1. 3 May 2012
Task Force Knighthawk
FRSA Flash
www.facebook.com/TF Knighthawk
Government Organization
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
2. Schedule of FRG Events
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
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 31
4. P a g e 4
5/6 USO Stuff the Truck Event, 1000-1600 1130 @ ACS
Sam’s Club
5/17 Volunteer of the Month Ceremony, 1030-1130
5/7-8 ScreamFree Parenting, 0900-1500 @ ACS @ The Commons
5/8 American Red Cross Volunteer Recognition 5/17 & 18 Stronger Families Oxygen Seminar, 0900-1500
1130-1400, The Commons @ USO
5/8 Key Caller Training, 1400 & 1700 @ ACS 5/17-20 Case Lot Sale, All Week @ The Commissary
5/9 Fort Drum Informational Town Hall Meeting 5/18 FDNY Special Olympics, 0900-1400 @ ACS
1830-2000 @ The Commons
5/18 Division Retirement Ceremony, 1600-1700 @
5/9-10 AFTB Level I Training, 0900-1600 @ ACS MPA
5/11 Military Spouse Appreciation Day Movie 5/18 Right Arm Night , 1700 @ The Commons
1030-1300 @ MPA
5/19 Armed Forces Day Parade, 1000 in Watertown
5/11 Military Spouse Appreciation Luncheon
1400-1600 @ Adirondack Creek Community Cen- 5/21 ACS Resilience Training, 0930-1430 @ ACS
ter
5/22-23 AFTB Level II Training, 0900-1600 @ ACS
5/12 USO Big Bash, 1900-2300@ Elks Lodge, Water
5/22 Welcome Tour, 0930-1400 @ ACS
town
5/23 Asian-Pacific American Heritage Observance
5/13 Mother’s Day Brunch, 1100 & 1330 @ The Com-
1130-1300 @ Commons
mons
5/24 SAFETY DAY/DIVISION RUN, 0700
5/14 Home-Buyers Class, 0930-1130 @ ACS
Hays Hall/Fort Drum
5/14 FRG Leader Training, 0900-1300 @ ACS
5/24 Safety Day Fair, 0900-1500 @ Magrath Gym
5/14 Informal Fund Training, 1400 & 1700 @ ACS
5/25-28 DIVISION DONSA/MEMORIAL DAY HOLI-
5/15 School Board Elections DAY
5/16 Finding a Job using Social Networking, 0930- 5/29 Army Soldier Show, 1800 @ Magrath Gym
May 2012
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 31
10. P a g e 1 0
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
11. P a g e 1 1
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.
13. P a g e 1 3
Fort Drum CYS Services 2012 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
15. P a g e 1 5
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.
16. P a g e 1 6 FORT DRUM, NEW YORK
4th Annual
Exceptional Family Member Program
Mountain Camp
August 6 - 10
9:00 am– 2:00 pm daily
Ages 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
Fort Drum – The Army’s Best Kept Secret
17. P a g e 1 7
For more job announcements and
job searching tips, we post 5-
10 jobs daily on our face book
page!
http://www.facebook.com/
fortdrumemployment
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
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.
