BUCKEYE FAMILIES
January2010
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bramlish, State Family Program Director
CPT Katie Enochs, Assistant State Family Program Director
Jon Huff, Contracted FAC Coordinator
Diana Whatmough,Family Readiness Assistant 866-278-5756
Jennifer L. Moore, Editor,
Ready Families... Anytime, Anywhere 2825 West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235
Toll Free number 800-589-9914 Website:
Educate, Communicate and Market Family Readiness
Contracted Family Assistance Centers (FACs)
Angela Dyer*/Andrew Seward/
Michelle McMillan – Columbus800-589-9914
Margret Szymanski –Bowling Green866-278-5755
Brian Via* – Cincinnati866-278-5757
Jennifer Moore – Portsmouth/Chillicothe 866-270-8283
Joyce Stingel/Melissa Wise -
Akron/Canton866-278-5756
Jerry Wiggins/Robin Robbins –
Kettering866-278-5759
After Hour or Emergency Contacts
CPT Katie Enochs614-302-8228
Diana Whatmough*330-523-0055
Contracted State Youth Program
Sue Ann Carroll– State Coordinator877-460-2177
Erin Berry – OMK Specialist614-336-7314
Air Wing Program Coordinators
Carolyn Ebert – Rickenbacker*614-492-4417
Jane Esprit – Springfield*937-525-2583
Faline Rowland – Mansfield*419-520-6600
Judy York – Toledo* 419-868-4550
ArmyRegional Volunteer
Phillipa Smith – Columbus*614-946-3710
Mary Muntz – Toledo/Bowling Green*330-416-7140
Air GSU (Geographically Separated Units)
Amy Hernandez – Blue Ash*513-936-2949
Transition Assistance Advisor
Terry Dean614-336-7349
Military One Source Consultant
Mike Magnusson 614-336-7319
Military Family Life Consultant
Tom Whiteman614-336-7479
Kate Burke614-336-6000 Ext. 1413
* Denotes: – Joint Family Council Member
If you would like to contribute to the Buckeye Family Newsletter about what’s happening in your unit, please forward your submission to the editor. The next edition is scheduled for April2010.
Commanders, FRML, and FRG Leader Teams - Mark your Calendars for the 2010 Annual Family Readiness Conference, 9-11 April 2010, in Columbus.
From LTC Buck Bramlish…
Dear fellow National Guard Members and Families,
In early December, Soldiers and Airmen received a copy of “Strong Families 2010,” which is our second edition of this annual program of events booklet. In recognition of your busy schedules, this publication is targeted at providing a comprehensive listing of Soldier, Airmen, Family and civilian employer events to help you build a Strong and Ready Family. Simply put, you deserve opportunities for fun, camaraderie and family time considering your commitment to our country.
We have had over 1,200 youth attend our camp opportunities and almost 600 couples have attended our marriage enrichment retreats to date. Add to these numbers over 6,000 participants at our zoo and The Ohio State University camaraderie programs and we are beginning to meet our objective of providing the highest quality events for our troops and Families.
PLEASE, review the events in the booklet, mark your calendar and get registered for those events requiring pre-registration. Finally, consider this a call to action... Find the event(s) that suit your situation and sign up. Attending a marriage retreat on Lake Erie, a Family Camp at a leadership resort, or your child attending an OSU basketball game with other military families might build a lifetime memory... For all of you.
If you did not receive a copy of “Strong Families 2010” please request one from your unit or FamilyAssistanceCenter.
SAVE THE DATE!
Regional Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee
RISFACS are quarterly meetings bringing together our unit leadership and FRG with local organizations dedicated to supporting the military
RISFAC Goals:
- Build regional partnerships closer to military units and families
- Enable individuals and organizations support for service members and families
- Establish single regional “military family support point”
- Build or contribute to “Strong Family” regional initiatives
- Build regional volunteer support… partner with existing groups
- Provide a forum for military leadership and family readiness staff and volunteers to interact and discuss their units initiatives and concerns with supportive community participants
Enabled by a supportable structure facilitated by an ONG Family Assistance Center (FAC) Specialist
RISFAC Meeting Schedule – January 2010
Region 1 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 21, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Veterans Service Commission of SummitCounty
Address: 1060 E. Waterloo Rd.Akron, OH44306
FAC Specialist: Joyce Stingel and Melissa Wise
Office Phone: 866-278-5756
Mobile: 330-730-9243
Email:
Email:
Region 2 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 14, 2010
Time:6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Ross County Service Center Conference Room A
Address: 475 Western Avenue, ChillicotheOH 45601
FAC Specialist: Jennifer Moore
Office Phone: 866-270-8283
Mobile: 740-637-0340
Email:
Region 3 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 26, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: WoodlawnCommunity Center
Address: 10050 Woodlawn Blvd, Cincinnati, Ohio45215
FAC Specialist: Brian Via
Office Phone: 866-278-5757
Mobile: 513-869-9248
Email:
Region 4 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 26, 2010
Time:6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Dayton Area American Red Cross
Address: 370 W. First StreetDayton, Ohio45402
FAC Specialist: Jerry Wiggins and Robin Robbins
Office Phone: 866-278-5759
Mobile: 937-751-8472
Email:
Email:
Region 5 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 7, 2010
Time:6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: HancockCounty Red Cross Chapter
Address: 125 Fair Street, Findlay, OH45840
FAC Specialist: Margret Szymanski
Office Phone: 866-278-5755
Mobile: 419-494-2959
Email:
Region 6 – RISFAC Meeting
Date: January 13, 2010
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Location: Ohio 4-H YouthDevelopmentBuilding
Address: 2201 Fred Taylor Dr.ColumbusOH43210
FAC Specialist: Angela Dyer and Michelle McMillan
Office Phone: 800-589-9914
Mobile: 614-406-2148
Email:
Email:
Warm Wishes from SANTA’S OWN, for their gracious donation to Region 1 in northeast Ohio of 42, pre-lit Christmas trees. Thank you to, Mark Wasylow and Warehouse Manager John Goldsmith for this holiday surprise, even Gandalf the dog was in on the action. The 1484th TC, provided us with a tractor trailer along with the manpower of SSG Okey, SSG Mann and 1SG Stingel to help us retrieve the wonderful trees; we also had 6 others helping us load these into our office. This wonderful donation went to 15 of our armories and our military families in need. Happy Holidays
FOP Donates Polar Express Tickets
Thank you to the Fraternal Order of Police #7 and FOP Auxiliary #1 of Akron, OH for the wonderful donation of 50 tickets to ride the Polar Express; 14 deployed and recently returned Families took the ride on 11 December. THANK YOU, to the FOP and Auxiliary for their support of our Soldiers and Families.
A Great Christmas Surprise!
Jason Cadle (1483rd Walbridge), just home from Iraq, surprises his daughter Alexee Shane, 5, by picking her up from kindergarten at Central Elementary at New Philadelphia Monday. Alexee’s Christmas wish was for her father to be home for Christmas. Her mother is DeAnna Cadle. The family lives in New Philadelphia.
OhioStatevs. Michigan: Always a Tradition
By Spc. Brian Johnson, 16th Eng. Bde. UPAR
BAGHDAD – For over 100 years, there has been a hotly contested rivalry that boils over to an all out war for three hours one fall Saturday afternoon in November.
This war is not between religious factions or different countries, but between two college football teams: The University of Michigan Wolverines and The Ohio State University Buckeyes.
This rivalry is deeply rooted in both teams’ history. Since 1935, the Ohio State and Michigan match-up has decided the Big Ten Conference championship between the two teams 23 different times. This game has also had implications on determining the conference 24 times.
This year, that rivalry spills over, here, in Baghdad for Soldiers of the 16th Engineer Brigade. For troops from the Ohio National Guard’s 1192nd Engineer Company and the Michigan National Guard’s 1434th Engineer Company, the game has a special meaning.
Both companies work very closely together, both units of the 101st Engineer Battalion and both located in the same building. They have even worked on many projects together. However, this one week, on Nov. 21, all the teamwork and camaraderie that the two units have built up will be set aside.
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 16th Engineer Brigade practice their “trash talk” at CampLiberty, Nov. 16, in reparation for one of the biggest night of the year in college football: the University of Michigan v. The OhioStateUniversity. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Aaron Testa, 16th Eng. Bde.)
Cleveland Browns Hats Off To Our Heroes Honor Row - United States Army
During the October 25, 2009 Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers game, the Cleveland Browns hosted and honored 6 soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard and their guests as part of their Hats Off to Our Heroes Program. The Region 1 FAC office worked with the Browns organization to provide deserving soldiers with this opportunity. Six Army National Guard units were represented and these six soldiers were featured on clevelandbrowns.com as well as on a live scoreboard feed during the game. The program is the Browns way to honor individuals who have served and continue to serve our country and communities with a special salute during their home games. Thank you Browns!
Military OneSource News
New Online Library Resources - Our online library database is growing! Military OneSource has links to over 25 libraries. Among our latest additions are Kid InfoBits, Student Resource Center Gold, and Culture Grams. See a complete list by signing in to the Military OneSource Web site and visiting our Online Libraries.
Peterson’s Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) - Military OneSource now has a link to Peterson's Online Academic Skills Course. This course, free to all service members and family members, is designed for individuals who want to build their math and verbal skills to excel in their jobs, pass their exams, advance their careers, or continue their education. The course will diagnose the individual’s current level of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math abilities and teach the concepts and skills needed to increase proficiency in each of these academic areas. To explore MOS extensive library resources or to register for OASC go to
Veterans Employment Coordination Service
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to increasing the number of veterans working in VA facilities and have established the Veterans Employment Coordination Service (VECS) to support that commitment
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VECS was established to improve efforts to attract, recruit, and hire veterans into the VA, particularly severely injured veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
VECS Regional Veterans Employment Coordinators (VEC) are available throughout the country to provide personal assistance to veterans interested in applying for VA positions. VECS seeks to ensure that veterans not only have the tools for success, but access to the resources and networks necessary for their transition to the VA workforce. More information about the program can be found online at .
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Ohio National Guard Youth Program
CHILDREN OF NATIONAL GUARDSMEN AND RESERVISTS WELCOMED
AT THE FIRST TEE CHAPTERS FOR NO COST PROGRAMS
In 2010, The First Tee will offer golf instruction combined with character and life skills education to children of National Guardsmen and Reservists living in communities across the country. The initiative is made possible as part of a two-year agreement with the Department of Defense. The goal is to welcome at least 6,000 school-aged participants from military families to The First Tee for no cost programs. Prior golf experience and equipment are not necessary.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to introduce our positive youth development programs to children of those serving in our Armed Forces,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “The First Tee Life Skills Experience teaches young people core values such as honesty and respect as well as important life skills such as managing emotions, goal setting, interpersonal communication and effective conflict resolution. The program goes far beyond teaching fundamental golf skills.”
Trained coaches and staff at over 200 Chapters of The First Tee offer a progression of lesson plans that create a fun and safe learning environment. The curriculum fosters curiosity about the game of golf and teaches how the positive values inherent in the game can be used at home, in school and in other areas of everyday life.
The free program will positively impact children of Guardsmen and Reservists that reside in 200 civilian communities across America. New sessions start throughout the year and dates and times vary by location. A parent from the military family can sign up at The First Tee Chapter in their community or download a voucher. For Chapter locations or to download a voucher, families should visit www.thefirsttee.org.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo 2009
Over 700 people in attendance
This was our 5th year at the Columbus Zoo Military Appreciation night! Once again our military members and their families weathered the cold for this festive event on December 12th. Special thanks to the USO and the Cookie Lady for providing the food and drinks for the evening. The Columbus Zoo offered ½ price admissions for military families for this event which has served nearly 5,000military members and their families over the last 5 years!
Military families enjoyed FREE hot beverages, sandwiches and cookies at our “Warming Station” and we also took lots of “Fun Family Photos”. This was another great event offering our families the opportunity to come together with other military families and share in a wonderful evening of family fun at a great price!
OSU Military Appreciation Week
Please join Operation: Military Kids and the Ohio National Guard at The Schottenstein Center on February 7th, February 11th and February 13 as the OSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams and the Men’s Hockey teams play.
This year we have combined our annual events to create and entire week at the SchottensteinCenter for Military members and their families... In the past 4 years over 1000 of Ohio’s military families have taken advantage of these opportunities to enjoy OSU sporting events. Friends, family, teams, groups are all encouraged to attend this event. As long as the group is tied to an Ohio Military Member, the more the merrier! We will post ticket purchasing information at:
For More information please contact Sue Ann Carroll at 877-460-2177 or Erin Berry at 614-336-7314 .
Save the Date!
Operation: Military Kids Camp @
Kelleys IslandOur 6th Year in a row!!
We will be offering two camps in 2010. They will run simultaneously on KelleysIsland and will be age specific. We will utilize the KelleysIsland 4-H camp for youth 9-11 and CampPatmos another residential camp on the Island for youth ages 12-15.
The age range for camp has changed. Previously, campers could not be older then 14 as of the first day of camp. In 2010, campers can be 15 as of the first day of camp.
We need counselors! Running two camps is going to double the number of counselors we’ll need. If you are 15* or older or know someone who is and is interested in a great leadership opportunity, have them contact the Erin Berry at or 614-336-7314.
*military youth who are 15 have the option attending campOR being a counselor-in-training for the younger kid’s camp.
Dates: August 9-13, 2010
Registration Begins: January 5, 2010
For more information visit: or
Contact: Sue Ann Carroll @ 614-336-7456 or
Erin Berry @614-336-7314.
Hero Camp and STRONG Family Workshops
What are Hero Camps and STRONG Family Workshops? Hero Camps will serve to make our youth more resilient and better prepared to manage the stresses of growing up in a military family. We will provide a fun filled day that builds leadership skills while promoting camaraderie and building a sense of community among military youth.
Parents have the option to drop the kids off for the day or to attend the STRONG Family Workshop. The Family workshops have been developed to run alongside the Hero Camps and provide the opportunity for parents to attend six fun, interactive sessions and obtain more information on building stronger family units.
Is the STRONG Family Workshop just another Death by PowerPoint? While there will be a lot of content offered at these workshops, we intend to make the sessions discussion based, fun and interactive. Some of the parents who attended the 2008 family workshops had this to say:
“Take your kids, bring yourself and expect to gain a new reflection on life” – Service member and Dad
“This was very informative, and a good way to meet other families that are in the same boat.”
“GO, JUST GO! You will not regret it! Service members should make sure to attend with their spouse.”
What activities will my child participate in at the Hero Camp? We will offer a full day of camping fun planned just for you, each location offers unique opportunities for campers with everything from high ropes courses, team challenge courses, canoeing, crafts hiking/orienteering, and much more. There is also a special session built into the program that provides extra tools to help them deal with and communicate the unique challenges of being a military child.
Is there any cost involved?No.
When and where will these events occur? .
May 15, 2010 Cleveland –Great LakesScienceCenter.
July 27, 2010 Columbus – OSU Campus
How do I register for this event? Registration will open on January 5, 2010; you can register on the Family Programs Website at or contact Erin Berry at 614-336-7314
Troops and Family Camps!
What activities will my child participate in at the Camps? We will offer a full weekend of camping fun planned just for you, each location offers unique opportunities for troops and their teens/families with everything from high ropes courses, team challenge courses, canoeing, hiking/orienteering, fishing, crafts and much more.
Is there any cost involved?Yes, there is a $25 per family charge for this camp.
When and where will these events occur? The TY10 schedule includes 2 Troop Family Camps.
Troop and Family Camp
August 20-22 – CampPatmos in Kelleys IslandOhio.
September 10-12 – Camp Joy Outdoor Education center in ClarksvilleOhio
How do I register for this event? Registration will open on January 5,2010, you can register on the Family Programs Website at or contact Erin Berry at 614-336-7314