Volume 6, Issue 10 October 2015
15 Tips to Protect Against Identity Theft
Halloween Safety Tips
Family Resilience Protective Factors
Child & Youth/Teen Council Info
And lots more!
Family Matters October 2015 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
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.
A Message from the Director Happy Fall! Wow, we made it! It’s now Fall and the weather has changed and we’re beginning to get into the groove of school, sports and what to be for Halloween. Let’s not even think about Thanksgiving yet. We have two exciting Family Program staff members highlighted this month. Meet Jim Marley and Lisa Faison. With the holidays right around the corner, you’ll notice that we want you to be protected. Whether it’s Halloween safety for kids or protection from identity theft for you, pay attention to your surroundings. We want you and your family to have a fun-filled Halloween and with just a little effort you will have a HAUNTINGLY good time! Be sure to check out the Halloween/Fall Festival events that we have planned for you around the state in this month’s issue as well. Also, there is an article from Military OneSource called Family Resilience Factors. Please take some time to read this article. We all get very busy and we sometimes forget that the simplest things mean the most. While you’re trying to take care of everyone else, remember to take a few minutes a day to take care of yourself too. A short walk, a few minutes of “down time”, a hug from your child or a “slurp” from the dog can sometimes be just the break you need. Kids always LOVE a hug, especially for no particular reason and the dogs are always happy to see you! Again, this year we are very honored to be able to send a Holiday ornament to the White House from a NCNG Family. So, dust off the arts and craft supplies and put your thinking cap on and let’s create something beautiful to send to represent our great state! The more submissions the better. If your ornament isn’t selected to go to the White House, it will still be displayed in a place of honor. More to come on this. The kids are back in school and maybe you’re back in school too so take a look at Tutor.com to see how you can get that extra help you may need to get back on track. Our NCNG Teens Councils are back to work now and they are very busy all over the state. Our Teens will be participating in Wreaths Across America again this year as their community service project. This project will support our Operation Kids on Guard 501c3 non-profit organization and help us honor and respect our Veterans. Please see the article on page 16 for more information on how you can support this worthy service project. How long has it been since you’ve learned about Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue? I don’t even want to think about how long it’s been for me! There’s a very interesting article in honor of the upcoming Columbus Day holiday so be sure to check that out. You might just learn something new. I know I did. Please remember that we’re always here for you. Our Family Assistance Centers are scattered around the state in order to better serve YOU! Have a safe and fun Halloween!
Diane 2
Table of Contents 4
Meet Your Family Programs Staff
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15 Tips to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft.
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Halloween Safety Tips
10 Family Resilience Protective Factors 14 NCNG Child & Youth Program Information 16 NCNG Teen Council Service Project 19 In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue...
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: Mason Miller(10 mos) Son of Major Sarah Miller HHC 630th CSSB/Yellow Ribbon Coordinator
Meet Your Family Programs Staff James Marley
Family Assistance Center Specialist Jim came to work with Family Programs as a Family Assistance Center Specialist in the Wilmington area in February of 2009. Before coming on board with Family Programs, Jim worked with the Soldier Readiness Program Team for the North Carolina National Guard. Jim is also a retired Veteran of both the military and law enforcement. He joined the Army in August 1965 and served until 1968 with one 13 month tour in Viet Nam with the 1st Cavalry Division. Jim spent the next 13 years as a “civilian” until 1981 when he joined the Indiana National Guard and was assigned to a Cavalry Squadron which was later re-organized to a Mechanized Infantry Battalion. In 1997, Jim did an interstate transfer to North Carolina and was assigned to HHC 30th HBCT. He became the Command Sergeant Major for the 1-120th Infantry BN (Mechanized) in 1991 and held that rank and position until he retired in July of 2006. During his time with the 1-120th IN BN, he completed one tour in Iraq. Jim also served over 39 years as a law enforcement officer. Jim is married to Carol and together, they have three children, nine grandchildren, three dogs and three cats. Carol has worked as an ICU and flight nurse for over thirty years. She was also a medic and a nurse in the Army. Carol has been Jim’s biggest supporter in both his military and civilian careers as well as a great support system for the rear detachment during Jim’s deployment. She truly understands the importance of the family role in the military. Together, they have spent their adult lives serving the people of this great nation and would not trade anything for it. Jim and Carol enjoy traveling whenever they get the chance especially across the United States. They enjoy seeing this great country of ours and hope to see much more of it.
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Meet Your Family Programs Staff Lisa Faison
Family Assistance Center Specialist
Lisa began working with Family Programs in March of 2010. Prior to that though, she was no stranger to the North Carolina National Guard. Before coming on board with Family Programs, she worked as the Administrative Support Assistant in the J-1 section as well as a DTS Contractor. Her current duties as a Family Assistance Center Specialist include assisting Service Members and their families and searching for military friendly resources that support our troops. Lisa and her husband, Robert have been married for 23 years. Both Lisa and Robert are from New York and together, they have two wonderful children– Tiffany and Justin. Tiffany is currently attending Wake Technical Community College and Justin just started his very first year in middle school. Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, shopping, watching cooking shows or reading books on her Kindle.
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15 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft Identity theft is real and it happens to millions of your credit report could be a sign of identity people every year. It can happen to you too. Modern theft. technology has made it easier than ever for your 2. Put an active-duty alert on your credit report. personal financial information to be shared. Service If you are a deploying Members, in particular, are vulnerable to identity Service Member and theft and credit fraud because of their steady income don’t plan to seek and frequent military deployments. new credit while deployed, an active Safeguard your Personal duty alert will require Information creditors take steps to verify your identity It can take months or even years to untangle the before granting financial mess if someone steals your identity. These credit in your name. tips will help you safeguard your personal information and stop identity thieves before they strike.
3. Shop on sites that use secure technology. This will help keep your credit card information from falling into the wrong hands. A lock icon on the status bar of your internet browser means your information is safe when it’s being transmitted. 4. Install anti-virus, anti-spyware software on all your devices. Update these protections regularly.
1. Monitor your credit. You’re eligible for a free credit report each year. Suspicious activity on
5. Don’t give out personal information online (or over the phone for that matter) unless you initiated the contact. 6
6. Keep your passwords private and change them regularly. Be sure you use strong passwords (combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols) on your laptop and other devices, as well as on your banking and credit card accounts.
7. Don’t overshare on social media. Too much information can make it easy for thieves to answer security questions on your accounts. Never post your full name, Social Security number, address, phone number or account numbers on social media or other publicly accessible sites. 8. Don’t open phishing emails. Opening a file from someone you don’t know could expose your computer to a virus meant to capture the passwords and other personal information stored on your computer. 9. Know your Wi-Fi. Try to avoid sending private information on a public network. 10. Keep your purse or wallet secure. Never leave it in the car and keep your wallet or purse in a locked drawer or other safe place at work. 11. Consult with your legal assistance office before granting power of attorney. The staff there can help you understand the legal issues
associated with granting a friend or family member power of attorney. Legal assistance offices offer legal services at no cost to Service Members and their families. 12. Limit what you carry. Take only what you need when you go out. Leave your Social Security card at home and don’t carry more credit cards than you really need. 13. Ask before sharing. If a business or other organization asks for personal information, ask why they need it, how they will safeguard it and what will happen if you don’t share. 14. Shred receipts, credit card offers, bank statements, military records and other papers with identifying information. 15. Delete personal information from computers or phones when you get rid of them. Read the owner’s manual or check with your service provider for the best ways to do that. If you think someone is using your personal information, take action immediately. Call your local police first in the event your information has been compromised and then visit the Federal Trade Commissioner’s Identity Theft page (https:// www.identitytheft.gov) for more information on how to report a crime. Repairing the damage caused by identity theft can cost a lot in terms of time, money and piece of mind. Take these steps now to keep your financial information from falling into the wrong hands.
Article Courtesy of Military OneSource For more information, visit them on the web at www.militaryonesource.mil
Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury. Walk Safely
Cross the street at corners using traffic signals and cross walks Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and if possible, choose light colors.
Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
Drive Extra Safe on Halloween
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Trick or Treat With an Adult
Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, remind them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick -or-treat in groups.
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert during those hours.
Article courtesy of SafeKids.org
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Being a parent is the toughest job you’ll ever love. For military parents, raising children can be challenging when you add in moving and deployments. Protective factors are conditions in families and communities that increase your family’s health and well-being. From infants to teens, protective factors are good for every child and every family. These six protective factors build on your family’s strengths and can easily be included in your daily routine.
Nurture and attachment- Research has shown that simple acts of affection, such as hugs or loving words for younger children and listening to worries or being involved in their activities for older children, have a big impact on a child’s growth and development.
Knowledge of parenting and child development- Take some of the stress out of parenting. Stay up to date on parenting and child development information to help you recognize your children’s capabilities and set realistic expectations for their behavior.
Parental resilience - The ability to recognize stress and deal with it in a healthy way increases your well-being and shows your kids positive ways to cope.
Social connections - Having a solid group of friends and family to help out and give you advice can take the edge off a rough day and allow you to enjoy your family even more.
Social and emotional competence of children - Your children’s ability to interact with the world around them makes a big difference in how they form outside relationships.
Concrete support for parents - Every family needs a support network in the community and at home to help overcome challenges.
Protective factors can be part of your every day, hectic family life and they can have lifelong effects on your family’s happiness and well-being.
Article courtesy of Military OneSource For more information, visit www.militaryonesource.mil
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Alice Dean
Lead Child & Youth Coordinator (984) 664-6676 alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil Kristi Wagner
Our programs are designed to promote the cognitive, emotional, physical and moral development of the youth, as well as encourage personal responsibility and strength of character.
Child & Youth Coordinator (984) 661-4761 kristi.l.wagner4.ctr@mail.mil Courtney Coyle Child & Youth Assistant (984) 664-6082 courtney.a.coyle.ctr@mail.mil
Army Fee Assistance Issues Service Members and FamiliesThe Child and Youth Team has received calls from many of you the last few months in reference to issues with the GSA Army Fee Assistance Application process. We just recently learned that on 10 September 2015, the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform received testimony regarding the administration of the Army Fee Assistance Program by General Services Administration. The GSA IG found that there is a backlog of over 26,000 “actionable items� (emails, voicemails, applications). In addition, GSA noted that there an also 9,100 invoices that have not been paid to providers. GSA Army Fee Assistance is on record during testimony with a commitment to pay all outstanding invoices within 30 days (10 Oct 2015). If you are having issues with your application process being approved or your provider being paid, we need to refer this for you. You may also be eligible for financial assistance while your application process is being resolved. Please call Alice Dean at (984) 664-6676 or email her at alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil.
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Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the DoD and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, is a program that allows eligible students in U.S. military families to connect to a live tutor online at any time for one-to-one help with homework, studying, test prep, proofreading and more. The service is available at no charge to all grades K-12 students and some adults in Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve families.
Around The Clock Help Students worldwide can connect to a tutor from any internet-enabled device, including smart phones and tablets 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All Core Subjects, All Levels Students can get personalized help in 40 Math, Science, Social Studies, English and World Language subjects, including Algebra, Statistics, Biology, Essay Writing, Spanish, German and French.
Expert Tutors You Can Trust Each of our more than 3,100 tutors is a carefully screened subject matter expert who must complete a rigorous application process and background check.
Safe, Anonymous Learning Environment Every tutoring session is anonymous, and takes place in a secure online classroom. No personal information is shared between the tutor and the student
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Announcing the NCNG Teen Council service project in conjunction with
Wreaths Across America And in support of the
Operation Kids on Guard Program (a 501c3 non-profit organization)
To honor our service members and veterans and to support younger National Guard children, the NCNG Teen Council will be working with Wreaths Across America, a 501c3 non-profit organization, for the holiday season. Through this project, NCNG Teen Council chapters across the state will learn and teach others to honor and respect our veterans, work with local Family Assistance Centers and communities and donate to the Operation Kids on Guard program, ensuring that events and activities will continue to be available to all NCNG children. All orders will be placed online through the Wreaths Across America website listed below, with wreaths being placed in the Raleigh National Cemetery. Teen Council members will also participate in the wreath-laying in Raleigh on December 12 and in other national cemeteries in their local areas. When placing your order for Wreaths Across America, please use the listed sponsorship number and cemetery number below so that the NCNG Teen Council will get credit for their efforts. All proceeds will benefit the Operation Kids on Guard (KOG) program, a 501c3 non-profit organization that funds the activities offered by the NC National Guard Child and Youth Program.
www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org
Sponsor #: NC0006P Cemetery Location#: NCRNCR Thank you for your support! For additional information, please contact: Kristi Wagner
Alice Dean
NCNG Child & Youth Program Coordinator
NCNG Child & Youth Program Coordinator
kristi.l.wagner4.ctr@mail.mil
alice.c.dean.ctr@mail.mil
(984) 661-4761
(984) 664-6676
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In 1492, Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue... Many people know Christopher Columbus as the first European discoverer of the New World, America. When Columbus first set sail, he was en route to China and Southeast Asia but first sighted America on October 12, 1492. The long voyage landed him on the sandy beaches of the Bahamas. Although there is controversy surrounding his discovery, North Carolina will celebrate Columbus Day on October 12th. Some believe that 500 years before the birth of Christopher Columbus, a band of European sailors left their homeland behind in search of a new world. Half a millennium before Columbus “discovered” America. Leif Eriksson and the Vikings may have been the first Europeans to ever have touched North American soil. While Columbus is honored with a federal holiday, the man considered to be the leader of the first European expedition to North America has not been totally forgotten on the calendar. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation that declared October 9th to be Leif Eriksson Day in honor of the Viking explorer, his crew and the country’s Nordic-American heritage. Today, Columbus has a mixed legacy—he is remembered as a daring and path-breaking explorer who transformed the new World, yet his actions also unleashed changes that would eventually distress the native populations he and his fellow explorers encountered. We celebrate the discovery of America with different parades and celebrations across the country.
Did You Know?
The native people of the island came to the shore to see the ships. Columbus thought he had reached the Indies so he called the people Indians.
The current whereabouts of Columbus’ remains is unknown.
Columbus Day is often referred to a day to celebrate Italian culture.
To prove to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella that he found land, he brought back some gold and “Indians” that he enslaved.
Columbus left men behind and set sail back to Spain.
On the way back to Spain, the Santa Maria was wrecked in a crash on Christmas Day in 1492 and never made the trip back to Spain.
Columbus made three more trips back to the New World.
On Columbus’ second trip, he brought horses introducing the animal to the New World.
On his total of four voyages to the New World, Columbus discovered different Caribbean Islands, the Gulf of Mexico, South and Central America believing the entire time that he had made it to Asia.
Columbus never stepped foot on North America.
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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 Kelly Wells: kelly.a.wells8.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 Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd. 27607 Lisa Faison: lisa.m.faison.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7100 Mark Woolbright: mark.l.woolbright.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-7102
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JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center 1636 Gold Star Dr. 27607 Wendi Bell: wendi.h.bell.ctr@mail.mil (984) 664-6078 Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center 406 Hospital Rd. 27577 Abby Millsap: abigail.e.millsap.ctr@mail.mil (984) 661-2784 Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center 510 Morganton Rd. 28387 Earlene Buchan: earlene.b.capps.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
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