3 May 2012

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Proclamation--Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great Nation every day. Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our service members and their families seldom ask for support or recognition. They carry out their duties to family and country with the quiet courage and strength that has always exemplified the American spirit. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we have an opportunity to not only honor the husbands and wives of our service members, but also thank them by actively expressing our gratitude in both word and deed.

When a member of our Armed Forces is deployed, an entire family is called to serve. The readiness of our troops de-pends on the readiness of our military families, as millions of parents, children, and loved ones sacrifice as well. This means supporting our military spouses is also a national security imperative. Earlier this year, my Administration re-leased the report on military families, Strengthening our Military Families: Meeting America's Commitment, which mar-shaled resources from across our Government to identify new opportunities to support these patriots.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are working tirelessly to enlist all sectors of American life to address the unique challenges of military families. Their national initiative, "Joining Forces," mobilizes Americans to give our ser-vice members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. Americans can find service projects, send messages of thanks to military families, and learn more about this initiative by visiting: www.JoiningForces.gov. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, let us join together to show our service members we are taking care of their families back home as they serve our Nation across the globe. As neighbors, teachers, parents, and fellow citizens, we can reach out to military husbands and wives in our communities. We can show our appreciation in countless ways, from offering to help with household maintenance and childcare to encouraging the community involvement and career development of military spouses.

It is through our actions that we show our commitment to our service members and their spouses. By embracing military families, we demonstrate our partnership in the defense of our freedom and the security of the United States.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2011, as Military Spouse Appre-ciation Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and ac-tivities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Task Force Knighthawk FRSA Flash

www.facebook.com/TF Knighthawk Government Organization

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 !

Ladies Weekend in Niagara Falls, (see flyer on page 5)

Wednesday, May 16, Firehawks FRG Meeting, TF classroom, 6-8pm (see flyer on page 5)

Monday, May 30th FRG Meeting and Pay your Grade, 2pm at the motor pool

Snapshot fundraiser, (see flyer on page 5)

May 11th is the scheduled Change of Command and reflagging (to Charlie Co.) of Golf

Company. Open to all!

May 2012

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

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5/6 USO Stuff the Truck Event, 1000-1600

Sam’s Club

5/7-8 ScreamFree Parenting, 0900-1500 @ ACS

5/8 American Red Cross Volunteer Recognition

1130-1400, The Commons

5/8 Key Caller Training, 1400 & 1700 @ ACS

5/9 Fort Drum Informational Town Hall Meeting

1830-2000 @ The Commons

5/9-10 AFTB Level I Training, 0900-1600 @ ACS

5/11 Military Spouse Appreciation Day Movie

1030-1300 @ MPA

5/11 Military Spouse Appreciation Luncheon

1400-1600 @ Adirondack Creek Community Cen-

ter

5/12 USO Big Bash, 1900-2300 @ Elks Lodge, Water

town

5/13 Mother’s Day Brunch, 1100 & 1330 @ The Com-

mons

5/14 Home-Buyers Class, 0930-1130 @ ACS

5/14 FRG Leader Training, 0900-1300 @ ACS

5/14 Informal Fund Training, 1400 & 1700 @ ACS

5/15 School Board Elections

5/16 Finding a Job using Social Networking, 0930-

1130 @ ACS

5/17 Volunteer of the Month Ceremony, 1030-1130

@ The Commons

5/17 & 18 Stronger Families Oxygen Seminar, 0900-1500

@ USO

5/17-20 Case Lot Sale, All Week @ The Commissary

5/18 FDNY Special Olympics, 0900-1400 @ ACS

5/18 Division Retirement Ceremony, 1600-1700 @

MPA

5/18 Right Arm Night , 1700 @ The Commons

5/19 Armed Forces Day Parade, 1000 in Watertown

5/21 ACS Resilience Training, 0930-1430 @ ACS

5/22-23 AFTB Level II Training, 0900-1600 @ ACS

5/22 Welcome Tour, 0930-1400 @ ACS

5/23 Asian-Pacific American Heritage Observance

1130-1300 @ Commons

5/24 SAFETY DAY/DIVISION RUN, 0700

Hays Hall/Fort Drum

5/24 Safety Day Fair, 0900-1500 @ Magrath Gym

5/25-28 DIVISION DONSA/MEMORIAL DAY HOLI-

DAY

5/29 Army Soldier Show, 1800 @ Magrath Gym

May 2012

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POST Wide Yard Sales

Rhicard Hills & Adirondack Creek

2 & 3 June

4 & 5 August

Monument Ridge & Crescent Woods

9 & 10 June

11 & 12 August

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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

Tax help and filing taxes -- www.militaryonesource.com.

10% Savings Deposit Program (SDP) – www.saveandinvest.org

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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.

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Fort Drum CYS ServicesFort Drum CYS Services 2012 Summer Programs2012 Summer Programs

DOWNLOAD CYS SERVICES INFORMATION TO YOUR SMART PHONE.

http://drummwr.com/childandyouthservices.htm

Moving Your Kids during PCS Season

Moving to a new area can be hard on you, but it can be especially hard on a child. Below are some

helpful tips to help make your child’s transition from one school to another easier;

If you are moving out of a current location: (at the end of the school year)

Communicate with your child’s school is critical. Out-process with school at least 2 weeks prior Students will receive grades up to last day If PCS’ing obtain SLS (School Liaison Services) information on new duty station

Departure prior to school year completion:

Report card is not issues Schools provide a report showing grade status and may suggest if student should be repeat grade

over Grade promotion is determined by receiving school

Hand carry the following information for your child:

School report card IEP Birth Certificate Social Security Card Custody agreement Achievements and certificates Volunteering record Any information that is above and beyond normal school activities (i.e. clubs, sports, extracur-

ricular events) Immunization record

School Liaison Officers: Michele Carlton, 772-3214

Terri Spencer, 772-1311

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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 readers. All readers are encouraged to do further research for all applicable restric-

tions and guidelines.

P a g e 1 6 FORT DRUM, NEW YORK

Fort Drum – The Army’s Best Kept Secret

FORT DRUM, NEW YORK

4th Annual

Exceptional Family Member Program

Mountain Camp

August 6 - 10

9:00 am– 2:00 pm dailyAges 4 – 18 years

• Participants are required to be registered with EFMP and CYS Services

• Registration at CYS Services Parent Central Services through

June 15, 2011 by appointment only

• Orientation session provided to parents prior to camp.

• Events and activities geared towards appropriate age groups.

• More information about the camp contact ACS-EFMP at 772-0819/0664

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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 readers. All readers are encouraged to do further research for all applicable restric-

tions and guidelines.

Ft. Drum Employment Readiness Program upcoming Events and Workshops All classes will be located at the ACS building. Please RSVP

**Computer Basics for Job Seekers - Basic Word - 3 May - 1:00-3:00 **Employment 101 - 10 May - 9:30-11:30 - ACS ** this class if full, openings in 30 May Em-ployment 101** **Resume Writing Computer Lab - 14 May - 9:30-10:30 - ACS **Finding a Job Using Social Networking - 16 May- 9:30-11:30 - ACS **Federal Employment Workshop - 24 May - 9:30-11:30 - ACS **Computer Basics for Job Seekers - Intro to PowerPoint - 30 May - 9:30-11:30 **Computer Basics for Job Seekers - Basic Excel - 26 April - 1:00-3:00 **Employment 101 - 30 May - 1:00-3:00 - ACS

For more job announcements and job searching tips, we post 5-10 jobs daily on our face book page! http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment