february (corrected) news
TRANSCRIPT
Family Times
On the cover: 5 year old Camp Garland,
son of CW4 Tony Garland, SC National Guard
All About Soldiers. Veterans. Families.
South Carolina National Guard Family Programs
Facebook! Get Connected.
Honoring MG Stanhope S. Spears
& MG Robert E. Livingston Jr.
Adjutant General of S.C.
Never Alone.
Issue No.1 February 2011
New Yellow Ribbon Requirements Salute to Soldiers
SSG Kimberly D. Calkins
2
Director’s Cut
G reetings to all Soldiers, Airmen and especially, Families of
the South Carolina National Guard:
I hope you‟ll enjoy our first edition of the Family Times.
We‟re excited about being able to share information with you about
what‟s going on in, not only Family Programs, but your units as well.
So with that, I hope that everyone had a Happy Holiday and you are
ready to bring in the New Year. There‟s a lot going on in the South
Carolina National Guard in 2011, so get ready for a great year and a
busy one.
First, I‟d like to welcome our new Adjutant General and his
wife, MG Robert E. Livingston, Jr. and Barbara Livingston. MG Livingston took command of the South
Carolina National Guard on January 9, 2011, in a ceremony at the Carolina Coliseum. MG Livingston and
Barbara bring a great deal of experience to the office of the Adjutant General as MG Livingston deployed to
Afghanistan as the commander of the 218th MEB from 2006 to 2008. Barbara has a deep understanding of
what many of you are going through now with your family member deployed. Congratulations to them
both!
We are happy to tell you that you can now access our new and improved web page, at
www.scguard.army.mil, through public access without going through AKO. This is something that our
communication‟s division has been working on for several years. This new breakthrough doesn‟t mean that
security standards are weakened, only now there is a way to protect information that needs to be secured
(like social security numbers) without putting that information at risk. This is great for Family Programs
because we have wanted to be able to share so much information with you easily and now we can.
I invite you to visit our new website, and there you will find links to important resources that are available to
you. I‟d also like to have your feedback on how we can do things better. This is your web page and
newsletter and we want to publish the things that are important to you. We have also set up a Facebook
page (SCNG Family Programs) and we look forward to hearing from you. Just click the like button and get
connected!
Mark your calendars for April 2, 2011. The McEntire Joint National Guard Base is hosting the first
Military Appreciation Day. There will be fun, food, music and entertainment for all. This should be a
spectacular event that you do not want to miss. Please let us know what is going on in your unit, your
Family and your community. We are all in this together and together we are stronger.
Happy New Year,
Debbie McNamee State Family Programs Director
3
NCOIC
I t is wonderful to have our first newsletter! I look forward to the
opportunity for each of our dedicated staff members to express the
great work they are accomplishing on a regular basis. Hopefully
those who see this newsletter will take the time to read and appreciate the
impact Family Programs has on readiness, our true concern for Soldiers
and Families, and the efforts put into providing an ever better system of
support.
I also hope that we will educate Soldiers and leaders about the
importance of utilizing the available resources for them and their families.
We continue to struggle, at every command level, to connect solutions to
the needs of those in our care. We cannot afford to lag behind the
changes that are sweeping through our organization in response to the
lessons learned since 9/11.
There is a clear and life-altering difference between the Soldiers who get the support they need and
those who dismiss as useless the support network available to them. This network includes the Family
Assistance Specialists, Military and Family Life Consultants, Family Readiness Support Assistants, Yellow
Ribbon, Youth Programs, Family Readiness Groups, Commanders, NCO‟s, Battle Buddies, and the list
goes on. No one should doubt our commitment as individuals or as an organization to the welfare of each
Soldier and Family member.
Thank you to those supporting our Soldiers and Families! I look forward to seeing your stories in
our newsletters.
SFC John Peavy
Family Programs NCOIC
4
Coming Soon
SOUTH CAROLINA
NATIONAL GUARD
MILITARY AND FAMILY
APPRECIATION DAY
By Kathy Dent
Event Coordinator
803-206-5706
A Special Appreciation Day is scheduled to be held on April 2, 2011 at McEntire Joint National Guard Base
in Eastover, South Carolina. This day of festivities is all about our families. It will include a children‟s play area
with bounce houses, an F-16 demonstration and tank static displays, horse rides for the children, food, and a concert
with local bands to end our event. There was no entrance or parking fee and all expenses were covered by
concession sales. We enjoyed our share of burgers and hot pretzels.
We are excited about our day to give a big “Thank You” to our families and to show them how much we
value what they are doing to support our military, our state, and our country.
All SC National Guardsmen, Air and Army, their families, retirees, and sponsors are invited to attend.
Please save the date April 2, 2011.
5
We Honor
BG Darlene M. Goff
1st Female General Officer
In 1977, a young Lander College student drove by the Greenwood National Guard Armory
routinely on her route to classes and wondered what life in the Guard might be like.
That life turned out to be a pretty good fit for the then 21-year-old Marie McKee. Some 33 1/2 years
later, Marie Goff will be pinned with a silver star making her the first female General in the S.C. National
Guard.
Promoted by outgoing Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stanhope S. Spears and approved by the White House
and the U.S. Senate, Brig. Gen. Darlene Marie Goff, 54, becomes one of three assistant Adjutant
Generals over the 11,155 members of the state National Guard.
Goff joined the ranks of female officers in June 1981 and has been a Colonel at the Guard's headquarters, where her
latest duties have included being Director of Human Resources and Vice Chief of the Joint Staff. Goff recalled her drives by the
guard building near her hometown of Ninety Six. "I would see the armory every day, and I said, “I'm going to go in there and see
what they do.” That casual curiosity put her on a career path one September day in 1977. "Once they presented the information to
me, I said, where do I sign?''
Goff received her degree in Sociology and later earned master's degrees from Webster University and the Army War
College. Though her career spans more than three decades, Goff said she has never been in war or deployed overseas.
She has been married three years to Col. Eddie Goff, 51, whom she met while they were at Officer Candidate School. Col. Goff is
Chief of Coalition Development at Central Command, at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL.
Goff said her chief goal in her new position will be to expand a medical directorate for keeping track of medical records
and medical needs of all Guard members from the time they join to beyond their retirement. It's a quality of life issue that Goff
said is close to her heart. The project is likely to take several years to become a reality, she said.
Source: heraldonline.com
MG (RET) Stanhope S. Spears
&
MG Robert E. Livingston, Jr
Adjutant General of SC
South Carolina‟s Adjutant General, Army Maj. Gen. Stanhope S. Spears, relinquished leadership of the South Carolina
National Guard to Army Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr. in a ceremonial change of command January 9, 2011 at the University
of South Carolina Coliseum. Soldiers and Airmen from the South Carolina National Guard stood in formation with a massing of
colors and representatives from each of the Major Subordinate Commands, and units from around the state. More than a thousand
Soldiers, Airmen, and their friends and family members witnessed the ceremony.
Addressing many of those he commanded for the past 16 years, Spears said being the Adjutant General was extremely
gratifying. “Being your Adjutant General for the last 16 years has been a highlight of my life,” he said. “All of you did your jobs
extremely well. As I leave here today, I offer my congratulations to Maj. Gen. Robert Livingston.”
Livingston was officially sworn in as the state‟s 27th adjutant general on January 12, 2011. Unique among his fellow
Adjutants Generals, he is the only elected Adjutant General in the nation. He was elected in the November statewide election, and
becomes only the sixth since 1926, following Spears and other legendary SCNG leaders, including World War I Medal of Honor
recipient Lieutenant General James C. Dozier, who held the post for 33 years.
During his tenure, Spears led the South Carolina National Guard through numerous deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, the
Balkans and other hot-spots around the world. Under his leadership, the South Carolina Army and Air National Guards have
maintained a renowned reputation as elite combat forces, evidenced by the many combat deployments the South Carolina National
Guard units have completed.
During his remarks, Livingston expressed confidence in those he is about to lead.
―As I look out on this formation, I see great Palmetto Warriors – strong with integrity, mindful of the past and looking to the
future. ―If you’re ready, tough times mean opportunities. Knowing what I know about the SCNG and the Military department, we
are ready.‖ Source: ng.mil
6
News From Above
T he Army Chaplaincy has a rich tradition and it is simply described as “service to both God and
country.” The Chaplains here in the South Carolina National Guard work closely with Family
Programs to enhance the services rendered to Soldiers and their Families. Available to those we
server 24/7, we are always ready to serve in a capacity of strong support, good faith and prayers.
Let us reflect and thank Him for loving us and in doing so, God would have us to also love one
another. Most of us have messed up somewhere along life‟s journey. God loves us just the way we are.
Can we not do any less for our brothers and sisters?
As the holiday season passes and the new year is underway, please allow me to invite you to renew
your relationship with God and then He in turn will help you to love one another. I have a short motto that
I use often “Love everybody you see today!”
May God richly bless our soldiers on foreign soil and build a hedge around them and bring them
home safely. May He bless their Families as they go through the counted days without their loved one
being by their side.
Hope you had a great Christmas and as we continue into the New Year, may God bless all that you
do for Him!
Yours in prayer,
CH (MAJ) Martin E. Riser
CH (2LT) Cecil Costadani Chaplin
(803) 806-1799
SFC Brandon Brown Chaplin Assistant
(803) 806-2247
7
Youth Services Team
W hat a year 2010 was for our youth!
The SCNG Annual Youth Camp, held the last
part of July, was a hit and plans for the 2011 Camp are well
under way. We are planning to be at Camp Bob Cooper again
with lots of activities along with the
favorite...PARASAILING! Keep an eye on
www.scguard.army.mil and the SCNG Family Programs
Facebook page for the latest information and ways to apply.
Our Youth Program is designed to provide resources
and referrals to our State Families and Youth. The
development and planning for these programs, affecting the
quality of life issues for our Family members, is challenging
and rewarding. Being able to contribute to the wellness of our
military Families and members by improving their lives
before, during, and after deployment is our mission! Reaching
out to the school districts bringing awareness to them of the
unique challenges faced by our children during the time
through our team presentations has been rewarding and well
received across the state.
Our goal of being the best we can be for the SCNG is
being accomplished by planning and hosting events such as:
NGB Lead on Mentoring Team for the National
Professional Development event in early February
Bringing awareness to the resources and challenges for our
military youth
Youth Squirrel Hunt and Deer Hunts
Youth Duck Hunt, Fishing Rodeo, and Turkey Hunt with
the SC Department of Natural Resources as our partner
Partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America
We look forward to an exciting new year with our
youth and the military Families we serve.
James Harris Youth Services
Director
803-667-2056
Upcoming Events
Youth Camp Dates: 24-30 July 2011
Place: Camp Bob Cooper
8001 M.W. Rickenbaker Rd
Summerton, SC 29148
Who: Campers; ages 10-13
Jr Counselors; ages 14-17
Cost: $150- Includes lodging, 3 meals a
day, evening snacks, AND all activities.
Scholarships are available.
Scheduled Activities:
-Swimming -Fishing -Nature Trails
-Wall Climbing -Talent Show -Tubing
-Planetarium -Model Rocketry
-Campfire -Paintball
-Canoeing
-SO MUCH MORE!!
Kathleen DaCamara Youth Services
Coordinator
803-806-4025
8
Yellow Ribbon Team The Yellow Ribbon team has had an extremely busy time in
January 2011. We coordinated, and held 5 Yellow Ribbon events.
They consisted of three 60-Day events, one Family Reunion event,
and one Pre-Deployment event.
Yellow Ribbon is the program developed to aide Soldiers and
Families in the deployment process to make the Soldiers‟
reintegration easier for everyone the Soldier touches as part of their
everyday life. The issues addressed at these events are centered on
understanding and overcoming the impact of the Soldier‟s absence
and return. These issues include planning for changes in
responsibilities, understanding of available resources, unexpected
changes, and many others. Soldiers often argue that they are fine and
do not need this help. These Soldiers have not paused to consider the
impact their deployment had on their friends and loved ones. It is for
this reason that we strongly encourage Families to attend Yellow
Ribbon events.
At each event, community partners are invited to participate and
provide information for the Soldiers and Families. These partners
include representatives from the Department of Veteran Affairs,
TRICARE, Military One Source, Blue Star Mothers, Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post, American Legion Post, American Veterans, and
various colleges. The list of partners changes as new sources of
support are identified.
It is also important for Families and Soldiers to participate
because of the impact they have on Yellow Ribbon events. Our
instructors seek input from participants to tailor the presentation to the
needs of the audience. But we also take feedback at each event to
improve for future events. This is done because the best experts on
the needs of our Soldiers and Families are our Soldiers and Families.
Terry O’Connor Yellow Ribbon Coordinator
803-806-2111
Larry Crowe Yellow Ribbon Team
803-667-2075
SSG DeAnna Bizette Yellow Ribbon NCOIC
Jason Marsh Yellow Ribbon Team
(803) 577-9611
Date Event Unit
Start End Name Type Location Name
25 Feb 27 Feb 90 Day Event Post Georgetown,
SC
1/178th
FA
25 Feb 27 Feb 90 Day event Post Manning,
SC
1/178th
FA
25 Feb 27 Feb Post Deploy-
ment Seminar
Post Clark’s Hill
26 Feb 26 Feb 30 Day Event Post Anderson,
SC
2/263rd
ADA
2011 Upcoming Events
9
Survivor Outreach Services
T he Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)
Program is designed to provide dedicated
and comprehensive support to Survivors of
deceased Soldiers. The team ensures the SCARNG
fulfills its covenant with Survivors through
sustainment of a comprehensive multiagency
program that:
improves Soldier and Family preparedness in the
event of a catastrophic loss
maximizes cooperative efforts within
organizations and agencies,
ensures Survivors receive all the benefits to
which they are entitled
and encourages Survivors to remain an integral
part of the SCARNG Family for as long as they
desire
The SOS Program provides financial
counseling referral and long term support to
surviving Family members, ensuring the surviving
families' concerns are addressed expeditiously in a
holistic approach. The
SCARNG SOS Coordinator provides the state with a
subject matter expert
supporting programs and services to Survivors of
fallen Soldiers. The SOS
Coordinator will develop, administer, and coordinate
SOS programs and
services within the SCARNG.
Ms. Elizabeth Carney SOS Coordinator
803-806-1565
“Never Forgotten...Never Alone”
Mrs. Ashley Young SOS Coordinator
803-806-2959
IF YOU NEED HELP…
10
Military One Source
Webinars on Tutor.com, New Year’s Strategies for Success, Dealing with Debt, Couples and
Money, among others
Moderated chat Penny Pinching Strategies for Military Families
Personal Budget management (booklet)
Tips for Managing Holiday Stress Moderated Chat
Credit Card Realities video
Taking Charge of Your Money CD
Financial Calculators
„Tis the season for resolutions, longer days, W-2‟s, 1040‟s, and getting the bills in the mail from
the pre-holiday splurge shopping. The overall financial situation continues to be historically challenging,
and while Military OneSource can‟t give you that raise you had been hoping for, we can help you cope
with the stress of your financial situation, formulate a plan to make it better, and keep you on track with
industry leading tools. It is also not too early to start thinking about Tax Day. Beginning January 17th,
Military OneSource will once again be providing customized tax preparation and filing services through
our website. Let Military OneSource help you celebrate a new year and seize the opportunity to make
2011 a better year.
Please click on http://www.militaryonesource.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=4D4FKtAHWz4%
3d&tabid=165 to access a one-page flyer featuring:
We hope this pre-packaged list of materials and services will help you refer service members and
families to Military OneSource through your own newsletters, on your Web sites, and at your
events. For more information on our calendar as well as past and future themes, please visit the Service
Provider Home Page - http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/ServiceProvidersGateway.aspx.
To request a Military OneSource representative at your event, visit http://jfsap.mhf.dod.mil/request or
call anytime 1-800-342-9647. Access online at www.militaryonesource.com
LaTarsa R. Williams
Military OneSource
South Carolina MOS Joint Family
Support Program Consultant Cell: 803-873-8333
Fax: 803-806-4347
Check Y
OUR financia
l hea
lth!!
11
Salute to Soldiers
S SG Kimberly D. Calkins comes highly recommended from the 218th MEB in Charleston, S.C. SSG
Calkins was named Veteran of the Month by the Rotary Club of Charleston for her volunteer work
she does with the Good Neighbors Center for Veterans based in North Charleston. She is currently a
Board member and is very involved in the new expansion of the program.
SSG Calkins works full-time as a Public Affairs Specialist for the Headquarters Company, 218th
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Charleston, S.C.
The Veteran of the Month award is a distinction that is given to military veterans who give back to
their community and continue to serve. Calkins was presented the award by Medal of Honor recipient,
(RET) Major Gen. James E. Livingston on November 30, 2010.
In 2009, Calkins was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Unit Public Affairs
Representative .
Her military awards include; Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals,
Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and the Global War on
Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals.
SSG Kimberly Calkins, WE SALUTE YOU!!
SSG Calkins receives The Veteran of the Month award from (RET) MG James E. Livingston.
―Whether you think you can or you think you can’t-you’re right.‖—Henry Ford
12
Get...Stay Connected!
T he South Carolina National Guard and Family
Programs would like to invite you to get
connected with us on Facebook. Social media
is a growing alternative in sharing information and
every advantage to get the word out increases the
measures of success. On Facebook, you will find an
array of helpful information and links to services such
as, sexual assault assistance and prevention, suicide
prevention, financial aide, child care assistance, health
care information, community events, and so much
more! You are also welcome to share your event photos
and information that will benefit other Soldiers,
Families, and Veterans. We look forward to connecting
with you and extending the lines of communication into
the world wide web. Connecting with us is easy!
1. You must have a Facebook account of your
own. It is free to sign up.
2. In the search box simply type: SCNG
Family Programs
3. We are the Government Agency with the
green Palmetto tree
4. Click the “Like” button and you‟re now
apart of our Facebook family.
Get the latest updates on Facebook
Search ―SCNG Family Programs‖
WWW.Facebook.com
Email us at:
13
In Action
Terry O’Connor passionately speaks to Soldiers concerning
drugs and alcohol along with the support staff of Keystone
Substance Abuse Services in Fort Mill, SC on 08 Jan 2011
SGT Ryan Barnes gathering toys to distribute to families
during the holiday season at the West Columbia/Cayce
Parade on 5 Dec 2010.
LaTarsa Williams (Military One Source) speaking with MSG
Foley and other Soldiers at a 30 day event in Spartanburg, SC
on 4 Dec 2010.
SFC Peavy and Sherry Marsh working hard to get the
Soldiers of the 742nd SMC and their families informed
about pre-deployment on 29 Jan 2011
14
In Action
Michelle Sprouse (Family Readiness Support
Assistant) helping families at a 30 day event
on 4 Dec 2010.
Latarsa Williams (Military One Source) speaking with MAJ
Brown and MAJ Bulwinkle at a 30 day event in Spartanburg, SC
on 4 Dec 2010.
Debbie McNamee (Family Programs Director) speaks
with CPT Pope and CPT Keller at a 30 day event on 4
Dec 2010 in Spartanburg, SC.
Support staff from Keystone Substance Abuse Services informing
our soldiers on the affects of drugs and alcohol concerning our
youth on 8 Jan 2011. Fort Mill, SC
15
Meet Our Team
Admin Team
SSG Steven Jackson
Administrative Assistant/
SGLI Coordinator
(803) 806-2889
SGT Sabreana Anderson
Budget Analyst
(803) 806-2666
SGT Ricardo Rivers Freedom Salute/ Supply
(803) 806-1054
SPC Felicia Thomas
Defense Travel System Clerk
(803) 806-1865
SPC Bonita Patrick
Family Programs Assistant/
Multi-Media Illustrator
(803) 806-4400
Family Assistance Specialists (FAS)
Sherry Marsh
Family Assistant Coordinator
803-667-2056
Nancy Jordan
Family Assistance Specialist
Sumter
803-730-7754
Rose Lemmons-Berry
Family Assistance Specialist
Rock Hill
803-606-8295
Nora Messick
Family Assistance Specialist
Clinton
864-387-9247
Tommy Myers
843-609-6580
843-670-4372
Elliott Powell
Family Assistance Specialist
Columbia
803-521-1037
T.C. Speaks
Family Assistance Specialist
Greenville
803-806-2615
864-387-9245
Steve Sinclair
Family Assistance Specialist
Union
803-806-2172
16
Meet Our Team Jimmy Smithey
Family Assistance Specialist
Mullins
803-667-1012
803-806-1014
Debbie Wyckoff
Family Assistance Specialist
Camden
803-806-1325
Yvette Woodall
Family Assistance Specialist
Aiken
803-351-8721
Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA)
Vacant
Senior Family Readiness
Support Assistant
Michelle Sprouse
Family Readiness Support Assistant
228th TTSB
803-806-1200
Mona Johnson
Family Readiness Support Assistant
218th MEB
864-344-1315
Dennis "Dino" Robinson
Family Readiness Support Assistant
FRSA-59th AVN
803-806-2359
Rochelle Tindal
Family Readiness Support Assistant
FRSA- 59th Trp Cmd
803-806-2904
Military & Family Life Consultants (MFLC)
Tina Brown
Military & Family Life Consultant
803-767-6973
803-403-6835
Lisa Mustard
Military & Family Life Consultant
803-521-2206
Kelly Earley
Military & Family Life Consultant
803-834-0013
17
Meet Our Team Air Force Support
Terry DeLille
Airmen & Family Readiness
Program Manager
SCANG
803-647-8089
Melissa Mitrik
Yellow Ribbon Support
Specialist Coordinator
SCANG
803-583-3214
Tsgt Heather McNeil
Family Programs
Support Assistant
SCANG