The Family Flyer

Su ppo r ti ng Mi l i ta r y F a m i li es
C a pe C od — Sou thea s ter n M a s sa chu s etts — SE New E ngla n d

APR—MAY 2010
April
MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD Volume 5, Issue 2

Military children are unique!

 They share their parents with the world in order to defend Inside this issue:
our way of life.
 They sometimes sacrifice their normal family life so that we
Free Summer 2
may all benefit. Camps
 Their strength shows that they are true patriots.
Show a Military Child you are proud of them! Do something special for YOUR Guard Military Child 3
Appreciation Day
child & recognize the sacrifices that they make.
Email the Massachusetts National Guard Youth Program Coordinator, Susan Pixley at Au Pairs Show 4
MASSNGYouth@aol.com to request a special thank you certificate for your child. Military Support
Please include: Your name/rank, child(ren)‘s name(s) and a residential mailing address. 9K for Home Base 5
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 30 Veterans Program

18—24 April 2010 Spouse Tuition

Programs
6

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK Free Wedding 7

Dresses
Supporting volunteers and saying
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO MAY Case Lot Sale 7
will be highest on the agenda at this year‘s Free Circus Tickets 8
MA Joint Volunteer Workshop 23-25 APR.
With a wide variety of classes being offered FL Beach Resort 9
by state experts, volunteers from all service Offers Military
Discount
components will be brought together to
Connect to one another, the community, Troops in the 10
Spotlight 2010
the military and other state resources.

MAY 9th

MILITARY
SPOUSE
APPRECIATION
DAY
May 7th, 2010

Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care
will be hosting its annual Camp Angel
Wings. A bereavement two-day camp
experience for children and teens, ages
five through 17 who are grieving the
loss of a loved one. This camp is free
and open to MA & RI residents.
24 & 25 JUL 2010
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mattapoisett YMCA
Camp Angel Wings was developed for
children and teens who share like ex-
periences in grief. The camp provides
them an educational, therapeutic ex-
perience that is also an enjoyable one.
Camp Angel Wings
The camp counters a sense of isolation
that children can feel after losing a
loved one. Participating in activities
such as pony rides, swimming, petting
animals, dance, music, arts and crafts
activities and small discussion groups
where children and teens can explore
their many thoughts and feelings about
grief. It also encourages them to try new
or familiar activities that help them feel
good about themselves.
Camp Angel Wings' benefits include:
 Providing emotional and physical
support in a safe, non-judgmental
environment.
 Countering the sense of isolation
many bereaved youngsters experience
in their grief.
 Allowing participants to explore their
thoughts and feelings about grief in a
way that helps them show compas-
sion for others and themselves.
 Encouraging them to try new recrea-
tional activities or participate in fa-
miliar ones.
 Allowing an opportunity for children
to express feelings, ask questions or
quietly listen to others in a small
group setting.
Go online or contact Jo-Ann at 508-
984-0277 more information.

In Control Advanced Driver Training 15 & 16 MAY

Did you know?
 Automobile accidents are the #1 killer
of anyone under 45
 Without our training 43% of new driv-
ers crash in the first year
 The minimum cost for an at fault acci-
dent in Massachusetts is $4,100
 Advanced Driver Training has been
shown to reduce crashes among new
drivers by 70% and reduce crash sever-
ity by 50%
In Control Advanced Driver Training is
excited to bring our hands-on, closed
course crash prevention training back to
Otis. With over 10,000 graduates, In
Control is Massachusetts‘ 1st Driver During the half-day (4½ hour) course,
Skills Development Program and gradu- participants learn the following
ates qualify for auto insurance discounts essential skills:
up to 10%. Students must have at least a • Defensive driving techniques
learner‘s permit (minimum of 10 hrs • Tailgating avoidance/safety
experience) or driver‘s license. The pro- • Steering control
gram is beneficial for drivers of every • Speed control
experience level and parents are encour-  Rapid decision-making
aged to attend too.  Emergency lane changes
 Personal risk assessment
Call (888) 301-SAFE for details or regis-  The dangers of distractions
ter online at DriveInControl.com/MMR  Spatial awareness/Backing up
• Skills for hazardous conditions
10 Seats Available at Military Personnel
• Proper seating & hand placement
Discount—$50 (Save $249)
• Emergency braking (including ABS)

Lake Island Summer Camp

Operation Purple Camps
The National Military Family Association is
now accepting applications for its popular
Operation Purple Summer Camps. This
free summer camp program was developed
by the Association to support military chil-
dren dealing with the stress of war. Each
camp is "purple" and open to children of
any uniformed service member, active duty
or reserve component. Applications will
only be accepted online at
www.MilitaryFamily.org.
Offers FREE Spaces
The Stoltz Family, owners of Island Eligible youth must
Lake Camp located in the Pocono be 8-13 years old or
Mountains of Pennsylvania have once in 3rd-8th grades,
again provided summer camp spaces have a parent cur-
for military youth at no-cost. The Air rently or recently
Force (AFR & ANG) have been pro- deployed and must complete the schol-
vided 5 free slots (valued at $3,000 arship form.
each) during the weeks of 3-16 AUG 10 For details contact David Brittain at
for youth to experience this unique david.brittain@pentagon.af.mil .
camp opportunity. Applications are due NLT 1 MAY 10
via email or fax.

Page 2 The Family Flyer

 MWR on the MMR Fun for Kids & Families
19—22 APR VACATION WEEK WEEKLY YOUTH PROGRAMS FAMILY FUN NIGHTS!
MON:Crazy Critters MON 4-5P MMR’s Got Talent!
Aquafina Pitch, Hit & Run Fitness Fun for Kids All Talents & All Ages put in out on
Challenge the line for Family Friendly fun
TUE 4 –5
THU 08APR @ 7:30
TUE: Bug Tour of Dept of Agriculture 4-H Adventure Club
@ the Roxy Theater
Movie @ Roxy Theater
TUE 4-5
Flower Power Family Night
WED: Nature Walk & Story 4-H Junior Chefs (ages 9+)
Dress as a hippy & enjoy Family Night
Bowling @ Crosswinds @ Chapel Support Building
Youth Lounge will be open! WED 4-5P You Go Girl Mother’s Day Run/Walk
THU: Build your own Pet First Aid Kit Boys & Girls Club SUN 09 MAY—5K
Movie @ Roxy Theater Homework Power Hour
FRI: Doggie Parade THU 4 –5 For more details about these & other
Bowling & Youth Lounge Art Club MWR programs on the MMR visit
them online & read the Rec Dec, or
* all Clubs held at Crosswinds unless call at 508-968-6479.
otherwise noted

―10 Things Military Teens Want You to Know‖ Toolkit

FACT:
More than 600,000 military
children are middle & high
school age kids
The tips in this toolkit were developed
from responses of military children
who attended our Operation Purple®
camps, a national summer camp
program to help military children cope
with the stresses of war. The National
Military Family Association developed
the Operation Purple camp program to
provide additional resources to these
children.
More than 17,000 military youth
responded to our survey. Not surpris-
ingly, these kids had a lot in common.
Because Operation Purple serves
children of deployed, wounded, or
fallen service members, many com-
mented on the challenges of deploy-
ments. However, the information
provided will be helpful to any military
child.
During a child‘s teen years, emotional
and intellectual development is chal-
lenging. With the addition of a deploy-
ment and other military stressors, it can
also seem overwhelming. The National
Military Family Association created this
resource to give people in military
teens‘ lives a way to help decrease the
stressors and affirm the
positive aspects of military
life.
Visit NMFA online to view
this toolkit.

Military Child Appreciation Day

All military families are welcome.
Join us for fun hands on activities to do with your kids ages 5-12.
Military Child Appreciation Day
SAT 17 APR
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
at the
Wellesley Armory, 14 Minuteman Lane, Wellesley, MA
Parents must stay with their children.
This event is sponsored by OMK and the National Guard Youth Program and supported
by local community organizations.
Contact Susan Pixley via email at 508-233-7290; susan.pixley@us.army.mil or
Va Shon Hiltpold at 781-891-0650; vwallace@umext.umass.edu for registration information

Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 3

 Social Media Sites Open to AF Networks
Air Force officials
are opening the
Air Force network
to allow access to
Internet-based
social-networking
sites. Initial access
will be available at five Pacific Air
Forces bases March 30, and will begin
opening sites Air Force-wide later in
April. This change in policy is a result
of the Department of Defense Directive
-Type Memorandum 09-026.
"All Air Force personnel will be allowed
to utilize Internet-based social media
sites via the AFNET for official use and
limited personal use," General Warner
said. "All Air Force personnel must use
due diligence when posting informa-
tion online and must always follow
Joint Ethics regulations and operational
security, or OPSEC.
According to various regulations, Air
Force personnel cannot post any classi-
fied or sensitive information and must
follow the guidelines for appropriate
social media and Internet use. The in-
appropriate posting of information on
the AFNET and any other OPSEC vio-
lations will be punishable by Uniform
Code of Military Justice.
Personal use must be of reasonable
duration and frequency that have been
approved by supervisors and do not
adversely affect performance of official
duties, overburden systems or reflect
adversely on the Air Force.
Now that these tools are available, all
Air Force personnel and their families
can get the most up-to-date Air Force
information from Web sites on the Air
Force's official social media directory.
This article can be read in its entirely at
www.ng.mil news archive site.

Cultural Au Pairs Support Local Military

Members of Cultural Care Au Pair
Inc., the Upper Cape Cod Au Pair
Group recently met at Local Childcare
Coordinator, Diane Merrill‘s Plymouth
home. They were very focused on giv-
ing back to a country that the au pairs
have grown to respect and love: USA.
The au pairs, who come from Ger-
many, Czech Republic, Thailand, Mex-
ico and Colombia, have planned for
many years of their young lives to come
to America. Now that they are here on
a J1 Visa and staying with Host Fami-
lies, their dreams have come true. In ful way to bridge countries---one person
exchange for childcare services, these at a time. If you are interested in learn-
young women visit all over Cape Cod ing more about au pairs in your area,
and greater Massachusetts. When their visit dmerrill.aupairnews.com.
year is up, they are allowed one month
to tour the rest of the US before they
return to their homelands. They are so
taken by Americans that they wanted to
show their appreciation. The young
women told our service people about
their stay in the US, their native coun-
tries, their everyday life here and at
home. What a small, but wonder-

Joint Support Gets

Veterans Business Assistance Summit
Date: MON 10 MAY
Time: 8 a.m.—1 p.m.
Location: O‘Neill Federal Building
10 Causeway St, 1st Fl Auditorium,
Boston, MA
Registration: www.sba.gov/ma
The purpose of the event is to
match up veteran business owners
and entrepreneurs with lenders,
business counselors, government
contracting specialists, veteran sup-
port organizations and state/ local/
federal agencies.
The topics to be covered will
include:
 Recovery Act Resources
 Business Planning
 Access to Capital
 Government Contracting
 Training/Education
If you are interested in more
information contact Ray Milano at
617-565-8417 or
Raymond.milano@sba.gov
Smart
You can now access resources, events, and
contacts from Joint Support Services on your
Smart Phone or mobile device in two ways!
1) Open your mobile internet browser and
type in www.JSSMobile.org
2) Type "Joint Services Support" or "JSS" into
the search engine on your Smart Phone and
select our purple logo. Follow the prompts to
download the application.
For more information, visit
www.jointservicessupport.org/help/mobile.

Page 4 The Family Flyer

 Coping with Emotional Aftermath of a Flood
A flood can leave a trail of structural
destruction, but what about the emo-
tional impact? The full force of the
disaster is often realized after the flood-
waters recede and emergency crews go
home. In addition to the clean-up
efforts, it‘s important that you devote
time to restoring your own emotional
wellness. Feelings of grief, despair and
frustration are normal reactions to such
events. Other emotions you may be
experiencing include:
 Panic/Feeling out of control
 Disorientation/Confusion
 Anxiety/Uncertainty
 Shock/Numbness
 Despair
 Guilt
 Anger
 Grief
COPING TIPS
Following the coping techniques out-
lined below can help you deal with the
range of emotions you are most likely
experiencing:
 Be extra patient. Don‘t expect things
to be instantly restored. Accept that
restoration (both physical and emo-
tional) takes time.
 Realize that you will experience a
range of emotions and moods can
change unexpectedly.
 Don‘t overlook the feelings of chil-
dren as you deal with the situation.
They need to feel that they can count
on you for extra attention, love and
support.
 Try to keep your family diet as nour-
ishing as possible for needed energy.
 Focus on the big picture, instead of
the little details and problems. It will
give you a sense of competency.
 Talk with friends, family, counselors
or clergy in a crisis situation a sup-
portive network is essential. Try to
get at least seven to eight hours of
sleep a night to refresh your mind
and body for the next day‘s activities
 Make a list of things that need to be
done and rank them by priority.
Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA): 800-462-9029 (or 800-
462-7585 for the hearing- and speech-
impaired)
Red Cross Hotline: 866-GET INFO (or
866-438-4636)
The Salvation Army: 800-704-6955
Additional information, self-help tools
and other resources thru the Employee
Assistance Program online or call for
more information, help and support.
Counselors are available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
to provide confi-
dential assistance at
no cost to you.

9K to Fenway Helps Home Base Program Support Vets

The Home Base Program is a new
philanthropic partnership between the
Red Sox Foundation and Massachu-
setts General Hospital dedicated
to improving the lives of New England
servicemen and women returning
from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat
stress disorders and/or traumatic
brain injury through clinical care,
innovative research, education, family
support and community outreach.
Thousands of soldiers returning from
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Learn how they help:
grapple with what some call ―the invisi- Caring for Wounded Warriors
ble wounds of war‖ – combat stress Supporting families
disorders and/or traumatic brain Educating the public
injury. These disorders are complex Building awareness
and highly individualized. Families of Advancing research
veterans suffering from combat stress
Need Care? Get care now.
disorders and/or traumatic brain injury
often need support and guidance as Call 617-724-5202
they seek ways to better understand and On 23 MAY the Home Base Program
support their loved veteran. will host its inaugural Run to Home
Base 9K. This unique 9K run through
They provide clinical care to veterans as scenic Boston ends in a once-in-a-
well as support for their families. The lifetime finish of literally crossing
Home Base Program also offers educa- home plate in Fenway Park. Friends
tional courses and materials for health and family can watch you from the
care providers and the public. They also stands, with food, entertainment and
bring together world-class researchers fun family activities.
seeking medical breakthroughs in the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of To enter the race; or to support a
traumatic brain injury and stress-related runner, a team, or the Home Base
disorders Program please visit them online.

Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 5

Military Spouse Scholarship for Financial Counseling Accreditation
The FINRA Investor
Education Founda-
tion Military Spouse
Fellowship Program
has opened the appli-
cation process for new
fellows, and military spouses can apply
until April 30, 2010. The program pro-
vides fellowship recipients with the
education needed to earn the Accred-
ited Financial Counselor® (AFC®)
designation, which gives military
spouses marketable job skills and the
expertise to help other military families
overcome financial challenges.
The Military Spouse Fellowship—now
in its fifth year—is administered in
partnership with the Association for
Financial Counseling and Planning
MyCAA Reinstated for $6,000 in Spouse Tuition Assistance
On 13 MAR the Department
of Defense (DoD) resumed
the My Spouse Career Ad-
vancement Account Program
(MyCAA) for the 136,583
enrolled spouses.
Program Description:
MyCAA program provides up to
$6,000 of Financial Assistance (FA) for
military spouses who are pursuing
licenses, certificates, credentials or
degree programs leading to employ-
ment in Portable Career Fields.
Who Is Eligible:
Spouses of DoD Active Duty members
and activated members of the National
Guard and Reserve Components who
are on Title 10 orders are eligible to
receive MyCAA Financial Assistance
(FA).
Who Is Not Eligible?
Military spouses who are legally sepa-
rated under court order or statute are
ineligible. Spouses who are Active Duty
or activated Guard or Reserve members
Page 6
Education® (AFCPE®) and the
National Military Family Association
(NMFA). The program covers the costs
associated with completing the AFC®
training and testing. More information
is available at SaveAndInvest.org/
Military. Applications are available
online at MilitaryFamily.org and are
due by April 30, 2010.
Recipients of the FINRA Foundation
Military Spouse Fellowship must com-
mit to completing the course of study
and to volunteering or working in the
financial counseling field serving the
military or their local communities for
up to two years. To date, spouse fellows
have logged more than 185,000 practi-
cum hours assisting the military
community. The program has gradu-
themselves are ineligible. Coast
Guard spouses are ineligible.
What MyCAA Pays For:
MyCAA FA pays tuition for
education and training courses,
and professional licenses, certi-
fications and credentials. This includes
state certifications for teachers, medical
professionals and other occupations
requiring recognized certifications; li-
censing exams and related prep
courses; Continuing Education Unit
(CEU) classes for continued profes-
sional development; and degree pro-
grams leading to employment in Port-
able Career Fields. MyCAA also
pays for High School Completion
courses, GED tests and English as a
Second Language (ESL) classes, grants,
and loans.
How to Get Started:
Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA
Account by visiting the MyCAA website
https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa.
Once spouse Profile information is
provided, MyCAA will verify spouse
ated 188 fellows. Accredited spouses
serve the military community as finan-
cial counselors at family readiness and
support centers, credit counseling and
tax centers, financial aid offices and
credit unions throughout the U.S. and
abroad. These organizations are in need
of well-trained specialists who under-
stand the unique financial needs of
military families.
The Spouse Fellowship Program is
open to current or surviving spouses of
active duty or retired Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard,
Army or Air National Guard or reserve
component service members, as well as
spouses of the U.S. Public Health
Service Commissioned Corps and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration officials.
DEERS benefit eligibility. Eligible
spouses will be allowed to create their
Career and Training Plan and request
FA when they are within 30 days of
course start dates. Additionally, spouses
are responsible for applying to their
selected school or program and enroll-
ing in each course included in their
approved MyCAA Career and Training
Plan.
How MyCAA Financial Assistance
(FA) Works:
FA must be requested by the spouse
and approved by MyCAA. It will be
provided directly to schools on a course
-by-course basis.
Who Can Help Spouses:
- Military spouses can help themselves
- School officials can help spouses
- MyCAA Career and Education
Consultants 800-342-9647 can help
To find out more information:
Visit the MyCareer Advancement Page
on the Military One Source webpage.
The Family Flyer
 Dream Wedding Dress & Makeover - Deadline 10 APR
Are You or Your Future Spouse in the
Military? Be selected to choose a de-
signer wedding gown and receive a
makeover!
You may have heard about the recent
VOWS/USO GI Gown Giveaway,
which was held this past December at
VOWS Bridal Outlet in Watertown.
At the GI Gown Giveaway military
brides from all over New England were
able to sign on through USO to receive
a beautiful, designer wed-
ding gown at no cost.
Sounds too good to be
true, but it was better than
anyone could have ex-
pected. All of the brides-to-be
received first class treatment
and went home with the
dress of their dreams!
VOWS is now undertaking a
new venture; to find more
military brides-to-be who would like to
not only select a designer gown, but
also enjoy a makeover, including hair
and makeup.
There are so many military couples that
have such incredible stories….stories of
love, stories of sacrifice, stories of hard-
ship… whatever your story, VOWS
would like to hear it and consider you
to be chosen to receive royal treatment.
All brides will need to be
able to appear at Vows Salon
in Watertown, Massachusetts
on a Monday during the
month of April to select
their wedding gown. Brides
must also be willing to be filmed choos-
ing their dream gown, telling their story
and receiving their makeover.
If you are interested in being consid-
ered, please email your story and photo
to brides@uso-newenlgand.org by the
deadline of April 10, 2010. Notifica-
tions on selections will be emailed by
April 13, 2010

Case Lot Sale 21-22 MAY

Massachusetts Military Reservation

Commissary Truckload Sale
21—22 MAY 2010
SUPER SAVINGS!
Grocery Items—Meats & Produce

TRICARE & Health Care Reform US Family Health Plan

The United States Congress has passed major health care
Info Sessions
reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Learn more about US Family Health Plan at an upcoming
Act, that President Obama signed into law on 23 MAR 10.
info session. All sessions are ―Drop By Anytime.‖
Secretary Robert M. Gates said in a statement issued
21 MAR that the TRICARE military health plan 13 APR: 11 –1230 RING JFHQ, Cranston, RI
meets the standards set by this legislation.
14 APR: 10 –4 Bristol Harbor Inn, Bristol, RI
Secretary Gates reassured service members and their families
that the legislation won't have a negative effect on RICARE, 21 APR: 2—7 John Carver Inn, Plymouth, MA
and that their health and well-being are his highest priority. 05 MAY: 11—12:30 Quonset ANGB Caf., N. Kingstown, RI
TRICARE "already meets the bill's quality and
minimum benefit standards," affirmed Gates. "The president 12 MAY: 11—12:30 RING JFHQ, Cranston, RI
and I are committed to seeing that our troops, retirees 18 MAY: 2—7 Providence Marriott, Providence RI
and their families will continue to receive the best quality
health care." 19 MAY: 12 –4 Quonset O Club, N. Kingstown, RI
On Tricare.mil find the latest 26 MAY: 11 -1 St Anne‘s Hospital, Fall River, MA
information & resources.
For more information please contact 888—813—3310 or
visit usfamilyhealth.org

Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 7

 Hanscom Offers FREE Parenting Classes in APR
To celebrate Month of the Military
Child, Hanscom AFB Airman & Fam-
ily Readiness Center will offer several
great workshops coming in April.
Listed below are three coming up
12APR-16 APR. These free workshops
are open to military members, spouses,
DoD civilians and retirees. All will take
place in the Community Readiness
Center, Building 1217. Please bring
your lunch and be their guest... To reg-
ister for any of these workshops, please
call the A&FRC at 781-377-4222, or
email 66mss.dpf.cmb@hanscom.af.mil
RAISING SONS
MON 12 APR 3:00 - 4:00 pm
How mothers and fathers may help
Shriners Circus Free Tickets From USO
Military Appreciation Evening
Shriner's Circus
WED 21 APR
Active and reserve military members
and their families can enjoy a wonder-
fully entertaining evening at the
Shriner's Circus on Wednesday, April
21st at 7:00PM.
The Circus is held at the Shriner's
Auditorium, 99 Fordham Road, Wil-
mington, MA and tickets for active,
2010 Patriot Scholarship for $1,000 Now Open
The Military Friends Foundation is
pleased to announce that applications
are now available for the 2010 Patriot
Scholar Program.
The scholarship program is open to
graduating high school seniors and
college freshmen from Massachusetts
who have a parent (or guardian)
Page 8
their sons become healthy, assertive,
and loving men, including a look at the
unique challenges of the mother/son
and father/son relationship through
each stage of development, gender
stereotypes and how to overcome them,
special issues of puberty, and how to set
realistic expectations of their sons. Pre-
sented by Parent Educator, Sue Spiel-
man.
TAMING THE DRAGON IN YOUR
CHILD
THU 15 APR 1:30 - 2:30 pm
A discussion about how to recognize
and defuse situations that trigger your 2
to 6 year old child's anger, tantrums,
and sulks and how to develop an aware-
reserve members and their dependents
are complimentary.
For tickets please call the USO ticket
line 617—720—4531 on TUEs—SATs
from 12—4 PM.
deployed overseas with the Massachu-
setts National Guard or Reserve.
This year a $1,000 scholarship will be
awarded in each of Massachusetts ten
Congressional Districts. Guard and
Reserves continue to make up a signifi-
cant percentage of the total strength
abroad. ―We want to recognize the
unique contributions made by the
families and children of our citizen
soldiers and airmen,‖ said Military
Friends Foundation Board of Director
James Kelly, who served with the Massa-
ness of the causes of the child's reac-
tions from a developmental perspective.
Presented by Patty Marquis, Licensed
Independent Clinical Social Worker.
RAISING DAUGHTERS
FRI 16 APR 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
"What are little girls made of?" A fasci-
nating look at the special world of
daughters, with information on gender
differences, societal
expectations, and our
ow n per ce p tio ns
about raising girls.
Presented by parent
educator Sue Spiel-
man.
Veteran’s Expo
22APR
VETERANS EXPO
THU 22 APR Noon to 7:00pm
American Legion #440
295 California Street
Newton, MA.
SPONSONED BY: VA Boston Health-
care System, Newton Veterans Service
Officer, & Minority Veteran Program
For more info contact: John
MacGillivray 617-796-1090
chusetts National Guard in Iraq. ―It is
the entire family who serves and many
of our own Massachusetts families have
answered this call to service multiple
times in recent years.‖
Patriot Scholar applications are
now available online at
www.militaryfriends.org/patriotscholar.
The deadline for submission is May
10, 2010.
Please contact the Foundation at 617—
733—7994 for additional information.
The Family Flyer
 Spaghetti Supper to Benefit Ma Otis’s Pantry
Ma Otis‘s Pantry is throwing a spaghetti
supper to help raise funds for the pan-
try on the Mass Military Reservation.
We are an emergency food pantry who
serves military families and veterans or
anybody else in need that has access to
the base. Your contributions will help
us keep our shelves stocked.
The menu consists of pasta dinner,
Caesar salad, bread, and dessert (buffet
style). Entertainment will be provided
by Straight from the Cape Entertain-
ment and there will be a 50/50 raffle
along with chances to purchase tickets
for other raffled prizes.
WHEN: SATURDAY MAY 8th
TIME: 5:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
(DINNER BEGINS AT 5:30)
WHERE: SHAWME FISH & GAME
CLUB
400 Route 130 Sandwich, MA 02563
This is a great way to carbo load for the (508) 888-8668
―YOU GO GIRL‖ 5K run or walk on COST: $5.00/ PLATE
Mother‘s Day, 9 May, 11:00, on the RSVP: MICHELLE ATLAK
MMR. Contact Candy LeBlanc to reg- 5707 White Street
ister, 508-968-6446 or can-
Buzzards Bay, MA 02542
dace.c.leblanc@uscg.mil (registrations
maotispantry@yahoo.com
must be in by 5 May).
Tickets are also available at Ma Otis‘s
Pantry, on S. Inner Rd.

FREE Leadership Camp Applications due NLT 16APR

The National Military Family Associa-
tion would like to bring your attention
to this special opportunity available to
teens that are 15 to 17 years old regard-
ing Operation Purple Leadership
Camp.
Operation Purple Leadership Camp is a
high adventure program developed by
the National Military Family Associa-
tion specifically for military teens. Rock
-climbing, backpacking, white water
rafting, ropes courses - each week of
camp offers the expedition of a life-
time! Participants will learn to navigate
the outdoors with their peers as they
get to know one another and build a
team. Camps will be held in five loca-
tions across the United States that each
offers a unique outdoor experience:
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, and
North Carolina.
If you know of a teen that has shown
an ability and willingness to lead and
mentor in your community, Operation
Purple Leadership Camp is for them.
The mission of each camp is to create
strong teen leaders by giving partici-
pants the tools they need to develop
self-confidence and the opportunity to
test their strengths and abilities. During
their time at camp, teens will receive
real leadership experience in the out-
doors and plan an individual service
project that will impact their communi-
ties in a positive way.
Attendance at Operation Purple Lead-
ership Camps is free. Participants will
be reimbursed for travel expenses up to
$500 following submission of an itiner-
ary. Additional financial assistance may
be available on a case-by-case basis. As
a condition of this free program, teens
will sign an agreement to complete a
community service project and docu-
ment progress with the National Mili-
tary Family Association throughout the
year.
Please visit www.MilitaryFamily.org/
leadership to find out more about Op-
eration Purple Leadership Camp. The
application period closes on April
16th.
For further information, please email
OPC@MilitaryFamily.org with
"Operation Purple Leadership Camp"
in the subject line.

TradeWinds Island Resorts Offer Military & Civilian Discounts

TradeWinds Island Resorts, at St. Pete Beach, FL welcomes current & retired military and DoD civilian
employees to their Preferred Partners Discount Program. Whether it‘s for an active and family friendly beach-
front stay at Island Grand, featuring boatloads of fun in the sun and kids activities galore; or a more relaxed
escape at Sandpiper Suites, with its tranquil beachfront setting….you now qualify for the best rates around!
Extra –Special Welcome Rates: $69 room/parlors; and $89/suites
Room types & dates are subject to availability and promotional allotment. Check with the reservation
agents at 800—251—0613 for rates, room types & dates. Use PROMO CODE: VseMilitary
OR go to www.justletgo.com/vsemilitary

Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 9

 U.S. Air Force

The Family Program works to establish and facilitate ongoing

communications, involvement, support and recognition between
Guard families and the guard in a partnership that promotes
the best in both.
―Families Matter‖

Helpful Websites
Erin Creighton US Family Health Plan
102IW Airman & Family Military One Source
Readiness Program Manager www.militaryonesource.com www.usfhp.org
102IW/ FPO DEERS American Red Cross
158 Reilly St Box 70 www.redcross.org
www.tricare.mil
Otis ANG Base, MA 02542
Phone: 508– 968– 4855 NGB Family Online Community Our Military Kids
Fax: 508– 968– 4846 www.guardfamily.org www.ourmilitarykids.org
erin.creighton@ang.af.mil Financial Assistance Tri-Care Information
Requests to be added or removed www.operationhomefront.net www.tricare.mil
from this distribution list may be sent
directly to Erin at the address above. Veterans Affairs www.va.gov ESGR www.esgr.org

Troops in the Spotlight 2010

Memorial Day for the men & women serving in the list of troops
Weekend 2010 Iraq & Afghanistan; waiting for a care
will mark the 5th annual Troops in -Troops in the Spotlight main attrac- packages is growing fast. For more
the Spotlight event & fundraiser tion of military members standing at information, a list of items needed
hosted by Cape Cod Cares for Our attention for one-hour shifts for 24- or our drop off locations please visit
Troops. straight hours the web site capecod4thetroops.com
TIME: 11:30AM—Noon -NEW! Last Branch Standing Com- Want to do more than just attend?
DATES: SUN 30—MON 31 MAY petition!!! See which branch ‗wins‘ Cape Cod Care for Our Troops
LOCATION: Kmart Plaza, Rte with the most service members par- encourages you to hold your own
132, Hyannis, MA ticipating ―In the Spotlight.‖ donation drive at your business,
AT THE EVENT: This Cape military support organiza- school, church etc. Then, on May
- Various military organizations and tion just mailed out their 8,000th 30th or 31st, present your donations
associated information; care packages!!! In addition to send at Troops in the Spotlight. Or hold
- Look through the scrapbooks and care packages to deployed military a monetary fundraiser and come
gifts from grateful military members; members, they also support shopping at Kmart during Troops in
- Make a video stating your support Wounded Warriors, Gold Star the Spotlight, they will have all the
to be send to our troops; Families, Veterans, and also send items we need for care packages!!!
- Drop off your collected care pack- supplies needed for our troops to If you are from out of state and want
age items or monetary donations; provide humanitarian aid to the to help? Or use a drop off location
- Bring greeting cards and/or letters people of Iraq and Afghanistan. But in your town? Visit Dylan online for
this and more information!
This announcement is provided for the benefit of members of the National Guard. It is intended for informational purposes only
and does not constitute an endorsement by the Massachusetts National Guard, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the
United States Armed Forces. Any participation is solely the responsibility of the individual.