MAY FAMILY FOCUS 2018
Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
May Family Focus
Issue Date
THE FOCUS IS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS & FAMILIES, VETERANS, RETIREES & SURVIVORS IN THIS ISSUE
National Military Spouse Appreciation Day is celebrated on the Friday before Mother’s Day in May. This year it will be observed on Friday, May 11th, 2018. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses. Their commitment and support help to keep our country safe. America’s military spouses are the backbone of the families who support our troops during mission, deployment, reintegration and reset. Military spouses are silent heroes who are essential to the strength of the nation, and they serve our country just like their loved ones. In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the armed forces have special events and programs to inform, honor, and recognize military spouses around the world.
Events range from spouse appreciation luncheons to educational workshops, and spouse employment fairs that pay tribute to military spouses. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spousal commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members with Proclamation 5184, dated April 17, 1984. Congress officially made Military Spouse Appreciation Day part of National Military Appreciation Month in 1999. Subsequently, the Department of Defense standardized the date by declaring the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military spouses.
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Military Spouse Appreciation Day 2018
Mission: Service Member & Family Support enhances and empowers the lives of our customers with consistently exceptional service & support.
Service Member & Family Support
Phone: 1-800-658-3930
MAY FAMILY FOCUS 2018
Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
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2018 Military Youth Camps
It's time for Youth Camp - we're
looking forward to another great
summer with our Campers, Junior
Counselors, and Volunteers!
Our SD Military Youth Camps are
wonderful opportunities for our
military youth to learn life and
leadership skills, to work together as
a team and build resilience, and also
to grow as individuals and connect
with other military youth. Both
camps focus on military values,
resilience, and outdoor activities in
the beautiful Black Hills. Thank you
to the National Guard Association of
South Dakota (NGASD) for helping
to support our 2018 SD Military
Youth Camps!
These camps are for military youth
who are legal
dependents/stepchildren of a SD
military member or retired member,
as listed in DEERS. Military youth
who are a grandchild, sibling,
niece/nephew, etc. of a SD military
member are also eligible to attend,
however priority will be given to
dependents listed in DEERS. Youth
not listed in DEERS will be placed on
a waiting list, with attendance
confirmation provided within a week
after the registrationdeadline.
Shipwrecked!
25 - 29 June 2018
Campers ages 9-11 /
Junior Counselors ages 15-17
Storm Mountain (Rapid City)
Registrations due by June 8th, with
Junior Counselor applications due
by June 1st
Shipwrecked - it's all about team
building, communication, decision
making, and resilience while facing
challenges around us. We've also
included Camp favorites with
military cadences, marching, a talent
show, Mt. Rushmore, and
swimming. A week of connection
and growth for our military youth!
Shipwrecked is for Campers ages 9-
11, and Junior Counselors ages 15-17.
There is availability for 120 campers
and 12 junior counselors.
Junior counselor selection is through
an application process.
Explore!
23-27 July 2018
Campers ages 12-14
Dakota Frontier (Sturgis)
Registrations due by July 6th
Explore - This summer we'll continue
with exploration activities focused
on leadership, teambuilding, military
values, communication, and
connecting our military teens.
Explore is for Campers ages 12-14.
There is availability for 100 campers
this summer.
There is a $60 registration fee for
campers that are legal
dependents/step children. There is a
$200 registration fee for military-
connected youth not listed in
DEERS. Registration fees are
payable to "SD Military Camps" and
assist in covering 4 days at camp,
meals, lodging, transportation
during camp, supplies, activities,
entrance fees, snacks, etc.
Transportation across the state (via
I-90) will be available upon request
and space availability.
These camps would not be
successful without VOLUNTEERS -
we thank you for your time, energy,
and commitment! Please contact me
with any questions regarding being a
camp volunteer.
Taryn Broomfield, Contractor
Lead Child & Youth Program
Coordinator
605-737-6919
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R.E.D. Friday featuring Charlie Company,
1/189th General Support Aviation Battalion
will be on
Friday, May 18.
Letters to employers and schools can be obtained by contacting the
FAC or Youth programs.
MAY FAMILY FOCUS 2018
Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
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The SD ESGR committee is
accepting nominations for the
2018 Pro Patria Award.
The Pro Patria Award publicly
recognizes employers for
exceptional support of their
employees, who voluntarily serve
in the National Guard and
Reserve. These employers
provide support which surpasses
the requirements of the
Uniformed Services Employment
and Reemployment Rights Act,
USERRA.
This prestigious award is South Dakota's top employer award and is presented annually to one employer who
demonstrates exceptional support for National Defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for
employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
Previous recipients of this award are RENEW Energy Inc., Rapid City Police Department, Iberdrola Renewables,
Buffalo Ridge II Wind Farm, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Northwestern Energy, Daktronics, REI
Corporation, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Yankton, Midcontinent Communications, Yankton School District,
and SAPA Extrusions, Inc.
Nominations of the Service Members employer can be made by the Service Member or a family member April 1
through August 1, 2018. Nomination forms can be obtained at:
http://sd.ng.mil/Resources/SMFS/ESGR/Documents/Pro%20Patria%20Nomination%20form%20FY%2018.pdf
Nominations must be e-mailed, faxed or mailed back to MAJ Lona Christensen (contact information listed in the
nomination form). SD ESGR will conduct the interviews and write the nomination packets.
Questions should be directed to MAJ Lona Christensen 605-737-6540.
Nominations for 2018 Pro Patria Award
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SDNG SERVICE MEMBER & FAMILY SUPPORT
SMFS Director: 605-737-6728 LTC Brendan Murphy Rapid City
SMFS Deputy Director: 605-737-6206 MAJ Quenten Johnson Rapid City
SD Family Assistance Center 1-800-658-3930 http://www.facebook.com/sdfamilyassistance
Family Assistance Coordinator: 605-737-6079 Rickkie Martinmaas Rapid City
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-882-9375 Corinne Mahlen Watertown
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-737-6970 Sarah Neugebauer Rapid City
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-737-6970 Kathy Reamer Rapid City
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-696-5416 Jenn Holien Brookings
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-357-2942 Rachel Vanderzee Sioux Falls
Family Assistance Specialist: 605-995-1682 Ruth Ragels Mitchell
Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant: 605-737-6089 Wendi Albers Rapid City
Family Readiness Support Assistant: 605-737-6310 Tracy O’Sullivan Rapid City (109th RSG-JFHQ-196th RTI)
Family Readiness Support Assistant (196th MEB): 605-357-2970 Sioux Falls
Lead Child & Youth Coordinator: 605-737-6919 Taryn Broomfield Rapid City
Child & Youth Coordinator: 605-882-9376 Candice Bloom Watertown
Yellow Ribbon: 605-737-6947 SFC David Neugebauer Rapid City
ESGR Program Director: 605-737-6540 MAJ Lona Christensen Rapid City
ESGR Volunteer Support Technician: 605-737-6977 Michele Mustain Sioux Falls
ESP Employment Support Specialist: 605-737-6011 Scott MacDonald Rapid City
Transition Assistance: 605-737-6669 Christian Johnson Rapid City
Citizen Soldier For Life: 605-737-6656 Kenny Wheeler Rapid City
Citizen Soldier For Life: 605-357-2974 Laura Allen Sioux Falls
Citizen Soldier For Life: 605-868-6269 Emy Hauck Watertown
Survivor Outreach: 605-737-6090 Michele Anderson Rapid City
Funeral Honors & Operations NCO: 605-737-6945 MSG Mary Mallow Rapid City
Funeral Honors Coordinator: 605-737-6927 Bob Sack Rapid City
Airman & Family Readiness: 605-988-5962 Nikki Wajer Sioux Falls
Military OneSource: 605-639-0409 Mike Nei Watertown
800-342-9647
Trauma Crisis & Suicide Prevention: 605-737-6954 Bill Meirose Rapid City
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Director of Psychological Health: 605-737-6582 LTC Amber Heinert Rapid City
Psychological Health Coordinator: 605-786-2922 Amy LaBay Brookings
State Chaplain: 605-431-5182 Chaplain LTC Lynn Wilson Rapid City
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): 605-737-6294 Rapid City
877-660-6711
DoD Safe Help Line: 877-995-5247
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The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program serves Active and Reserve Component service members of ALL branches of the military AND Veterans who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. The program’s principal role is to provide direction to Reserve Component service members so that they can secure all benefits, entitlements, and services earned through their military service with the compassion of someone who’s been there.
You may not need assistance at this time, but you may have a friend or family member that could use some assistance.
Common services provided are:
- Requesting Military Service records - Enrollment into the VA Healthcare - Counseling on Education Benefits - Supporting deploying and returning
units - Employment - Tricare - State specific benefits - Navigating local, state and federal
programs
I am a current service member in the SDARNG, an OEF-Afghanistan veteran, former full-time Soldier, education counselor and will put to use my skills and relationships to ensure your needs are met.
Contact your TAA today at 605-737-6669 or [email protected]
T
May Family Focus
Service Member and Family Support South Dakota National Guard
2823 W. Main St, Rapid City SD 57702
1-800-658-3930
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