Family Matters November 2009

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North Carolina National Guard ~ 4105 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh 27607 ~ (800) 621-4136 ~ www.nc.ngb.army.mil

Individual Highlights

Navigating the Holidays 2

Western NC Highlights 3

Central NC Highlights 4

Eastern NC Highlights 5

Programs & Services 6

Child & Youth Program 7

FRGs/Above & Beyond 8

Diane Coffill State Family Program Director [email protected] (919) 664-6324

SFC Calvin Buchan State Family Program Assistant [email protected] (919) 664-6124 SSG Ju Autry Budget Analysis [email protected] (919) 664-7583 SPC Glenn Harris-McLean Family Program Specialist [email protected] (919) 664-6124 Lana Greer State Family Assistance Coordinator [email protected] (828) 271-5029 Renee Brotherton FAC Team Leader [email protected] (704) 359-5736 Kathleen Flaherty, LTC (Ret.) Wing Family Program Coordinator [email protected]

(704) 398-4949 Pamela Hughes State FRG Advisor [email protected] (919) 693-5016 ext. 13 Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator [email protected] (919) 664-7616

November 2009 Volume 1, Issue 2

November is Military Family

Appreciation Month

Contact your local FAC to learn about additional military appreciation events, discounts or specials in your area.

Golden Corral’s 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday

will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in all Golden

Corral restaurants nationwide.

The free dinner is a special “thank you tribute” to any

person who has ever served in the U.S. Military. If you are a

veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited. The free dinner is extended

only to the person who served. other guests will pay the

regular dinner menu pricing.

Receive up to four FREE tickets to the

game with your Military I.D.

(Active, Reserved, Retired). Tickets

can be picked up at any gate to Wallace Wade Stadium on game day. Time

TBD. For more information, call

877-375-DUKE.

Military Appreciation Day

Duke vs. Georgia Tech

Saturday, November 14, 2009

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR NCNG VOLUNTEERS Happy fall to everyone!! This is my most favorite time of

the year. I am so thankful for the cool crisp mornings, warm afternoons and cold nights; you know the fall season is here once you step out the door. I would like to take this opportunity to let all of you - the NCNG

Volunteers - know just how thankful I am for you, as well. Your daily dedication and hard work for all of our Service members and

their families is just extraordinary! I am so proud to have the pleasure to work with each of you through our trainings, workshops and our conferences. Being a volunteer can be the most challenging but most rewarding work ever. I know that the

Commanders, Service members and Families are also thankful that you are there to help provide the avenues for them to receive any assistance they may need.

I pray that each of you will have a wonderful and blessed "Thanksgiving

Holiday" and that you will find renewed strength to carry you in your Volunteer roles. I look forward to working with you in the future

months and if you ever need assistance, I am here for you.

Become a Fan on Facebook, and view photos from our 2009 Volunteer Workshop & Youth Symposium, “The Hunt for the Right Stuff” and more.

Thanks again for all you do!! Love to all, Pam Hughes

GET THE LATEST NEWS, UPDATES AND LISTINGS AT WWW.NC.NGB.ARMY.MIL ‘FAMILY PROGRAMS.’ JOIN US ON FACEBOOK…SEARCH ‘NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD FAMILY PROGRAMS.’

2 FAMILY MATTERS

Spreading the Holiday Joy or Strain When the holidays start to approach many times, "Tis the season to be Jolly" can be tis'

the season of stress. It is important to take care of yourself and your family during these

busy times by eliminating as much stress as possible. According to the Foundation for

Integrated Research in Mental Health, in 2007 out of five doctor visits, three were due

to problems related to stress. Some common symptoms of stress are obesity, sleep

problems, digestive problems and depression. It is important to take the time for self-

care to recognize and treat signs or symptoms of stress. The company Health

Resources EAP suggests some steps to recognize stress and how to cope with it during

the holidays.

MAKING YOUR HOLIDAY MORE PLEASANT

Try implementing some of the following tips to improve your holidays and positively

impact your life year round:

* Ask someone else in your family to host and prepare a holiday meal.

* Take a little extra time to care for yourself - - eat right, get plenty of sleep, read a

good book, watch a funny movie or get a massage.

* Exercise (as little as 20 minutes per day) will enhance your feeling of well-being.

* Make plans to spend time with people you enjoy

* Dismiss the expectation to be everything to everybody. Establish realistic

expectations for yourself.

* Ask for help and companionship when you want it or need it.

* Use moderation in all things. Don't agree to do more than you can.

* Purchase a special holiday gift for yourself, you're worth it.

* Allow yourself to grieve if necessary during this time, many people remember losses

over the holidays.

* If things aren't going well at home, give yourself permission to run an errand or have

some time to yourself. It will help you gain perspective.

* Limit the amount of television you watch, it can leave you feeling lethargic.

Some other steps you can take are to build stronger more meaningful relationships to

generate a more sustainable support network. Most importantly, take time to talk with

one of our Military Family Life Consultants if you are feeling overwhelmed. Remember

you don't have to have the Hallmark holiday and there are people to help.

To contact a Military Family Life Consultant call John Alleman, Adult and Family

Specialist at (919) 745-9635 or Betty Steelman Youth and Family Specialist at (919) 665-

9178. All conversations and calls are confidential. ~by Ka thryn Ja rvis

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2009 OVERSEAS MILITARY HOLIDAY MAILING DEADLINES

The U.S. Postal Service has announced its recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to our U.S. military troops serving overseas at APO/FPO addresses. Holiday mail for our U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan should be sent by Dec. 4 for arrival by Christmas. Holiday mail going to other military overseas APO/FPO locations should be sent by Dec. 11. Except for military mail going to Iraq and Afghanistan (APO/FPO AE ZIP 093), Express Mail can also be used to mail packages to other overseas military locations until Dec. 18 for delivery by Christmas. Military Mail Addressed To

Express Mail® Military Service (EMMS)1/

First-Class Mail® Letters/Cards

Priority Mail®

Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) 2/

Space Available Mail (SAM) 3/

Parcel Post®

APO/FPO AE ZIPs 090-092 Dec 18 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 4 Nov 28 Nov 13 APO/FPO AE ZIP 093 N/A Dec 4 Dec 4 Dec 1 Nov 21 Nov 13

APO/FPO AE ZIPs 094-098 Dec 18 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 4 Nov 28 Nov 13 APO/FPO AA ZIPs 340 Dec 18 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 4 Nov 28 Nov 13

APO/FPO AP ZIPs 962-966 Dec 18 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 4 Nov 28 Nov 13

3

Across the State…

Asheville FAC 100 Minuteman Drive, 28806

David Ponder, FAC Specialist

[email protected]

Mark Woolbright, FAC Specialist [email protected]

Asheville Storefront FAC 7 Yorkshire Drive, 28803

(800) 621-4136

Lenoir Super FAC 1535 Beecher Anderson Road, 28645

(800) 621-4136

Nancy Davis, FAC Network Coordinator [email protected]

(828) 757-4365

Frances Johnson, FAC Specialist [email protected]

(828) 757-4365

Photo by Hugh Morton

Disaster Preparedness Class Tuesday, November 3, 2009

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Newton Armory, 1811 Hwy 321 S

The Lenoir FAC cordially invites you to join us. The American Red Cross class will teach you how to prepare and respond to different

types of disasters such as tornados, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, and fires.

The Catawba Co. Cooperative Extension will present “Discover 4-

H.” 4-H offers Operation Military Kids, clubs, special interest programs, summer camps, school enrichment, and after-school child care. Guided by NC Cooperative Extension educators and adult and teen volunteers, 4-H’ers gain knowledge, skills and

experience that will help them become responsible citizens and leaders.

Participants will receive a free care package to send to their loved

one abroad.

RSVP to Nancy Davis, [email protected], or Frances Johnson, [email protected],

800-621-4136 ext. 8073

Upcoming Events November 9 FAC/MFLC Brief The Lenoir FAC, Military Family Life Consultants, Financial Counselors and community members are out and about sharing benefits, resources and providing help to military families. On the 9th of November at 7 p.m. the Lenoir FAC will be conducting a benefits showcase for Disabled Veterans of America and the DAV Building in Lenoir. November 7 MFLC “Stress Management Class” If you would like a more in-depth workshop, our Military Family Life Consultant Counselors will be at the Lenoir Armory on November 7th at 2 p.m. conducting a Stress Management Class. During this class you will learn some tips and tricks about managing stress. November 14 “Understanding and Protecting Your Credit” Managing credit can be a little confusing. Our Military Life Consultant Financial Counselors will be on-hand during the “Understanding and Protecting Your Credit” seminar at the Mooresville Armory on November 14th starting at 9 a.m. If you cannot make it then there is another seminar at the Lincolnton Armory on November 14th starting at 1:00pm. If you would like to attend an event or have questions, please call Nancy Davis or Frances Johnson at the Lenoir FAC at 828-757-4365 or 1-800-621-4136 Ext. 8073 or email [email protected] or [email protected].

For More information on events

throughout the state visit the Family Programs Events Calendar by clicking

here.

APPLEBEE’S – VETRANS DAY SPECIAL WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009

On Veterans Day, Applebee’s will be offering all US Veterans and active duty military personnel (including Reserves and National Guard) a free entrée, including traditional sides, at all domestic

Applebee’s restaurants. For information, visit www.applebees.com and click on “Veterans Day.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 26

4 FAMILY MATTERS

Across the State…

Charlotte FAC 4240 West Blvd., 28208 Rachel Talbott, FAC Specialist [email protected] (704) 359-5756

Kannapolis Storefront FAC 6001 Gateway Center Dr., Suite 105, 28081 Shane Judd, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9556 Doretha McLaughlin, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9556

Greensboro Super FAC 110 Franklin Blvd., 27401 Katy Jones, FAC Network Coordinator [email protected] (336) 691-7712 Sandy Harrison, FAC Specialist [email protected] (336) 691-7763

Raleigh, JFHQ Headquarters Wendi Bell, FAC Administrative Specialist [email protected] (919) 664-6078

Raleigh Storefront FAC 130 Penmarc Drive, 27603 (800) 621-4136 Lottie Anderson, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9557 Valencia Green, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9568 Chinequa Knight, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9554 Kay Teseniar, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9559 Marci Thames, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 485-9560

Southern Pines FAC 500 Morganton Rd., 28387 David Butler, FAC Specialist [email protected] (910) 692-8747

Smithfield FAC 406 Hospital Rd., 27577 Abby Millsap, FAC Specialist [email protected] (919) 934-2013

The Charlotte Family Assistance Center cordially invites you to our

VFW Christmas Party Sunday, December 13, 2009

1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Army Reserve Center

1330 West Over Street, Charlotte NC

Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to Renee Brotherton at [email protected] or call 800-621-

4136 ext. 5736. Include your contact information, child’s age and gender, and Soldier’s name and

Unit. **Santa will be there with gifts.**

Fairway Ministries and Family Programs invites you to attend the

2009 Christmas for Kids & Spouse

Pampering Day Saturday, November 21, 2009

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join us for a wonderful day to relax while being pampered … facials, hair & nails (and much

more) along with a photo session to remember your day. The kids will go on a chaperoned shopping trip where they can shop for what

they like with their very own gift card. We will provide a wonderful lunch and childcare will be available for children under 6 that are too little

to go shopping. This event is free to our military families. Space

is limited. To ensure that all of our children attending will have the opportunity to shop, we ask that you RSVP by Nov. 7 to the Smithfield

FAC. Directions, a map and additional information will be given at time of

confirmation.

November 7, 2 p.m. Money Matters: Take

control of your finances A personal financial counselor will be conducting a workshop

at the High Point Armory, 3515 Armory Dr., High Point

MILITARY COMMISSARY CASE

LOT SALE Courtesy of NCNG and Fort

Bragg Commissary

All Military ID Card Holders Service Members, Retirees

and Dependents

Items available include Several types of meat,

seafood, produce, water, dry grocery club packs

Featuring Holiday Fixin’s

WHOLE TURKEYS WHOLE HAMS

Plus stuffing, cooking supplies and all the other things you

need for Holiday Meals.

Payment Options Check, Cash, Credit (No Debit)

TRIANGLE NCNG Headquarters

4105 Reedy Creek Road

Friday, Nov. 6 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

2009 Turkey Express On November 14

th, the 2009 Turkey Express is happening

at the Morrisville Armory. If you would like to come and join us to pick up and deliver turkey dinners, we sure could use the help. Contact Abby Millsap to confirm your participation and times. If you or someone you know has a demonstrated financial need during the Holidays and could greatly benefit from receiving a turkey dinner with trimmings, please contact your local FAC. There may also be assistance available for Christmas through our annual Angel Tree. Please speak with your local FAC Representative.

5

Across The State…

Upcoming Events November 8, 10 a.m.

Veteran’s Day Memorial Service

Pink Hill Cemetery

The Greenville FAC is honoring past and present veterans at

the Pink Hill Cemetery, Sunday, November 8th at 10 a.m.

Families and Service members are welcome to attend. If you

would like to attend or have more questions, feel free to

contact Henry Nobles or Jamie Jones.

November 10, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Facts at The FAC, Keys to Financial Success

The Greenville FAC is offering monthly meetings on various

topics of interest for our military families. On, Tuesday,

November 10th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Military Family Life

Consultant Financial Counselors are discussing the Keys to

Financial Success. Certified Financial Consultants are

dedicating time for you and your families’ financial planning

needs. This service is free for military families. Come and take

advantage of your benefits. Monthly meetings will be held

on the SECOND Tuesday &/or Thursday of each month.

Watch your emails for details! Space will be limited so call

and reserve your space today. Light refreshments will be

available.

Please contact the Greenville FAC at 800-621-4136 ext. 8953

or 919-219-9771 for more information and reservation.

On November 14, 2009 you are invited to a breakfast served

at American Legion Post 379 for any veteran and

spouse/friend or significant other from 7:30 am - 9:30 am

(approximately). There will be a short program for all

deceased, MIA, KIA, POW and all Active Duty soldiers

serving in Iraq/Afghanistan. The post address is 290 Maxwell

Mill Rd, Pink Hill, NC and contact is Henry Noble,

Commander at 252-521-5669.

Greenville FAC 1401 N. Memorial Dr., 27834

Henry Noble

FAC Network Coordinator [email protected]

(252) 551-5865

Jamie Jones FAC Specialist

[email protected] (252) 551-5865

Wilmington FAC 2412 Infantry Road, 28412

Jim Marley

FAC Specialist [email protected]

(910) 251-7195 FAX: (910) 251-7130

Wilmington Storefront FAC

3114 Randall Parkway, 28403

Judy Howard FAC Network Coordinator [email protected]

(800) 621-4136

Jamie McCormick FAC Specialist

[email protected]

(800) 621-4136

Photo by Hugh Morton

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MILITARY COMMISSARY CASE LOT SALE

Courtesy of NCNG and Camp Lejeune Commissary

All Military ID Card Holders

Service Members, Retirees and Dependents

Items available include

Several types of meat, seafood, produce, water, dry grocery club

packs

Payment Options Check, Cash, Credit (No Debit)

WILMINGTON Carolina Beach Road Armory

2221 Carolina Beach Rd.

Saturday, Nov. 7 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

6 FAMILY MATTERS

Be aware of holiday financial plight

Military & Family Life Consultants

John Alleman

Adult and Family Specialist (919) 745-9635

[email protected]

Betty Steelman

Youth and Family Specialist (919) 665-9178

[email protected]

David Porter, AFC

Certified Financial Planner (704) 280-9555 (East NC)

[email protected]

Frank Molinar

Certified Financial Planner (980) 329-8467

[email protected]

LIFE SKILLS

Anger Management Communication

Conflict Resolution Decision Making Skills

Relationship Issues Parenting

Productivity at Work

MILITARY LIFESTYLE Building Resiliency

Coping Skills Deployment Stress

Homesickness Loss & Grief

Relocation Adjustment Separation

Reintegration: Warrior to Citizen

Yellow Ribbon Program

November 7-8 Raleigh Unit: 449th TAB 30/60 Post Deployment, helps Soldiers and Families merge back into civilian life by providing reintegration training with access to a variety of resources.

November 14 Wilmington and Aberdeen Unit: Regional All Units Pre-Demobilization Brief, prepares the families for their returning Soldiers.

800-621-4136 EXT. 6054

John Gattis

Program Director

[email protected]

David Coffill

[email protected]

SGT Khan Eakin

[email protected]

Adam Garrity

[email protected]

Lola Lawson

[email protected]

Ken Martinsen

[email protected]

Gerald Murray

[email protected]

David Nobles

[email protected]

Chris Rosehart

[email protected]

The mission of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is to

enhance the quality of life of the North Carolina Guardsmen and

their Families statewide by implementing programs that

provides vital information during all phases of their deployment.

Providing information about benefits and entitlements such as

medical, legal and financial aid will ensure a safe and healthy

reintegration back into their family, community, school and

jobs following a deployment. Dates are subject to change. Check

with any Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist for updates.

Thanksgiving and Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah are around the corner and so is the shopping frenzy coupled with the overwhelming desire to complete those shopping lists, if you have one. Stores open early and people line up to get the latest gadget or widget. This shopping frenzy is too easy to get sucked up into and leaves creditors the only ones left celebrating. The Federal Trade Commission released in 2008 a Consumer Alert outlining some proactive approaches to conquer the buildup of holiday debt and educates you as a consumer. ~Make a list. Such as the people you plan to buy gifts for, how much to spend, the cost of greeting cards, extra food or meals, postage and travel. Be realistic and stick to it. ~Read sales ads carefully. There might be a limited quantity of an item. The FTC suggests you call the store to ensure it is in stock before going. ~Consider how much an item truly will cost you if you have to travel to pick it up. ~Some stores have price matching policies. Check to see if they offer this and are willing to match the price you have found. ~Sometimes you can find things cheaper online. Shop around for the best price, to include shipping and other charges. Also, make sure it will arrive in time. ~Be aware of Buy One Get one Free or Free with purchase sales. If the item was not on your list or you don’t really need you are not getting a deal.

~Coupons. This is a great way to crunch on spending. Make sure there you are aware of restrictions and check the expiration date. Sometimes you might have to buy a certain amount of an item before you can save. ~Ask if you can get an adjustment for an item you purchased at regular price one week before it went on sale. Sometimes stores will give you a credit or refund. ~Keep track of receipts. You can use this for returns or exchanges, depending on store policy. You can also compare your purchases with bank statements and credit card bills. If you notice a discrepancy, report it immediately. ~Get gift receipts and check the merchants return/refund policy. Some stores only allow a limited time for returns/refunds while some may not offer any. This includes online purchases as well. ~Ship early. If you wait till the last minute you will pay last minute prices. ~Don’t flash cash or your wallet. Keep an eye on it and report any lost or stolen items immediately. ~Layaways. Get the stores layaway policy in writing. Check to see if there are fees you will have to pay if you decide to cancel the layaway.

Stay aware of holiday sales and offerings. No interest offers can be good if you pay it off. Most merchants will charge you all the interest on an account if the balance is not paid off before the 0% interest expires. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are

unsure of the “deal” going on and stay within your budget. A sure sign your budget is out of whack is if you find yourself still paying for last year’s holiday spending. Our Financial Counselors are here to help you. If you would like to create a holiday budget or would like in-depth advice on your holiday spending contact our Military Family Life Consultant’s Financial Counselors online or via email [email protected].

~by Ka thryn Ja rvis

Legal Assistance

Program

Contact us for

help with your

legal issues.

[email protected]

Reita Smolka

[email protected]

(919) 485-9545

Chris Alderson

[email protected]

(919) 485-9564

7

Child & Youth Program

Check out the

Kids zone Online!

www.nc.ngb.army.mil

2025 National Guard Drive, Morrisville, 27560

(800) 621-4136 ext. 7616 FAX: (919) 664-6156

CONTACT US @:

Alice Dean State Youth Coordinator

(919) 664-7616 [email protected]

Bridgette Carroll KOG Coordinator

(919) 664-7664 [email protected]

Kristi Wagner Youth Coordinator

(919) 664-7625 [email protected]

Operation Kids on Guard 2009 Wrap Up…

WOW, what a year we have had during 2009 we

held 17 day drills and three overnight

camps. Now that our Operation Kids on Guard season is

coming to an end, we will begin planning for an exciting

year in 2010.

At our last KOG overnight camp, the children had a

wonderful experience with the support from the 113th

FA and the Tar Heel Challenge Cadets. They were

able to try several activities from the repel tower and obstacle

course, marksmanship and archery, field communication

through vehicle mounted radios, land navigation, rocket

building, as well as learning general military drill and

ceremony. As you can see from all the activities the

children had a chance to challenge

themselves individually and in teams. On the

final day when their parents returned they launched their

rockets. They were also joined by Secretary Ruben Young,

Secretary of North Carolina’s Crime Control and Public Safety.

Secretary Young spoke to the kids about team work and

the value of volunteering in their communities that

would help carry them through their journey in life.

We would also like to thank the

volunteers (military & civilian), family

programs staff and MFLC’s who supported

the 2009 KOG program. Now with an expanded child

& youth staff we hope to plan additional day drills and camps

state wide and utilize our resources to reach even more

children in 2010.

Alice Dean

Bridgette Carroll

Kristi Wagner

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

DO YOU HAVE IDEAS ABOUT

WHAT WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE OUR STATE’S

YOUTH PROGRAM? CALL US OR SEND US AN EMAIL?

IS YOUR CHILD

STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL? GIVE US A CALL.

ARE YOU DEALING WITH

ISSUES BECAUSE OF A PARENT’S DEPLOYMENT?

WE’RE HERE?

Visit

TUTOR.COM Tutor.com is available directly to students, as

well as schools, libraries, businesses and community colleges to help K-12 and adult learners succeed.

View more Kids on Guard

Photos on our Facebook

Page. Search “North

Carolina National Guard

Family Programs.”

Photos by Martina Helton,

Envisioned Photography

8 FAMILY MATTERS

CUSTOMER NAME

STREET ADDRESS

ADDRESS 2

CITY, ST ZIP CODE

NCNG FAMILY PROGRAMS

4105 REEDY CREEK ROAD

RALEIGH, NC 27607

We’re on the Web!

See us at:

www.nc.ngb.army.mil

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS

Pamela Hughes

State FRG Advisor 105 West Spring St.

Oxford, 27565 (919) 693-5016

[email protected]

Family Readiness Support Assistants

Charlotte

Genesia Newsome [email protected]

(704) 359-5707

Clinton Sarah Strickland

[email protected] (910) 299-5466

Goldsboro Greg Smith

[email protected] (919) 739-5319

Jacksonville

Judy Richardson [email protected]

(910) 347-4352/line 11

Morrisville Jim Roberson

[email protected] (919) 664-7655

If you know of anyone who has

gone above and beyond, email

[email protected]

with your story.

Above and Beyond Spotlight on Volunteers

By Leigh Ann Murray, FRG Leader, 732nd Reidsville

My grandmother, Phyllis Brewer, is a volunteer I believe has gone above and beyond. My

grandfather (her late husband) served in the US Army in Japan during the Korean War. She

also has a son who served in the Air Force for four years. Since then, though, the only

connection with the military has been my husband. She has been the biggest support in my

family’s life, and she extended her support beyond just my family last year. Last winter she,

being the grandmother that she is, made our family crocheted toboggans. The kids were

made of BDU camouflage and ours were made of a sandy-color to blend with the ACU

pattern. We were instantly in love with the hats! We asked if she thought she could make a

few … more like 100! Phyllis Brewer makes each hat with her hands, but the unseen gift she

gives is her heart and time. She has since completed 100 hats, one for each Soldier in our Unit

that will be distributed this month at drill. She sends a message with each hat that is delivered,

“Thank you for all the service that you do. I pray for your safekeeping, and you are in my

heart and prayers each day.” She is currently working on making smaller BDU hats for the

children in our unit. It may seem like a small gesture, but to our soldiers it is a support that

means the world. Many have been so thankful for the hats. They have expressed how much

it means to them that a stranger would take the time to do this for them. The hats keep them

warm while warming their $hearts at the same time. I cannot say enough about the

generosity of my grandmother. She spent her time and effort to give a little something special

to the soldiers of our unit and their children. I wanted to thank her from all of the soldiers as

well as myself for being an inspiration to us all. She puts her money, time and effort into each

hat and loves every minute of it. It is because of my grandmother’s giving spirit that she has

instilled into me, which lead me to volunteer with the FRG. She taught me that caring about

someone else and doing things for other people is in itself its own reward.