Volume 7, Issue 3, March 2016
Reconnecting on the Job plus The History of St. Patrick’s Day 9 Tips for Helping Single Service Members Upcoming Events
And More...
Family Matters
March 2016 Diane Coffill State Family Programs Director diane.l.coffill.civ@mail.mil (984) 664-6324 MSG Ramona Robertson State Family Programs Specialist ramona.k.robertson.mil@mail.mil (984) 664-7005 SSG Tammy Fowler State Family Programs Assistant tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil (984) 664-6876 Lana Greer State FAC Coordinator lana.m.greer.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1667 Alice Dean Lead Child and Youth Coordinator alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6676 David Nobles Outreach Coordinator david.m.nobles.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6721 Terry Henderson Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager terry.r.henderson3.civ@mail.mil (704) 389-4949 About Family Matters Family Matters was created to provide Service Members and their Families the most up to date information and services available. If you would like to contribute to future issues, please contact SSG Tammy Fowler @ tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil
A Message from the Director Happy Spring! Winter is ALMOST over and it’s time to think SPRING– the time of renewal, getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. Of course, it’s also the time when everyone gets really busy with playing sports, the end of the school year approaching and the dreaded tax day (everyone’s favorite)! In the month of March comes St. Patrick’s Day. In this month’s issue there’s an article about the history of St. Patrick’s Day and if you read it, you will learn quite a bit about this beloved holiday. I sure did. Easter is also just around the corner and we have several Easter events that are advertised as well. Be sure to get registered for the one nearest you. March is also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In this issue, you’ll learn that there is a very large spectrum of what is considered to be a developmental disability. It can be very mild to very severe. It can be anything from language, behavioral, physical to mental impairments. Approximately, 15% of children ages 3-17 years old have one or more disability. Please take the time to read this article for more information. With your Teens getting ready for graduation in the next few months, there’s a great article about teaching teens money management. This is something that will benefit them (and you) for a lifetime. For more information on what’s available, you can also visit Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.mil.
We also have included some information about Kindergarten registration. It is that time of year again! Registration dates vary from county to county so if you have a little one ready to start Kindergarten, please be sure to check out this article to see what you need for registration and where to find additional information. As many of you know, we have some of our Service Members returning home from deployments. We have included some great article that can be very helpful for those Service Members—”9 Tips for Helping Single Service Members Return from Deployment” and “Reconnecting on the Job Following Deployment with the Guard or Reserve.” Don’t forget that you can still have access to hundreds of audiobooks on CD at no cost to you. To choose a book, go to www.NGB.3LeafGroup.com. Next month is “Month of the Military Child” and we have some great events planned across the state. Please look for the flyers and plan to attend the event closest to you.
References in this newsletter to specific commercial products, processes, services or the use of any trade, firm corporation name does not constitute endorsement, recommendation or favoring by NCNG Family Programs
I want to remind you that the Family Programs staff is located across the state and we are ALWAYS here to assist you. I hope that you all have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day and have a happy Easter. See you next month!
Diane
Table of Contents 5
Reconnecting on the Job Following Deployment with the Guard or Reserves
6
History of St. Patrick’s Day
8
“Why We Are Lucky” by Christina Montague
11 2016 Camp Opportunities 13 9 Tips for Helping Single Service Members Return from Deployment 14 7 Tips for Teaching Teens Money Management
16 March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 17 NCNG Family Programs Audio Lending Library 18 North Carolina Kindergarten Registration 20 FRG/FRG Refresher Training If you would like to submit photos or stories for future issues of Family Matters, please contact SSG Tammy Fowler at tammy.l.fowler.mil@mail.mil On the cover: Emmory Montague Granddaughter of SFC Robert A. Parker HHC 30th ABCT
Reconnecting on the Job Following Deployment With the Guard or Reserve Going back into the civilian work force after a long absence and intense experiences in a combat zone may have its challenges. While an adjustment period is often inevitable, you can make the reintegration process easier for yourself by preparing ahead of time and knowing what to expect. Your return home may be met with a lot of change. From new employees, to policies and procedures or even unfamiliar programs, things may be different. And most importantly, your military experiences may cause a change in your perceptions and attitudes. It is normal for all this sudden change to seem a bit overwhelming, and it’s ok to need a period of adjustment to feel connected to your work and your coworkers again.
When coming back from deployment, you may feel out of place, miss the intensity and emotional commitment of combat duty, have mixed feelings about how your job was handled while you were gone or lack the enthusiasm and motivation you once had for your job. These feelings are part of the process of readjusting to civilian employment after military deployment. But there are some things that you can do to make your work transition as smooth as possible. Meet with your supervisor. Contact your supervisor before you return to work to discuss your responsibilities and what’s new on the job. Knowing what to expect can make your first day back easier. Know your rights. The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act protect employed National Guard and reserve service members called to active duty.
Through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (http://www.esgr.mil/) website, you can learn about your rights and how to get help from ESGR if you feel your rights have been violated. Take time to settle in. It may take some time to feel at ease again in your job. Work with your supervisor on plans to reintegrate with coworkers and when you’ll take over responsibilities again. Show your appreciation. Praise the people who filled in for you during your deployment. Their support and insight can help get you up to speed and your goodwill can make it easier for them to adjust to their new roles. Understand how your combat experiences may change the way you see your job. Returning to a civilian job after service in a combat zone may change the way you feel about your day-to-day work. Your job may not seem as exciting, interesting or meaningful as what you were doing on active duty. A military-style approach to solving problems may not work well at your civilian job. You may have rushed back to work without giving the readjustment process enough time or you may be dealing with ongoing physical or emotional issues that interfere with your job performance. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help. Sometimes, simply talking to a trusted friend, fellow veteran or family member is enough to help you gain perspective about work-related concerns. Many employers will work with veterans to find accommodations that allow them to continue working or they may offer the services of an employee assistance program. And as a National Guard or reserve service member, you can receive confidential, non-medical counseling and support through Military OneSource regardless of your activation status. Article courtesy of Military OneSource. For more information, visit www.militaryonesource.mil
5
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
S
t. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, the saint’s religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast– on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as with fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Growth of St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, prompting the rise of so-called “Irish Aid” societies like the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group would hold annual parades featuring bagpipes (which actually first became popular in the Scottish and British armies) and drums.
In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one St. Patrick and the First St. Patrick’s Day official New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Parade Today that parade is the world’s oldest civilian Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, parade and the largest in the United States, is a patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and 3 million people brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. line the 1.5-mile He later escaped but returned to Ireland and parade route to was credited with bringing Christianity to its watch the people. In the centuries following Patrick’s procession, which death, the mythology surrounding his life takes more than became ever more ingrained in the Irish five hours. culture. Perhaps the most well-known legend is Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Savannah that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, also celebrate the day with parades involving and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a between 10,000 and 20,000 participants each native Irish clover, the shamrock. year. Since around the ninth or tenth century, people St. Patrick Day, No Irish Need Apply and the in Ireland have been observing the Roman “Green Machine” Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17. Interestingly, however, the first parade held to Up until the mid-19th century, most Irish honor St. Patrick’s Day took place not in Ireland immigrants in America were members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato but in the United States. On March 17, 1762, 6
Famine hit Ireland in 1845, close to 1 million poor and uneducated Irish Catholics began pouring into America to escape starvation. Despised for their alien religious beliefs and unfamiliar accents by the American Protestant majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When Irish Americans in the country’s cities took to the streets on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons as drunk, violent monkeys.
damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used and the river turns green for only several hours.
Although Chicago historians claim their city’s idea for a river of green was original, some natives of Savannah, Georgia (whose St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the oldest in the nation, dates back to 1813) believe the idea originated in their town. They point out that in 1961, a hotel restaurant manager named Tom Woolley convinced city officials to dye Savannah’s river The American Irish soon began to realize, green. The experiment didn’t exactly work as however, that their large and growing numbers planned, and the water only took on a slight endowed them with a political power that had greenish hue. Savannah never attempted to dye yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and its river again, but Woolley maintains (though their voting block, known as the “green machine,” others refute the claim) that he personally became an important swing vote for political suggested the idea to Chicago’s Mayor Richard J. hopefuls. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick’s Day Dailey. parades became a show of strength for Irish St. Patrick’s Day Around the World Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a Today, people of all slew of political candidates. In 1948, President backgrounds Harry S. Truman attended New York City’s St. celebrate St. Patrick’s Patrick’s Day parade, a proud moment for the Day, especially many Irish Americans whose ancestors had to throughout the fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find United States, Canada and Australia. Although acceptance in the New World. North America is home to the largest The Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day productions, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in As Irish immigrants many other locations far from Ireland, including spread out over Japan, Singapore and Russia. the United States, In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has other cities traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up developed their until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be own traditions. closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, One of these is Chicago’s annual dyeing of the the Irish government began a national campaign Chicago River green. The practice started in 1962, to use interest in St. Patrick’s Day to drive tourism when city pollution-control workers used dyes to and showcase Ireland and Irish culture to the rest trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that of the world. Today, approximately 1 million the green dye might provide a unique way to people annually take part in Ireland’s St. Patrick’s celebrate the holiday. That year, they released Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater river— enough to keep it green for a week! productions and fireworks shows. Today, in order to minimize environmental Article courtesy of www.history.com
7
“Why We Are Lucky” Our Soldiers are the real heroes of the world. Away for months and years, far lands toured. The sacrifice is worth the pain. We are lucky from what we gain. Being “Army Strong” makes us proud. “Always Ready, Always There,” HOOAH– say it loud! North Carolina National Guard will fight ‘til the end. This is America’s future...This We’ll Defend!
Submitted by Christina Montague Daughter of SFC Robert A. Parker HHC 30th ABCT
8
11
9 Tips for Helping Single Service Members Return from Deployment Returning home from a deployment should be a time of celebration. You probably have a long list of things you want to do and people you want to see. But amid the excitement, coming home may still feel challenging. There area few ways you can make your transition easier. Tips for transitioning after deployment. Use these tips to help you during your transition for a deployment: 1. Tell your friends and relatives how you’d like to celebrate. Chances are, they’ll be excited to see you but how you want to celebrate your return is up to you. Don’t be afraid to gently tell them if you prefer a smaller gathering to a large party. 2. Try not to overbook yourself. You may have lots of people to see and places to go but give yourself time to relax and readjust.
ones may not know how to ask about your experience but talking about your feelings can be an important part of the readjustment process. Take the initiative to show them it’s OK to discuss it.
6. Be patient. Coming home isn’t just an adjustment for you—it’s an adjustment for your friends and family. It’s OK if you don’t just pick up right where you left off. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones. 7. Limit your use of alcohol. Drinking too much can increase negative feelings and cloud your judgement, so do your best to maintain a clear head.
8. Watch your spending. You may find it tempting to celebrate your return with a shopping spree, but it’s more important to stay within your means. 9. Know when to seek help. If you’re feeling signs of stress—either physical or emotional— seek expert help as soon as possible.
Times of transition can be challenging but you 3. Find ways to feel settled. Ease back into your don’t have to go through it alone. You have routines and give yourself a break if it doesn’t people and resources available to support you all feel comfortable right away. when you need it. And remember, some things 4. Expect to feel out of sorts for a while. Coming just take time. home may not be easy and simple. It’s normal to feel a little out of sorts or anxious. Give it Article courtesy of time. Military OneSource 5. Talk about how you’re feeling and encourage friends and family to do the same. Your loved
www.militaryonesouce.mil
13
7 Tips for Teaching Teens Money Management
It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about money. Sure, they’ve probably been collecting their allowance in a piggy bank for years, but real money management lessons are even more important as your children become teenagers teetering on the edge of adulthood.
4. Show the impact of savings. If there’s something your teen wants to buy, whether it’s small—like concert tickets, or big—like a car, sit down and make a savings plan together. Figure out what amount they’ll need to save over how many months to reach their goal.
Give Them the Skills They Need
5. Discuss how to make smart purchases. Even if your teen knows exactly what he or she wants, show him or her how to do a cost comparison, read product research and check consumer reports. He or she might figure out another choice is a better value.
While one of the best things you can do is lead by example, there are specific skills that will give your kids the lifelong gift of financial freedom and teach them smart money habits before they go out on their own. Here are seven money management tips to get you and your children started:
6. Start out with small monthly expenses. Giving your teen a little financial responsibility each month can help create purposeful spending habits that will serve her or him well later in life. Whether it’s gas, their cell phone or even just the monthly Netflix subscription, this can be a great teaching tool.
1. Be open about your family’s monthly income 7. Teach your teen about the and expenses. Your teen probably has no rewards and concept of basic living expenses costs. Share dangers of credit actual facts and figures with your kids to cards. To an show how you prioritize your spending unprepared teen, between “needs” and “wants.” their first credit 2. Help them get a bank account. Once your card can feel like teen has a job and is receiving a regular a license to paycheck, it’s time to open a checking spend. Help her account. Talk to them about picking a bank, or him to understand the advantages of discuss the responsibility of having a debit building good credit while also explaining card and show them how to use online the risks of acquiring credit card debt. banking tools to check their account balance Above all, remember that this is a learning regularly. process full of teachable moments and inevitably, 3. Review a few setbacks. Budgeting isn’t easy but your monthly teen will be grateful to have financial planning statements skills once he or she has to do it alone. Lead by together. example, help them practice and watch them Your teen transform into budget-conscious adults. may not Article courtesy of realize they’re spending $50 a month on junk food but those $1.50 purchases can Military OneSource really add up. A review of monthly www.militaryonesource.mil statements can be a great way to point out spending patterns and discuss money management.
14
M
arch is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. During this month, we recognize positive contributions people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) make in society every day. National Developmental Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges facing individuals with I/DD and their families. It is also a chance to promote respect, foster understanding and encourage inclusivity. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions with a variety of causes that include language, behavioral, physical and mental impairments. About 15% of children ages 3-17 years old have one or more disabilities that began during the developmental period of a child’s life and will usually last through their lifetime. Developmental disabilities are divided into specific conditions, including Autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome and others. These types of disabilities may cause limitations in major life activities such as caring for oneself, learning or living independently. Kids with developmental disabilities experience delays in reaching milestones such as taking first steps, smiling and learning to speak or show other signs. Children should be monitored by their parents and primary care providers for possible developmental disabilities. If you or your child’s doctor has concerns about the child’s growth, he or she should be screened for developmental disabilities at 9, 18, 24 or 30 months old.
Give your child frequent feedback. Praise your child when he or she does well. Build your child’s abilities. Find out what skills your child is learning at school. Find ways for your child to apply those skills at home. For example, if the teacher is going over a lesson about money, take your child to the supermarket with you. Help him count out the money to pay for your groceries. Help him count the change. Find opportunities in your community for social activities. These will help your child build social skills as well as to have fun. Talk to other parents whose children have a developmental disability. Parents can share practical advice and emotional support. Meet with the school and develop an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to address your child’s needs. Keep in touch with your child’s teachers. Offer support. Find out how you can support your child’s school learning at home. Take pleasure in your beautiful one. He or she is a treasure. Learn from your child, too. Those with intellectual disabilities have a special light within—let it shine.
Tips for Parents Learn about the disability. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and your child. Be patient, be hopeful. Your child, like every child, has a whole lifetime to learn and grow.
For more information, visit these websites: http://www.thearc.org/ https://www.arcnc.org/
Encourage independence in your child. For example, help your child learn daily care skills, such as dressing, feeding him or herself, using the bathroom and grooming. Give your child chores. Keep her age, attention span and abilities in mind. Break down jobs into smaller steps. For example, if your child’s job is to set the table, first ask her to get the right number of napkins. Then have her put one at each family member’s place at the table. Do the same with the utensils, going one at a time. Tell her what to do, step by step, until the job is done. Demonstrate how to do the job. Help her when she needs assistance. 16
17
North Carolina Kindergarten Registration
It’s that time of year again! If you have a child that will turn 5 on or before August 31, 2016, it is time to get them registered for the 2016-2017 school year. Gifted students that are age 4 before April 16, 2016 may also apply for entrance into Kindergarten but are not guaranteed a slot. Since registration in the state differs from county to county and runs March through May, you may want to contact your local school district to make sure of the dates and times. Some schools do require a scheduled appointment for registration and screenings. You may contact the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction at www.dpi.state.nc.us for any questions or to find your school district’s contact information. Most schools usually have registration packets online or available for pick-up prior to your scheduled registration date. You will need to have the following items with you during registration: Birth Certificate Shot Records Proof of Residency
18
Family Assistance Centers
Statewide Support
East Flat Rock Unit Family Contact Center 2025 Spartanburg Hwy. 28726 Rebekah Torres: rebekah.s.torres.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-0565
NCNG Service Members and Families’ First Line of Defense Call 1-855-322-3848
Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center 4240 West Blvd. 28208 Carry Bandy: carry.s.bandy.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4573 Anthony Moore: anthony.r.moore8.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4547 Greensboro State Family Assistance Center 110 Franklin Blvd. 27401 Lynn Stenson: deborah.t.stenson2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5649
Military OneSource Here to help you with just about any need, by phone or online. The service is completely private and confidential with few exceptions. www.militaryonesource.mil 1-800-342-9647
Greenville State Family Assistance Center 1401 N. Memorial Dr. 27834 David Kovach: david.p.kovach2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1150 Lenoir State Family Assistance Center 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd. 28645 Frances Johnson: frances.r.johnson28.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-1242 Morrisville Unit Family Contact Center 2050 National Guard Dr. Mark Woolbright: mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6377 Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 1636 Gold Star Dr. 27607 Wendi Bell: wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6078 Lisa Faison: lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7100 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd. 27577 Abby Millsap: abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2784
Family Readiness Support Services Charlotte Nikkie Newsome genesia.k.newsome.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-4548
Morrisville George Lane george.w.lane2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6313
Clinton Vacant (984) 661-5136
Raleigh Norman Dean norman.g.dean2.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6537
Goldsboro Gerald Murray gerald.t.murray.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5423 Greensboro Jill Hathaway jill.a.hathaway.ctr@mail.mil 984-661-5651
Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 510 Morganton Rd. 28387 Earlene Buchan edna.e.buchan.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2683 Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center 2412 Infantry Rd. 28405 Jim Marley: james.e.marley.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-6918 Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy. 27103 Sandy Harrison: sandra.b.harrison2.ctr@mail.mil (984)-661-7131
@ncngfamilyprograms
@ncngfamily
FRSS Trainer Gloria Fields gloria.d.fields.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-5620