1. Task Force Knighthawk
26 April 2012
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 Contents of this newsletter
are compiled from multiple
Mrs. Rebecca Braman Military Family news
sources. Material presented
on Thursday, the third of May does not represent the views
half past six o’clock in the evening or endorsement of TF
Knighthawk or the United
Rhicard Hills Community Center States Army. This material is
for personal use of the read-
*dessert will be served ers. All readers are encour-
This event is open to all spouses aged to do further research
for all applicable restrictions
RSVP on or by 1 May 2012 and guidelines.
stephltucker@aol.com
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 !
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
April 2012 (Month of the Military Child)
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
4. P a g e 4
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
April 2012 (Month of the Military Child)
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
7. P a g e 7
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
9. P a g e 9
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.
10. P a g e 1 0
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.
Youth Center Trips & Activities
Intramural Flag Football - Free May 21 - Jun 6 -4 - 5:30 pm, Lego Robotics
- Free
Play Football for fun Tuesdays and On Monday and Wednesdays you can cre-
Thursdays. ate Lego Robots that can complete tasks. A
May 1 - 31—4 - 6 pm, Lego Robotics Competition will take place
on June 9. Register for this activity by May
May 5 - 1:30 - 7 pm, Syracuse Stage Play 9.
Trip - $15
Take a trip to the Syracuse to see the play May 26—noon - 7 pm, Syracuse Carousel
―The Brother’s Size‖ with friends at YC . Mall Trip - Free Ride with Youth Center
Register by April 24. staff to Syracuse for a day at the mall.
Bring your own money for food and pur-
May 9 - 18—4 - 5:30 pm , Cooking Club chases. Register
Asian Pacific Observance - Free by May 15.
Learn recipes and the cooking techniques
of Asian/Pacific cuisine on Wednesdays June 2—4 - 7 pm , Pine Plains Bowling
and Fridays. Register by April 27. Center Trip—Cost: $6
Enjoy bowling with your friends. Register
May 12—8 pm - midnight , Midnight Sports by May 21.
Cost: $3 for members or $5 for non-
members June 5 - July 5 - 5 - 6:30 pm (*) ,
Have fun until midnight in the Youth Cen- Date Smart Class - Free
ter Gym. Learn tips on safe and fun dating on
Tuesdays and Thursdays. Register by May
May 18—5:30 - 7 pm, Asian Pacific Heri- 23.
tage Event - Free
Learn about this exotic culture and enjoy * Registration deadline for each trip will
the cuisine of the Asian Pacific people. be 10 business days prior to the trip.
Business days are Monday through
May 19 -3 - 6 pm, Skate Jam - Cost: $3 for Saturday.
members or $5 for non-members. Enjoy
the moveable skate park with your inline
or quad skates or skateboard.
11. P a g e 1 1
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.
12. P a g e 1 2
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
13. P a g e 1 3
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.