A light went out at Family Programs with the passing of our friend and colleague, Jim Sanders. Jim was our Media Specialist since 2016. Jim took the title of “Media Specialist” and made it so, so much more. Not only was he an incredible photographer and graphic designer, but also a talented videographer. Jim videotaped hundreds of hours of our Child & Youth events as well as hundreds of hours recording our Kitchen Spoons & Combat Boots webinars. Jim created all of our marketing materials which included flyers, brochures, pull up banners, desktop banners and so forth. Jim took great pride in his work and showed a great deal of enthusiasm in everything he did.

But what makes the loss even deeper was Jim’s willingness to help anyone with a project or task. Jim embodied what it is to be a team player; he would always drop what he was doing when a colleague would call or stop by looking for assistance. The number of times Jim was asked to create something out of a vague, convoluted vision was numerous. Directions like, “can you make it pop?” or “can you make it more relevant?”, or “the flyer needs to be more life-like”. Jim was very patient with us and managed to deliver what we were looking for. This takes a great deal of skill and Jim was a master at it.

Jim was a kind soul, a humble person who did not have a mean bone in his body. Jim also had a zest for life-believed in living each day to the fullest. He also had a few nicknames bestowed upon him by his co-workers: Jimbo, Jimmy, Jammin’ Jim, Jim-ster and so on. Jammin’ Jim is actually the name of Jim’s children’s music CD called My Chair is a Plane that he produced to the delight of children everywhere.

Jim leaves a hole in our hearts and we will strive to honor Jim by living each day to the fullest. Also by treating each other with kindness, respect and courtesy. Jim, you will be missed.

DAVID C. LEONARD Director, Family Programs, Vermont National Guard (Office) (802)-338-339 1 email: david.c.leonard3.civ@mail.mi

Wing Family Readiness ........................2

Kitchen Spoons & Combat Boots .............2 Military OneSource ........3 Child & Youth .................4 Vermont Veterans Outreach ........................5 ESGR ..............................5

Military & Family Readiness Centers............5 Personal Financial Services ...........................6

VTARNG State Chaplain..................6

Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program Flyer .................7

Contact Information & Upcoming Event .........8

A Note From the Director, Family ProgramsWhat’s Inside

This Issue

Check us out on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/VTNGFamilyPrograms/

Military & Family Support Center888-607-8773

FROM THE HOMEFRONT

2020December

Page 1December 2020

Airman and Family Readiness Manager

It can be challenging to get inspired and partake in activities in the frigid temperatures of winter, especially amid the pandemic. It’s easy to sit on the couch, scroll through your phone, and daydream about warmer days ahead. But even when cold weather and snow seem to have lost their appeal, it’s possible to restore your love for the season. Whether you prefer to stay cozy indoors or venture out into a winter wonderland, there are plenty of fun things to do in the winter!

Join the Kitchen Spoons & Combat Boots Team on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 7 PM for our “Winter Activities; Breaking Through with Things to Do” webinar. We will share fun winter activities that are guaranteed to beat the cold-weather blues, whether you prefer to be indoors or outdoors.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://militaryonesource.zoom.us/j/96227768374?pwd=WFpLYkxVVjRWeThLbzVZSlQyZmI1UT09

NOTE: Please join the meeting from your personal computer, tablet or smartphone (Government computer access is NOT permitted)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom meeting.

To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:Click on the link below!

https://militaryonesource.zoom.us/j/3015674328(Please utilize the “chat box” to be heard)

To access audio, dial by phone: 1 (646) 876 9923Meeting ID: 301 567 4328

Kitchen Spoons & Combat Boots

Wednesday, March 3 Employment Strong: Virtually from Start to Finish

MAR03

JAN06

FEB03

Wednesday, January 6 Deployment Strong: Tips and Tricks for a Resilient Transition

Wednesday, February 3 2020: Wrap up the Year by Doing Your Taxes

Winter Activities: Breaking Through with Things to Do December 2nd, 2020 at 7:00 PM

For Those Who Plan Ahead!

Questions: Call Marcie Caulfield at 802-338-3164, Candice Bryan-Broe at 802-338-3652, or Michaela LaCoss at 802-338-4317

Greetings from your Airman and Family Readiness Office!!

Happy Holidays to all! We realize these are trying times for everyone! From people having to work remotely from home, children having to be going to school in different ways (par-tial in-school, partial at home online), and not being to see family members and friends. Be sure to know that if you need any assistance, we are here to help find you the assistance you need!! Be sure to reach out to Family Readiness, the Chaplain, and the Base Counselor.

158th Family Readiness, Mary Mahoney 802-652-8035158th Chaplain, Capt. Will Treftz 802-503-8618158th Base Counselor, Trish Dempsey 802-557-7368

We are sending out the rest of our deployers. They will be gone for 6 months. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers! Holidays will feel different this year but there are still ways to celebrate safely. Read how MilSpouse Kristi is keep-ing her family safe here: https://blog-brigade.militaryonesource.mil/2020/11/03/holidays-hitting-differently-in-2020/

We wish you and your family a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!! WE ARE HERE TO HELP ALL! Wishing Peace and Love in 2021!!!

Mary Mahoney158th FW Airman and Family Readiness Manager802-652-8035 office802-238-8645 cellMary.k.mahoney13.civ@mail.mil

Page 2December 2020

Celebrating Holidays During COVID-19

The holiday season typically involves travel, gatherings of family and friends, indoor religious services, and parties, all of which present new risks this year because of COVID-19. How can you maintain the most important aspects of your holiday celebrations without putting yourself or vulnerable family members in danger from serious illness?

Factors that increase/decrease the risk at in-person holiday gatheringsBase your decisions around how to celebrate the holidays this year, it’s important to know these known key factors:

• The incidence of COVID-19 in the location you plan to visit

• The number of people who will be at the gathering • The behavior of people before and during the gathering • How people will travel to the gathering • Ventilation and airflow at the gathering location • How long people will be together

Ways to celebrate holidays safelyAs the winter holidays approach, changes will need to continue to take place in order to protect the health of the people you love while maintaining the joy, togetherness, and spiritual meaning you value so much in these celebrations. Here are some suggestions to minimize the risk of COVID-19 during the holidays:

Lowest risk • Limit in-person gatherings to your immediate household. • Include other family members and friends by phone or video. • Choose holiday traditions and modify them to be safe: • Prepare traditional family recipes for family and friends who live nearby, and deliver them in a way that does not involve contact. • Make holiday cookies early, and mail them to people who won’t be with you in person. • Share recipes ahead of time so virtual participants can prepare some of the same food at holiday meals. • Think of new holiday traditions this year to make your celebrations meaningful and fun.

Moderate risk • Limit in-person gatherings to your immediate household and a small group of people from other households. • Be cautious of including distant family members; remember to quarantine if necessary. • Gather outdoors if the weather allows. If indoors, increase ventilation by opening windows and doors. • Communicate expectations about safety guidelines to be followed during the gathering: • Maintain physical distancing; wear masks when near people not in your household. • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizers. • Avoid handshakes, hugs, or fist bumps. • Sanitize door handles, bathroom surfaces and handles, and other surfaces after every use. • Don’t share serving utensils

High-risk activities to avoid • Large indoor gatherings with people from outside your household • Shopping in crowded stores just before or during the holidays • Attending crowded outdoor events

For the complete article, visit www.militaryonesource.mil or call Military OneSource for additional support at 800-342-9647.

Military OneSource

Page 3December 2020

Thoughts From Our State Youth Coordinator

Check us out on Facebook!https://www.facebook.com/VTNGCYP/

Download the “ARNG CYS” Mobile App for Apple & Android!

With deployments happening for many VTNG Families, I have no doubt that conversations & preparations are underway on the homefront. If you have kiddos it is critical for them to be mission ready too. If you have yet to engage them in this process, now is the time to develop a “Deployment Plan” for them. Here are some suggestions on how to get started:

Pre-deployment: Prepare for questions and emotions your children may have. Here are some tips: • Reach out to other parents who have deployed to get an idea of questions kids ask, how to respond and how much to share.

• Consider the best ways to explain military deployment to your kiddos — factor in their ages, personalities, as well as how they respond to surprises. • Reach out to VTNG Family Programs via the 24/7 Military and Family Support Center at 888-607- 8773. • Alert their schools, teachers, coaches, instructors, and religious leaders about your upcoming deployment, so they can best support your kiddo.

Prepare your children. Keep in mind, they may not understand why a parent is leaving and they are likely nervous or concerned about the change. Here are some concepts to be mindful of as you talk with your kids: • Talk to them in such a way that they’ll understand — what deployment is and why your job is taking them away. Much of this is based on their age and level of maturity. • Let them ask questions, and answer questions as simply and truthfully as able. • Reassure them that things will stay as routine as possible at home. • Keep the tone positive and upbeat, and assure them that you love them very much. • Carve out special one-on-one time with each of your kiddos before you deploy. • Develop the plan for how you’ll keep in touch with them while you are deployed, and how they can stay in touch with you. Be certain they understand that there may be times when they may not hear from you for a few days. • Discuss possible/likely changes to household routines, be sure the deploying SM assure kiddos that the parent/caregiver on the homefront is to be listened to and that house rules will remain steady. • Have them check out Military Kids Connect—an online community for military children (ages 6 to 17) that provides access to age-appropriate resources to support them in dealing with deployment and other aspects of military life—or order the video “Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy.” For younger children, order Sesame Workshop’s “Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes” to get support for your preschooler from Elmo and friends. • Ask school-age kids to help you pack, and make sure they get a chance to say goodbye, but keep the goodbyes brief.

Keep in mind that they are individuals and are likely to have varied responses to the news. They may be moody, irritable, act out and test limits. This is COMPLETELY normal. Cut them some slack. It’s your job to remain positive and be a role model.

Youth Deployment Resource Binder: VTNG Child & Youth Program has created a “binder” full of resources specifically for youth and families with youth of deploying VTNG Service Members. Here is what you will find in the binder: • Top Deployment Specific Resources-The best of the best resources for families with children who will be experiencing a deployment • Emotional Health Resources-helping support any age youth with the journey that is deployment • School Resources-Ways to help create two-way communication between you and your child’s schools • State Specific Resources-Local resources to connect you to support services that are near you

Register to receive your copy by following this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WGLG6HK or by following the QR Code below.

In the Spirit of Adventure,

Brian Stoudnour Lead Child & Youth Program Coordinator- Contractor O: 802-338-3369 | M: 802-310-6745 | brian.r.stoudnour.ctr@mail.mil

Page 4December 2020

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

Washington, D.C. ~ Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program, is pleased to announce the selection and swearing in of Sabrina Milano of St. Albans as the new Vermont ESGR State Chair. The State Chair is an official Department of Defense volunteer position with a three-year term of service, renewable one time that serves under the ESGR Executive Director, U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Underhill. Ms. Milano will provide the leadership and vision for a team of dedicated volunteers of the Vermont committee to carry out ESGR’s mission, which includes military outreach; employer engagement and recognition; and mediation between Service members and their civilian employers relating to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. More information

about ESGR programs and volunteer opportunities is available at https://esgr.mil.

Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

ESGR’s awards program culminates with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Each year, Guard and Reserve employees, or a family member acting on their behalf, have the opportunity to nominate their employer for the Employer Support Freedom Award. The ESGR State Committees review nominations and submit recommendations to advance to the next round in each of the three categories: small employer, large employer, and public sector. A national selection board comprised of senior Department of Defense officials, business leaders, and prior awardees select up to 15 employers to receive the Secretary’s prestigious award. You can nominate your employer for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award and find out more information at www.FreedomAward.mil

Vermont Veterans Outreach

Hello everyone!

This is your friendly Outreach Specialist Tom Snipp. Did you know about the free service provided by the VA called the Program of General Caregiver Support Ser-vices (PGCSS)? This program provides resources, education and support to caregiv-ers of Veterans. The Veteran does not need to have a service-connected condition, for which the caregiver is needed, and may have served during any era. No formal application is required.

Please work with your local Caregiver Support Coordinator or contact VA’s Caregiv-er Support Line -1-855-260-3274 (toll free 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET), to learn more about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services. If you any questions about this program or need any additional information, please reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Tom SnippOutreach Specialist, Vermont Veterans Outreach Programcell 802.310.0631 | office 802.338.431

Check us out on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/vtvfot/

Military and Family Readiness Centers

Traditionally, holidays are a time to celebrate the year with our families. This year seems to be different. However, servicemembers are no strangers to spending the holidays away from family – even so, some might be better at doing it than others.

Our strength is in each other. Soldiers care for one another both at home and when abroad. Good leaders are proactive in caring for their soldiers and do what they can to identify concerns early. All of us are part of a team – and the Family Programs office can help when a teammate is in need.

Enjoy the holidays! Take care of yourselves and your soldiers. A phone call to a brother- or sister- in-arms might mean more than you think. And don’t hesitate to give us a call when you don’t know what else to do.

Regards,Andrew A. RichardLead Military & Family Readiness Specialist, VT National GuardOffice: 802-338-3076 | Cell: 802-338-0563 | Andrew.a.richard.civ@mail.mil

Page 5December 2020

VTARNG JFHQ State Chaplain

Personal Financial Services

Ways to Keep your Pandemic Holiday Spending Under Control

No matter where you are, the holidays this year are going to look different. Take a minute to tell yourself that is OK. A recent survey from banking service Marcus by Goldman Sachs found that 66 percent of Americans think they will spend the same amount of money or more on holiday gifts this year compared to last year, and 44 percent of those spenders said it’s be-cause they are sending gifts to people they won’t be able to see in person this holiday season. The urge to compensate for a challenging or disappointing year (to say the least) by spending more money now may be well-intended, but it can hurt your financial future, particularly if you’ve lost income and have to go into debt to do so. (The Credit Karma survey found that 30 percent of people plan on going into debt over the holidays, with some saying it’s because they expect to overspend on buying gifts for kids, family members, and friends.)

You’re allowed to spend money during the holidays—it is the season of cheer, after all—but you want to keep that spend-ing within reason. You may already know how to budget. If that’s the case, look at your discretionary spending, or what you spend on non-essentials such as new clothes, eating out, and the like, and determine how much you can pull from that spending bucket to put toward gifting. If you don’t have a budget, now is the perfect time to make one that will cover the next few months. Add up your income for the next months, subtract essential spending, and determine how much of the leftover funds you can put toward buying gifts and celebrating the holidays.

You’ve made your shopping list. Now it’s time to try to reconcile all the gifts you want to give with your (probably smaller than usual) budget. This isn’t the year to give best-ever gifts. Focus on smaller, more meaningful or creative gifts instead, and talk to your family and friends before the gifting begins to set expectations upfront, McDonald says. You can discuss spending limits or make a rule for only homemade gifts to save everyone from any awkwardness and give everyone involved the permission they need to spend as little (or as much) as they want with no bitterness on any side. You can still arrange holiday gatherings, but they’ll be smaller or virtual, putting more money back in your pocket. Make the event special by sending everyone a bottle of wine or sharing a cocktail recipe you can all make and drink together virtually, Sac-knoff suggests, or put together a box of treats to drop on everyone’s stoop. Just don’t try to compensate for the lack of a celebration by sending lavish gifts or party favors. Save that money now, and you can throw a bigger-than-ever bash once it’s safe (and your finances are more stable).

Excerpts from: “5 Ways to Get Your Pandemic Holiday Under Control” By: Lauren Phillipshttps://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/saving/pandemic-holiday-spending-saving-tips

Megan Sather ~ Personal Financial Counselor (Contractor) ~ Cell: 802-318-2507 ~ megan.j.sather.ctr@mail.mil

Chaplain’s Reflection:

John 1:14 (ESV), And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Christmas is a season that brings back many childhood memories, the decorations, and smell of food baking, songs, presents, traveling to spend time with family and watching Christmas movies. While we enjoy all of these memories and they are important; today, I

look forward to seeing my two brothers and their families. I missed Christmas with my family during my two deployments to Iraq and the song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas encouraged all of us. Bing Crosby sang it for the first time in 1943 for Soldiers stationed overseas during WWII. The song is from a Soldier’s perspective and it emphasizes the importance of family. Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting travel, spending time with one’s family may be difficult this year. Yes, we can facetime or video chat and that is great, but it is still not the same. That is exactly why God sent Jesus so that He could live among us and each person could have a relationship with Him.

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”I’ll be home for Christmas;

You can plan on me.Please have snow and mis-tle-toe

And presents under the tree.Christmas eve will find me

Where the love light gleams.I’ll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams.”

Check us out on Facebook!www.facebook.com/VTNG-Religious-Affairs

Merry Christmas! May the LORD bless you!- CH Brett Charsky

Page 6December 2020

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS NON-ELIGIBLE

• VTARNG Soldiers, Airman, and military retirees of any branch or component

• Federal Civilian Employees of the VTNG

• Members of the State Guard of Vermont

• Any Soldier, Airman, retiree or civilianemployee whose primary duty is recruiting (to include ADOS) or duty is with a Junior or Senior ROTC

• Any currently serving VTNG Soldier or Airman in the grade of O5 or above

• Immediate family member of any individual in the groups listed aboveHOW TO GET STARTED

PAYMENTS NON-PRIOR SERVICE – $250 at enlistment, $250 upon shipping to IET / BOLC, or other initial training as applicable.

PRIOR SERVICE – $500 upon accession if DMOSQ, if not $250 upon accession and $250 upon shipping to DMOSQ training.

INTERSTATE TRANSFERS – Same as Prior Service Accession.

WHAT IT ISA Vermont State program to incentivize non-Recruiters to become a Recruiting Assistant by supporting the enlistment / accession of Soldiers or Airmen into the VTNG. A $500 payment will be awarded

to the Recruiting Assistant for any non-prior service, prior service, or officer accession.

• Payment is taxable income. Not to exceed 19 payments per TY per Recruiting Assistant.

CURRENT VTNG MEMBERS – Talk to your unit Recruiter about how to become a Recruiting Assistant.

OTHERS – Contact the Recruiter at the armory closest to your home about how to become a Recruiting Assistant.

Scan QR Code to view your local VTARNG Recruiter’scontact information

JOINT ENLISTMENT ENHANCEMENTPROGRAM (JEEP) EFFECTIVE 15 OCTOBER 2020

Page 7December 2020

CalendarEvents

of

Contact Information

DIRECTOR, FAMILY PROGRAMS

Dave Leonarddavid.c.leonard3.civ@mail.mil

cell: 802-598-0140

AIRMAN & FAMILY PROGRAM MANAGER

Mary Mahoney mary.k.mahoney13.civ@mail.mil

cell: 802-598-0202

VERMONT VETERANS OUTREACHAndre Wing

andre.d.wing.ctr@mail.mil cell: 802-881-5057

MILITARY & FAMILY READINESS CENTERS LEAD

Andrew Richardcell: 802-598-0140

andrew.a.richard.civ@mail.mil

LEAD CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Brian Stoudnourbrian.r.stoudnour.ctr@mail.mil

cell: 802-310-6745

VT VETERANS MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Charlene Caianocharlene.a.caiano.ctr@mail.mil

Ph 802-338-3445

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES

Tammie Connertammie.l.conner.ctr@mail.mil

cell: 802-881-6632

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ADVISOR

Chris Chaveschristopher.a.chaves.ctr@mail.mil

cell: 802-338-3354

VT VETERANS PERSONAL FINANCIAL COUNSELOR

Megan SatherOffice: 802-338-3446

megan.j.sather.ctr@mail.mil

AIR WING YELLOW RIBBON

PROGRAM COORDINATORKelli Langlois

kelli.j.langlois.ctr@mail.milcell: 802-751-5856

ARMY DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

Chuck BrewerOffice: 338-3494

AIR DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

Trish Dempsey, LICSWtrish.a.dempsey.civ@mail.mil

cell 802-557-7368

AIR WING CHAPLAINCapt Wilson Treftz

wilson.l.treftz.mil@mail.milcell 802-503-8618

ARMY CHAPLAINCH (COL) Brett Charskybrett.e.charsky.mil@mail.mil

cell 315-481-0419

MILITARY ONESOURCEMarcie Caulfield

marcie.caulfield@militaryonesource.comcell 802-233-9694

NEW YEAR’S EVE

DEC 31

Nationwide

KS&CB WEBINAR

DEC 2

Winter Activities: Breaking Through with Things to Do

CHRISTMAS DAY

DEC 25Nationwide

Page 8December 2020