November 13, 2009- A gentle REMINDER that ISFAC members have requested to use this method of communication to share information vs. getting many emails from all each week.
Hello ISFAC members-
Welcome Home Minot Air Force Base Deployers- 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron-1st Lt. Thy Pham-Cieliesz and 5th Civil Engineer Squadron-Staff Sgt. Jacob Jones.
Any new events or changes to events on this list, I will highlight in RED so you can skim through this listing without having to look at everything on a weekly basis. 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 Thursday of each week.
Have a great day!
Shelle Michaels, Soldiers' Angels
EVENTS/MEETINGS:
Friday, November 13, 2009: Grand Forks Air Force Base 319th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony will be held at 3:19 p.m. On Nov. 14, Col. Michel will move to Scott Air Force Base near Belleville, Ill., to become the executive officer for Air Mobility Command.
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday November 15, 2009: In an effort to support our troops and their families, KJ Candids & Soldiers' Angels proudly present "Operation: Photos for Families". This is a two day event to provide deployed service members and their families with memories to last a lifetime. Call or email Kelly to schedule your family photo shoot today! You must provide military ID card upon arrival. Photos will be taken free of charge and clients will be provided with an online gallery for proofing. Prints may be purchased at cost ($3 per 8x10 unit) - see photographer for details. LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE- FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Only registered families will be photographed - please register in advance - contact Kelly at kgb@kjcandids.com or 701-739-9651 and leave a message and number to call you back.
Sunday November 15, 2009: ND National Guard Teen Council. 2-4 pm Military Service Center. Contact SPC Tonya Sigl, North Dakota National Guard State Youth Coordinator 701-333-4803 or tonya.sigl@us.army.mil for more details.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Maintaining Balance during the Holiday Season
MilitaryOneSource Webinars: Click on the link below to register - https://www.militaryonesource.com/Default.aspx?grm2catid=10&tabid=238
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – Veterans Initiative in Grand Forks. Noon at Bonzers on Demers. If you have the names and emails of anyone else you would like to see invited to this meeting, please email me Shelle Michaels (shellemichaels@msn.com or 218-779-7271), Roy M Fillion, (rfillion@nd.gov or 701-795-3788) or Heidi Sanger, (Heidi.Sanger@va.gov or 701- 335-4380 ext. 2236) and let us know your intent to join this opportunity to make Grand Forks a better place for our veterans to live.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009. Tri-Care Representative on site 8 am to 3:30 pm. Raymond J. Bohn Armory Room 320 4200 Divide Ave. in Bismarck. This month Amber will be at RJB, Room 320 on the 17th from 0800-1530. If you are unable to make it and would like to speak with her via phone please call 701.333.3070, (Personnel Services general line) let the person who answers the phone know that you need to speak with the TRICARE rep, and they will transfer you to Amber.
SPC Messner NGND-G1-PSB
Personnel Services Branch
DEERS/RAPIDS, Casualty Assistance, TRICARE
PH: 701.333.3072
EMAIL: ashley.messner@ng.army.mil
Tuesday, November 17, 2009. 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
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:15-1pm, Come and hear Ann Dolence speak on "Help! I Need Some Energy, Now!" for our caregiving series. You will learn specific techniques to give you more energy to carry out the tasks that need to be done! $5 lunch. HeartSprings, located at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fargo, ND. Contact Jan Nelson - jnelson1409@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, November 17th 9:45-10:45 & 10:45-11:45am, Come and join Ashley Steilow, art therapist in "Art as Inspiration". This is your chance to play, learn, find inspiration, and insight with art in a non-threatening environment for the non-artist. $5/class. HeartSprings, located at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fargo, ND. Contact Jan Nelson - jnelson1409@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009- 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
Wednesday, November 18, 2009: Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Course
The next Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Class is scheduled for Nov. 18 from 12 to 4 p.m. currently there are 18 slots available. This course is certified thru the National Safety Council and is available to personnel of all ages. An insurance break may be offered by your respective insurance agency for completion of this course. To sign up or answer any questions regarding the class please email Tech. Sgt. Preolette at mary.preolette-02@grandforks.af.mil
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – The GFAFB 5th Annual Education and Training Fair
Grand Forks Air Force Base's education and training center is hosting its 5th annual education and training fair Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northern Lights Club. There will be schools from around the country assisting military, family members and civilian personnel in achieve their education goals. All are welcome. Representatives from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Troops to Teachers, Commissioning and the library will be there, as well as, information on financial aid and scholarship and the new Post 9/11 Government Issued Bill. For more information, call the education and training center at (701) 747-3316.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 - Veteran's Stand Down from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM at Hope Evangelical Church (@ K- mart Plaza). VA Hospital Health Care for Homeless Veterans. Some of the many services available are: Employment Assistance, Legal Referrals, Social Services, OEF/OIF, Wellness Exam, VA Benefits, Eligibility, Women Veterans Services, Haircuts, Meals, Dental Access, Clothing, Vets Center, Social Table, County Veterans Services Officers, Housing/Shelter Information and Referrals, Vocational Rehabilitation, Transitional Housing. Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to provide services to homeless veterans. Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless Veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless. For more information contact Diana Hall at 701-238-7131 or Diana.Hall2@va.gov.
Thursday, November 19, 2009 Health Coaching: What's it all about? MilitaryOneSource Webinars: Click on the link below to register - https://www.militaryonesource.com/Default.aspx?grm2catid=10&tabid=238
Friday, November 20, 2009- Grand Forks Air Force Base- Wing Down Day.
Sunday, November 22, 2009: 1:30 pm. 1-188th ADA RAID IV Send Off- North Dakota Army National Guard Armory 1501 48th Street S - Grand Forks. MISSION: Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment (RAID) mission has about 40 Soldiers and two Sentinel Radar missions of approximately 25 and 8 Soldiers each.
The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar is generally used to alert and queue short range air defense weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching friendly forces. RAID-IV unit will be the fourth N.D. Army National Guard security surveillance mission. This unit is referred to as "RAID-IV" to distinguish it from other North Dakota units with similar missions.
The first surveillance mission was named 1-188th ADA JLENS (Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor) and was mobilized from November 2005 to February 2007. The second surveillance mission, also called "RAID," was mobilized from November 2006 to January 2008. Both previous surveillance missions were performed in Afghanistan. RAID III is currently in Afghanistan.
Commander- Cpt. Walyn Vannurden
FRG Leader- Jenn Vannurden
November 22-28, 2009 as Military Family Appreciation Week. We celebrate our nation's blessings and give thanks for our freedom to enjoy them and we take great pride in honoring the military families across North Dakota. Contact Jessica.b.clark@us.army.mil or ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org for more information. North Dakota Proclamation will be sent out in the beginning of November.
Monday, November 23, 2009: Come to the Airman and Family Readiness 3rd Annual Open House Soup Supper Celebration. 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM. Enjoy hot soups, bread, punch, and desserts. Munch on some popcorn, soft pretzels, and join the kids in making different fall crafts. All are welcome! A&FRC, (701) 747-3241
Tuesday, November 24th 12:15-1pm, Come and hear Naomi March and, from West Funeral Home, speak on "Something to Remember Me By" for our grieving series. Ms. March and will tell a story and talk about how memories of our loved ones add to our holiday gatherings. Lunch is free. HeartSprings, located at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N Elm St., Fargo, ND. Contact Jan Nelson - jnelson1409@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009: University of North Dakota Military Affairs Committee meeting: 9:30 -11:00 AM in Twamley Hall located at 264 Centennial Drive. By invitation only contact Sandy Monette Sandy.Monette@und.edu.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009: John Ferder will be coming home from deployment in Afghanistan on Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009 at 04:09 pm at the Bismarck Airport. The Ferderer's other son, Spc. Dennis Ferderer Jr., 20, died in Ad Duluiyah, Iraq on November 2, 2005. (1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga). Dina was the Gold Star mom that spoke at the dedication of the Memorial for the KIA of the Global War on Terror.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009: 6 pm Grand Forks Cottonwood Community Church will host a Thanksgiving banquet at the church (308 S. 5th St. in Grand Forks) in honor of all military personnel and families. It's our way of giving back and giving thanks for their dedication and sacrifice in service to our country. We will once again hire a chef for a delicious, catered turkey dinner and have live jazz music. Cottonwood is especially mindful of families that will be apart because of deployments as well as new service members recently stationed here that may have nowhere to go. Please contact our office (772-4126) to register. http://www.cottonwoodcommunity.org/
Wednesday, December 2, 2009: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
December 5, 2009: Military Appreciation Day Women's Hockey: UND vs. Bemidji State. Military adults and up to three dependents can gain free entry to this game. Home women's hockey games military adults and up to three dependents can purchase general admission tickets at $2 apiece. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Monday, December 7, 2009 Tops in Blue. 7pm Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks. TOPS IN BLUE serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force. No tickets will be issued. Seats are on a first come first serve basis. (Check out the media document: http://www.airmanonline.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090430-074.pdf )
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Tops in Blue. Minot More details soon.
Thursday, December 10, 2009: Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs meets at 0800 at the Chamber office downtown Grand Forks. (Michaels-standing report and Slaughter sit on this committee.)
Thursday, December 10, 2009 Special Needs Resources for Military Families. MilitaryOneSource Webinars: Click on the link below to register - https://www.militaryonesource.com/Default.aspx?grm2catid=10&tabid=238
Saturday, December 12, 2009- Wreaths across America Nationwide Remembrance Ceremonies will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan. The ceremony will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, south of Mandan at 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009. 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
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 – Last day to book your reservation at the CanadInn at the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010 for the January 14th ISFAC meeting. Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 - under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009. After this date the unused portion of the room block will revert back to the hotel for general sales. Reservations received after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and the current daily rate. When booking this room, if you plan on staying over January 14th as well, please let them know at the time of the reservation and CanadInn.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009- 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
Wednesday, January 6, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
Friday, January 8-10, 2009—NDNG Volunteer Academy Fargo at the Doublewood Inn. The Volunteer Academy's are trainings offered four times a year to individuals who are interested in becoming members of a Family Readiness Group (FRG). Military personnel are also encouraged to attend to better understand the processes and workings of an FRG. This weekend event is packed full of invaluable trainings, speakers and information to help better prepare you and your family for military life and deployments. SSgt Jessica Clark - jessica.b.clark@us.army.mil or Gary Simmons - gary.k.simmons@us.army.mil
January 9, 2009: Military Appreciation Nigh Men's Hockey- UND vs. Minnesota State. Military adults and up to three dependents can buy single game tickets at $15 adult and $10 youth. All seats will be upper bowl. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Thursday, January 14th, 2010. ISFAC in Grand Forks. UND Med School, Soldiers' Angels and Veterans Upward Bound are the hosts at the Memorial Union (Swanson Hall room 10-12). Contact Shelle Michaels (ShelleMichaels@msn.com) for parking information. A block of (20) rooms have been set aside at the CanadInn (attached to the Alerus Center, 1000 South 42nd Street in Grand Forks – off the Demers Exit) with the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010. (This is a SPECIAL offer, as they normally do not give this rate.) Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 – under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009.
Tuesday, January 19, 2009. 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, January 20, 2009- 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
Wednesday, February 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
February 10-11, 2010 Minot, ND 58701 The Military Child Education Coalition's™ Living in the New Normal (LINN)™ training is a two-day professional development program that prepares school guidance professionals, educators and community members to recognize and address the issues facing children dealing with separation from a loved one or experiencing trauma, grief and loss due to the loss or injury of a loved one. It provides concerned adults with information to help support children during these times of uncertainty and gives them the framework to enable them to support families to ensure that their children have the tools to bounce back from life's storms and stressors. The MCEC's LINN™ efforts are predicated on the belief that children's inherent attributes of courage and resiliency can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement. Contact SPC Tonya Sigl, North Dakota National Guard State Youth Coordinator 701-333-4803 or tonya.sigl@us.army.mil for more details.
February 12, 2010 – "Give Love – Give Blood." State wide blood donation project is being coordinated with the Military Service Center and Soldiers' Angels. Save the date and watch for more details coming to a town near you.
February 13, 2010: Military Appreciation Men and Women's Basketball. UND vs. Chicago State. Military adults and up to three dependents can gain FREE entry to this game at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. Home basketball games military adults and up to three dependents can purchase tickets at just $4 apiece. All OEF UND tickets must be purchased or picked-up at an official UND Athletics Box Office. Must present valid military ID to receive the tickets. An adult with a military ID card must be present to receive or purchase a ticket for military dependents that does not have a military ID. One person must present the military ID for the discount. All tickets are subject to availability. If designated sections are sold out of seats, the offer will no longer be available.
Tuesday, February 16, 2009. 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, February 17, 2009- 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
Wednesday, March 3, 2010: Grand Forks ESGR meets at noon. Point of contact is: Jim Martini - jmartini@thevillagefamily.org.
IN THE NEWS/NOTES:
The 2010 Scholarships for Military Children Program is accepting applications. www.militaryscholar.org
Medical Care for Veterans
While many soldiers lose their lives in battle, millions return home, where some find themselves battling to pay for medical bills and health insurance.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School estimate more than 2,200 US military veterans under the age of 65 lost their lives earlier than necessarily last year because they didn`t have health insurance.
That number is more than twice the number of troops that have been lost overseas since the war began in 2001.
State Surgeon Craig Lambrecht says there are a lot of reasons veterans go without insurance.
Some simply can`t afford it, but others just choose not to fit it into their budget.
As there is a low cost option available to veterans.
"Our government, our military, has done a pretty good job of making sure military personal who meet eligibility requirements have access to medical facilities, but like anything else, people fall through the cracks, without question," says Lambrecht.
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35492
http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2009/11/02/?s_cid=email
The first Medal of Honor recipient for heroism during World War I was from North Dakota.
On July 23, 1917, Lt. Willis W. Bradley undoubtedly saved his ship and crew when ammunition cases exploded as they were being loaded into the artillery enclosure of the ship. When the explosion occurred, Bradley was blown back and temporarily knocked unconscious.
When he came to, he crawled back into the burning enclosure. Although he was still in a daze, Bradley bravely extinguished the burning materials located next to "a considerable amount of powder." His action prevented further explosions and likely saved the ship.
While still in the U.S. Navy, Bradley served as governor of Guam and, after retiring from the military, he was elected to Congress. On March 26, 1964, the 414-foot destroyer escort USS Bradley was launched, which was named in honor of Willis W. Bradley.
Willis Winter Bradley Jr. was born June 28, 1884, in Ransomville, N.Y., to Dr. Willis and Sarah Anne (Johnson) Bradley. While only days old, Willis Jr., along with his family, made the long train trip to Milnor in Dakota Territory about the time that Milnor was incorporated as a village on July 8.
Bradley went to St. Paul , Minn., to continue his education at the Hamline University preparatory school because the county had no high school.
On May 6, 1903, Bradley was appointed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
Bradley graduated on Sept. 12, 1906, was commissioned as ensign and assigned to sea duty.
In the fall of 1913, Bradley enrolled at George Washington University and graduated in 1915 with a master's degree in chemistry and explosives. He then returned to sea duty for another two years.
When the U.S. entered World War I, Bradley was assigned to the USS Pittsburgh as a gunnery officer. It was while aboard the Pittsburgh that the explosion occurred, and Bradley's quick thinking and heroism saved the ship and his crewmates.
One month after the incident, he was promoted to lieutenant commander and a year later to commander, both temporary wartime commissions. In January 1918, Bradley became the head of the Explosives Section of the Bureau of Ordinance, a position he held until the end of the war.
For the next 10 years, Bradley alternated between sea and shore duty approximately every other year. In June of 1929, he was named governor of Guam.
He issued Guam's first Bill of Rights; sought U. S. citizenship for the Chamorros, the native inhabitants of Guam; and reorganized Guam's congress. For his work with the Catholic Church on the island, Bradley was awarded the Silver Medal by Pope Pius XI.
With his work in Guam completed, Bradley assumed command of the USS Bridge in July 1931. From that time on, until the early part of World War II, he served in the Aleutians, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including Pearl Harbor, as commander of various installations.
During World War II, Bradley was commander of the Naval Inspection and Survey Board, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif. Bradley retired from the Navy on Aug. 1, 1946.
In 1946, Bradley decided to throw his hat into the political ring as a candidate for Congress. He was considered to be a progressive Republican, but later confessed to be more of a civil Libertarian. Bradley's Democratic opponent was incumbent Clyde Doyle. Bradley got a big boost when he received the endorsement of Veterans' Political Committee.
Of the 23 congressional seats in California, 15 were held by Democrats. On election day, California Democrats lost six of their seats to Republicans. Bradley was elected in district 18, receiving 55.7 percent of the votes.
Bradley ran for re-election in 1948 and, once again, his opponent was Doyle. In this election, Doyle reclaimed his old seat.
In 1952, Bradley ran for a California state assembly seat and won. He was a very active legislator but suffered heart attacks in March and May of 1953. While chairing a meeting of the oil and mining committee on Aug. 27, 1954, Bradley suffered a third heart attack and died in the hospital.
Among his honorary pallbearers were Gov. Goodwin Knight, his old friend Commodore Bryce McCandless and Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless. Bruce McCandless was the son of Bryce and the son-in-law of Willis Bradley, having married Ann Bradley.
The Bradley family was unique in that it had two Medal of Honor winners. Bruce McCandless was awarded the medal for heroism during World War II. Bradley's grandson, Bruce McCandless Jr., became an astronaut. On Feb. 7, 1984, he became the first person to perform an un-tethered space walk.
On Jan. 17, 1963, the keel of the destroyer escort USS Bradley was laid at the San Francisco Yard. When she was launched on March 26, 1964, and commissioned on May 15, 1965, she became a fitting tribute to North Dakota's Willis W. Bradley.
(Reach writer Curt Eriksmoen at cjeriksmoen@cableone.net.)
211 getting new operator
First Link in Fargo took over operation of 211 from Mental Health America of North Dakota in Bismarck. The Mental Health America of North Dakota has operated 211 for the past five years, but chose to give up its license at the end of October because it could no longer afford to operate the line.
"We based the decision on a lack of economic support," said Susan Rae Helgeland, executive director of Mental Health America of North Dakota. "Mental Health America has been doing it for five years. We really, really believe in 211, but the income was not meeting the expenses."
The decision resulted in Mental Health America of North Dakota laying off nine employees. The line received about 9,000 calls in 2008, and has seen an increase in use each year, Helgeland said. It cost more than $200,000 a year to operate.
First Link is the interim provider until the Public Service Commission designates a new license holder for 211. They already jointly operated the 211 line with Mental Health America of North Dakota. For example, when lightning disrupted phone service to the line a few summers ago, the calls were routed to First Link, Helgeland said.
Although Helgeland said she anticipates First Link will become the license holder of 211, the PSC will open the process to other organizations to acquire the license.
The 211 line was supported through various United Way chapters across the state, grants and donations. It provides assistance for social service questions, suicide intervention, mental health, disaster response and other crisis management services.
(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@bismarcktribune.com.)
Thank you to BrainLine News (November 2009) for the following announcement on a new Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Show: Caregivers for Veterans with TBI.
On November 20, 2009 NOW — PBS's weekly national news magazine show — will examine the issue of families acting as caregivers for service members with TBI. The show will profile several caregivers including a former teacher with a toddler son and a former research scientist, both looking at a
lifetime of caring for their spouses with brain injuries. NOW will also talk with experts about advances in medical science that could help the thousands of families in this position.
BrainLine will feature a clip from this new show a few days before the November 20th television air date. Check the PBS schedule at:
http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html.
For more information about NOW, visit
http://www.pbs.org/now/series/index.html.
BrainLine is a national multimedia project offering information and resources about preventing, treating, and living with TBI. BrainLine is a service of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the
nation's capital. BrainLine.org is a WETA website funded by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, through a contract with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. For more information, visit BrainLine at http://brainline.org/index.html.
Dear friends,
I'm contacting you on behalf of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency that promotes a culture in which all American employers support and value their employees' military service. Each year ESGR honors 15 employers across the nation with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government upon organizations that go above and beyond the law in support of their Guard and Reserve employees.
Now through Jan. 18, National Guard and Reserve members and their families are eligible to nominate their supportive employers for this prestigious award. Based on these nominations, 15 employers from across the nation will be selected to receive the award in summer 2010, with a gala awards presentation to follow in September 2010. We ask that as a valuable military support organization, you please help us reach as many service members and their families as possible to inform them of this valuable opportunity.
Attached (in the zip file) for your use is a 'tool kit' of ESGR materials, which includes an e-mail calling on service members and their families to nominate their employers for the Freedom Award. If possible, please share this message with your members. That email is also pasted below. After inserting this image into an email, please create a hyperlink to www.FreedomAward.mil.
Should you have available space on your Web site or in communications materials, we have included three Freedom Award online banner ads, a half-page print advertisement, and the ESGR logo. The exact sizing of the online ads is detailed below. If you are able to use any of the Freedom Award ads on your Web site, please link to www.FreedomAward.mil.
ESGR FA Online Banner Ads
ESGR Horizontal Online Banner – Size: 728x90
ESGR Vertical Online Banner – Size: 120x600
ESGR Square Online Banner – Size: 300x250
NOTE: If you post a banner ad to your Web site, please link them to www.FreedomAward.mil
Thank you for your support with this initiative and your ongoing commitment to our service members and their families.
Very Best,
Phillip Johnson
202-414-0797
Office of The Adjutant General
November 4, 2009
Greetings,
November is Military Family Appreciation Month, and is an opportunity to thank families for their continued support and sacrifice as our service members answer their country's call to duty. Families are the foundation from which our National Guard is built. We rely on that strength and your commitment to enable our service members to do their assigned missions and re-act quickly when the need arises.
Through the challenges of hard training, lengthy deployments and the fear that can sometimes confront our troops in a combat zone, our Soldiers and Airmen are able to count on you for your support. It is you – our spouses, children, parents and friends who are patient when we train and understand the commitment we have when our nation calls. In our absence, it is you who must shoulder the burdens at home so we are able to serve and focus on our missions. You are our inspiration to continually answer the call and fight for the American way of life. You are our heroes, and please know we serve this community, state and country for you.
On behalf of all of the North Dakota National Guard service members, thank you for all that you do.
David A. Sprynczynatyk
Major General, ND National Guard
The Adjutant General
Dear Families,
I want to echo Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk's message to our National Guard Families. You stand tall during deployments and welcome your Airmen and Soldiers home with open arms. You continue to be the vital link between Service Members and the National Guard's ability to maintain ready and responsive forces. As you know, November is a month dedicated to showing appreciation, gratitude, and respect for veterans, members of the armed forces, and our military families. Thank you for all you do on behalf of your Airman and Soldier. They appreciate it. Please accept our sincere thanks for your efforts. Have a great month.
Rob Keller
Director of Service Member & Family Support
North Dakota National Guard
Office: (701)333-4801/ Cell: (701)220-0170
robyn.keller@us.army.mil
Hello ISFAC Members,
Yesterday in our staff meeting we were told that the Military Service Center MSC will have a story in the next Guardian. The story will focus on mental health resources for Service Members and families. As most of you know MOS has three ways to receive mental health services. 1- Network provider located in local area. 2- assigned a counselor and receive services telephonically and 3- assigned a counselor via email.
I am sending this email to ask all of you for testimonials of anyone or perhaps yourself who have used MOS for mental health services. Please do not give me names or very distinctive pertinent information that could be licked to anyone easily. It can be general. If you are speaking of someone else's experience please provide me your perspective of how the services helped that person. I would like them to be as truthful as possible. I have several wonderful stories from our counselors on the Military OneSource team but my goal is to have North Dakota experiences.
I in turn, I may use those examples in my interview of MOS services for the guardian piece. Thank you for your time. I hope I get some really great stories of ND families.
Angela Messmer
Military One Source
Angela.Messmer@militaryonesource.com
North Dakota National Guard Aviation Receives Safety Awards
ORLANDO, Fla. - North Dakota National Guard received three National Safety Awards last week at the 2009 Aviation Safety and Standardization Conference in Orlando, Fla. The awards recognize excellence in aviation and ground transportation safety.
The first award was the Army National Guard Stellar Award for 8 years without a Class A or B Aviation or Ground Accident. The second award was the Distinguished Motor Vehicle Safety Award for 20 years without a Class A or B Army Motor Vehicle Accident. (A Class "A" Accident is defined as damage costs
of $1 million or more or destruction of an Army aircraft, missile or spacecraft or fatality or permanent total disability. A Class "B" Accident is defined as damage costs of $200,000 or more or permanent partial disability or three or more people are hospitalized as inpatients.)
The third award and most extraordinary was the Distinguished Aviation Safety Award presented for 45 years without a Class A or B accident. The award encompasses flight hours from all aircraft operated by the ND Army National Guard both helicopters and airplanes without a single Class A or B incident
from November 1964 to November 2009. North Dakota's 45 year award exceeded the next highest state by 15 years.
Maj. Paul Helten accepted the awards on behalf of the State Army Aviation Officer, Col. Fred Karnik. Helten said, "It is a great honor to accept this award for all of those who have ever been associated with North Dakota Army Aviation, and to hear aviation leaders from around the country say, 'You guys
are definitely doing things right in North Dakota; keep it up.'"
--
Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 3,400 Soldiers and nearly 1,800 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Currently, more than 700 Guardsmen are serving overseas. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, sufficient
forces remain in the state for emergency response and homeland defense.
Alanna Knudson still checks in with us now and then and she sent the following links to share with the membership—
Saluting Our Nation's Heroes-
Veterans, getting help is easier than ever before…
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/Veterans_Resource_Guide_Flyer.pdf
OUR OPINION: Michel achieves 'Above All'
Block 9, Category 2 of Air Force Form 707, Officer Performance Report, calls for evaluation of an officer's leadership skills.
"Works well with others," the form lists as one component.
"Fosters teamwork." "Self-confident." "Displays initiative."
We suspect Col. John Michel rates outstanding marks on those traits — especially the latter, "Displays initiative."
For Michel's initiative has impressed people far beyond the fence line of Grand Forks Air Force Base, where he commands the 319th Air Refueling Wing.
Michel's initiative wows Grand Forks and North Dakota leaders, including, we suspect, the congressional delegation in Washington. That's striking, considering that technically he's been "managing decline" at the base and, at the time of tomorrow's change-of-command ceremony, will have been in Grand Forks only 16 months.
Michel's secret is that he never accepted "managing decline" in the first place. True, the base's tankers are departing and will be gone for good late in 2010. Faced with that inevitability 18 months ago, a colonel taking on the 319th could have accepted the drawdown. He or she simply could have shepherded the flyaways without incident.
From a career standpoint, after all, that would have been the safest route.
But Michel had a different idea from the start. The drawdown "doesn't mean he's the last guy turning out the lights," the Herald reported in July 2008, days after Michel assumed command.
"He's effectively banished that kind of talk. … 'It's time to remove BRAC from our vernacular,' he said, referring to the base realignment and closure process responsible for the 319th's shutdown. 'People focus on the closing part. We know we're not closing. We know we're realigning.'"
Michel's insight and the personal commitment that followed are remarkable for three key reasons. First, he formulated them even before he had arrived on the base. Again, the interview above took place soon after Michel had assumed command. Already, he was meeting with the mayor, UND executives and others, talking up the base and its potential for growth.
He'd been here for hours, but spoke the language of local issues as though he'd been here for years. Clearly, he had studied up on Grand Forks, a farsighted effort that was both noticed and admired.
Second, he didn't have to make the commitment at all. His job title was 319th commander, not base booster and valley visionary. In fact, those roles could have hurt his career, if he'd failed at them or let them detract from his wing commander job.
But he did neither. That's the third reason why Michel's civic commitment was so impressive: He made it work, not only for the Grand Forks area but also for the 319th.
Thanks in part to Michel's efforts, Grand Forks and Grand Forks Air Force Base now are better positioned to be world-class unmanned aerial systems hubs.
Meanwhile, the Air Force announced Monday that the 319th had won an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its performance from July 2008 through June 2009.
'Nuff said. Given what could have been a lemon of an assignment, Michel made lemonade. He fostered growth at Grand Forks Air Force Base rather than managing decline. All in all, a very impressive 16 months. Well done, Colonel — and thanks.
All the best on your new assignment from your friends and fans in Grand Forks.
— Tom Dennis for the Herald
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The chief of the medical staff at Grand Forks Air Force Base is the oldest active-duty Airman in the Air Force.
According to the Air Force Personnel Center, at the young age of 68, Lt. Col. Daniel N. Kulund, 319th Medical Group, is the oldest active-duty Airman.
"I didn't feel old until I found that out," said Colonel Kulund upon receiving the news.
Anyone that knows Colonel Kulund knows that he has an interesting story to tell. He claims that his walls tell the story. Almost every inch of wall in his office is filled with a picture, plaque or newspaper article spanning his 42 years as a surgeon and an officer.
In 1967, while attending the George Washington University School of Medicine, Colonel Kulund was about to be drafted. As an aspiring medical student, he already had an internship lined up at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, Providence R.I., that the Air Force allowed him to take in return for two years of service later. In 1973, he commissioned as a major and was assigned to Langley AFB, Va. Colonel Kulund is an orthopedic surgeon by trade.
After two years of service, he separated from the Air Force and worked eight years as an assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Virginia and 10 years in private practice. Eighteen years later, as empty nest syndrome set in, Colonel Kulund decided to join the Air Force again. In 1993 he was sworn in as a lieutenant colonel.
Even at his age, Colonel Kulund is still an example of youth. Since being stationed at Grand Forks AFB in 2007, he has continued his passion for physical training that he says he developed in high school. Every time he leaves his office he does an exercise to wake himself up and keep in shape.
Colonel Kulund has also developed what he calls a "fighting stick." The fighting stick is an idea that has gained Air Force wide attention as a tool to help Airmen be able to handle the weight and length of an M-16 rifle. The stick is a 40 inch long, 10 pound hollow plastic pipe filled with sand. The fighting stick, along with 15 exercises and defensive fighting drills that Colonel Kulund also developed, has become a staple exercise program at Grand Forks AFB.
"Being old is a state of mind," Colonel Kulund said. "If you get the urge to make a snowball, you're still young."
Colonel Kulund plans to retire after his 70th birthday with 20 years of service.
The Great American Smoke-out is Nov. 19 and a great time for smokers to kick the habit together.
Quitting smoking can also prevent the nation's fourth leading cause of death: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
"My dad smoked his entire life and I think that smoking is what, in fact, killed him eventually. But I wasn't thinking about that. I just thought it was a cool thing to do and I wanted to smoke too," said Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson in a video interview posted on TRICARE's Tobacco Free Web site. "The reason I stopped smoking was because of my patients . . . Kicking an addiction is probably among the strongest things that we will ever do."
The American Lung Association says smoking is the main cause of COPD, which is a group of lung diseases that include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, this condition affects more than 12 million people in the United States.
COPD makes breathing hard by partly blocking your lungs' airways. It can cause colds that last weeks instead of days, frequent lung infections and difficulty keeping up with activities you enjoy, according to COPD-International.
While no cure exists for COPD, if you quit smoking, you'll see your symptoms start decreasing after one to nine months, the American Lung Association says. This means less coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath. Stopping your smoking habit will also help slow the progression of COPD.
Some other suggestions from COPD-International to improve your quality of life with COPD include healthy eating habits, a personal exercise program approved by your doctor and following your medication routine all the time.
You can also practice some at-home breathing exercises to help train your body to breathe better. Find them from COPD-International at http://www.copd-international.com/Library/Breathing_Exercises.htm.
For additional information, visit any of the following online resources:
· TRICARE Tobacco Free: http://www.tricare.mil/tobaccofree/default.aspx
· TriWest Healthcare Alliance: www.triwest.com/copd
· American Cancer Society: www.americancancersociety.org
· www.smokefree.gov
· www.ucanquit2.org
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force selected 8 Senior Master Sergeants for promotion to Chief Master Sergeant from Minot Air Force base in the 09E9 selection board Nov 5.
Here at Minot Air Force Base, 8 Senior Master Sergeants were selected. The selectees are as follows:
5th Bomb Wing
Michael C. Bjorn
John D. Van Duser
Michael T. Rockhold
Thomas J. Pavlick
91st Missile Wing
David O. Nelson Jr.
Curtis W. Van Rees
17th MUNS
Wayne B. Jones
Andrew F. Wood
| HARVEY, N.D. -- A 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman traveled to a local church here Nov. 11 to salute fellow veterans and bolster the friendship Minot Airmen and their surrounding communities share. |
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- There are many medical flights on base - from dental to physical therapy, from mental health to optometry; but one of them stands out among all - this is the medical readiness flight.
"We are trained to train others how to respond to any medical event or terrorist act on base - no matter how small or big," said William A. Large, 5th Medical Support Squadron medical readiness flight commander.
The medical readiness flight of the 5th Medical Group was inspected here recently. And their work was recognized as one of the best.
"We received an 'outstanding'," said Large. "But this is not the first time this has happened. We've retained this score for the last six years."
This flight is one of the most important medical flights here. It deals with all medical personnel who go out on deployments as it provides them with the necessary equipment, offers excellent training opportunities and supplies tests for 5th MDG Airmen as they prepare for upcoming deployments.
"Whether it is a deployment to Afghanistan or a simple humanitarian mission, it doesn't matter - everybody has to come through us," Large said.
This flight not only works for the servicemembers on base, but also provides support for hospitals all across the state of North Dakota.
"We are the authors of many medical memorandums of understanding used downtown and all over North Dakota," said Large. "We may even support medical emergencies off base, of course, if requests are filed and processed through wing leadership going through appropriate channels like the chain of command."
There are many occupations employed here, fulfilled by a limited staff. The staff consists of a flight commander, a flight noncommissioned officer-in-charge, a unit deployment monitor and a Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Equipment planner and analyst. This staff works collectively to get the job done on a day to day basis.
"We work together as a team," said Senior Airman Eric Estrada, 5th MDSS medical readiness technician and unit deployment manager. "We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we use that knowledge to become a successful team."
Airman Estrada was selected for promotion to staff sergeant this year, Large said. He also was selected as 5th MDG Airman of the Quarter. The rest of the team - Staff Sgt. Jesus Olivares, 5th MDSS medical readiness NCOIC and Callie Augustson, 5th MDSS medical CBRNE planner and analyst have received the Air Combat Command Surgeon General excellence award for top performance, Large added.
During the inspection, top Air Force inspectors said every job in the flight was performed at an outstanding level. Additionally, the CBRNE program hit chords higher than the rest of the flight could've ever hoped for.
"Our CBRNE program was found by inspectors to be the best one seen in today's Air Force," said Large.
The medical readiness office works just like any other in the Air Force - consisting of many Airmen and civilians working for the success of Minot's mission.
"No one individual can complete what we need to complete," said Large. "And I think everybody in this office is truly a star performer."
HARVEY, N.D. -- A 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman traveled to a local church here Nov. 11 to salute fellow veterans and bolster the friendship Minot Airmen and their surrounding communities share.
"Some of our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice - to whom, our debt can never be repaid," said Airman 1st Class Aaron Storer, 5th AMXS hydraulics apprentice. "Others have suffered physical wounds, but remain spiritually steadfast, inspiring us with their strength of character and enduring contributions. Some still wear the uniform -- whom we salute for their continued uncommon sacrifice -- while others are now our schoolteachers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, still lending us their considerable talents, and benefitting us with their abundant generosity."
In the spirit of generosity, Airman Storer took time to show the students of the church what it means to be an Airman in today's Air Force.
"I have served in the Air Force for more than a year and a half," Airman Storer said. "This year and a half has given me an amazing insight into what it truly means to be a veteran. I have an amazing job and wouldn't trade it for the world."
The Airman, a member of the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., is a key component to ensuring the B-52H Stratofortress continues to deliver a safe, secure and reliable nuclear deterrent around the world.
But when Minot Airmen need a way to relax, they look to their surrounding communities to provide that break, hence the Team Minot concept. Airman Storer visited one such Team Minot community to speak with a group of kindergarten through 5th grade students on what it means to him to be an Airman and the importance of understanding key events in this nation's past.
"It is my understanding you all are learning about our nation's flag," said Airman Storer to the group of students. "I have always had an appreciation for our nation's flag. This being one of the reasons I joined the military."
Old Glory has long been a symbol raised to strengthen the vigilance and integrity of every American. In times of trouble and grief, people would look to the flag for hope. This is hope shared throughout the hearts and minds of all who take that moment on Veteran's Day to remember all those who have put their lives on the line, selflessly.
"We are America's greatest ambassadors with freedoms most countries cannot imagine, riches few nations can rival, and national pride that all nations envy," Airman Storer said.
Airman Storer's talk with the students and their families brought up many emotions and feelings of pride and camaraderie as Americans in the fight for the same thing, freedom.
"What you do, protecting our freedoms so we have the ability to have our kids grow up in the best and finest country, is a blessing," said Nick Hertz, the Harvey funeral home director and close friend to church leadership. "I thank those many who have given years of their lives and sometimes their lives themselves."
This feeling of gratitude echoed across the church. Community relation events such as this are a continuing effort by Minot Airmen as a way to establish rapport with the Team Minot community.
"On this Veterans Day, we fittingly honor all those who have donned the uniform of the United States, and hazarded their own profound joys of life, to stand firmly for our nation's timeless devotion to liberty, equality, fairness, and self-determination," Airman Storer said. "We thank those who continue in humble and distinctive service, ensuring not only that our nation remains blessed with limitless possibilities, but also that the memory of those veterans who have gone before us remains eternal."
Soldiers' Angels and Bake Me A Wish! Operation Birthday Cake
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too.by Shelle Michaels
When Operation Enduring Freedom started in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, soldiers would often go without celebrating their birthday or other special occasions with a cake. Birthdays in America are celebrated with candles, balloons, presents, punch, ice cream and cake, so it was often a letdown for our troops to celebrate a birthday in country with
Dolly Madison Zingers® or Hostess Cakes and a bottle of hot water. Enter into the picture-BakeMeAWish! a company that specializes in gourmet birthday cakes that are prepared in an award-winning New York City bakery. BakeMeAWish! teamed up with Soldiers' Angels in the spring of 2008, to develop a win-win partnership for the deployed heroes in the campaign called "Operation Birthday Cake."
"Operation Birthday Cake" is a handmade gourmet cake, made to order, and topped with the finest imported Belgian chocolate plaque, inscribed with the personalized message of "Happy Birthday." Each cake is delivered in an elegant gold gift box, and specially boxed in refrigerated packaging to ensure freshness.
"Cakes have the power to turn the simplest gathering into a celebration and evoke/create strong memories," said Josh Kaye, CEO of BakeMeAWish. "Everybody knows somebody who has been away from home on their birthday," Kaye continued. "BakeMeAWish.com is proud to work with Soldiers' Angels. Together, we continue to do so much to keep the morale high among the troops by delivering gourmet cakes to loved ones celebrating a birthday away from home."
Kaye inherited a recipe from his Nana called the Soldier's Cake. She developed it during World War II when cake tins were made available in which to bake, pack, and send fruit cakes to soldiers.
THE SOLDIER'S CAKE
Ingredients - 6oz butter; 6oz sugar; 3 eggs; 8oz sultanas; 8oz raisins; 2oz
mixed peel; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoons mixed
spice; 1/2 tablespoon golden syrup; 3oz self-raising flour; 6oz plain flour;
1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in1 tablespoon water;
brandy. Method - Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and beat
well. Beat in golden syrup. Add sultanas, raisins, and mixed peel. Fold in
flour to which has been added cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice, and salt. Lastly
add brandy and baking powder mixed in a tablespoon of water. Bake in a very
moderate oven for two hours.
While this is not the recipe for Operation Birthday Cake, it goes to show you that baking cakes for soldiers has been handed down through the generations. So what are you waiting for? It is time for your hero to have his/her cake and eat it too! If your soldier's birthday is approaching and you would like Soldiers' Angels and BakeMeAWish! to honor the special day,
please send your service members' birthday, a message and APO address to: ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org at least two months prior to the birthday to allow for processing and budgeting.
PROCLAMATION:
President Barack Obama pledged his support of military members and their families and said Americans have a "solemn obligation" to preserve their well-being in his proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.
The proclamation reads:
"No one pays a higher price for our freedom than members of our nation's military and their families. As sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and mothers and fathers are deployed, military families endure with exceptional resilience and courage. They provide our troops with invaluable encouragement and love, and serve our nation in their own right. During Military Family Month, we honor the families of our armed forces and thank them for their dedication to our country.
"Though only a small percentage of our nation's population, our troops bear the great responsibility of protecting our people. They, along with their families, serve us every day with courage and dignity. Ensuring that military families receive the respect they deserve and the support they have earned is a top priority for my administration.
"The strength of our nation is measured not just by our success on the battlefield, but also by our ability to support those families who have made so many sacrifices for us. Time and again, military families have shown their heart in the face of adversity. We have a solemn obligation to ensure that while our men and women in uniform discharge their duties, we do all we can to promote and preserve the well-being of their families. We must also support the families of our wounded warriors and our fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.
"This month, we celebrate the tremendous contributions of military families, convey to them our deepest respect and appreciation, and recommit ourselves to their support.
"Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2009 as Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our nation."
INVITATION:
You are cordially invited to attend the RAID IV Sentinel, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Send off Ceremony.
This invitation is extended by the Battalion Commander and Command Sergeant Major, LTC Scott Fontaine and CSM Monte Ohlhauser, and the Deploying Unit Commander and First Sergeant CPT Walyn Vannurden and 1SG Gregory Brockberg
Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Grand Forks Armory Complex
1501 S. 48th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Dress is ACU for Military and Casual for Civilians
Reception to follow ceremony
Please show your support for our Hometown Heroes
RSVP to SSG Smallbeck at (701) 792-4503
A SPECIAL REQUEST:
Virgil Running Bear will be 62 years old on 11/24.
The absolute highlight of Virgil's life is the fact that he is an old Airborne Soldier. He served with the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam. He never goes anywhere without his Airborne hat & wings.
He is called "Airborne."
"Airborne" is suffering from diabetes & just lost his leg to the disease.
His spirit is high but he's suffered a lot & he's got a tough fight ahead.
Virgil has lived his life rather anonymously. If you have time, please drop a short note, birthday card or get well card to a soldier in need of some TLC or even stop up to see him at the Veterans Hospital if you are in the area.
VA Hospital
2101 N. Elm St.
Attn: Mr. Virgil Running Bear Room 2137-2
Fargo, ND 58102
THE NEXT MEETING:
January 14, 2010 in Grand Forks. Focus will be Journey of a Wounded Hero.
A block of (20) rooms have been set aside at the CanadInn (attached to the Alerus Center, 1000 South 42nd Street in Grand Forks) with the $70/room federal rate for January 13, 2010. (This is a SPECIAL offer, as they normally do not give this rate.) Reservations are to be made by the individual directly by calling 701-772-8404 – under ISFAC, group reservation number 177841. Once a guest room reservation has been made it must be cancelled 48-hours prior to arrival to avoid a one night stay charge. Reservations for this rate are to be received prior to December 15th, 2009. After this date the unused portion of the room block will revert back to the hotel for general sales. Reservations received after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and the current daily rate. When booking this room, if you plan on staying over January 14th as well, please let them know at the time of the reservation and CanadInn.
Additional information regarding the meeting and an agenda will be sent out as the date approaches.
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
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 Soldiers' Angels (OFFICIAL) listed as group, fan and cause
North Dakota Veterans Upward Bound:
· www.ndsu.edu/trio/veterans_upward_bound/
· www.NDVUB.blogspot.com
· www.facebook.com North Dakota Veterans Upward Bound
Local Air Force:
Grand Forks Air Force Base:
Minot Air Force Base:
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 Coast Guard:
· http://coastguard.dodlive.mil
· www.youtube.com/user/USCGImagery
United States Marine Corp
· www.youtube.com/user/MarineCorpsNews
· www.twitter.com/MarineCorpsNews
· www.flickr.com/photos/marine_corps/
United States Navy
· www.youtube.com/user/usnavyweb
· www.flickr.com/photos/usnavynvns
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.
Shelle Michaels
"May No Soldier Go Unloved"
Soldiers' Angels National Communication Officer
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngels.org
Ladies of Liberty Team Director
LadiesofLiberty@SoldiersAngels.org
www.SoldiersAngelsLadiesOfLiberty.com
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