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MONTANA NATIONAL GUARD
FAMILY PROGRAMS
New Family Programs Staff Members
Newsletter February 2013
Volume 8 Issue 2
Inside this issue:
New Staff………………….........................Pg.1
Dependent Scholarship……………….Pg.1
Coping with Deployment…………….Pg.2
Tips on Reintegration………………….Pg.3
Family Programs Calendar………....Pg.4
Youth Summit Information………..Pg.5
Youth Corner……………………………..Pg.6
Family Readiness Corner………........Pg.7
Resources & Benefits..........................Pg.8
Financial...................................................Pg.9
Family Programs Contacts...............Pg.10
Yellow Ribbon Events Dates……....Pg.10
Important January Dates
Feb 1-2: Helena - Teens & Tots on
the Fort
Feb 9-10 : Helena - 1-189th Vigilante
Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment
Feb 18: Presidents Day
Feb 23-24: Billings – 484th & 260th
Families Yellow Ribbon During II
Feb 23-24: Billings - 60-day YR for
early returners of the 484th
Feb 25 - Mar 2: Military Saves Week
Page 1
The Family Assistance Center had two new staff members join our Family Programs
Team in January! Please help us in welcoming Valerie Cundall our new Family Assistance
Center Coordinator and Alysaa O’Neil who will be our Havre area Family Assistance
Center Specialist. Welcome to the team ladies!
Scholarships for Military Dependents Once again the Montana National Guard Thrift Shop Board is offering a $500 education
scholarship to dependents (children and spouses) of Members of the Montana Military.
This scholarship may be used in a course of study in a college, vocational technical school or
trade school. The scholarships will be mailed directly to the school. It is very important that
you show the name of the school’s finance officer, address and phone number on the
application. If you have applied previous years, you are eligible to apply again. Previous
awards will have no bearing on whether or not you receive another scholarship.
Applications must be post marked no later than April 1, 2013. For more information and for
application please contact your local FAC or you may contact the Thrift Shop at
406-324-3375.
Alyssa O’Neil is the new Family Assistance Center Specialist in Havre. She was a stay at
home mom prior to joining the team and owns a small business with her
husband.
Alyssa is married to SSG Justin O’Neil of the 639th QM Co and they have two daughters,
Haylie and Brylie. Alyssa has been around the National Guard for three years through
her husband who was a recruiter until recently. Welcome Alyssa!
Welcome Home B Co 1-189th From all of us at Family Programs, Welcome Home B Co 1-189th! It is good to have you
back home and we are so happy you have finally been reunited with your loved ones.
We look forward to seeing you soon at your 30-day Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Event
in Helena March 2nd-3rd! To register for both the 30/60 – day events please call the
Yellow Ribbon office at 324-3984.
Enjoy your time at home with your families!
Valerie Cundall is the new Family Assistance Center Coordinator in the Helena Family
Programs Office. Val comes to Family Programs with a long history of working with
children and families from all walks of life, as well as the professionals who serve them.
She most recently served 3 years as Coordinator for the community-based Early
Childhood Coalition in Helena, and has an extensive background in case management,
program development, and team-building.
Married to an MTARNG AGR soldier for 15 years, Val is very happy to have the
opportunity to work more closely with military families and looks forward to being a
supportive member of the FAC team! Welcome Valerie!
Page 2
During Deployment By Erin Prater from Focus on the Family
Your Personal
Battle Plan
From the Military Spouse Magazine
February 2013 Issue
Saying goodbye never really gets easier.
Climbing into an empty bed at night never
really gets easier. And staring at your
spouse’s chair at the dinner table wishing
they were sitting in it never really gets
easier. But experienced spouses will tell
you that some strategies make
deployment a whole lot more
manageable.
1. Trust Yourself—No matter how hard,
what goes wrong or how lonely you
get, there is an end and you will feel
so strong and powerful after you
survive. Keep your head up.
2. Reach Out—Don’t be afraid to ask for
help. Get involved with your FRG to
help keep yourself occupied and to
make connections with the other
families going through the same
thing you are. Surround yourself
with positive people.
3. Stay busy..within Reason—Stay as
busy as possible, it will take your
mind off of things and give you
something to do with your nervous
energy. Try something new! Take a
class that can improve certain skills
you’ve been wanting to brush up on
or learn such as photography, art, or
cooking.
4. Be Kind to Yourself—Don’t forget to
take time and breathe. It’s ok to cry,
it doesn’t mean you’re weak or that
you can’t handle this. It’s okay to
have fun while your spouse is gone
and he/she would rather you be
happy than sad all the time.
5. Know Some Days Will Be Better
Than Others—Have a strong support
group of people that will understand
all the crazy emotions you have. Not
every day will be easy but you’re
going to make it. When you feel like
crying, go ahead and cry but you
have to wipe those tears and pick
yourself back up and keep
on going strong!
Envelop yourself in community. After the initial goodbye, you may feel as if you’ve
been socked in the stomach. You’ll find yourself grieving the loss of time together and
possibly fearing you’ll never see your spouse again. Allow yourself important
moments alone to collect yourself, but be sure to find and spend time with others who
understand and support you. This isn’t the time to become “super-spouse” and go to it
alone!
Communicate lovingly. Take advantage of every opportunity and avenue to
communicate, be it phone, internet, or postal mail. Never end a conversation, email or
letter angrily. A small amount of anger combined with an immense distance and time
span can eat the two of you up inside. Don’t be afraid to be open about your
day-to-day struggles and fears. Don’t try to resolve a large problem over long distance
in a limited amount of time if you don’t absolutely have to. When sending letters and
packages, consider your spouse’s nature. If she/he isn’t a big fan of reading but is
looking forward to buying a house, send he/she letters with pictures cut out of a home
-decorating catalog, along with real-estate magazines. If he/she can easily be
embarrassed, don’t decorate the outside of a care package with cutesy heart stickers
and mortifying personal nicknames.
Continue building your life together. Some days will be tougher than others to
preserve. Despite what others tell you, you don’t need to “move on without him/her”
and you aren’t “temporarily single”. There is much you can do to continue building
and bettering your life together while your spouse is away. If the two of you are in
debt, look for ways to earn and save to rid yourselves of the financial burden. Learn to
bake his/her favorite childhood foods. Read up on being a mom/dad if you plan to
have kids some day. Do something that makes you happy and let him/her know you
did so. (You deserve it, and they’ll be glad to know your taking care of yourself.)
Similarly, maintain your health by exercising regularly, taking a daily vitamin, getting
enough sleep and eating well.
New Military OneSource Resource
Plan My Deployment
Deployments and mobilizations have changed in recent years, getting longer,
occurring more frequently, and often putting Service Members in harm’s way. These
changes have caused additional stress for Service Members and Families, and have
increased the challenges of maintaining readiness, managing separations, and
planning successful reunions.
Plan My Deployment was designed to help you address these issues and may be used
in coordination with your installation and National Guard and Reserve Family
Support Programs. With Plan My Deployment you can take some of the stress out of
deployment or mobilization, through access to planning tools, checklists, and
helpful tips. Whether it’s your first deployment or mobilization or your fifth, you will
be able to create a unique checklist for the Pre-Deployment, Homecoming, and
Reintegration stages that contains only the information you and your family need to
successfully navigate the process.
Please follow this link: https://apps.militaryonesource.mil/MOS/f?p=PMD:ENTRY:0
Military Deployment and Family Reintegration By Mark C. Pisano, EDD, NCSP, Fort Bragg Schools, NC
Reintegration as a family after military deployment is not always easy, nor is it something that happens naturally. Because
reintegration is a process, not an event, it requires time and effort, as well as an understanding that each individual has changed
during the separation. In coping with the deployment, each family member may have developed a new perspective on his or her
role in the family. The reunion and reintegration can be surprisingly stressful and sometimes painfully disappointing. While dif-
ferent families will manage deployment and return differently, all will benefit from preparation, realistic expectations, and pa-
tience.
Common Concerns of Reintegration
Reconnecting with children
Managing expectations and disappointment
Dealing with changes in the family
Deployed Service Member’s Sense of Purpose During Separation
Several things have shaped the returning service member’s sense of purpose:
Identification with and a feeling of closeness with the military unit and peers who have
shared similar experiences
Traumatic events that can be difficult to process and talk about
Living in a highly structured and efficient routine that yields feelings of comfort
Heightened sensory experiences including sights, sounds, and smells
Modified identity and expanded sense of self-importance shaped by war events
Feelings of support or lack of support from either the family or the federal government
Non-deployed Spouse’s Sense of Purpose During Separation
During an extensive separation, the non-deployed spouse learns to cope with many changes. The spouse’s sense of purpose has
been shaped by:
New roles and responsibilities, such as paying bills, being the disciplinarian, starting a job outside the home, or enrolling in
college. With these new responsibilities and challenges come a sense of pride and self-respect.
Emotional changes in response to the demands placed on them during the deployment. Some spouses may have embraced
their new independence and thrived on it. Others may have found themselves resenting the entire deployment and the federal
government for causing the situation. These feelings often can lead to depression, anxiety, increased alcohol or substance abuse,
and other symptoms of stress.
To come together again as a family requires a shared sense of purpose that can serve as a catalyst for a healthy life at home and
in a community. A shared sense of purpose can help families to stay emotionally connected and focus on the same wants and
needs. Successful reintegration does not happen overnight; it takes time (as long as 7 months), mutual compassion, strong
motivation, and persistence.
Consider Hunting the
Good Stuff daily as you
continue to build a
resilient family unit and
gain a deeper
understanding of the past
year’s experiences for
every family member.
Page 3
The heart is the toughest part of the body. Tenderness is in the hands. ~ Carolyn Forche
The Country Between Us
Page 4
State Youth Programs Corner
Page 6
Guard Children Attend Your Favorite Camp
The Montana National Guard Thrift Shop on Fort Harrison is operated by volunteers and is a non-profit, charitable
organization. This is an organization that takes great pride in being able to help Members of our Guard Family.
This spring they are offering camp scholarships to Guard dependents who will be in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade next
September 2013. Scholarships can be used towards church camps, music, sports, YMCA, dance, theater, Scouts and more!
Applications are to be completed and post marked by May 1, 2013. A short essay on why the dependent wants to go to
summer camp and a letter of recommendation will be required.
The scholarships (up to $50.00 depending on the cost of the camp) will be mailed directly to the camp finance office.
Dependents may apply for one camp each year. For more information and applications please contact Youth Programs at
324-5120/324-3925, your local FAC or the Thrift Shop at 324-3375 for more information and applications.
Teens and Tots weekends at Fort Harrison
Tots On the Fort When: First Saturday of every month from 0900-1100
Where: Fort Harrison, Building #799
Who: Tots ages 4-6 years old
(with parent or guardians only)
What: Every month we want to bring our military
Tots together to enjoy time together as military
kiddos learning about all sorts of things and
having fun!
Teens On the Fort When: First Friday of every month from 1800-2100ish
Where: Fort Harrison, Building #799
Who: Teens ages 13-17 years old
(or up to 18 if still in school)
What: Every month will be a different topic (Guard
Teen Panel, Speak Out Military Kids, Finances,
Destination Imagination, and more) and then just time
to hang out and be military kids together!
No registrations necessary. Just come and have FUN! (And hopefully learn a little too). For more
information please see the website at www.montanaguardfamily.org or contact the
MT National Guard Youth Programs Offices at 324-3346 or 324-5120.
Camp Season Will Be Here Soon!!
Great opportunities this summer are available for ALL to enjoy fun, educational,
strength and character building experiences for FREE!
Meet and become friends with other Military Kids just like you!!
Keep your eyes peeled for camp information in future newsletters
and by watching our website at
www.montanaguardfamily.org/html/youth.php
We look forward to seeing you this summer!!
Page 7
Family Readiness Corner
Red Friday Red Friday is a movement that began back in 2006 that has been underway to show support for our troops who are
overseas. While these troops are often in the spotlight, those who actually support the troops are often referred to as a
“silent majority” - let’s break the silence. The wars of present day do not seem to carry the same “across the board”
open support that once existed. All one has to do is look back at World War II when patriotism and support for the
troops was a part of everyday life and center of conversation in every home. Young men lined up to sign up for the
military service, often lying about their age in order to serve.
While times have changed, the support for our troops should never waiver. Attend a local college football game, and
the stadium will be filled with the team colors. The same should hold true on any given Friday in the United States.
Participation requires nothing more than saving a red shirt, sweater, jacket, etc. to be worn on Friday. However, red is
a common color for clothing, so in order to make this truly notable statement, an overwhelming majority would need
to participate. Our country should like a “Sea of Red” every Friday. Granted , this is not the only way that one can show
support for the troops. Along with yellow ribbons in the form of a car magnet to denote the safe return of our troops
overseas, many programs are in place which allows people to donate books, supplies, send greeting cards and even
write letters. All of these are excellent means to show our troops their actions touch us on a very deep and personal
level.
If every one of us who loves this country and our Service Members will wear red on Fridays and we will share this
with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let
our troops know the once “silent” majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The
first thing a Service Member says when asked “What can we do to make things better for you?” is…...We need your
support and your prayers.
We Live In The Land Of The Free,
Only Because Of The Brave.
Resources & Benefits Partner with a Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coach to
Improve Your Health and Wellbeing
Do you need help making changes that will improve your health or well-being? Consider partnering with the Military OneSource
Health and Wellness Coaching Program. The Health and Wellness Coaching Program is a free resource for eligible individuals who
wish to improve their health and overall well-being.
A health and wellness coach can help you:
* Identify your beliefs, values, and vision
* Create an action plan to achieve your goals
* Eliminate roadblocks or barriers that stand in the way
* Celebrate your success
Focus areas for coaching include: weight management, fitness and nutrition, health condition management, stress management, and
life transitions (adapting to lifestyle changes such as a deployment, moving, becoming a new parent, or retirement). Coaching is not:
counseling
Burning Boots Trail Club for Military Veterans
The Burning Boots Trail Club is a backpacking/wilderness adventure group for Military Veterans. They are
based in Spokane/Coeur d’ Alene, and spend their time wandering around Idaho, Montana, Washington and
Oregon. Burning Boots do everything from day hikes to advanced level multi-day trips. In addition to back-
packing, they also enjoy other wilderness adventures including, but not limited to canoe/kayak trips, snow-
shoeing and winter camping, cabin/cam retreats, parasailing, hunting, shooting and fishing. All of their
events are carefully researched, scouted and planned.
If you are interested in joining, check out their website at http://burningbootstrailclub.com or you can email
Kellie Richardson at [email protected].
FREE Tax Filing With tax season already geared up, Military OneSource is sending this special announcement to inform you about free tax
filing services!
Military OneSource is pleased to announce the return of the Military OneSource version of the H&R Block At Home Online
tax preparation service. If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save, and file your
2011 federal and up to three state returns online for free with the H&R Block At Home tool.
To access this free service, you must start your return from the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home link. Once you click
the link you will be required to log in to Military OneSource (new users need to create an account). From the login page you
will be directed to a site containing additional information on tax preparation, including the link to the Military OneSource
free H&R Block At Home service.
You can also prepare and file your taxes at your own pace. Once you create your own secure log-on user ID and password
through the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home service, you will be able to save, close, and return as often as you need
to. This means that if you don’t have all of your tax documents ready when you start, you can stop, gather what you need,
and return as often as necessary.
Page 8
Financial
Page 9
It’s (Almost) Military Saves Week The theme for Military Saves Week 2013 is more than just a theme; it’s a simple set of instructions to help you save successfully. Set a goal. Make a Plan. Save automatically. Knowing what you want to save for, how to achieve it and then making the saving process automatic will allow you to reach your saving goal. Set a Goal You can save more by having a goal in mind. Visualizing what you want to save for gives your savings a purpose. You may be tempted to withdraw from your savings if it has no purpose. But once you have a goal in place, you know that taking money out of your savings is taking away from that ultimate goal. So what are you saving for? An emergency fund, a home, retirement, a car? Encourage people to go viral with their savings goal. Take a picture and post it on Facebook and tag @MilitarySaves. Make a Plan Once you have your goal in place, make a plan of how you are going to save. To start, cut down on your spending and reduce high-cost debt. Next, keep track of what you spend and make a budget. Once you know where your money is going each month, you can cut down on unneeded spending and save the difference. Don’t forget to keep your savings safe, secure, and growing. Banks, credit unions, and even the government offer a variety of financial products that can help you save. Save Automatically It can be hard to put aside money for savings. But there is an easy way to save money without ever missing it. Once you know how much you can save, make saving automatic and automatically transfer a portion of your paycheck into a savings account. Take the military Saves pledge to get tips and advice year round and follow Military Saves on Facebook and Twitter.
Military Saves Week 25 February – 2 March
Take the pledge: www.militarysaves.org
Questions or concerns?
Call your MT National Guard Personal Financial Counselor, Liz Foster, 406-324-3302 [email protected]
Family Programs Team
State Family Programs Director
1LT Kevin Dighans – 406-324-3239
Family Assistance Coordinator
Valerie Cundall – 406-324-3232
Family Assistance Specialist – Helena
Aimee Enos, Contractor – 406-324-3202
Family Assistance Specialist – Missoula
Erin Helm, Contractor – 406-324-5121
Family Assistance Specialist – Kalispell
Christina Ryan, Contractor – 406-324-5180
Family Assistance Specialist – Glasgow
Linda Sundby, Contractor – 406-324-5530
Family Assistance Specialist – Billings
Russell Pettit, Contractor – 406-324-5450
Family Assistance Specialist – Havre
Alyssa O’Neil, Contractor – No phone available
Airmen & Family Readiness Program Manager
Holly Wick – 406-791-0867
Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant
Misti Dauenhauer, Contractor – 406-324-3234
1889th Family Readiness Support Assistant
Christian Hughes, Contractor – 406-324-5293
Lead State Youth Coordinator
Sara Cease, Contractor – 406-324-3925
Youth Program Specialist
Tyler Anderson, Contractor - 406-324-5120
Joint Family Support Assistance Program Team
Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) - Contractor
Kerrie Wheeler, LCPC 406-696-5202
Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) - Contractor
Jennifer Hurwitz, LCPC 406-403-6676
Personal Financial Counselor (MFLC) - Contractor
Liz Foster, 406-324-3302
Director of Psychological Health (DPH) - Contractor
Carol Josephson, LCSW/LAC 406-422-6131
Military OneSource Consultant (MOS) - Contractor
Bill Carroll 406-781-4986
Army OneSource Rep - Contractor
Sheila Schumacher 202-272-8331
Family Programs 24/7 Line: 1-877-706-7598
Page 10
www.montanaguardfamily.org
Feb 23-24: Billings - During Event II for the Families of the 484th and 260th
Feb 23-24: Billings - 60-Day for 484th (Early Returners) and Individual Deployers
March 2-3: Helena - 30-Day for Det 1 B Co 1-189th and Individual Deployers
April 13-14: Helena - 60-Day for Det 1 B Co 1-189th and Individual Deployers
May 18-19: Billings - 30-Day for 484th MP’s, 260th EN, and Individual Deployers
May 4-5: Helena - During Event I for the Families of HHC 1-189th AVN Vigilante
June 22-23: Billings - 60-Day for 484th MP’s, 260th EN, and Individual Deployers
Yellow Ribbon “Save the Date”
During & Reintegration Dates
