March 1, 2010
Hello ISFAC Members,
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Check out all the great things that UND Rural Health is working on by fanning their page on Facebook- (North Dakota Brain Injury Partnership) or by viewing their webpage http://ruralhealth.und.edu/topics/22. If you would like Rebecca Quinn to present to your organization, please email rquinn@medicine.nodak.edu.
April is Month of the Military Child with our theme being Military Children - Everyday Heroes in Your Community. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 22 in Bismarck in the Haugland room at the ND State Capitol building. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April also hosts Volunteer Appreciation week. Be watching for more on all of these topics soon.
The Military Service Center is hiring a Youth Military Life Consultant. If you know anyone with a Social Work Masters degree, please share this link with them: www.naswnd.org/job.htm.
Kudos to Kristi Fetsch and Sgt. Kacey Kruger on their excellent/professional presentations to the Bismarck/Mandan Chamber Military Task Force. They showcased Survivor Outreach and Military Honors this past week to a full committee.
Angela Messmer shares that Military OneSource is experiencing a short lived backlog. Due to the overwhelming usage of the tax service the website may experience a delay and when you call the 1-800 number it may take a few minutes for a consultant to answer. They are trying to hire more staff to handle the calls at this time. Messmer states this is very unusual for Military OneSource as we have prided ourselves on answering all calls within 5 rings.
The Department of Defense announced that its National Resource Directory (NRD) Web site www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families and those who support them, recently received a comprehensive system upgrade to provide users with easier access. This Web site is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Labor (DOL), and compiles federal, state, local and non-profit resources for wounded warriors, veterans, family members and caregivers in a single, searchable site.
ILT Kidron Vestal notes the Minot AFB will be conducting a base tour April 23, 2010 and interested members can contact he at kidron.vestal@minot.af.mil.
I recently flew to Houston for the KBR volunteer luncheon. Soldiers' Angels worked on a really great project with their employees through the adoption of LTC Jody Nelson, an active Army Commander leading 1000 soldiers. Through a major effort they were able to assist the mission of building a factory in Afghanistan that will employee women in the carpet making industry. It was such a treat to be a part of such a great vision.
On all my journeys, I travel with Soldiers' Angels challenge coins as it always opens up a window of opportunity to meet and talk to the nation's finest; the members of the Armed Forces past and present. This past venture was no different. I met an Army Ranger that is heading to Afghanistan and will fall under the command of Major Brian Carroll whom I have been supporting for the past year. I also met a retired Air Force Airman now living in Oklahoma City that grew up on the Grand Forks Air Force Base and I met a soldier heading to Ft. Carson that was born (but not raised) in Dickinson, ND. Small world—the military and those that support them truly belong to a small world.
The ladies of Marco Yacht Club have been assigned to support the NDARNG 1-188th ADA RAID IV/Sentinel soldiers. They have a history of EXTREME fun support so I expect to hear great stories coming from them soon. They have been in touch with Cpt Vannurden and he has assigned a FOB/Camp for all of them to communicate with soldiers at those locations. The University of Mary Lions club (16 members) also has opted to support the RAID IV/Sentinel mission on their deployment. The students will be hosting a supply drive called RAID IV Donation Corps during the month of March around the Bismarck area. Ashley Peck is the point of contact-akpeck1@umary.edu.
I encourage every member of ISFAC to become more engaged in sharing events and activities. Please send me (shellemichaels@msn.com) your copy and paste ready ONLY (see event listing for format) information by Friday of each week and I will send this out over the course of the weekend.
Have a safe week—stay warm!
Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels
EVENTS/MEETINGS:
Monday, March 1- Valley City - High Liner Activity Center- 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.- 460 Center Ave. NE Officials will hold town hall meetings to help citizens learn more about the 2010 flood outlook, flood insurance, and flood preparation. The meetings are open to the public and will provide citizens the opportunity to hear presentations about what they can be doing now to prepare for potential flooding and to ask questions about flood insurance and preparedness.These town hall meetings are part of a series of outreach and education efforts the North Dakota Department of emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are conducting to help residents prepare for potential spring flooding in 2010.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 TRICARE representative Amber Graves will be at the Military Service Center, 1850 East Bismarck Expressway in Bismarck from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Please call 333-4800 or 1-800-242-4940 to set up an appointment or call on March 2 if you want to visit over the telephone regarding TRICARE questions.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010- Devils Lake- City Hall, Commissioners Room- 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.- 423 6th St. NE Officials will hold town hall meetings to help citizens learn more about the 2010 flood outlook, flood insurance, and flood preparation. The meetings are open to the public and will provide citizens the opportunity to hear presentations about what they can be doing now to prepare for potential flooding and to ask questions about flood insurance and preparedness. These town hall meetings are part of a series of outreach and education efforts the North Dakota Department of emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are conducting to help residents prepare for potential spring flooding in 2010.
Tuesday, March 2, 2910- Cavalier- Law Enforcement Center- 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.- Building 7 - Emergency Operations Center - 308 Court House Drive NE Officials will hold town hall meetings to help citizens learn more about the 2010 flood outlook, flood insurance, and flood preparation. The meetings are open to the public and will provide citizens the opportunity to hear presentations about what they can be doing now to prepare for potential flooding and to ask questions about flood insurance and preparedness.These town hall meetings are part of a series of outreach and education efforts the North Dakota Department of emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are conducting to help residents prepare for potential spring flooding in 2010.
Tuesday, March 2: Qi~ssage (combination massage and qigong) Learn these techniques to stimulate health and healing. 6:30-7:30pm. $20/person or $30/couple. Call Jan to register by Monday, March 1. 701-261-3142. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 2: Take Time for Tea with Jane. 9:45-11:45 Speak with Jane about any nutritional concerns you may have. Free-will offering.
Wednesday, March 3- Minot - City Administration Building - 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.- Room 201- 420 3rd Ave. NE Officials will hold town hall meetings to help citizens learn more about the 2010 flood outlook, flood insurance, and flood preparation. The meetings are open to the public and will provide citizens the opportunity to hear presentations about what they can be doing now to prepare for potential flooding and to ask questions about flood insurance and preparedness. These town hall meetings are part of a series of outreach and education efforts the North Dakota Department of emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are conducting to help residents prepare for potential spring flooding in 2010.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Saturday, March 6, 2010: HeartSprings will be holding a camp for children kindergarten through 5th grade who live with Asperger's. Both morning and afternoon sessions involve four professionals in occupational, music, and equestrian therapies and drama coaching. This half-day camp is at "Riding on Angel's Wings" in Felton, MN. We are limited to the first 16 youth per session and must have a minimum of 13 youth per session. Cost is $57 per child. Registration deadline is Feb 26. Call Jan at Heart Springs for more information -701.261.3142 or go to our website at www.heartspringscenter.com and click on life transitions and special needs children
Monday/Tuesday, March 8-9: Walk the Labyrinth Monday 12-5pm and Tuesday 8-6pm. Free HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
March 8-31, 2010. RAID IV Donation Corps - Supply Drive supporting the NDARNG 1-188th ADA RAID IV/Sentinel Mission- University of Mary Lions Club student organization will be working with the Bismarck school system. Drives will be in the following schools: St. Mary's Leos- BHS - Century High School along with collecting support letters from the children from Solheim, Jeannette Myre & St. Mary's. Ashley Peck is the point of contact-akpeck1@umary.edu.
Tuesday, March 9: Drumming from 9:45-10:45am and Learning how to play Native American flute 10:45-11:45am. Free-will offering. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 9: Contemplative Service 5:15-6pm. Free-will offering. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Thursday, March 11: Laugh the Night Away (laughter yoga and improv). 6:30-8pm. $10 Call Jan to register by Wednesday, March 10. 701-261-3142. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Thursday, March 11, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, March 11, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
States: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.Overseas: Guam, Germany. Information about the camp program and eligibility is available online at www.militaryfamily.org.
Tuesday, March 16: Playing with Art 9:45-11:45 (two sessions) Free-will offering. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 16: Caregiving Series: Laughter Can Be the Best Medicine. Come and experience the benefits of laughter yoga and the joy it can bring to caregiving. 12:15-1pm. $5 lunch optional. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 17, 2010. The Grand Forks Air Force Base Officer's Spouses club meets the third Tuesday of the month for general membership meetings. The GFAFB OSC also has several special interest clubs such as the Book Club and Bunco group. These smaller subgroups of our main membership on various dates and each year the groups change based on the interests of our membership. For more information on how you can get involved contact Jamie Linck president@gfosc.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010- The GFAFB Enlisted Spouse Club holds social meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community Activity Center. http://www.gfesc.com/ or contact Angela Kinneberg angela.kinneberg@hotmail.com
Thursday, March 18: Restorative Yoga 6:30-7:45pm. $10 Call Jan by 5pm Tuesday, March 16th to register for class 701-261-3142. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Friday March, 19, 2010- Sunday, March 21, 2010 - Adjutant General's Symposium for the Military Family (symposium committee head is Ginny Bachman). Radisson Hotel in Bismarck.
There will be a keynote speaker and breakouts throughout the day covering different topics. You will be in the company of other volunteers that are going through what you are, or have in the past. Wendy Day has been a speaker, trainer and teacher for over 15-years. She has been the featured speaker at Support the Troops events, 9/11 remembrances, and other community rallies. She has been featured in numerous local television, radio and print media interviews. She currently serves as a Trustee on the Board for Howell Public Schools. She has presented at both the Michigan and National conferences for the National Guard Family Program. During her time as the Family Readiness Group President, she helped families through the death of a soldier and through several injuries within the Unit, including her own husband.
A block of rooms at the Radisson has been set aside until February 26th. Call the Radisson Hotel (701) -255-6000 (State Family Workshop) to reserve your room. Day care is available FREE for the Friday night social as well as the hours during the workshop. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Conference registration fee is $25.00. Contact Justin at &701) 333-4804 for details.
Tuesday, March 23: Writing for Expression 9:45-11:45 (two sessions). Playing with words to
express YOUR thoughts and feeling in a non-threatening environment. Free-will offering. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 23: Worship and Healing Service. Ecumenical Christian service. 6:30-7:30pm. Free-will offering. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Tuesday, March 23: Grieving Series: Taking Care of My Finances. I've never had to do that! Presented by Susan Johnson-Drenth, elder law attorney from Vogel law firm. She will speak about what you need to think about for the future of your finances. 12:15-1pm. Free lunch. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
Saturday, March 27 and Sunday March 28, 2010- RAID IV Donation Corps - University of Mary Lions Club Supply Dive at Central Market 10am-6pm. Ashley Peck is the point of contact-akpeck1@umary.edu.
Wednesday, March 30, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
April – Month of the Military Child. Theme of the ISFAC is Military Children - Everyday Heroes in Your Community. Contact Tonya Sigl (Tonya.Sigl@ us.army.mil) for ideas on how to support the military children in the North Dakota National Guard. Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Centers at the Grand Forks and Minot Air Force Bases.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month- Contact your Air Force SARC or Lt Rachael Walters from the North Dakota National Guard for information. Local community violence or rape crisis centers also will assist with information, referrals or in-services.
Thursday, April 1, 2010- Sgt Cody Mormann will receive the Purple Heart commendation at Ft. Carson, CO.
Thursday, April 8, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, April 8, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Sunday, April 11: Menopause Retreat: The Great Awakening A psycho/spiritual approach to menopause. 1-5pm $20. Call Jan to register by Friday, April 9th at # 701-261-3142. HeartSprings is located out of Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fgo.
April 13-15, 2010- 2010 Dakota Conference on Rural and Public Health - Grand Forks- Health Care in Transition: Creative Strategies - For more information, contact: Kylie Nissen at 701.777.5380 or Email: knissen@medicine.nodak.edu The conference includes preconference workshops, keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, poster presentations, evening workshops, and the annual awards banquet. Go to http://ruralhealth.und.edu/dakotaconference/ for a complete schedule and additional information
April 16-17, 2010- Roughrider (Bismarck) Honor Flight. www.honorflight.org more details regarding sendoff soon.
April 18-24, 2010 National Volunteer Recognition Week- the theme for 2010 is "Celebrating People in Action." Do you need volunteers for projects? Do you want to volunteer? Register with RSVP+ North Dakota at www.rsvpnorthdakota.org RSVP+ North Dakota invites individuals of all ages to enhance personal growth, develop leadership skills, and meet critical community needs through meaningful volunteer service opportunities.
Thursday, April 22, 2010 Month of the Military Child proclamation will be read at the State Capitol at 1000 in Memorial Hall. Details coming- ShelleMichaels@msn.com or Tonya.Sigl@us.army.mil
By bringing girls and boys together, we will continue to create a more equitable world—at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the community. This year we are celebrating the opportunities that girls and boys will discover and the opportunities for parents, mentors, and the community to continue involvement in this unique educational experience. For more information: www.daughtersandsonstowork.org
Thursday, April 22, 2010 - Operation Military Child Theme- Month of the Military Child will be the focus of the meeting next schedule for April 22 in Bismarck. The Haugland room at the ND State Capitol has been reserved. Theresia Hersch, Tonya Sigl and Shelle Michaels will plan for the meeting. ShelleMichaels@msn.com or Tonya.Sigl@us.army.mil
Friday, April 23, 2010 Minot AFB will be conducting a base tour - interested members can contact he at kidron.vestal@minot.af.mil.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
May- Military Appreciation Month – be watching for Governor John Hoeven's proclamation of support.
Thursday, May 13, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, May 13, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Saturday, May 22, 2010- Grand Forks Air Force Base Air Show- Special presentation by the Thunderbirds. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Monday, May 31, 2010 Memorial Day
Thursday, June 10, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, June 10, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Monday, June 14, 2010- Army Birthday
June 22, 2010- Grand Forks Military Affair Golf Tournament- GFAFB. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
Sunday, July 4, 2010 – Independence Day
Thursday, July 8, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, July 8, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Friday, July 23- Saturday, July 24, 2010. Rally & Memorial Ride 2010 in Dickinson, ND. More details coming soon.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
August: Cpl Nathan Goodiron is on the Lost Heroes Art Quilt http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/story/1020739.html . This quilt will be on display in August in New Town. More details soon.
Wednesday, August 4. 2010. Coast Guard Birthday
Thursday, August 12, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, August 12, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
August 23, 2010- Grand Forks Military Affair Golf Tournament- Grand Forks Golf Course. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
September- BIG ORANGE will be coming through North Dakota. Former North Dakota resident and retired Marine Spencer Oland has the project drawing awareness about veterans and reintegration. "Welcome to the world of the Generations of Warriors. We are veterans and concerned citizens that are taking the readjustment of returning warriors to heart. We know that the first point of contact of veterans that are finding difficulties with fitting into society after their tours will invariably be other veterans. That bond is understandable and expected." www.generations-of-warriors-project.com or contact him for more information bruddamon@gmail.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, September 9, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Saturday, September 25, 2010. UND/Grand Forks Chamber Military Appreciation Day. Alerus Center. Meal and Football game. Details coming soon.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
October 1-3, 2010 National Soldiers' Angels SaleAbration- Rummage sales across the nation. Contact ShelleMichaels@soldiersangels.org for details.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010- Navy Birthday
Thursday, October 14, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, October 14, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010- Day of the Deployed
Wednesday, October 27, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
November- Month of the Military Family
Wednesday, November 10, 2010- Marine Corps Birthday
Thursday, November 11, 2010 – Veterans Day
Thursday, November XX, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, November XX, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010- Bismarck/Mandan Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Task Force. The Military Affairs Task Force was recruited to increase awareness and support of the role of the Guard, Reserve and active-duty military in the community. Meets at the Chamber at noon. Katie Moore – (701) 223-5660 or katiem@bismarckmandan.com
December 2010- Last Tanker will depart Grand Forks Air Force Base.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Thursday, December 9, 2010.Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Military Affairs Committee- Grand Forks Chamber 8 am. Jerry Youngberg- Jerry@JerryYoungberg.com or info@gochamber.org.
Thursday, December 9, 2010- Grand Forks Area Veterans Network meets at the Italian Moon from Noon to 1:00 pm. Contact Heidi.Sanger@VA.gov for more information.
Monday, December 13, 2010. National Guard Birthday
IN THE NEWS/NOTES:
Wounded Warrior Web Site Upgraded
The Department of Defense announced today that its National Resource Directory (NRD) Web site for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families and those who support them, recently received a comprehensive system upgrade to provide users with easier access. This Web site is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Labor (DOL), and compiles federal, state, local and non-profit resources for wounded warriors, veterans, family members and caregivers in a single, searchable site.
"We worked closely with users of the National Resource Directory to find out how to make the information they need easier to find," said Noel Koch, deputy under secretary of defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy. "The resulting re-design is easier to navigate and adds useful new features."
The upgrade makes the latest wounded warrior and veteran issues easier to locate and follow. A new "bookmark and share" application helps visitors alert others to the content they've found most helpful through social bookmarking, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking tools. Visitors can also subscribe to Really Simple Syndication (RSS) or e-mail updates to receive new content, events and features based on their specific interests and needs.
"There are thousands of programs and benefits available to wounded warriors and their families, from healthcare and housing to education and employment assistance," said Koch. "Our people must have an easy way to sift through it all to find the resources that are most helpful for their circumstances, especially while they're dealing with what can be overwhelming challenges. That's why we've partnered with the VA and Department of Labor to offer the National Resource Directory. And with the feedback mechanisms we've added in the re-design, we'll be able to keep improving our service to our wounded warriors and families."
The faster, enhanced search engine ranks information based on the popularity of the sources among other site users, so the most valuable resources rise to the top of the search results. Visitors can tailor searches for resources in specific states and territories, and apply filters to narrow their searches.
The re-designed site also highlights resources to assist homeless veterans. NRD users can also recommend additional resources. All resources are thoroughly vetted prior to inclusion on the National Resource Directory, and as always, content is updated and reviewed daily by a content management team which includes veterans and subject matter experts. More information is available at http://www.NationalResourceDirectory.gov
Chaplains from across Kosovo gather at holy site
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - An international group of chaplains visited one of
Kosovo's holiest sites Feb. 19 as part of the monthly KFOR chaplains' conference.
Multi-National Battle Group-East's chaplains hosted the conference, which featured a worship service, luncheon and a bus trip to the Church of the Black Madonna in Letnica.
"Many of the chaplains had never seen the church before," said Staff Sgt. Laton Lohmann, Dickinson, N.D., an MNBG-E chaplain's assistant. "Making a pilgrimage to such a sacred site was a great way to start Lent and to set the tone for the season."
Twenty-eight chaplains and chaplain's assistants from 10 countries attended the conference, said Chap. (Maj.) Maury Millican, Bismarck, N.D., command chaplain for MNBG-E. Countries represented included the United States, Ireland, France, Italy, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Hungary, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Millican said the conferences help build camaraderie among the international chaplaincy."It helps the chaplains from each country feel that the doors of communication are open if we need to reach out and ask for ministry assistance," he said.
The conference started with an ecumenical worship service at Camp Bondsteel featuring the camp's gospel dance team, "Heaven's Angels."
"I thought it would be a good opportunity for our international partners to see worship expressed in the form of dance," said Chap. (1st Lt.) Anthony Williams , Mount Vernon, Ill. "Dance brings to worship the ability to express visually the words of the song that the members of the dance team are performing to. It can at times tell the story of the song visually."Williams said the visiting chaplains were impressed by the performance, and took a lot of pictures and videos.
Chaplain (Capt.) Timothy Meier, Los Altos, Calif., chaplain for MNBG-E's 1-144 Maneuver Task Force, and German Army Chaplain Matthias Ebinger, the coordinating chaplain for the KFOR Headquarters, jointly conducted the worship service.
Lunch at Camp Bondsteel gave the chaplains a chance to talk informally about issues relevant to their mission in KFOR. Williams said the conference was valuable for all the participants.
"It gives us an opportunity to be renewed spiritually and to meet chaplains from our international partners, so that we can foster and grow relationships with each other," he said.
North Dakotans Urged to Buy Flood Insurance Now
DENVER - With considerable snow pack on the ground and more moisture predicted for Spring, the threat of flooding once again looms over North Dakota.There's nothing unusual about that. The state has been hit with a nationally declared flood disaster almost every year since 1989 – nine of them in the past 11 years. And, during the great flood of 1997, more than 60,000 people had to leave their homes for safety.
So what can individuals and families do to prepare? They can buy flood insurance.
And since there is a 30-day waiting period before a policy can take effect, it's important to get flood insurance right away. When the snow melts and the rains come, it may be too late to file a purchase a policy.
The average cost of flood insurance in North Dakota is only about $460 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood in a home or business.
"After previous disasters, North Dakota has made great strides in making communities much less vulnerable to floods," said FEMA Region VIII Mitigation Division Director Jeanine Peterson. "However, the flood threat always exists, including in areas that have not experienced previous flooding or haven't been flooded in many years."
Flood insurance benefits can far exceed what is available through federal disaster assistance. The most prevalent form of assistance comes in the form of a low-interest loan and is only made available within a federally declared disaster area. In addition, a disaster assistance payment averages $4,000 - often well short of the actual damage.
Many people believe that a property must be in a Special Flood Hazard Area or a "floodplain" to be eligible for coverage, however flood insurance is available to anyone in a participating jurisdiction. In fact, 20 to 25 percent of all claims come from floods that happened in low or moderate flood-risk areas. Flood insurance can be purchased for both the property and contents – an agent can help ensure that your needs are met.
Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.
Military Spouse Employment MyCAA Program in Hiatus Response to Query
As of: February 18, 2010 POC: Major April Cunningham, OSD/PA
703-697-6727
Current news: DoD announced February 16:
"Effective immediately, the MyCAA program is temporarily halting operations. We are reviewing all procedures, financial assistance documents and the overall program. This pause will not affect approved financial assistance documents. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please check back for updates."
The announcement was posted to the MyCAA Web site.
Quote: "Military spouses represent a significant, young, diverse and motivated component of America's labor force. We recognize that the military lifestyle calls for portable careers and that military spouses need access to education and training for careers that are portable and high-growth nationally. This short-term break will allow us to better assess the program to ensure we are achieving that goal."Tommy T. Thomas/Deputy Under Secretary of Defense/Military Community and Family Policy
Background: More than half of today's 1.3 million active duty servicemembers are married; of these spouses, nearly 77 percent – about 675,000 – say they want or need to work. These spouses represent a significant, young, diverse and motivated component of America's labor force. However, almost three-fourths of military spouses who would like advance their careers report that the cost of education is the reason for not attending school.
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account – "MyCAA" –employment program, in a soft launch since
Since the beginning of the program, more nearly 133,000 military spouses have applied for the MyCAA program. Currently, 98,000 are enrolled in courses or have been approved for tuition assistance. The program provides military spouses with opportunities to pursue portable careers in high-demand, high-growth occupations.
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account program, an employment assistance program sponsored by the Defense Department, has three components: training, job readiness and employment assistance and career services.
Training – Eligible active duty military spouses may receive a financial assistance to help them pursue education, training, licensure, certification and degrees leading to employment in portable career fields.
Job readiness – Military spouses may request free career counseling through Military OneSource (800.342.9647 and online at militaryonesource.com) to learn about market conditions, finding child care, successfully relocating to new communities, and balancing the demands of military life.
Employment assistance and career services – DoD is currently developing networks of military-friendly employers who want to place military spouse in paid internships, hire and retain as they relocate.
During the DoD review of the MyCAA program, previously approved financial assistance for military spouses will be unaffected. Counseling support will remain available at the local installation and through Military OneSource. Military spouses are encouraged to continue to pursue career counseling and the development of their career training plans.
Related information: Career Advancement Accounts are flexible, self-managed education funding accounts that will enable military spouses to gain the skills needed to successfully enter, navigate, and advance in portable careers.
Accounts were made available to military spouses entering the workforce or transitioning between jobs and careers, and to incumbent workers in need of new skills to remain employed or move up the career ladder.
Spouses are required to use their accounts to pay for expenses directly related to post-secondary education and training or and credentialing and licensing MyCAA will only pay for coursework (not laptops, fees, parking, etc.)
The career advancement accounts target nationally identified
high-growth, portable occupations such as education, health care, information technology and financial services.
Questions and Answers
Q1. How many military spouses have contacted you for the MyCAA program?
A1. Nearly 133,000 military spouses have applied and approximately 98,000 spouses have been approved for financial assistance.
Q2. What is this "pause"?
A2. This pause is to review the procedures, financial assistance documents, and the overall program. This pause will not affect approved financial assistance documents. However, during the pause, no new MyCAA accounts may be created, and no new financial assistance applications will be accepted. Spouses who already have a MyCAA account may continue to use the MyCAA website for career counseling and planning.
Q3. Why is this pause necessary?
A3. The program, without any formal advertisement, has been extremely successful with high demand. The Defense Department is conducting this review to ensure the program is meeting the intent of its establishing legislation, which was to provide spouses with increased opportunity for portable careers.
Q4. How long will the pause continue?
A4. We will do our best to keep this operational pause to a minimum.
Q5. Are there other similar programs available to military spouses?
A5. There are a wide variety of government programs open to military spouses. The most prominent among these are the Post 9/11 GI Bill and selected voluntary education programs available on installations and program Web sites.
Q6. Where can military spouses go for additional advice and counseling?
A6. Military OneSource, toll-free at
Q7. What about spouses who have an approved career training plan, but do not have financial assistance approved for some courses?
A7. No new or pending financial assistance accounts will be approved during this review period. Spouses with a MyCAA account may continue to use the MyCAA Web site for career counseling and planning.
Q8. Who made this decision? Isn't this a decision that can only be made at the Secretary of Defense level?
A8. The decision to initiate this pause was made on behalf of the Defense Department by the leadership in the office of Military Community and Family Policy, which is responsible for management of the program.
Q9. Why are you taking this action now? Is there a problem with – staffing (not enough people to manage the program); a problem with fraud (ineligible people getting funding); problem with the software (can we help fix it), etc, etc.
A9. No single event, circumstance or problem directed this review. As we near the anniversary of the soft launch of this new program, we believe it is appropriate to conduct full-spectrum analysis of the program.
Q10. What is the real reason for this decision? Your answers sound like code for "can we afford this program?"
A10. We are conducting a comprehensive top to bottom review of the program to ensure the program is meeting the intent of its establishing legislation.
Q11. Is there a plan to cut or reduce the program?
A11. It is premature to discuss what actions might - or might not – be taken.
Q12. Why didn't you give people a warning that the program was about to take a break so that those so close to getting their financing approved could do so?
A12. The DoD regrets the inconvenience that some have experienced due to this decision. However, it is DoD's assessment that, in the long term, this will better serve participating spouses.
U.S. Congressman Earl Pomeroy visits N.D. troops in Kosovo
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Congressman Earl Pomeroy paid a visit Sunday
to KFOR Soldiers from his home state of North Dakota stationed here on a yearlong NATO peacekeeping mission. The one-day visit to Camp Bondsteel was part of a week-long stay by Pomeroy in the Balkans, an area of particular interest to the congressman. Pomeroy stopped at Camp Bondsteel to show his support and thanks for the work and the sacrifices made by all U.S. Soldiers in the Balkans region and around the world.
"It was an honor to meet with our North Dakota National Guard troops in Kosovo and see the valuable work they're doing to promote safety and security in the region," Congressman Pomeroy said. "These soldiers left their homes and families to travel to the other side of the world to serve their country. Their hard work and dedication is appreciated by North Dakota
and by all Americans."
The bulk of the North Dakota Soldiers arrived in Kosovo in late October as part of a deployment with KFOR-12 (Kosovo Forces). North Dakota also has Soldiers in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Heidelberg, Germany.
Pomeroy began the Sunday visit by meeting with Brig. Gen. Al Dohrmann, Bismarck, N.D., commander of the Fargo-based 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the U.S.-led Multi-National Battle Group-East (MNBG-E) at Camp Bondsteel.
From there, the congressman was treated to a command-level briefing about the current situation in Kosovo, given by MNBG-E senior staff members. In return, Pomeroy provided MNBG-E staff information about his trip and his impressions of the general situation in the Balkans.
Pomeroy also visited with the commanders and Soldiers of the 231st Maneuver Task Force (MTF), based in Valley City, N.D.; and the Regional Liaison and Monitoring Team (LMT), comprised mostly of Soldiers of the 957th Multi-role Bridge Company, Bismarck.
MNBG-E is made up of National Guard and Army Reserve units from 13 states and the Virgin Islands. In all, nearly 40 states have Soldiers represented in the task force. When combined with Soldiers from five other nations -
Greece (Task Force Hellas) Poland, Ukraine (Task Force Pol/Ukr), Armenia and Romania - NATO's MNTF-E is a 2,200-member force.
MNBG-E is one of five major sectors in Kosovo, where NATO military forces conduct peacekeeping patrols and interact with people.
During Pomeroy's visit to the Balkans, he also made stops in Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Pristina, Kosovo, Skopje in the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia and Belgrade, Serbia. He made the tour as leader of a Congressional delegation that was sponsored by the House Democracy Partnership, a commission designed to partner with parliaments.
The House Democracy Partnership sponsors direct discussions between partner legislatures with a goal of increased understanding among legislators and lawmakers through sharing of knowledge, Pomeroy said.
"In 1973, I was an exchange student living in Yugoslavia," Pomeroy said. "I had the most wonderful experience that summer. I learned that the people of the Balkans are warm, interesting, wonderful people. Agriculture is a substantial part of their economy so I was also able to relate in that way. The place is full of intrigue and is endlessly interesting.
"I'm so proud of North Dakota and the leaders of the North Dakota National Guard family, and by leaders, I mean every Soldier, playing the role they're playing to lead this country to a different future."
While at Camp Bondsteel, Pomeroy also got a chance to sit down for lunch with about a dozen Soldiers from the various North Dakota units, before departing the base for a driving tour of the MNBG-E area of responsibility in southeastern Kosovo. The congressman also took part in walking tours with North Dakota Soldiers on patrol in the cities of Ferizaj/Urosevac and
Brezovica.
"I know that Congressman Pomeroy would not have wanted to miss this kind of opportunity to visit with North Dakota Soldiers in a part of the world where he has such a passionate interest," said MNBG-E commander Dohrmann, "It truly means a lot to the Soldiers on the ground here in Kosovo whenever leaders, such as Congressman Pomeroy, come here to show their support and
appreciation for the exceptional effort they put out every day."
Command officials dedicated to bomber mission
2/23/2010 - ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) -- Air Force Global Strike Command's top officer emphasized his command's dedication to the bomber mission during the Air Force Association's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 19 here.
"Let me state right up front," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, the AFGSC commander. "Global Strike Command (Airmen are) absolutely committed to providing robust and relentless advocacy for current and future bomber capabilities; in the conventional, as well as in the nuclear realm."
Bombers have always been at the "heart and soul" of the Air Force since its very beginnings, General Klotz said.
"The ability to hold at risk or strike any target anywhere in the world" is one of the 12 Air Force core functions," he said.
He acknowledged that the B-52 Stratofortress and the B-2 Spirit bombers, which came under his responsibility Feb. 1, were "aging aircraft."
"As such, our bomber force faces significant challenges in terms of sustainment of current capabilities and the modernization of the existing platforms to exploit their full potential in the joint fight," the general said.
He emphasized that nuclear-capable bombers remain a vitally important component of the "triad" of nuclear forces -- intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles being the other two legs of the triad -- that serve to deter attacks against the United States, as well as its allies and partners. And he underscored the bombers' powerful non-nuclear, or "conventional," capabilities.
General Klotz addressed the issue of how nuclear and conventional operations will coexist in Air Force Global Strike Command.
"I'm often asked how we will be able to balance emphasis on both the nuclear and conventional missions of the bombers and airmen assigned to Global Strike Command," the general said. "The simple fact is that this is not a new challenge."
Bombers played a significant conventional role in conflicts from World War II through current actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Klotz said.
The bomber's "role was not limited strictly to the nuclear mission, even during the most intense periods of the Cold War," the general said.
The general also updated the audience on the "methodical, step-by-step" stand-up of the Air Force's new major command, noting the assumption of the ICBM mission Dec. 1, the command's assumption of long-range, nuclear-capable B-2 and B-52 bombers Feb. 1, and the plan to attain 'full operational capability' by the end of the summer.
Officials reactivated the 69th Bomb Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in September. The 69th BS became the second operational B-52 squadron at Minot AFB, "thus mirroring Barksdale (AFB)," which has two operational B-52 squadrons, the general said.
"This move will help balance the workload between nuclear deterrence and conventional missions, not only at Minot (AFB), but across the entire B-52 force," he said.
The new people and jets have already begun to arrive in a phased deployment that will be complete by this spring, he said. The action will ultimately bring 10 additional B-52s and more than 800 people to Minot AFB.
Check out all the great stuff our 191st Military Police Company is doing:
Carpenter Earns Air Assault Qualification: http://bit.ly/aWmIJs
Military Police Soldiers Promoted: http://bit.ly/cWc5KY
Devils Lake Soldier Receives Commendation: http://bit.ly/9HtImb
Congrats to these Airmen and Soldiers for their outstanding accomplishments! http://bit.ly/dD8jZc and http://bit.ly/aYiaAs
Coping With Deployments-Red Cross course available in 50 states 4 troops,vets,& families. http://bit.ly/9B3H9N
Congratulations go to Col. Craig Lambrecht for being named to the YMCA Board of Directors: http://bit.ly/b37Q68
Do you have news to share about your unit or FRG? Send your stories to NGNDSTAFFPAO@ng.army.mil.
Free Tax Filing through MOS/Tax Law Changes/Combat Zone Tax Errors
Military OneSource (MOS) again offers service members H&R Block At Home® (formerly TaxCut) online tax filing through the MOS web site and telephonic tax consultations by calling the MOS tax hotline at 1-800-730-3802
Many of the recent tax breaks will phase in over the next nine years, or are indexed to inflation. To help determine how these tax laws affect long-term plans, follow the link to read the changes scheduled to come into effect through 2017. Changes for 2009 are included because they affect tax returns. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TaxLaw
A recent audit revealed that hundreds of thousands of troops and civilians who have served in combat zones may not have received all their earned tax benefits or have continued to receive benefits to which they are not entitled. http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TaxRules
American Red Cross' Armed Forces Casualty Travel Assistance Program
The Service to the Armed Forces Casualty Travel Assistance Program (CTAP) is a one-time grant available to up to two immediate Family members who are not on Invitational Travel Orders (ITOs) or government-funded. visit http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/RedCross
Veterans Owed 'Stop-Loss' Special Payment Must Apply to Receive It
About 185,000 veterans forced by wartime "stop loss" orders to serve on active duty beyond their approved separation dates are due a retroactive special payment of $500 for each extra month they served. However, these veterans must apply by October 21, 2010 to receive the extra money which was set aside in appreciation for the extra time they had to serve. http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/StopLossPay
TRICARE Introduces New Benefit
TRICARE introduced several new programs recently to include the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP), which provides short-term professional counseling assistance. TRICARE's new Extended Care Health Option (ECHO), which provides benefits for eligible Family members diagnosed with extraordinary physical or psychological conditions. For information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources, visit the TRICARE Mental Health Resources Center. For more information on TRICARE's new dental program and pharmacy benefits, visit the TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/ADDP and the TRICARE Pharmacy Program webpage at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICARE.
The Department of Defense launched Military Pathways to provide free, anonymous mental health and alcohol self-assessments for Family members and Service members in all branches including the National Guard and Reserve. Military Pathways is available online, by phone, and at special events held at installations worldwide. http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/MentalHealth
Toolkit Helps Answer Service Members' Healthcare Questions
One in five service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffers from major depression or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. To help service members affected by a behavioral or other health condition, TRICARE created the Toolkit for wounded, ill, and injured service members. The Toolkit is located at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/TRICAREWII and is a good resource for wounded service members seeking information about healthcare.
Increase in Suicide Rate of Veterans Noted
The suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old men who have left the military has gone up significantly. The rate for these veterans went up 26 percent from 2005 to 2007, according to preliminary data from the Veterans Affairs Department. VA officials said they assume that most of the veterans in this age group served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Significant in the data is the fact that, in 2007, veterans in the group who used VA health care were less likely to commit suicide than those who did not, an improvement from 2005 data. In recent years, the VA has hired thousands of new mental health professionals, and established a suicide hot line credited with "rescues" of nearly 6,000 veterans and military members in distress. To read more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/VetSuicide
Vets, Homeless Dogs Paired, and both Benefit
Pets2Vets pairs homeless pets with combat veterans, law enforcement/emergency personnel, and those affected by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pets2Vets was started by an Air Force senior Airman who, after returning home from Iraq, struggled with his own experience. He went to a pit-bull rescue facility and adopted a puppy. Through his own success, he started the group. This group has made two or three matches a week since October. The group's objective is to assist our nation's heroes and their Families with rehabilitation through pet therapy, save sheltered pets from being euthanized by providing them with homes, and to raise public awareness of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To learn more about this group, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/VetsDogs
Operation Homelink
Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers to the spouses or parents of junior enlisted (E1-E5) U.S. deployed service members, enabling email communication with their loved ones deployed overseas. To date, the nonprofit organization has partnered with corporate donors to link 3,200 deployed Soldiers with their Families using Internet-friendly computers. Regardless of where computers are sent, they are provided to units that are scheduled to deploy overseas in the next 90 days. Operation Homelink does not accept individual requests for computers. For more information, visit the Operation Homelink website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/OperationHomelink
DisABLEDperson Scholarship Competition
DisABLEDperson, Inc. announced the Spring 2010 scholarship competition for college students with disabilities. The competition for the $1,000 scholarship award will end on March 1, 2010. To qualify, a student must be a U.S. citizen and be enrolled full-time in a two-or-four year accredited college or university in the U.S. Upon winning, the student will prove disability through the Disability Student Services department. Disability is defined as "A disadvantage or deficiency, especially a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents normal achievement in a particular area, something that hinders or incapacitates." Entries are due before the March 1, 2010 deadline. The winner will be announced on the disABLEDperson website at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Disabled on March 15, 2010.
Nominate a Dad
Nominate a Dad for the 2010 National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) Military Fatherhood Award. National Fatherhood Initiative will be accepting nominations for the 2010 Military Fatherhood Award, presented by Lockheed Martin, starting on Tuesday, January 19th at 12pm, but NFI will only be accepting the first six hundred nominations. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/NominateDad
VA and DoD Increase Number of Federal Recovery Coordinators
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced they will be hiring five new Federal Recovery Coordinators (FRC). This will make 20 FRCs helping to coordinate care for our Nation's most severely wounded, ill, or injured service members, veterans, and their Families. http://www.myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/FRC
DoD is allowing eligible beneficiaries to visit a TRICARE retail network pharmacy to receive three types of vaccines: the Seasonal flu, the H1N1, and pneumonia vaccine. There will be no cost to the beneficiary. A list of participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies is at http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/Pharmacy
TRICARE has made the valuable treatment option of psychiatric partial hospitalization available to more beneficiaries by streamlining its certification procedure for this type of behavioral health care. Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) at TRICARE-authorized hospitals are now considered TRICARE-authorized providers and no longer need a separate certification. Freestanding PHPs, however, must be certified and be participating TRICARE providers. To learn more, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/BehavioralHealth.
Walt Disney World celebrates the U.S. Military in 2010
As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Family vacations in 2010, America's military personnel will have more reasons to celebrate: Special offers on theme park tickets and accommodations. For information, go to http://myarmyonesource.com/News/2010/02/WaltDisney
RSVP+ North Dakota invites individuals of all ages to enhance personal growth, develop leadership skills, and meet critical community needs through meaningful volunteer service opportunities.
RSVP+ Dakota West
Serving Stark, Billings, Adams, Bowman, Slope, Golden Valley, Hettinger & Dunn Counties
Project Coordinator: Beverly Hafele
Phone: 701-227-or 1-888-844-8421
E-mail: Beverly.Hafele@ndsu.edu
RSVP+ Central
Serving Burleigh, Morton, Oliver, Mercer, Sioux, Grant & Emmons Counties
Project Director: Kelsey Bless
E-mail: Kelsey.Bless@ndsu.edu
Phone: 701-258-5436
RSVP+ North Central
Serving Ward, Divide, Burke, Renville, Williams, McKenzie, McLean, Sheridan, Mountrail, McHenry, Pierce & Bottineau Counties
Project Director: Miriam Smette
Phone: 701-852-3799 E-mail: minotrsvp@srt.com
RSVP+ South Central
Serving Stutsman, LaMoure, Wells, Foster, Logan, Dickey, Kidder & McIntosh Counties
Project Coordinator: Deb Lee
Phone: 701-252-2882
E-mail: deborrah.lee@ndsu.edu
RSVP+ Southern Valley
Serving Cass, Barnes, Griggs, Ransom, Sargent, Richland, Steele, Traill & Clay (MN) Counties
Project Coordinator: Teresa Huff
Phone: 701-231-9753
E-Mail: teresa.huff@ndsu.edu
Project Director: Linda Nelson
Phone: 701-231-9751
E-mail: linda.k.nelson@ndsu.edu
RSVP+ NorthEast
Serving Grand Forks, Nelson, Walsh, & Pembina Counties
Project Coordinator: Kurtis Shelton
Phone: 701-787-0043
E-mail: kurtis.shelton@ndsu.edu
__________________________________________________________
Veteran Airlift Command provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots. They've got heart. They need wings. Watch this video to learn more: http://vimeo.com/3942163.
Priority is currently focused on the veterans of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). As capacity allows, the mission will expand to serve veterans of other conflicts as well.
Founder, Walt Fricke, was recently recognized by People Magazine as one of the many Heroes Among Us. www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20342962,00.html
There are always Open Unassigned Missions, if you are a pilot and would like to volunteer. www.veteransairlift.org/page/1/aircraft_allocations.jsp
To date, the VAC has flown almost 1,200,000 miles. www.veteransairlift.org
Veterans Airlift Command
5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 700
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-582-2911
info@veteransairlift.org
Lowe's military discount now year-round: Most members of the military community no longer will have to wait for a special holiday discount to buy shovels, paint, and other home improvement needs. Home improvement retailer Lowe's has expanded its 10 percent military discount to all day, everyday, for active-duty, National Guard and reserve, retiree and disabled service members, and their families, company officials announced Wednesday.
Those who want to receive the discount must present a valid military ID card. All other military veterans will receive the 10 percent discount on the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day.
The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. It cannot be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales, or on sales of services or gift cards.
"Lowe's was founded on the heels of World War II by veterans Jim Lowe and Carl Buchan and has always been a supporter of the military," said Larry D. Stone, Lowe's president and chief operating officer, in a statement announcing the new policy.
"The year-round discount program is one way we are reaffirming our commitment to the thousands of men and women who are serving throughout the world, as well as their family members at home."
Position Title: ARNG BCT/BDE Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA)
Location: 68th Troop Command, 4200 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58606-5511
Availability: For Immediate Placement. Salary: $34,000 Annual (Hourly, non-exempt position)
The Military Personnel Services Corporation (MPSC) is seeking qualified, trained and capable individual to serve as Family Readiness Support Assistant for Commands within the Army National Guard throughout the States and Territories. Family Readiness is a Commander's responsibility. The ARNG FRSA position is designed to provide the Commander with a Family readiness program assistant to coordinate all aspects of the Command's Family Readiness Program. FRSAs assigned to the Commands will be formally supervised by the contract company, but will receive technical guidance and direction from the Commander or their representative.
Major responsibilities include (not all inclusive):
§ Serve as Family Readiness Program Assistant for the Commander
§ Provide assistance in development and implementation of Command's Family Readiness Program
§ Serve as conduit for information and coordination for family matters within the Command
§ Provide training and hands-on assistance on the Command's Family Readiness
§ Coordinate all aspects of the Family Readiness Triad—assistance, support, and readiness
§ Provide assistance to units and individuals to ensure accomplishment of all Deployment Cycle Support (DCS) tasks during the appropriate phase of the deployment cycle
§ Identify individuals and families requiring monitoring, follow-up or referral and coordinate with the appropriate internal points of contact
§ Provide assistance and training to Rear Detachment Commanders (RDC)
§ Develop a post-deployment reunion and reintegration plan for the Command
§ Coordinate with the state Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve point of contact on employer issues relative to Soldiers and Families within the Command
§ Provide assistance, support, and analysis as required to the state/territory FRA
§ Provide other deployment cycle support as required
Qualified candidates must have:
§ Knowledge, experience, and skills in the area of military personnel and Family programs. Demonstrated working knowledge of military wellbeing programs, family programs, and deployment cycle support.
§ Knowledge of the structure and operations of the Army National Guard
§ Exceptional customer service—good oral and written communication skills
§ Proficiently read, write, and understand the English language
§ A valid state driver's license
§ Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Power Point and Database use experience
MPSC offers a competitive benefits program which includes: 10 paid vacation days, 10 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days, 401K (w/3% company match), $50k Life Insurance Policy, and a comprehensive Health and Dental Plan.
Application Instructions: Interested parties should submit a cover letter, a current resume (no more than 2 pages), and the enclosed Application as email attachments to jlofreddo@mpscrc.com and roybn.keller@us.army.mil NLT 5:00 CST on 19 March 2010. Email subject lines must read "North Dakota FRSA, 68th TC, Bismarck, ND". Any resumes submitted after the deadline, and that do not follow the instructions above will not be accepted.
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE: A&FRC UPCOMING EVENTS
-Conflict Management 3 Mar
-Give Parents A Break 5 Mar
-Bundles for Babies 11 Mar
-Employer Panel/Job Fair 12 Mar
-YMCA Fun Day 12 Mar (Sign-up NLT 5 Mar)
-Stress Management 17 Mar
-Battle of the Bands 26 Mar
-Communication Class 31 Mar
-Call A&FRC to pre-register for all classes/events at 723-3950-Visit www.5thforcesupport.com for information and more Minot AFB events.
DOWNTOWN EVENTS-
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare 7 Mar
-Home & Garden Show 6-7 Mar
-Minot Symphony Orchestra –Spring Concert 6 Mar
-Prairie Warrior Auction 27 MarVisit
Advocacy is Important
The most important asset a child has is his/her parent. The Airman & Family Readiness Center & the Pathfinder Parent Center present Advocacy Training on 23 Mar at 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. This event is planned with the focus on those military families that have special needs children. Some of the topics to be discussed at this training are: parent advocacy, significant transitions, keeping your cool, everything in writing, diagnosis is key, and finding programs for your child. Every parent has the right to…
•Go through the grieving process
•To wonder "what if"
•Have their child seen as an individual not as a label or diagnosis
•Wish that sometimes things could be easier
•Make sure their child is treated fairly in this world
•Seek out supportive professionals
•Services their child can benefit fromDon't miss out on this opportunity to gather information and training you can utilize to help your child become all he/she can be! Seating is limited. To pre-register call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 723-3950.
Markus G. Nehlsen, MSgt, USAF
Airman and Family Readiness Center, NCOIC
5th Force Support Squadron, MAFB ND
PHONE: DSN 453-6882/COMM 701-723-6882
FAX: DSN 453-2922/COMM 701-723-2922
FMAC + MSC = FMIX
The Contact Center for the Map Service Center (MSC) has been consolidated into the current FEMA Map Assistance Contact Center (FMAC) to increase efficiency as it will provide a one-stop shop for a variety of information, products, services and tools that support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The toll-free number currently used by the FMAC, 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) should be used instead of the MSC number (1-800-358-9616). This MSC number will still be in use for a while, but will be discontinued by the end of April 2010.
In addition, to reflect the consolidation of the contact centers the name of the FEMA Map Assistance Center (FMAC) will change to the FEMA Map Information eXchange, or FMIX. As stated, the phone number for the FMIX is the same as before, 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).
This change will occur as of Monday March 1, 2010.
The FMIX, looks forward to helping you with any FEMA map related questions or orders. For more information or to contact a FEMA Map Specialist, please call 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or e-mail FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
________________________________________________________________
New Policy Authorizes Social Media Access, With Caveats
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2010 - Attention all Facebookers, Twitter tweeters and YouTubers: a new Defense Department policy authorizes you to access these and other Web 2.0 platforms from nonclassified government computers, as long as it doesn't compromise operational security or involve prohibited activities or Web sites.
Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III, who signed the policy, said it strikes a critical balance between the benefits and potential vulnerabilities of these applications. "This directive recognizes the importance of balancing appropriate security measures while maximizing the capabilities afforded by 21st-century Internet tools," he said.
While authorizing access to these tools, the new policy also recognizes the importance of protecting military networks and operations, explained David M. Wennergren, deputy assistant secretary of defense for information management and technology.
For example, the new policy allows commanders to temporarily limit that access as required to maintain operations security or address bandwidth constraints. It also prohibits malicious activity on military information networks and denies access to sites promoting prohibited activity such as gambling, pornography and hate crimes.
While information sharing may seem the polar opposite of security to some people, Wennergren said the Defense Department can no longer afford to consider just one or the other.
"If you look at either one individually, you will fail," he said. "You will have great security, but no ability to access information sharing. [Or], if you think only about sharing, you will run into issues of operational security and letting bad things into your system. So you can no longer think of them as two separate subjects."
The new policy promotes what Wennergren calls "secure information sharing," providing the balance needed to tap into the capabilities social media networking provides without compromising security.
He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in using unclassified military networks to access these tools, and said the department will continue to evaluate the policy after it takes effect.
"There's a huge imperative for security," Wennergren said. "It is everyone's responsibility in the department to make sure they are doing all that they can to protect our information and our information systems."
Ultimately, he called responsible, security-conscious use of social media networks a win-win proposition for the Defense Department and its members, enabling them to take full advantage of the power of social media networking.
"The world of Web 2.0 and the Internet provides these amazing opportunities to collaborate," Wennergren said. It not only promotes information sharing across organizational boundaries and with mission partners, but also enables deployed troops to maintain contact with their loved ones at home.
"So if you work on those two pieces" -- access and security -- "this really is giving people this avenue to do amazing things in terms of getting the information shared and making decisions happen much more rapidly," Wennergren said.
Until now, most servicemembers have been able to access social media platforms from their government computers, but policies have not been consistent across the department. The Marine Corps instituted a policy in early 2007 blocking Marines from accessing these sites through the Marine networks. Marines have, however, been permitted to access the sites from personal computers.
Military Funeral Honors
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U.S. KFOR aviators take students high in language-learning
FERIZAJ/UROSEVAC, Kosovo - U.S. Soldiers with Kosovo Forces (KFOR )12
Multi-National Battle Group-East's Task Force Aviation have been busy this
rotation taking students to new heights.
Only they're not doing it with helicopters, they're doing it with language.Command Sgt. Maj. Marion Erik Brakeman and Capt. Eric Seymore are two of the
Soldiers involved in teaching
"English as a Second Language" (ESL) to local high school students at the
Ferizaj Youth Center. Task Force Aviation is made up of aviation and aviation support units from South Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.
Brakeman, the command sergeant major for Task Force Aviation, said the
unit's English classes meet twice a week for two hours each. The unit
inherited the classes from their U.S. KFOR aviation predecessors with KFOR
11. They primarily were from Alaska.
"A lot of the kids here in Kosovo learn English in high school, but we can
provide that conversational English that they're not going to get from an
Albanian who speaks English," Brakeman said. "They can learn it from an
American. Even though, Kentucky, Virginia, and South Carolina - sometimes
it's a little Southern English, in regard to what they were being taught
before, which was Alaskan English. It's a little bit different for them, but
they've adjusted well to southern speakers. They're doing well."
Seymore, Task Force Aviation Headquarters and Headquarters Co. commander,
with the 2-151st Aviation Battalion in South Carolina, joked about how the
group of students would come out of the experience with a southern twang.
"Everybody back home, when they found out I was going to be teaching English
in Kosovo - they all think it's a hoot, 'cause they said there'll be a whole generation of kids in Kosovo that speak like a redneck from South Carolina," he said.
Brakeman said Task Force Aviation didn't bring a whole lot of professional teaching experience to the program, but, thanks to the students, they were able to get off to a quick start.
"There are students in the class that help us because they've been doing it
so long, at least since KFOR 8," Brakeman said. "So that's been a big help.
We've inherited this whole thing. We gained some good ideas on how to teach
the classes, how to interact with them and from there we just kind of grew
with them and adjusted with the students.
Brakeman said because there were so many students - averaging 65 per class -
it could sometimes be overwhelming to new Soldiers not used to teaching, let
alone teaching such enthusiastic youth.
"There'll be 10 or 12 of the students around you trying to speak while we're
trying to teach them, he said. "They're very interested; they love to be in
your face and talking with you. So if we have one Soldier - especially if
they're new to it - and he's got 10 or 12 high school kids around him, it's
kind of disconcerting for some of the younger guys."
Seymore said the classes always have been well-received by both the students
and teachers. The Task Force Aviation Soldiers love their time with the
students, as well.
"The kids have really responded well and we've had a ton of soldiers from
Aviation just begging to go out and help," he said. "I think the Soldiers
get more out of the experience, a lot of times, than the students do."
Brakeman said although it was the first time he taught ESL, he was
instructing the advanced group.
"It's hard for me because I've got to do a lot of studying to do the harder
English, which means I'm always in these books, these big thick books that
I've got to study for in order to teach them."
This is Seymore's first time teaching ESL as well.
"I'm in the sales profession at home; I don't have any formal training at
all with ESL, so it's been kind of a challenge for me to develop some of the
lessons," he said. "The kids always keep us laughing - whether it's them
trying to say something in English and it comes out funny or we try and say
something in Albanian and it comes out funny. I think that's one reason the
kids enjoy it so much is that we've built that relationship and we can all
relax and really just enjoy each other and the time there."
While the students - and Soldiers teaching them - may cherish the memories,
they won't have much longer to create those experiences. The plan is to
eventually hand off the instruction of these classes to local instructors in
the area -- college students from the University of Pristina.
Long after it is over, the program will hold a special place in Seymore's
heart.
"It's one of the most rewarding things I've done in my life and the kids
really appreciate it," Seymore said. "They really enjoy it and that means
the world to me.
________________________________________________________________
The ND Department of Emergency Services (ND-DES) is seeking retirees who are
willing to work during flood operations. Indications are that this would be
in State Active Duty (SAD) status at the current pay scale for the
individual's retired rank.
Below is the wording from the Fragmentary Order:
c. Tasks to the Joint & Special Staffs.
(1) J1
(a) Develop a NDNG retiree database of Army & Air
retirees who would have an interest in supporting the 2010 flood fight and
any other future large-scale DSCA (Defense Support of Civilian Authority)
operation NLT 15 March 2010. Potential mission requirements include
administrative support to the ND-DES SEOC (State Emergency Operations
Center), administrative support to disaster recovery field offices across the
state, etc.
If a retiree interested, s/he should send the following information to Col
Michael Aberle at michael.aberle@us.army.mil
Name
Retired rank
Address
Phone(s)
Email
Are you available to work in Bismarck?
Other preferred location or "only" location
Dates available to work, or any restrictions on availability after 15 Mar.
THE NEXT MEETING: - April is Month of the Military Child with our theme being Military Children - Everyday Heroes in Your Community. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 22 in Bismarck. The Haugland room at the ND State Capitol has been reserved. Theresia Hersch, Tonya Sigl and Shelle Michaels will plan for the meeting. ShelleMichaels@msn.com.
A block of rooms for the ISFAC members traveling to Bismarck has been locked in at the Comfort Inn, one of the most military friendly hotels in North Dakota. Make your reservation by April 8th for this block. (701) 223-1911. It is listed under the ISFAC.
WHAT IS ISFAC?
The Interservice Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) is a voluntary military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking for training and assistance to ensure Total Force Family Readiness.
Our purpose is to provide assistance to families regardless of service component.
The goal of the ISFAC is to strengthen existing family assistance delivery systems in the event of mobilization, deployment, or natural disaster through the interaction of committee members.
Many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states. Across the nation current focuses are being developed in regards to spouse employment, including unemployment compensation for transferring military spouses, in-state tuition allowances, financial readiness, education, and the pressing needs of severely injured service members and their families. Many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, and we look forward to making significant progress in the future.
North Dakota ISFAC is currently focusing on six key topics; family support, educational benefits, license and registration benefits, tax and financial breaks, state employee
benefits and other special protections.
INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA:
Interservice Family Assistance Committee
· ISFAC Blog: www.isfac.blogspot.com
· ISFAC Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ISFAC
· Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ISFAC
North Dakota National Guard Photos, Videos & Other Updates:
· www.119wg.af.ang.mil
· www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
· www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
· www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
· www.twitter.com/NDNGAberle
· www.facebook.com North Dakota National Guard
Soldiers' Angels:
· www.twitter.com/soldiersangels
· www.twitter.com/publicrelations
· www.youtube.com/soldiersangels
· www.facebook.com/SoldiersAngelsOfficial
· www.facebook.com/DayoftheDeployed
· www.twitter.com/honordeployed
· www.facebook.com/soldiersangelsgermany
Local Air Force:
Grand Forks Air Force Base:
· www.twitter.com/GrandForksAFB
Minot Air Force Base:
· www.Facebook.com (Minot AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center)
United States Air Force:
· http://airforcelive.dodlive.mil/
· www.flickr.com/photos/usairforce
United States Army:
· www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter
· www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter
United States Marine Corp
· www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsNews
· www.twitter.com/MarineCorpsNews
· www.twitter.com/USMC
· www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/
United States Navy
· www.youtube.com/user/usnavyweb
· www.flickr.com/photos/usnavynvns
United States Coast Guard:
· http://coastguard.dodlive.mil
· www.youtube.com/user/USCGImagery
North Dakota Legion
· www.twitter.com/ndlegion
UND Center for Rural Health
· www.Twitter.com/CRuralHealth
· www.facebook.com/CRuralHealth
· www.facebook.com (North Dakota Brain Injury Partnership)
Military One Source
· www.twitter.com/Military1Source
North Dakota Patriot Guard
· www.twitter.com/ND_PatriotGuard
Operation Military Kids
· www.twitter.com/OurMilitaryKids
North Dakota Red Cross
North Dakota Counties
· www.twitter.com/NDCounties
North Dakota Emergency Management Systems
· www.twitter.com/NDDES
North Dakota League of Cities
· www.twitter.com/NDLeague
If you are an ISFAC member and would like your Social Media listed here- please contactShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org and send the full listing as above. If you would like assistance setting up social networking for your organization, please feel free to talk to Shelle Michaels.
NOTE: New Policy Authorizes Social Media Access, With Caveats- www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=58117
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