26 April 2012
Task Force Knighthawk FRSA Flash
www.facebook.com/TF Knighthawk Government Organization
The Ladies of
Task Force Knighthawk
Request the pleasure of your company
at a Welcoming Coffee
honoring
Mrs. Rebecca Braman
on Thursday, the third of May
half past six o’clock in the evening
Rhicard Hills Community Center
*dessert will be served
This event is open to all spouses
RSVP on or by 1 May 2012
Contents of this newsletter
are compiled from multiple
Military Family news
sources. Material presented
does not represent the views
or endorsement of TF
Knighthawk or the United
States Army. This material is
for personal use of the read-
ers. All readers are encour-
aged to do further research
for all applicable restrictions
and guidelines.
S c h e d u l e o f F R G E v e n t s P a g e 2
MEET AND GREET Friday, May 4th at 1100, Potluck meeting in the Pathfinder classroom. Please attend and help
greet the new commander !
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Firehawks Fundraiser @ TF hangar (see flyer on page 4)
Ladies Weekend in Niagara Falls, (see flyer on page 4)
Wednesday, May 16, Firehawks FRG Meeting, TF classroom, 6-8pm (see flyer on page 4)
Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Noon till 3pm Firehawk/Deathstalker’s FRG Coffee (see flyer on
page 4)
Friday, April 27, Company BBQ (more information available soon)
Monday, May 30th FRG Meeting and Pay your Grade, 2pm at the motor pool
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
April 2012 (Month of the Military Child)
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30
April 2012 (Month of the Military Child)
4/27 PSAT Test and Assistance
1500-1800 Youth Center Gym
4/27 In her Shoes: Living with Domestic Violence
0900-1130 ACS
4/27 Spring Clothing Giveaway
1300-1800 ACS
4/28 USO Ice Cream Social
1400-1600 USO Fort Drum
4/28 Taste of the Town
1100-1400 Dulles State Office Building
4/29 The LT Dan Band Concert
1900-2100 Magrath Gym
4/30 Thrift Savings Plan Class
1400-1430 ACS
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Construction on the Military Road and Mt Belvedere Blvd intersection will
begin 30 Apr 12 - 04 May 12.
Because of this construction, Military Road from Mt Belvedere Blvd to Main Street will be closed
and traffic will be shifted on Mt Belvedere Blvd between Hwy 342 and the Mt Belvedere ACP
Gate. Phone # 315-221-4044
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Kids Corner ~ April is the Month of the Military Child
Members of the military community often talk about the military-civilian divide, that invisible line that separates these two dispa-
rate worlds and makes us feel that most people don’t understand us. But we need to find a way to cross that line, if not for our own
sake, then for the sake of our military children. Military kids are known for their strength and resilience, dealing with situations
that most kids don’t have to worry about – like having a parent gone for months at a time and multiple moves. To help ease some of
the stress and worry in military kids’ lives, there are many programs and organizations designed with them in mind.
So how can we do this?
Question: How can we help educators and caregivers understand our children?
Answer: Communication!
If your Soldier is preparing to deploy, email your child’s teacher or ask to schedule a conference. Let her know to keep an eye out for
unusual behavior. Share any coping strategies you know your child responds to. Compile a list of books written for both adults and
children about military life. Print out articles and direct teachers to online resources like Military OneSource, Sesame Street for
Military Families, and Military Kids Connect. At the very least, encourage open communication and make yourself available to an-
swer questions.
Try emailing your children's teachers if your Soldier will be gone longer than two weeks. The teacher may just appreciate
the “heads up” about special circumstances or changes their children are experiencing at home. Even if the teacher see no
behavior changes in the classroom, at least he/she may give out a few extra hugs.
Military kids know what it’s like having a parent gone for months at a time and have had to move numerous times. They are known
for their strength and resilience, dealing with situations that most kids don’t have to worry about and it has become apparent that
not only do spouses need support and help in dealing with the military lifestyle, but children do as well. With continuous and ex-
tended deployments and the state of the world today, most parents have heard these questions from there child over and over
again…
Why is Mommy or Daddy leaving again?
Where are they going?
Why are they going there?
Are they leaving because of something I did?
Do we dislike the Iraqi people? Are they bad?
What do they see?
What do they wear?
The questions truly are endless. To help ease some of the stress and worry in military kids’ lives, there are many programs and
organizations designed with them in mind. For a list of resources please contact your FRG Leader or unit FRSA.
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Calling all teens! The Youth Program Coordinators would like to meet on 30 April at 1700 at the Youth Center to start planning the grand opening of the new facility and discuss programs that will be offered as well as the hours of operation. This will be a process that I would expect to take a few months to complete. Plans made must be ap-proved by the Garrison Commander prior to implementation. This is an opportunity to ensure the facility/program meets the needs of all eligible teens in the area.
Intramural Flag Football - Free Play Football for fun Tuesdays and Thursdays. May 1 - 31—4 - 6 pm, May 5 - 1:30 - 7 pm, Syracuse Stage Play Trip - $15 Take a trip to the Syracuse to see the play ―The Brother’s Size‖ with friends at YC . Register by April 24. May 9 - 18—4 - 5:30 pm , Cooking Club Asian Pacific Observance - Free Learn recipes and the cooking techniques of Asian/Pacific cuisine on Wednesdays and Fridays. Register by April 27. May 12—8 pm - midnight , Midnight Sports Cost: $3 for members or $5 for non-members Have fun until midnight in the Youth Cen-ter Gym. May 18—5:30 - 7 pm, Asian Pacific Heri-tage Event - Free Learn about this exotic culture and enjoy the cuisine of the Asian Pacific people. May 19 -3 - 6 pm, Skate Jam - Cost: $3 for members or $5 for non-members. Enjoy the moveable skate park with your inline or quad skates or skateboard.
May 21 - Jun 6 -4 - 5:30 pm, Lego Robotics - Free On Monday and Wednesdays you can cre-ate Lego Robots that can complete tasks. A Lego Robotics Competition will take place on June 9. Register for this activity by May 9. May 26—noon - 7 pm, Syracuse Carousel Mall Trip - Free Ride with Youth Center staff to Syracuse for a day at the mall. Bring your own money for food and pur-chases. Register by May 15. June 2—4 - 7 pm , Pine Plains Bowling Center Trip—Cost: $6 Enjoy bowling with your friends. Register by May 21. June 5 - July 5 - 5 - 6:30 pm (*) , Date Smart Class - Free Learn tips on safe and fun dating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Register by May 23. * Registration deadline for each trip will be 10 business days prior to the trip. Business days are Monday through Saturday.
Youth Center Trips & Activities
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HIRED! Apprenticeship Program
Teens ages15-18, interested in working may ap-
ply for an apprenticeship through HIRED!
Teens can work in selected Family and MWR
facilities for 12 week terms and are paid at the
end of each term. Training is provided . Teens
must register with CYS Services to qualify. Con-
tact 772-0281 or 772- 6719 for information. Ap-
plication are now being accepted for the upcom-
ing term.
Middle School Day Camp
Registration begins June 5th at Parent Central
Services. Each weekly camp is created around a
central theme, and will offer at least two field-
trips. Field trip locations will vary; however, all
campers will be back at the Youth Center prior
to 4:00 PM. Permission slips are required for
each trip during camp. Fees/Cost will range
from $20.00-$55.00 per week (based on Total
Family Income). Call 772-8675 for more infor-
mation.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY!
The Personal Financial Counseling group of the Military & Family Life Consultant
program offers confidential, free financial counseling to you and members of your
family. A consultant can help you manage your finances, establish financial goals
and plan your financial future.
Thank you for your service. Here are several resources that may help you.
Do a budget: talk to us to learn how! Or go to www.google.com. ( Gmail account/
Documents/Search Templates/Family Budget Planner)
Debt solutions – www.powerpay.org ; www.ftc.gov/bcp
View Earnings Statements/Change Deductions – www.mypay.dfas.mil/
mypay.aspx
Order your free credit report – www.annualcreditreport.com
Get your free credit score – www.saveandinvest.org/military
Improve your credit – http://myfico.com/crediteducation/improveyourscore
List of approved credit counseling organizations – www.usdoj.gov/ust
Printable Food Coupons. www.smartsource.com
Food, furniture, auto repair, financial help – www.operationhomefront.net
Comprehensive community resources – www.211.org (Type in your location)
Ripped Off? Register complaint at -- www.ftc.gov/sentinel/military
Military Child Care – www.military.com/benefits
Off-base housing – www.ahrn.com
Grants – Am. Legion 800-504-4098; VFW – 816-756-3390
Emergencies – Red Cross – 877-272-7337; or BDE Chaplain - 315-772-2940
Education Assistance – www.gibill.va.gov
Plan your financial future – www.saveandinvest.org/military
Plan your retirement with the Thrift Savings Plan – http://www.tsp.gov
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Helpful Phone Numbers
For Military Families at Fort Drum
The MFLC Personal Financial Counselor program helps you and your family manage your finances, resolve financial problems and reach long-term goals. Services are free, anonymous and confidential. For an appointment, call (at 10th CAB) 315-523-3765 or (at ACS) 315-489-2466.
Thank you for your service to our country. Here are several resources for families who need help achieving financial readiness.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. Call (315) 782-9222. WIC serves all kinds of families with nutritious food, free nutrition advice, tips for staying healthy, recipes and resources for growing families.
Food Stamp Program – through the Community Action Planning Council. Call (315) 788-4900, or go to www.mybenefits.ny.gov.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Helps people pay for their energy bills. Call (800) 342-3009 or visit www.otda.state.ny.us and click on “Resources for Working Families”.
Army One Source. See http://aos.myarmylifetoo.com, or www.militaryonessource.com. Open 24/7 to answer any questions about everyday concerns or
Army Community Services (ACS). Employment readiness, basic budgeting, credit use; multiple forms of help. Building 4330. Call 315-772-6556/6557.
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) Pre-screening. Go to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa/. See if you qualify for special assistance to supplement the BAS allowance. Difficult to qualify.
Unemployment Compensation for Military Spouses upon PCS-related Job Loss. Contact your previous state’s Department of Labor. See www.careeronestop.org.
Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at ACS Building. FAP offers a variety of services to help Soldiers, Spouses and Families gain life skills to lead a fulfilling life. Workshops include: Baby Basics; Parenting Workshops; For-Fathers-Only. Call (315) 772-4244.
New Parent Support Program (NPSP). The NPSP is a professional team of nurses and social workers who provide supportive and caring services to military families with children from birth to three years of age. Call (315) 772-0748.