family matters may 2014
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ÂTRANSCRIPT
Family MattersNCNG FAMILY PROGRAMS, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5, MAY 2014
The Core
of
North C arolina
National GuardComes from Families
04 WhydoingGoodisgoodforyourHealthActs of Kindness— including generosity, compassion, volunteering, and
donating money—have been shown to benefit the giver as much, if not more,
than the recipient. Even a single act of kindness has been shown to enhance
one’s physical and psychological health. This infographic explains the benefits
of “doing good” and provides ideas for simple acts of kindness you can try in
your daily life.
05 FamilyReadinessGroupsNorth Carolina National Guard Family Programs will be conducting training in
Charlotte and Asheville in the coming months.
06 ThePowerofMany,AFamilyofOneFamily Readiness Groups and Volunteers can create strong, sustainable
programs. We are highlighting effective strategies and techniques from the
FRG Leader’s Handbook.
07 UpcomingEventsOn Your Mark! Find upcoming events coming this May.
08 MilitarySpouseAppreciationDaySpecial incentives and ways to show appreciation this May for Military
Spouses.
09 ChildandYouthProgramNew Zero to Three App, Free SAT/ACT preparation software and the last Teen
Council meeting this period.
10 GuessWhat?Yourbankwon’ttellyouthis……Military Family Life Consultant CFP, Chip Jurgensen, arms you with a few
highlights of a few items you might find “in the small print”.
12 Howpreparedareyou?North Carolina has been selected to participate in a pilot program, The DoD
Individual & Community Readiness Inventory. Servicemembers and their
Families have the unique opportunity to gage their readiness and offer ways to
strengthen their plans.
13 ChoosingaSummerCampforyourChildLynn Allred with our Child and Youth Programs has consolidated a
comprehensive tool for helping determine which camp is right this summer
season.
14 PlayitSafeSummertime is filled with lots of fun outdoor family activities. Kristi Wagner with
our Child and Youth Program has found a few precautions you might consider.
Page 14
Contents
On the Cover : Graphic made by NCNG Family Programs, Kathryn Jarvis.
Do you have a photo that would be great on the Cover of Family Matters? E-mail a photo you have permissions for to [email protected] with a description of the photo and who took the picture.
Page 06
Page 10
NC National Guard and Families’
First line of Defense Call Behavioral Health
at
1-855-322-3848
Happy May! It is very hard to believe that it’s actually MAY and maybe winter will leave us alone before long and we’ll see Spring (or maybe Summer)! Last month, we celebrated the Month of the Military Child. We really hope that you were able to do something special for all the Military Kids in your life. North Carolina has an AWESOME group of Military Kids, with a vast array of special talents and unique personalities. We really enjoy getting a chance to host events that allow us to reach out to them.
We will have events coming up where your child will have an opportunity to have some fun, hang out with other Military Kids, and learn more about what being a Military Kid really means. Also, last month was Volunteer Appreciation. I know that you have heard this before, but, WE REALLY COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!! You are AMAZING! For the Volunteers around the Charlotte area, we have a Regional Training coming up (see the details inside Family Matters). These Regional Trainings are a great time to get connected to other Volunteers, refill your “Tool Box”, share “Best Practices” and ideas, ask questions, and find a “Battle Buddy” in your area. May is the Month of the Military Family, along with Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day. So, there’s a lot to celebrate! You are welcome to post a special message to your Spouse or Mother on our Facebook page, in celebration of these special days. Our Facebook page continues to grow, but there are others we would like to reach, as well. We want to provide you with information, resources and motivation, if possible. Become a fan and encourage your Family and friends to do so, as well. To our Military Spouses, please remember that we are here to support you and your Family, no matter where you live, or what your deployment status is. So, if your service member has returned (either recently or a long time ago), just left, or will return soon, we’re here for you. AND speaking of help, North Carolina was selected as one (1) of two (2) states asked to participate in the ICRI Survey (Individual & Community Readiness Inventory). You will be provided two (2) different links, one (1) for service members and one (1) for civilian spouses. The survey takes about 15 minutes and your will be provide an Individual Report at the end that is a summary of your answers that can be used to gauge your Military and Family Readiness and Preparedness, along with what YOU consider important in your Community. North Carolina needs 75 Service Members and 75 Civilian Spouses. It doesn’t ask your name, just your zip code. It is open to all ranks and all Civilian Spouses. I want to thank you, in advance for your participation in this survey. The information is in this month’s Family Matters. Summertime is around the corner. We will have some camps coming up, along with Kids On Guard events across the state. Please let us know if you need some help getting registered. I want to thank all of you for what you do to support the men and women of the North Carolina National Guard, along with the children and Families. North Carolina is a wonderful place to live and you make it much better by supporting our service members. I hope to see you at one of the many events that we have coming your way.
Sincerely,
DianeDiane CoffillState Family Program Director
FAMILY MATTERSMay 2014
Diane Coff i l lS tate Fami ly Program Director
diane. l . coff i l l . c iv@mai l .mi l(919) 664-6324
Master Sgt . Ramona Scot tFami ly Programs Spec ia l i s tramona.k . scot t .mi l@mai l .mi l(919) 664-6000 Ext . 47005
Staff Sgt . Tammy FowlerFami ly Programs Ass i s tant
tammy. l . fowler.mi l@mai l .mi l(919) 664-6000 Ext 46876
Lana GreerState FAC Coordinator
lana.m.greer.c t r@mai l .mi l(800) 621-4136 Ext . 11667
Terry HendersonAirman & Fami ly Readiness Program Mgr.
[email protected] l(704) 398-4949
Al ice DeanLead Chi ld & Youth Program Coordinator
al i ce.c .dean.c t r@mai l .mi l(800)621-4136 Ext 12548
Kr i s t i WagnerChi ld & Youth Program Coordinator
kr i s t i . l .wagner4.c t r@mai l .mi l(800) 621-4136 Ext . 14761
Lynn Al l red Chi ld & Youth Program Spec ia l i s t
Lynn .h .a l l red2.c t r@mai l .mi l , (800) 621-4136 Ext . 12547
Judy R ic hardsonSenior FRSA
judi th . r. r i c hardson .c t r@mai l .mi l(800) 621-4136 Ext . 11346
Angelena DockeryMarket ing & Communicat ions Manager
sal l ie .a .dockery.c t r@mai l .mi l(919) 485-9570
Kathryn Jar v i sMarket ing & Communicat ions Manager
kathryn .a . jar v i s . c t r@mai l .mi l(919) 485-9571
About Our Fami ly Our Fami ly was created to prov ide
Ser v icemembers and Fami l ies the most up-to-date informat ion and ser v ices avai lable.
I f you would l ike to contr ibute to fu ture i s sues, or i f you have suggest ions and
comments, p lease contact the NCNG Fami ly Programs Market ing and Communicat ions
Depar tment personnel , Angelena Dockery or
Kathryn Jar v i s, at ncngfami lyprograms@gmai l . com.
E-Vers ions of Fami ly Matters can be downloaded at the
NCNG Fami ly Programs web page at www.nc .ngb.army.mi l/ss/fp.
References in th i s news let ter to any spec i f i c commerc ia l products, processes, ser v ices, or the use of any t rade, f i rm,
or corporat ion name does not cons t i tu te endorsement , recommendat ion , or favor ing
by NCNG Fami ly Programs.
4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
Family Readiness GroupNCNG Family Programs’ extends an exclusive invitation for our upcoming FRG Regional Trainings to FRG Leaders and Unit Volunteers that are in Appointed positions.
Registration now open at www.jointservicessupport.org.
For questions contact Judy Richardson, State/Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant800.621.4136 ext. 11346 [email protected]
To learn more about North Carolina National Guard Family Programs, visit www.nc.ngb.army.mil ‘Family Programs.’
Also, become a Fan on Facebook, search ‘North Carolina National Guard Family Programs’.
4240 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 Register online at: https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventDetails.aspx?Id=33e48cc0-bc48-4793-8aa5-6c0134e7b65a
17 May2014
Regional Training NCNG Family Programs is bringing Family Readiness
Group Training to you.
From 9AM to 1PM Family Readiness Group
personnel and leaders will focus on maintaining an
effective Family Readiness Group Team.
These workshops are designed to assist:
‣FRG Leaders & Unit Volunteers in maintaining
FRG Communications with families in the areas of phone trees, e-mail campaigns, and
newsletters;
‣Managing FRG activities; and, knowing the
resources in your areas that you can share with your Servicemembers and
Families.
‣FRG Leaders in How to Better Communicate with
your Command.
Sign-In begins at 8:45 a.m.
The USO of North Carolina supports more than 650,000 patrons annually. We could not do so without the help of more than 700 caring, hard-working
volunteers. There are countless ways for you to get involved.
Check out some of the ways you can make a difference in the lives of our brave men and women in uniform – and their families:
State Office Volunteer Opportunities
Jacksonville Center Volunteer OpportunitiesRDU Center Volunteer Opportunities
Charlotte Center Volunteer OpportunitiesFort Bragg Center Volunteer Opportunities
See more at: uso-nc.org/get-involved/volunteer/#sthash.J8vNrpzr.dpuf
The USO of NC
Hiring Our Heros Military Spouse Program has a new tool designed specifically for military spouses. The new tool offers a variety of options to update a resume or create a new one with your current work or volunteer experience. Your experience matters. So create a resume that proves it.
Discover all the skills you have and put them, and you, to work.
Start today at mycareerspark.org
27% 51% 55%
Volunteers have a 27 percent higher
likelihood of finding a job after being out of work
than non-volunteers
Volunteers without a high school diploma
have a 51 percent higher likelihood
of finding employment
Volunteers living in rural areas
have a 55 percent higher likelihood of
finding employment
Source: Research conducted by Corporation for National and Community Service
7 Yorkshire St, Ste 101, Ashville, NC 28803 Register NLT 2 Jun 14 https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Events/EventRegistrationRequest.aspx?Mode=AddNew&Id=f2ea1592-d224-46c5-b6e3-1853bd8c9aba
7 June2014
M a y 2 0 1 4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s 5
Recommended FRG Activities and Guidance (excerpt from: Army FRG Leader’s Handbook, Fourth Edition, 2010)
These recommended tips highlight a range of “best practices” for FRG leaders to use while preparing to manage and sustain FRGs.
* Coordinate and plan regularly with leadership regarding FRG activities and events, unit training schedules, and missions. * Embrace leadership and ensure that they are kept in the loop. Sometimes the FRG leader will find out information before the RDC/leadership knows about it. * Attend FRG training and pay special attention to the unit on preparing for crisis and trauma situations * Organize the FRG so that all key tasks are adequately covered. * Supervise planning and running of FRG events and communicate and coordinate with your Brigade FRSA. * Prepare and submit FRG fund spending plan to membership (if you have an informal funds account). * Identify and work with others to learn about the challenges Soldiers/Civilians, and Family members face to be able to assist them. Be prepared to make referrals to other agencies/groups in order to provide the assistance that is needed. * Create an environment that prevents barriers and polarization among members, promoting that all brainstorming and ideas are treated equally. * Keep a pulse on Family issues and ensure steps are in place for FRGs to respond quickly. Also, keep leadership informed. * Recognize that just as the problems experienced by Families vary so do the severity and consequences of these problems. * Learn from those Families who appear to manage with fewer problems. * Bear in mind the limited capabilities of volunteers and military and civilian volunteer-based resources (e.g., VFW organizations, local faith-based groups, etc). * Keep in mind that of those who do not participate in FRGs that no one demographic stands out as they cross all age groups, ranks and backgrounds. * Plan fun and practical social activities as needed to relieve stress and for camaraderie, especially welcoming newcomers. * Take care of personal health and well-being—a key ingredient that contributes to the success of the FRG.* Keep a continuity book or similar account of lessons learned for FRG successor. * Provide Families with appropriate information and education materials. Use FRG newsletter, vFRG website, and guest speakers at FRG meetings as forums for talking about issues of concern.
When presenting information, be sure to identify resources where Soldiers and Families can get help if needed. Refer Families to helpful resources such as their Regional Family Assistance Centers, Military Family Life Consultants, Personal Financial Counselor, Education and Employment Services, Chaplain, Integrated Behavioral Health System, Legal Assistance, and Military One Source.
* Keep connected to Families and maintain open lines of communication. Whether starting an FRG or planning activities for an existing one, there are a range of management strategies that contribute to successful FRGs. * A “phone tree,” key caller roster is one key way to communicate with Soldiers and Family members.* Open houses help welcome newcomers and promote social networking. * Family Days provide social activities that involve everyone in the unit and community. * Sponsorship programs help Families and Soldiers/Civilians “settle in” when joining a new unit. * Fitness activities are fun for service members and all Family members to include children and youth (e.g., an event where spouses put on ACUs, go through obstacle courses, Physical Training (PT) tests, paint ball, etc). * Trips provide opportunities for camaraderie and can facilitate stress reduction. * Community projects reach out to people outside the unit. * Visits to training sites, bases and armories allow a closer look at the Soldier’s/Civilian’s job and surroundings. * Employer programs help employers understand and support the requirements of military life. * A newsletter can help everyone stay informed about unit news and FRG events. * Workshops and classes provide important information, helpful advice, and opportunities for personal development. * vFRGs offer especially geographically dispersed Families support.
May is National Military Appreciation Month…where the nation is encouraged to observe this month as a symbol of unity, to honor the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, to include those who have paid the ultimate
sacrifice in pursuit of freedom.
There are six observances to honor our military this month.-Loyalty Day, 1 May 2014,
-Public Service Recognition Week, 4-10 May 2014,-Victory in Europe Day – VE Day, 8 May 2014,
-Military Spouses Appreciation Day, 9 May, Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 11
-Armed Forces Day, 17 May 2014, -Memorial Day, 26 May 2014.
The Power of Many,A Family of One
6 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
May is National Military Appreciation Month…where the nation is encouraged to observe this month as a symbol of unity, to honor the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, to include those who have paid the ultimate
sacrifice in pursuit of freedom.
There are six observances to honor our military this month.-Loyalty Day, 1 May 2014,
-Public Service Recognition Week, 4-10 May 2014,-Victory in Europe Day – VE Day, 8 May 2014,
-Military Spouses Appreciation Day, 9 May, Celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 11
-Armed Forces Day, 17 May 2014, -Memorial Day, 26 May 2014.
2-May from 7am-3pm Veterans' Stand Down and Homeless ConnectVFW Post 2573, 2722 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412Contact Jim Marley for more information
2-3-May Strong Bonds Retreat-Single Soldiers, Raleigh, NCFor more information contact Staff Sgt. Tammy Fowler2-3-May Strong Bonds Retreat-Marriage Enrichment, Raleigh, NC For more information contact Staff Sgt. Tammy Fowler
3-May from 10am-2:30pm Pints for PatriotsFoothills NG Armory/FAC, 1535 Beecher Anderson Rd.Lenoir, NC 28645 For more information contact Frances Johnson
4-May from 10am-2pm Family Day for 449th HHCMorrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27560 For more information contact Darlette McCormick
4-May from 12pm-4pm Family Programs Briefing (Det. 1, 882nd En. Co.)Taylorsville Armory, 40 National Guard Armory Rd, Taylorsville, NC 28681 For more information contact Frances Johnson
8-May from 12:30pm-4pm Military & Veteran Job Fair Asheville Armory, 100 Minute Dr.Asheville, NC 28806For more information contact Rebekah Torres
16-May from 8am-3pm 2nd Annual Spartan Golf ClassicTanglewood Golf Course, 4061 Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012For more information contact Sandy Harrison
17-May from 9am-3:30pm Operation Kids on Guard Day Camp (ages 6-12) Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27455To pre-register contact Kristi Wagner
17 May from 7am - 12 pmStep Up For Soldiers 9th Annual Kid’s Fishing TournamentKure Beach Pier, 100 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC, 28449Register online at https://stepupforsoldiers.wufoo.com/forms/kids-fishing-registration-form/
17-May Race begins at 10AMThe Minuteman MusterNCNG JFHQ, 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC , 27607For More information Visit www.minutemanmuster.org
24-May from 8am-4pm Military Mission's In Action Hike2Help Pinehurst Armory, 90 Woods Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374For more information contact Earlene Capps
Upcoming EventsO
n Y
OU
R M
ar
k
M a y 2 0 1 4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s 7
The Core
of
Military Fam
iliesComes from Spouses
Military Spouse Appreciation Day 9 May
Mother’s Day
11 May
Get Microsoft Office Professional Plus for $9.99...MSRP for this program is $399.99Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, OneNote, Sharepoint, Access, Publisher, and Infopath.
1. Click HERE to visit the Microsoft Home webpage2. Register/Verify eligibility with your .Mil email address3. Check your email 4. Follow instructions to download the full program for $9.99
Service Members are eligible for FREE anti-virus program for home use
1. Click HERE to visit AKO 2. Login with your CAC card 3. Search Anti-Virus Program and select links directing you to anti-virus programs and additional instructions.
ThanksUSA “thanks” the men and women of the United States armed forces by awarding need-based college, technical and vocational school scholarships for their children and spouses.
Scholarship Applications accepted from April 1st to May 15th, 2014.
For More information visit www.thanksusa.org/scholarship-program.html
NCNG Teen Council Meeting (last meetings for this school year) * 13 May 2014, NCNG Triangle Teen Council Meeting 4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 from 5:30 – 8:00pm * 15 May 2014, NCNG Charlotte Teen Council Meeting 4240 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 from 5:30 – 8:00pm * 20 May 2014, NCNG Wilmington Teen Council Meeting 2412 Infantry Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405 from 5:30 – 8:00pm
North CarolinaNational Guard
Military TeenCouncil
8 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
NCNG Teen Council Meeting (last meetings for this school year) * 13 May 2014, NCNG Triangle Teen Council Meeting 4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 from 5:30 – 8:00pm * 15 May 2014, NCNG Charlotte Teen Council Meeting 4240 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208 from 5:30 – 8:00pm * 20 May 2014, NCNG Wilmington Teen Council Meeting 2412 Infantry Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405 from 5:30 – 8:00pm
North CarolinaNational Guard
Military TeenCouncil
eknowledge is still available for $20! Here are a few comments from National Guard Families on benefits of program “Thank you so very much and as a retired military Chief who has served this great country for 27 years, I salute each of you in allowing my children, Sarah and Ryan an opportunity to earn their degree to better serve our nation. God Bless! “ Rickey Sharp “Thank you so much for the opportunity to continue to further my education with these much needed study materials. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.” David Moore “Thank you for this opportunity to better our daughter’s ACT score. So much rides on this - school acceptance, scholarships. You are providing an opportunity for success in the life of one very deserving young lady!” Samuel Ross
“Thank you so much for offering this gift! Our daughter, who has some test anxiety, is looking forward to using this to help her in her test preparation. Thanks again!” Kerstin Brignone
See page 11 for more about eknowledge.
Many thanks again to Pizza Hut located at 3691 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh for donating pizzas for our April NCNG Triangle Teen Council Meeting.
1. A B C D
Free SAT and ACT Test Prep Program for Military members and families at
www.eknowledge.com/Mil
New Parenting App - Let’s Play! is a free parenting app from ZERO TO THREE with fun activities, organized by age and routine,
for parents to use to support their young child’s early learning. Download from iTunes or Google Play Store
M a y 2 0 1 4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s 9
Cost should not be a factor when preparing for the most important test of your life.
eKnowledge believes every student should have access to higher education. This donation was created by the founders of eKnowledge to promote and prepare young adults for higher education. eKnowledge’s mission is to create opportunities for the college bound by offering access to SAT and ACT test preparation for a small set up fee of $20 that covers online materials, shipping and access to online streaming. eKnowledge waives 100% of the retail costs for the standard version and 93% of the cost for all other programs. These programs retail for $200 to $600. eKnowledge sells these same materials in the open market for full retail price.
Through eKnowledge and the National Guard, these products are available to you for only the cost of materials and shipping – less than $20.00.
Order Online Today: www.eKnowledge.com/USNationalGuard
90% Discount on SAT and ACT Test Prep The eKnowledge Military Donation Project has donated more than 200,000 SAT and ACT programs valued at over $44 million at no profit to the company. The Donation Project is supported by professional athletes from the NFL and MLB as well as 150 Affiliate Partners. eKnowledge has been investing in students and improving test scores while always keeping up with the changing landscape of college test preparation, including new SAT changes effective Spring 2016.
eKnowledge has received thousands of thank you notes from families just like yours: “This is an awesome opportunity that these professionals are offering my daughter. We are so thankful for their generosity and their selfless service. It makes me feel proud to serve this great country as a Soldier because professionals like these understand the meaning of sacrifice and selfless service, which make this country great. I salute every one of them and express my deepest gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you.” Respectfully, Sergeant Major Nedlic US ARMY 3/17/2014
The SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ Programs are available online or on a single DVD. Programs include more than 11 hours of video instruction and 3000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, and practice tests Students select the training they need and study at their own pace.
SAT/ACT Test Dates 2014 SAT May 3 June 7 October 11 November 8 December 6
April 12 June 14 September 13
October 25 December 13
Or request your program online:
www.eKnowledge.com/USNationalGuard For further information contact Lori Caputo, 951-256-4076 [email protected]
Show Your Support for Military Families and Spouses
Visit our Facebook page, NCNGFP, to download custom
graphics and artwork.
Or Scan the QR (quick
response) code on the right with your smart phone for a direct link to our page.
1 0 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
Guess What? Your bank won’t tell you this……by Chip Jurgensen, CFP
From time to time I run into situations where a person I’m meeting with has said “I did not know the bank could do that”. So this gave me an idea to share some things that could potentially help you when it comes time to ask the evil empire for financial products.
1Beware of the universal default clause. Before you sign up for a bank-issued credit card, ask
if it has a “universal default clause”—also known as “the ultimate poison clause in credit cards.” If it does, run for the nearest exit. It allows the bank to look through all your credit accounts, and if it sees that you’re late paying a bill on another card, it gets to jack up the interest rate on its card.
2A bank has the right to pay itself back. Any fees or overdraft loans that you owe
can be deducted from your next deposit
3You can get practically any fee waived if you ask, especially if you’re a longtime customer.
Remember it never hurts to ask, all they can do is say no.
4Banks don't always promote their highest interest rate accounts. Why tell you about those when you’re already willing to sign up for an account that pays less? Again remember
to ask…there are lots of other financial institutions that are willing to earn your business.
5Read the fine print. Ask the banker to explain the terms, and get the details in writing before you sign anything. This alone could save you a lot of trouble.
6You have $250,000 of FDIC coverage in case the bank goes belly up…guess what? if you read the fine print there is no stipulation of how long it could take to get your money back…
7Sometimes smaller is better. I personally have found that the smaller banks and credit unions tend to care about you and are more willing to help with loans.
Again, remember that a bank is nothing more than a business and all business is negotiable. Do not settle for high loan rates, poor customer service or having the feeling like you don’t count.
Cost should not be a factor when preparing for the most important test of your life.
eKnowledge believes every student should have access to higher education. This donation was created by the founders of eKnowledge to promote and prepare young adults for higher education. eKnowledge’s mission is to create opportunities for the college bound by offering access to SAT and ACT test preparation for a small set up fee of $20 that covers online materials, shipping and access to online streaming. eKnowledge waives 100% of the retail costs for the standard version and 93% of the cost for all other programs. These programs retail for $200 to $600. eKnowledge sells these same materials in the open market for full retail price.
Through eKnowledge and the National Guard, these products are available to you for only the cost of materials and shipping – less than $20.00.
Order Online Today: www.eKnowledge.com/USNationalGuard
90% Discount on SAT and ACT Test Prep The eKnowledge Military Donation Project has donated more than 200,000 SAT and ACT programs valued at over $44 million at no profit to the company. The Donation Project is supported by professional athletes from the NFL and MLB as well as 150 Affiliate Partners. eKnowledge has been investing in students and improving test scores while always keeping up with the changing landscape of college test preparation, including new SAT changes effective Spring 2016.
eKnowledge has received thousands of thank you notes from families just like yours: “This is an awesome opportunity that these professionals are offering my daughter. We are so thankful for their generosity and their selfless service. It makes me feel proud to serve this great country as a Soldier because professionals like these understand the meaning of sacrifice and selfless service, which make this country great. I salute every one of them and express my deepest gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you.” Respectfully, Sergeant Major Nedlic US ARMY 3/17/2014
The SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ Programs are available online or on a single DVD. Programs include more than 11 hours of video instruction and 3000 files of supplemental test prep material, thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, and practice tests Students select the training they need and study at their own pace.
SAT/ACT Test Dates 2014 SAT May 3 June 7 October 11 November 8 December 6
April 12 June 14 September 13
October 25 December 13
Or request your program online:
www.eKnowledge.com/USNationalGuard For further information contact Lori Caputo, 951-256-4076 [email protected]
M a y 2 0 1 4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s 1 1
FROM: Diane Coffill, NCNG SFPD, [email protected] NC National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters
TO: NC National Guard Service Members & Civilian Spouses
SUBJECT: Request for Assistance in the Pilot Testing of the DoD Individual & Community Readiness Inventory (ICRI)
Greetings:
Dear NC National Guard Service Members and Civilian Spouses:
We would appreciate your participation in a pilot test of the DoD ICRI. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy, Office of Family Policy, the ICRI is an online inventory tool for Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve Component personnel and Military Spouses for planning and monitoring Military Family readiness at the local and state level. You have the opportunity to complete this inventory from 21 April to 14 July 2014.
Your participation in the pilot test of this tool is voluntary, and the information that you provide is anonymous. However, it is important for the successful development of the tool that we have as many respondents participate as possible. Consequently, we would appreciate your support in helping us meet our goal of 100% participation rate.
We would also appreciate your comments on your experience in completing the tool. You will see a comment button on each page of the assessment for feedback regarding instructions or items that are confusing or unclear, as well as any items that you feel are unimportant or unnecessary. We are also interested in any items that you are surprised are not on the inventory that you think will assist in helping you or the development of military family readiness support services. At the end of the inventory, you will be asked a few specific questions about your experience in completing the ICRI and about the summary report of your individual results, including your recommendations for improvement.
This tool does not require special computer software, although you will need access to the Internet. If you do not have access at your home, most local libraries will have computers and internet access that you can use.
Remember, the ICRI is a web-based assessment tool that takes only about 15 minutes to complete. Please complete the assessment as soon as possible (the pilot test will end on July 14th).
FOR THE SERVICE MEMBER: you may access the ICRI by going to the following webpage: https://secure.flyingbridge.net/icri-m/. Once on this page you will be asked to enter an access code. Please enter the following access code: M78FD3T. You can copy and then paste the access code by highlighting the access code and hitting Ctrl C. To enter the access code, hit Ctrl V to paste the access code into the entry box on the website. You can also type the access code directly into the entry box. Please note that access codes do not use the letters “O” or “I” to avoid confusion with the numbers 0 and 1.
FOR THE MILITARY SPOUSE: you may access the ICRI by going to the following webpage: https://secure.flyingbridge.net/icri-s/. Once on this page you will be asked to enter an access code. Please enter the following access code: S19M8RU.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Sincerely,Diane Coffill, NCNG State Family Program Director
1 2 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
2014 NCNG Teen Retreat 22-27 June 2014
Fort Fisher Training Center, 116 Air Force Way, Kure Beach, NC
»For Military dependents ages 13 - incoming high school seniors Fall 2014
»Cost is free to NCNG families..
This retreat will focus on leadership roles, social responsibility, goal setting. We will offer First Aid/CPR/AED Certification and lots of fun
in the sun.
Deadline to register is Thursday, 5 June 2014For more information & to register, contact Alice Dean,
Lead Child and Youth Coordinator, at 1-800-621-4136 ext 12548 or via email at [email protected]
By NCNG Child and Youth Program Specialist, Lynn Allred
It’s that time of year again – time to consider sending your child to summer camp. While some children may ASK to attend a camp this summer, others may need to be encouraged to experience something new. Whether your child is adventurous or thoughtful, athletic or artistic, sociable or shy, (or all of the above) sending a child to summer camp can be the experience of a lifetime for them – and for you!
There are hundreds of camps available to kids - and the list seems to grow year after year. Some are open only to military families and some are open to all children. But how do you choose the RIGHT camp for YOUR child and for your family situation?
When selecting a summer camp for your child to attend, there are several tips to keep in mind. According to “Parents” Magazine, you need to consider several factors. These include the camp’s history, its philosophy, the camp staff, the communications policy and the camp’s accreditation.
HISTORY: Find out how long the camp has been in business. There are certainly new camps that advertise “new and better” ways to have fun. But there is truth to the idea that a camp that has been operating for decades must be doing something right. In today’s economy, a camp could not stay in business for generations if it was not successful and did not have a large number of returning campers year after year.
PHILOSOPHY: Consider the focus of the camp. Does it emphasize outdoor activities or is it a camp for learning arts and crafts? Depending on your child’s interests, the camp’s programming may be the key to whether or not your child enjoys the overall experience.
STAFF: Research the people who own and operate the camp, as well as the staff hired each year. Do they have any letters of reference from previous campers who have stayed there? What qualifications for staff members do they require before they are hired? Most camps require all staff members to pass a background check. Ask if the camp you are considering is one of them. Remember, the members of the camp staff will be spending a lot of time with your child, so you want to be sure they have clean backgrounds, are knowledgeable and are well-trained, especially in emergency situations.
COMMUNCATIONS POLICY: Find out if the camp has a plan to let parents know about upcoming events and/or for notifying you if your child becomes sick or injured. And see if they have a policy on how often your child can communicate with you while they are away.
ACCREDITATION: You may assume that all summer camps meet the state/national standards. That is not always the case. Ask if the camp you are considering is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which reviews the programs the camp offers and conducts on-site visits to inspect the facilities and hiring policies that will ensure the safety of your child.
Other factors to consider that are listed on the PBS Kids website are 1) the camp’s distance - how far away are you willing to go? 2) the length of the camp’s enrollment period - do you want a camp that lasts two or four weeks, or would just a weekend camp be enough for your child? 3) the overall structure of the camp - are there scheduled, structured activities planned for each day or do campers have a lot of free time? and 4) affordable - what can your family afford to spend to send a child to camp?
Still not sure which camp to choose? You may want to talk with your friends and neighbors. Have they ever sent a child to camp? If so, which one? Did their child enjoy it? Would they recommend it? You can also check with local organizations in your community, such as the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, or even a scouting troop. See if there is a camping experience they would recommend to you.
You can also find out about summer camps through the internet. Many camps have their own websites, and you can learn much about them by the photos and descriptions they include on their web page. A popular website you can check out is posted by the American Camp Association, (www.campparents.org). On this site, you can look up accredited member camps by zip codes and the programming they offer. Another site is www.mysummercamps.com, which posts reviews by campers and parents, so you can see what they have to say about their overall camp experience.Remember – the best camps have someone you can talk to. If you have any questions, make a list and ask them when calling for information about what the camps offer. Make notes, discuss the options with your family, and compare information with others who may have the same questions you do.
When you finally decide on the right summer camp for your child, encourage him/her to have fun, meet new people and make special memories that will last them a lifetime.
This infromation was compiled by North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program, Lynn Allred, from the following sources: www.parenting.com and www.pbskids.org.
(The NC National Guard Child and Youth program has upcoming dates for day camps and for weekend camp through Operation Kids on Guard. For more information, contact Alice Dean at 1-800-621-4136, ext. 12548/[email protected].)
Choosing a Summer Camp for your Child
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Everyone loves to enjoy the water during summer months. Remember no one is “drown proof”. Remember to practice “Touch Supervision” whenever you are near water. Whether it’s a pool, creek, pond, bathtub or even the car wash bucket, children can drown. For Pool Safety and more information on learn-to-swim and other courses in your area, visit www.redcross.org
Summertime is filled with lots of fun outdoor family activities. Here are a few precautions you should take into consideration. By NCNG Child and Youth Program Coordinator, Kristi Wagner
Biking can be great exercise for the whole
family but a helmet is a must. Don’t forget that anytime a
child is on wheels (skates, skateboards & scooters)
they should also wear a helmet.
Taking a walk and enjoying nature is
great but be prepared with proper clothing and bug repellent and
stay on marked paths avoiding overgrown areas. This will help keep you away from ticks and
poisonous plants (poison ivy, oak & sumac). You should still double check for ticks when you come in from outside.
In a boat all children under the age of 13 must be wearing their life jackets at all times. For more information on boating rules you can visit www.boatingbasicsonline.com. Just select your state for details. Sun protection is a must; remember to apply a sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure with UVA/UVB and SPF of 15 or more, reapplying every 2 hours or more when swimming.
Also try to avoid long exposure during peak hours of the day. Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you are participating in sports. Remember to continuously offer fluids. By the time a child says they’re thirsty they are often already beginning to get dehydrated. Keep the regiment going and make sure you have emergency supplies on hand such as inhalers and EpiPens.
Often overlooked but still a danger are the grill and fire pits. Even after you have finished cooking the grill remains hot and is now unattended. Teach children to always stay away from the grill. Fire pit safety is a little more tricky since we often allow our children to toast their hot dogs or marshmallows over an open fire. Just remember to give them the proper tools to keep them at a safe distance, always supervise and remind them that the items are now hot and to be careful when eating a marshmallow. It will scald the inside of a child’s mouth.
Some other useful websites are: www.ncwaterways.com, www.poolsafety.gov, www.healthyswimming.org. Now you’re ready to get out and enjoy some Summer family FUN!
This infromation was compiled by North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program, Kristi Wagner, from the following sources: www.PBS.org, www.redcross.org, www.cdc.gov, and www.ncwaterways.com.
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Brush 2 minutes, 2 times a day
Limit snacks, eat healthy meals
Floss your teeth every day
Visit the dentist every 6 months
for Protecting your Child’s Smile with the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
Enroll Today!
TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved. © 2013 METLIFE, INC. PEANUTS © 2013 Peanuts Worldwide
www.metlife.com/tricare 1-855-MET-TDP1Administered by MetLife
N LAE TD TIPS
M a y 2 0 1 4 F a m i l y M a t t e r s 1 5
Personal Financial CounselorOur Personal Financial Counselor can provide FREE
one-on-one financial counseling services to you and your Family.
Mr. Chip Jurgensen, CFP, NCJFSAP(919) 334-8313
FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS
Family Assistance Centers are located across the State to provide assistance to ALL Military Service Members and their Families. If you know of a Service Member or Military Family
that has a question or concern, please share our contact numbers, web site, newsletter, and Facebook link.
We're here to help.
Asheville Military Family Resource Center7 Yorkshire St. Suite 101, 28803/Fax: (828) 274-7209Rebekah Torres, [email protected], (828) 274-8571
Charlotte Unit Family Contact Center4240 West Blvd., 28208/(800) 621-4136Carry Bandy, FAC Specialist, [email protected], Ext. 14573Gabrielle H. O'Flanagan, [email protected], Ext 14547
Greensboro State Family Assistance Center (SFAC)110 Franklin Blvd, Greensboro, 27401 (800) 621-4136Sandy Harrison, [email protected], Ext. 15651
Greenville State Family Assistance Center1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834/(800) 621-4136Dawn White, [email protected], Ext. 11150
Lenoir State Family Assistance Center1535 Beecher Anderson Rd., 28645/(800) 621-4136Frances Johnson, [email protected], Ext. 11242
Raleigh Unit Family Contact Center 4105 Reedy Creek Rd., 27607/(800) 621-4136Lisa Faison, [email protected], Ext. 47100Mark Woolbright, [email protected], Ext. 47102
Raleigh JFHQ Unit Family Contact Center1636 Gold Star Dr., 27607/800-621-4136 Wendi Bell, [email protected], Ext. 46078Bob Bowman, [email protected], Ext. 46979
Smithfield Unit Family Contact Center406 Hospital Rd., 27577/(800) 621-4136Abby Millsap, [email protected], Ext. 12784
Southern Pines Unit Family Contact Center510 W. Morganton Rd., 28387/(800) 621-4136 Earlene Capps, [email protected], Ext. 12863
Wilmington Unit Family Contact Center2412 Infantry Rd., 28405/(800) 621-4136Jim Marley, [email protected], Ext. 16918
Winston-Salem Unit Family Contact Center 2000 Silas Creek Pkwy., 27103/(800) 621-4136Sandy Harrison, [email protected], Ext. 17131l
STATEWIDE SUPPoRT
MFLC PRoGRAM
~Provides short-term, situational, problem-solving counseling services to Servicemembers and their Families
~Provides psycho-education to help military Servicemembers and their Families understand the impact of stress, deployments,
family reunions following deployments and the stresses of military life~MFLC services augment existing military support services
~Flexible service delivery (Outreach/Rotational and On-Demand); Services can be provided on or off military installations
~Services provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups~Children’s Support Program addresses military impact on children~MFLCs are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic abuse
and duty-to-warn situations~Services are otherwise confidential and private
Staff:John Alleman
Adult and Family Specialist(919) 745-9635
Betty Steelman
Youth and Family Specialist(919) 665-9178
Charlotte: Nikkie [email protected]
Morrisville: Darlette [email protected] Ext. 16313
Raleigh: Norman Dean [email protected]. 46537
Raleigh: George [email protected] Ext. 46714
Clinton: Sarah [email protected]. 14735
Goldsboro: Nicole DanielsOfficial Email Pending Ext. 15423
Greensboro: Gloria [email protected]
Jacksonville: Judy Richardson [email protected]. 11346
FAMILY READINESS SUPPoRT ASSISTANTS(800) 621-4136 PLUS EXTENSION
Follow Us @NCNGFAMILY
1 6 F a m i l y M a t t e r s M a y 2 0 1 4
STATEWIDE SUPPoRT
MFLC PRoGRAM
~Provides short-term, situational, problem-solving counseling services to Servicemembers and their Families
~Provides psycho-education to help military Servicemembers and their Families understand the impact of stress, deployments,
family reunions following deployments and the stresses of military life~MFLC services augment existing military support services
~Flexible service delivery (Outreach/Rotational and On-Demand); Services can be provided on or off military installations
~Services provided to individuals, couples, families, and groups~Children’s Support Program addresses military impact on children~MFLCs are mandated reporters of child abuse, domestic abuse
and duty-to-warn situations~Services are otherwise confidential and private
Staff:John Alleman
Adult and Family Specialist(919) 745-9635
Betty Steelman
Youth and Family Specialist(919) 665-9178
Morrisville: Darlette [email protected] Ext. 16313
Raleigh: Norman Dean [email protected]. 46537
Raleigh: George [email protected] Ext. 46714
NGB Guard Teen Panel 9-12 January 2014
Written by Blake Stoddard Region 4 Representative & Vice-President of NCNG
Triangle Teen Council
In January, myself and the other Guard Teen Panel representatives from across the country convened in Washington, D.C. for our first quarterly meeting of 2014. The meeting was filled with quite a bit of actual business that we were able to take care of, but also gave us some unique opportunities for events & other things that we were able to do/attend in Washington, D.C.
All of us arrived Thursday night. We then went to dinner at the now traditional, Mei Wah Chinese restaurant and it was amazing as al-ways. We also made the usual stop at Georgetown Cupcakes so that we could all get out “red-velvet on”, as one of our sponsors said.
The first half of Friday was filled with quite a few visitors from Na-tional Guard Bureau and the people who manage the Joint Services Support website. One of the big things that we were able to cover on Friday, was the details for the new teen-specific website that should be launching as an “offshoot” of JSS within the next several months. All of us had parts in deciding what the website would include, how it would look, etc.
On Friday afternoon, we made our way over to huge Pentagon City mall, in which we had a class at the Microsoft Store that allowed us to learn more about and play with Windows 8.1, tablets, and of the all-new Xbox One.
Saturday morning was primarily dedicated to ironing out the details for what was going to be the National Youth Symposium. Sadly, the command staff at the national level decided not to fund it this year, so the plans that we had laid out will not be used. But fear not! They are saved and could always be used for another event!
Saturday night brought us the opportunity to attend the District of Columbia National Guard Military Ball. The DC Armory is absolutely huge and they were able to decorate the facility as to seem like you were standing in one huge ballroom. The entire event was stupen-dous and I’d love to attend it again!
Sunday morning saw the return of all of the representatives back to our home states, where we continue to carry out our duties as representatives, talking too and gaining feedback from people like you that we can take to the national meetings every quarter!
Look for another snapshot of the quarterly meetings in the June/July Family Matters!
Youth Services
Purpose:
The Child and Youth Program (CYP) is an integral component of the National Guard’s compre-
hensive approach to Family Readiness. By upholding the well-being of the entire family, the CYP
offers outcome based activities designed to foster positive youth development and support the
unique strengths and challenges of National Guard children. This high quality, out-of-school time
program exists in 54 States, Territories and the District of Columbia to mitigate risky behaviors,
enhance resilience, develop positive coping strategies, and assist our National Guard youth in
reaching their full potential as the next generation of leaders.
Age-appropriate activities and support services are offered in four service delivery areas:
•Art, Recreation & Leisure
•Sports, Fitness & Health
•Life Skills, Citizenship, Character Development & Leadership
•Academic Support, Career Development, Mentoring & Intervention
Mission Statement:“To promote and sustain the quality of life and resilience of NG children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs.”
Eligibility
The CYP is available to school age dependents, ages 6 to 18 years, of National Guard Soldiers
and Airmen, regardless of deployment status (including traditional drilling Guardsmen), Survi-
vors, and Active Component Soldiers and Airmen geographically-separated from installation-
based program support. While child care type services are not offered within the core program,
resources for assistance are available.
Core Program Elements:National:
•Guard Teen Panel
•National Youth Symposium
•State Program:
•State Teen Panel (STP)
•State Youth Symposium (SYS)
•Youth Development Programming
•State Opportunities & Military Youth Adventure Camps
•Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) Support
To find out more about the North Carolina National Guard Child and Youth Program contact your
Child & Youth Program Coordinator, Alice Dean at [email protected]
(800)621-4136 Ext 12548
For child care assistance and verification of eligibility, please contact Child Care Aware of
America (CCAA, formerly NACCRRA) at 1-800-424-2246 or [email protected]
Information obtained from the Joint Services Support website at www.jointservicessupport.org.