Updates on Facebook

Does homework stress affect your Family?

Do your children have finals coming up at school?

Find out how you and your kids can get help with homework, studying, test prep, and more through the DoD’s Tutor.com for Military Families program. Attend this Webinar to find out how to get FREE access, what subjects are available, how tutors help, and tips for using the online classroom.

Search “North Carolina National Guard Family Programs.”

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 13

NCNG 2010 Teen Retreat

Take time to learn the tools for a stronger more resilient relationship for you and your Family. “Laughing Your Way to a Better Marriage� seminars help couples deal with tough issues in a way that is fun and non-threatening.

Marriage Enrichment Retreats

NCNG Child & Youth Program The NCNG Child & Youth Program is accepting inquiries to assist the State Youth Coordinator in the delivery of youth and teen-related lessons and trainings, as well as ensuring Youth Program policies are enforced, and additional duties.

2011 Dates February 11-13, 2011-Raleigh March 25-27, 2011-Atlantic Beach April 29-May 1, 2011Location TBA July 8-10, 2011Location TBA July 29-31, 2011Location TBA August 12-14, 2011Location TBA August 26-28, 2011Location TBA

Visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil/index.php/fp/marriage-enrichment/ for more information and Registration Forms. Contact PFC Carrie Stevens with questions at carolyn.stevens1@us.army.mil or 919-664-6000 ext. 6876.

To express your interest and learn more, contact Alice Dean, State Youth Coordinator, at (800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 or alice.dean@us.army.mil.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 14

Lenoir SFAC 2010 Highlights

The Lenoir SFAC would like to say thank you to all FRG Leaders; ARC Catawba Valley Chapter; South Caldwell Christian Ministries; DAV; VFW; American Legion;4-H Cooperative Extension; NC Men’s Baptist Disaster Relief Temp. Childcare; St. James Episcopal Church; Zion E & R UCC Church; Veterans Service Office; Big Dawg 92.1 FM; Dollar Tree; Morganton Chick-Fil-A; Operation Home Front; Soldier’s & Airman’s Assistance Fund; Debbie Cerminaro; Dewayne Ramseur; Gene Johnson; Leona Schell; and, Heather Williams for the support you have given to the Lenoir SFAC. Without your donations and voluntary time of support we could not have been as successful.

Community The Lenoir SFAC also had meetings with several community resources throughout the year such as Family & Consumer Science, Continuum Care, Veterans Services, United Way, Caldwell Opportunities, Coffee Breaks at the American Legion, VFW and DAV and participated in the Alexander and Caldwell County Provider’s Fair.

One-on-One Support The Lenoir SFAC supported the 630th HHC’s ISR in March working with the Soldiers as they came through each check point; Family Programs was also a check point. We sat down with the Soldier after they filled their FAC sheet out and talked with them to see if there was any assistance they needed from Family Programs. This is a great time to get to know the Soldier and to give out resources that Family Programs has to offer the Service Member and their Family.

Approximately 250 Soldiers were seen that weekend.

Easter Fun for Military Kids On April 1, an Easter Egg Hunt was held for the local Military Families at the Lenoir SFAC. Caldwell County 4-H Cooperative Extension provided ducks & rabbits for the children to hold and pet. A learning experience of planting vegetables to grow for the animals to eat was also presented. The children planted the vegetable seeds in a flower pot and took them home to water and care for. Plastic eggs were hidden with candy; the children were running around to gather the most eggs for the prize of a chocolate Easter bunny.

Military Child Appreciation Night A Military Child Appreciation Night took place on 26 April at the Lenoir Armory. Dinner and a movie were provided.

The American Red Cross-Catawba Valley Chapter provided pizza and ice cream with the toppings for our Military Children and also provided volunteers. The smaller children watched “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and the older children watched “Old Dogs.”

In May, the Lenoir SFAC teamed up with Post 29 American Legion Women’s Auxiliary to provide a Military Spouse & Parent Appreciation Night at St. James Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall. This night consisted of a free spaghetti and salad for their meal. Free massages were given by Debbie Cerminaro and Dewayne Ramseur from Caldwell Community College School Of Massage. Child Care was provided by the NC Men’s Baptist Disaster Relief Temporary Childcare. The Caldwell County 4-H provided volunteers to work with the children making crafts. Girl Scout Troop 10602 also came out to support the SFAC by helping with crafts.

Celebrating “Back to School” Our annual Back To School Supply Day was held on 6 August at the Lenoir SFAC. We received donations through Operation Home Front/Dollar Tree. Many Military Families were touched as we provided school supplies for the children as they started a new school year.

Octoberfest “Trunk or Treat” was held in October at the Lenoir SFAC. Several Volunteers came out and supported our event, making this a fun-filled evening for our Military Children. The Catawba Valley-American Red Cross Chapter, Gamewell Volunteer Fire Dept., SGT. Allen Willis wore the “BIG DAWG” suit and mingled with the kids,. SGT Jill Holtz, SGT Joe Osborne, Mrs. Esther Osborne, Lynn Mullinax, Mrs. Heather Williams, Mrs. Leona Schell, Caldwell County Veterans Service Office, (Ret SGM) Larry McMullen, VFW, DAV, and American Legion helped with giving out candy during the Trunk Or Treat.

Holiday Toys Donations, through Operation Home Front /Dollar Tree, were picked up in November to provide toys for the Military Children in the Lenoir SFAC region. The toys were distributed to units in our region for their Christmas/Family Day events (which took place the first weekend in December). The Lenoir SFAC also used the toys as stocking stuffers.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 15

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS Did you know that the North Carolina Army National Guard has a full-time Family Readiness Advisor to assist volunteers in their efforts to help improve the quality of life for Military Families?

Many units may already have a Family Readiness Group and a network of volunteers that work with the unit leadership, Servicemembers and their Families to develop family programs that best meet their needs.

Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring St., Oxford, NC Email: pamela.hughes5@us.army.mil Office: (919) 693-5016 ext. 11 Cell: (919) 485-9563

Family Readiness Support Assistants Charlotte: Nikkie Newsome nikkie.newsome@us.army.mil (704) 359-5707

For example, organizing a baby-sitting co-op, finding part-time jobs for teenagers, locating help for substance abuse, welcoming new Families to the unit, and offering a tax filing seminar. These are just a few things that Guard Families have available. These programs can also help Families prepare for separations due to mobilization, training or other emergencies. NGR 600-12 is the reference for developing a program at unit level.

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

State FRG Advisor, Pam Hughes, is available to answer questions and assist you in developing a unit level Family program.

Goldsboro: Greg Smith gregory.paul.smith@us.army.mil (919) 739-5319

SAVE THE DATE FRG Volunteer Workshop February 25—27, 2011 Fort Fisher, North Carolina ADDITIONAL DETAILS: TBA (Read your JSS Announcements) To Learn More about FRG Roles within the Units and How You Can Help, Please Call Us. We are awaiting your assistance. If you are a new FRG Leader or Volunteer in need of assistance, let us know. Our FRG Volunteer Workshops are a time for fun, fellowship, networking, and, tip and tools on how you can make a positive impact on your Unit. Express your interest now in reserving your space before the official registration process begins.

2010 Highlights 

Twelve FRG individual trainings with a total in attendance of 47 people.

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Five FRG Regional trainings in conjunction with KOG at Asheville, Kinston, Morrisville, Raeford, and Winston Salem. Total in attendance for these five were 38 people.

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 Oxford: Norman Dean norman.dean@us.army.mil (919) 693-3651 x. 27

MILITARY FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS Our Military Family Life Consultants are able to be onsite at your event to meet with Families and discuss any questions or concerns.

Scheduling and availability will apply.

John Alleman Adult & Family Specialist (919) 745-9635 Betty Steelman Child & Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 16

Marketing & Communications 2010 Services Provided 

Banners | Brochures | Flyers | Logos | Registration Forms

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Community Relations/Partnership-Building

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Consulting

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Deployment Cycle Support-Specific Marketing Material

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E-mail Campaigns | Mass Marketing Messaging

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Event Planning/Development

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FACT Sheets

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Guides: Educator Guide, Hurricane, etc.

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Interviews

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Market/Demographic/Community Research &Analysis

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PowerPoint/Presentations

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Publications: Family Matters Newsletter : 12 publications/12 months | Guard Family Connection | Executive Steering Committee Quarterly Newsletter | NCNG Bulletin | Department of Crime Control & Public Safety Quarterly Newsletter | Foundations—NCNG Magazine | Tarheel Guardsman

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National/State/Local Partnership Strategizing and Development

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NCNG Program Marketing/Analysis

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News/Radio Coverage

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Photography

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Program Development/Implementation

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Public Service Announcements (PSAs) | Press Releases | Media Advisories

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Social Media Marketing: Facebook | Twitter

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Special Projects

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Trainings: Public Affairs/Social Media/ OPSEC

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...additional functions, as required

NCNG Family Programs Marketing & Communications Department Email: ncngfamilyprograms@gmail.com Url: www.nc.ngb.army.mil/Family/index.php Facebook: North Carolina National Guard Family Programs Twitter: @ncngfamily Angelena Dockery sallie.a.dockery@us.army.mil (919) 485-9570

Kathryn Jarvis kathyrn.jarvis@us.army.mil (919) 485-9571

2010 Editions can be found on NCGKO under the Family Programs Section JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 17

Military Family Tax Relief Act

TAXES: Free Things to Know The Military OneSource Tax Program will begin on Monday, January 17, 2011. The program will provide free access to a customized version of the basic H&R Block at Home® electronic tax filing product. This customized product allows for free federal filing and free state filing (up to three states). In addition, free telephonic tax consultations are available to help with tax related issues. *An Important Note: Please do not create a user account on the public H&R Block Web site. You will incur a fee if you file using the public H&R Block Web site/product. If you create an account on the public H&R Block Web site, regardless of how you access the account in the future, the H&R Block system will view you as a public user (the system tags the account when it is created, according to the version of the product being used at that time).

Please wait until Monday, January 17th, when the customized MOS version is made available via a link on the Military OneSource Web site to create your account.

On Nov. 11, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003. Among its provisions are these tax breaks related to military personnel: Deduction for overnight travel expenses of National Guard and Reserve members

Reservists who stay overnight more than 100 miles away from home while in service (e.g., for a drill or meeting) may deduct unreimbursed travel expenses (transportation, meals and lodging) as an above-the-line deduction. The deduction is limited to the rates for such expenses authorized for federal employees, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

Effective for tax years after 2002. Taxpayers use Form 2106 or 2106-EZ to figure the deduction amount and enter it as an adjustment to income on Form 1040, line 24. For 2003, they carried it as a “write-in” to Form 1040, line 33, put the letters “RC” and the amount on the dotted line and included this subtraction in the entry for line 33.

For more provisions of this act visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

Search “Military”

Things You will Need for Filing 

Must bring photo identification and Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents

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Birth Dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return

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Current year's tax package if you received one

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Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

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Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

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A copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available

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Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit

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Other relevant information about income and expenses to include: Total Paid for Day Care and Day Care tax Identifying #

Check Your Financial Health Develop a financial plan for a fit 2011.

Contact David Porter Personal Financial Counselor (704) 280-9555

To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 18

JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 19

Family Assistance Centers

Asheville Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 7 Yorkshire St. Suite C, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-8572 Debra Collington, FAC Network Coordinator debra.a.collington.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571 Sue Bennett, FAC Specialist susan.j.bennett.ctr@us.army.mil, (828) 274-8571 Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 4240 West Blvd., 28208/Fax: (704) 359-5764 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist doretha.mclaughlin1@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5769 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist rachel.talbott@us.army.mil, (704) 359-5756 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, (800) 621-4136 Ext. 11150 Kannapolis Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 6001 Gateway Ctr. Dr., Suite 109, 28081/ Fax: (704) 788-0550 Shane Judd, FAC Coordinator/Legal Assistant shane.judd@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4553 Sierra Johnson, FAC Specialist sierra.johnson@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554 Lynn White, FAC Specialist, lynn.white2@us.army.mil, (704) 788-4554

Kinston Unit Family Contact Center (UFCC) 2875 Dobbs Farm Rd., 28504/Fax: (252) 526-2772 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist, earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Gabrielle H. O’Flanagan, FAC Specialist, gabrielle.h.oflanagan.ctr@us.army.mil, (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 Ext. 4 line 2 Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist frances.johnson3@us.army.mil, (828)757-4365 Ext. 4 line 1 Raleigh Military Family Resource Center (MFRC) 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 Earlene Capps, FAC Specialist earlene.capps@us.army.mil, (919) 334-9957 Lisa Faison, FAC Specialist lisa.faison@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0196 Elijah Fisher, FAC Specialist elijah.j.fisher.ctr@us.army.mil, (919) 334-0195 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 Ext.16 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) 343-1776 JANUARY 2011 | FAMILY MATTERS 20