J9 Focalpoint-May 2013 Edition

1. AA NNeewwsslleetttteerr PPrroodduuccttiioonn ooff tthhee
JJ--99 JJooiinntt aanndd FFaammiillyy SSeerrvviicceess DDiirreeccttoorraattee
The loss of a loved one in combat is a terrible and tragic event for
family and friends. For one family, recovery from that tragedy is
all about giving back to the servants of Liberty, the U.S. Military
Service Members. Read on…
See Page 3
Features
PPUUTTTTIINNGG HHEERROOEESS
TTOO WWOORRKK
SSG Salvatore A. Giunta, MOH
HHOONNOORRIINNGG OOUURR
YYOOUUNNGGEESSTT HHEERROOEESS
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though
checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither
enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows
neither victory nor defeat.”
- President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt
PPUUTTTTIINNGG HHEERROOEESS TTOO WWOORRKK
The J-9 Jobs Initiative offers a fulltime staff
member that works directly with Guard and
Reserve members in Georgia to help them find
employment by utilizing the Hero to Hired
(H2H) employment program. Ms. Charlene
Anderson is our H2H Employment Transition
Coordinator (ETC) for Georgia. She is also a
certified career counselor offering support and
assistance with our members that are seeking
employment in the civilian sector.
15 May 2013Volume 4, Issue 2
ENJOYING THE RIDE
Your Georgia
Yellow Ribbon Team
……aanndd MMUUCCHH,,
MMUUCCHH MMOORREE!!
…………Continued on Page 2

2. 2
Spring 2016
…Continued from Page 1
H2H is a high-tech approach now utilized by thousands of job seekers with many tools that are built
into the system to assist them with writing a resume, with researching various career fields, to include
the educational requirements, salary ranges and statistical data for future growth in the industry. H2H
now has over 10,000 employers posting jobs every day, with over 11,000 service members hired since its
inception in 2012. H2H is free not only to our service members, but to the employers that post jobs.
This makes it an extremely attractive and highly successful program. H2H is available nationwide and
there is an ETC in every state for those that have plans to relocate.
Other valuable tools offered by H2H are a military skills translator, a career assessment survey and
professional networking avenues in your area of interest. It also offers advice on educational
opportunities geared to your skill set and so much more.
While registration does not guarantee you a job, it does offer you an opportunity to connect to jobs that
match your military job skills and talents with outside employment. Ms. Anderson works diligently
networking and building connections with external employers and outside agencies to develop
employment opportunities for everyone. She is always seeking new employers to join in our efforts to
help all of our Heroes find jobs.
If you are interested in learning more about H2H, please visit the website at www.h2h.jobs or contact
Ms. Anderson at: (office) 678-569-6066 or (cell) 404-219-0342. You can also download the mobile app
for your Android TM Smart Phones or IPhone at www.H2H.jobs/mobile.
If you are a service member who is under-employed or unemployed, we encourage you to register today
and include Heroes2Hire in your quest to identify your new career path and locate a job that will fulfill
all of your professional expectations. H2H is there for you!
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
PPUUTTTTIINNGG HHEERROOEESS TTOO WWOORRKK
Reaching Out To Help Others
How many times have you caught yourself trying to share what you are going through to help someone else? The
Veteran’s Administration (VA) has taken that concept to a whole, new level. The VA is introducing peer to peer support
for Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
For many Veterans the thought of talking to a stranger, much less a civilian about their combat experience is unthinkable.
The VA has put a new twist on the Battle Buddy mindset, but developing a program, where Veterans are serving
Veterans in the new peer counseling program. The new program was named in honor of Joseph Dwyer, a Army Medic
suffering from PTSD, that died of an overdose after returning from combat.
This program is being offered in addition to the traditional counseling and treatment programs offered through the VA to
include the Vet Centers, etc.
If you need more information about counseling services, please contact the J-9 Family Program team’s Military Family
life Consultant (MFLC), Lynda R. Smith at 706-525-8962.
2
By Melissa Dalton

3. 3
Spring 2016
We have heard the phrase some gave all many
times in songs and articles. In the case of
Major Kevin Jenrette, he is still giving back to
his peers. Major Jenrette was killed in the line
of duty in Afghanistan in June 2009. His wife
Shannon decided that they wanted to honor his
memory by giving back to the military, so
every year they host an event that honors this
fallen hero with the proceeds going to multiple
grass root organizations.
The date of the event was selected to honor
Major Jenrette’s graduation from Ranger
School. The event continues to be held the
second Saturday in May. Participation as well
as support continue to grow in support of this
event and honoring of Major Jenrette. The
focus of the event is a 5K run, which boasts
more than 400 participants each year. This
year will be the 4th
year that the event has been
held. The funds from the 5K walk and run
event are donated to the Georgia National
Guard Family Support Foundation, Inc.
The Georgia National Guard Family Support
Foundation, Inc, a 501 {c} (3), offers
emergency financial assistance to Georgia
Guard Members and their families to
address basic needs. The organization
received a check presented by Mrs.
Shannon Jenrette for $19000 last year.
These funds allow the foundation to help
many of our military families in need.
If you are interested in learning more
about the event, go to
http://somegaveall5k.webstarts.com. If you
would like to make a donation to the Georgia
National Guard Family Support Foundation in
honor or memory of your special loved one,
please visit the site at
http://somegaveall5k.webstarts.com. Your
donations help the Foundation to continue its
mission of providing emergency assistance to
Georgia Guard Members throughout the year.
In closing, it is awesome to think that not only
does Major Jenrette’s memory live on, but he
and his family continue to honor us by giving
even more to his Georgia Guard Family.
Remember this: “Greater love hath no man
than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends.” ~ John 15:13 KJV.
members and Families. You can easily make
a contribution by going to their website at:
https://www.georgiaguardfamily.org/contribut
e.php.
GEORGIA, THE GUARD IS FAMILY!
"Freedom" by Steve Penley
FREEDOM is a stirring and penetrating tribute to
American soldiers, from the Minute Men to the 48th
Brigade, captured on canvas by renowned Georgia
artist, Steve Penley, to benefit the Georgia National
Guard Family Support Foundation. Remaining signed
prints are available at a reduced cost of $ 35.00 each,
plus shipping and handling.
More information
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013

4. 4
Spring 2016
WE REMEMBER! OUR TRUE HEROES ARE OUR MILITARY CHILDREN!
STAFF SERGEANT
SAVLVATORE A.
GIUNTA
Salvatore (”Sal") Augustine Giunta
was born in Iowa, the winter of
1985. He is the oldest of three
children of Steven, a medical
equipment technician, and
Rosemary, a pre-school teacher.
Staff Sgt. Giunta was raised in
Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha, Iowa.
Childhood adventures were in many
instances a forerunner of Staff Sgt.
Giunta's adult life and experiences
in the Army. As a kindergartner, his
mother taught him how to remove
the screen from his ground-level
bedroom window to escape in an emergency, such as a fire. That night, he
reportedly packed a suitcase, crawled out the window, and attempted to take
advantage of his new-found freedom – but made it only as far as a neighbor's
because he did not know where to go. The open window escape route,
coupled with sense of adventure, willing to tempt the unknown, and resultant
wanderlust, may have inspired his attendance at the U.S. Army Airborne
School and military service as a paratrooper.
…continued on Page 7
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
The Free and the Brave!
NAME: Staff Sergeant
Salvatore A. Guinta
B (Battle) Company, 2nd Battalion,
503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment,
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat
Team, V Corps, Vicenza, Italy
Parents: Steven and Rosemary
Giunta
Wife: Jennifer Giunta
Born: Iowa, 1985
Hometown: Grew up in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, where he
graduated from John F.
Kennedy High School.
On April 12-14 The Georgia National Guard Youth
Programs, in partnership with Operation Military Kids,
conducted its annual Month of the Military Child Camp at
4H Fortson Center in Hampton GA. 19 youth ages 12 to
17 participated in this weekend camp. Military Family
Life Consultant, Daryl Beard and 5 parent volunteers
supported the weekend activities and were actively
engaged in activities and classes with the youth
participants.
All campers participated in outdoor activities that were
geared towards building resiliency. These activities
included environmental classes, teambuilding activities,
canoeing and expressive art.
Youth participants were educated through play and
received a wealth of information that supported resiliency
including a presentation by the Georgia National Guard
Counter Drug Task Force Civil Operations Team on the
effects of drugs and making good choices.
This weekend’s events also provided leadership
opportunities for the leadership component to youth
programs as Tori Socia, State Youth Council
member and Nick Daum State Youth Council
President facilitated teambuilding activities and
informed youth participants on events and activities
available to them through Youth Programs.
Youth exclaimed that they enjoyed the weekend’s
activities and asked, “When can we do this again?”
"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer
life are based on the labors of other men, living and
dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in
the same measure as I have received and am still
receiving." - Albert Einstein

5. 5
Spring 2016
Do You Know Your MFLC Team?
In this series of articles, we will be spotlighting a service program
offered by the J-9 GA Guard Family Program Team beginning with our
Military Family Life Consultant program. Our Military Family Life
Consultant (MFLC) team provides counselor support in three primary
areas finance, behavioral health and youth support.
The goal of the MFLC is to help Service Members and Families through
education and information on stress, finances, parenting, grief and other
related topics to help you minimize stress and to help you develop
positive coping skills. Recipients of these services benefit by becoming
more resilient and better prepared to deal with the challenges of military
life and the deployment cycle.
The MFLC will help you to clarify the problem, prioritize the problems,
develop an action plan and handle the crisis. They do not tell you how to
do something, but work with you to give you the skills needed through
education and support to help you take control of the situation.
Your J-9 MFLC team consists of the following consultants that offer
free and confidential counseling services.
Ø Ms.
Lynda.
M.
Smith
provides
financial
based
counseling
and
support
services
to
include
basic
budgeting,
money
management,
Debt
Management,
Consumer
Rights
information
as
well
as
financial
planning
to
reach
life
goals.
She
can
be
contacted
to
arrange
counseling
at
77-­‐500-­‐7471.
Ø Ms.
Lynda
R.
Smith
provides
counseling
services
for
behavioral
health
issues.
She
provides
support
for
dealing
with
separation,
grief,
depression
and
other
related
areas.
She
can
be
contacted
for
counselor
support
at
706-­‐525-­‐8962.
Ø Mr.
Daryl
X
Beard
specializes
in
providing
counselor
support
for
our
youth.
He
can
help
a
parent
to
develop
parenting
strategies,
coping
with
separation
and
general
counselor
support.
Daryl
can
be
contacted
at
706-­‐870-­‐8537
for
more
information.
The support services offered by our staff are free and available upon
request. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. If you
need additional assistance to contact these staff members, please contact
your local Family Assistance Specialist for assistance.
Our team is here to support your Family no matter the stage of the
deployment cycle.
Recently I was deployed to Guantanamo Bay Cuba. The
duty was challenging and provided an opportunity for each
team member to excel. During duty hours, the 170th MP
Battalion personnel did an outstanding job at all levels. The
Soldiers even took to serving the GTMO community after
duty hours. Some volunteered to support MWR runs,
organized fishing trips, reading to children, and beach
cleanups.
The Spartan Trail Blazers took on the task of clearing
hiking and biking trails on Sunday mornings. The Trail
Blazers cleared eight miles of impassable trails creating
countless hours of biking and hiking community
enjoyment.
Additionally, key members, conceptualized, organized and
executed a fundraiser run in support of a non-profit
organization supporting Haiti’s 2012 earthquake recovery
efforts. The goal of $1000.00 was surpassed and over
$2000.00 was collected.
Overall, thirty-three 170th Military Police Battalion
Soldiers offered over 1000 hours of volunteer service to
the GTMO community.
Our duty day missions developed the team; however, true
cohesiveness evolved as a result of volunteer activities.
Together we were engaged in activities, which had a
positive impact on Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and
their families. Others who often thanked us for
volunteering encouraged us. One chaplain often
highlighted how we were leaving our legacy.
At home, our busy schedules may keep us from taking time
to volunteer in our communities. Sometimes we are
intimidated by the tasks at hand. However, I encourage
everyone to find time as an individual, a family, or even a
command to become involved in a community activity at
least every six months. As an individual volunteering is an
opportunity to meet others; as a family or a command it is
a great bonding opportunity. Working together towards a
common cause, no matter how big or small, is extremely
rewarding for all.
- 170th Military Police Company Soldier
The 170th MP "Trail
Blazers" Volunteer
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
DIDYOUKNOW?

6. 6
Spring 2016
As April winds down to a close, so too does our formal
recognition of our military children and youth. We have had a
busy month hosting numerous events across the state in honor of
our youth. The Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA)
teamed with the Family Assistance Center Specialists (FAS) to
host four regional events across the state.
The Month of the Military Child events held on 27 April in
Kennesaw and Cordele were the big finale to a month long
celebration of our youngest heroes. We worked together to
provide events that offered everything from music to carnival
games to celebrate our military youth. Many local businesses,
agencies and individuals joined us in honoring these “Proud,
Ready and Resilient” youth during these events.
There were multiple days of activities, games and other
celebrations hosted by the J-9 Youth program staff as well as a
Community Carnival Fun Day in the Deep South to honor and
recognize our military youth. It is a great honor to be part of such
events. We all enjoy the opportunity to be able to meet the
families and entertain our youth. It allows us a chance to really
get to see our families relax and enjoy activities no matter what
stage of deployment the family is experiencing.
If you missed out this year, don’t worry. Our staff will be
hosting similar events again next year. Come on out and join
the fun!
HHoonnoorriinngg OOuurr YYoouunnggeesstt HHeerrooeess
Life is busy. May brings Mother’s Day, and
graduations, and yard work, and little league games.
There are family commitments and social commitments,
military commitments, and the Youth Symposium &
Family Readiness Conference. Oh, and work. We have
to go to work every day. We are pulled in so many
different directions that it can become easy to get
frustrated or even discouraged. I recently talked to
someone who rattled off all the different elements that
comprised her daily schedule and I felt tired just talking
to her! The simple answer to life’s demands is to let go
of some of our tasks…decide what is most important in
our schedule and delete the things of lesser importance;
but that often means that someone is going to feel left
out or rejected, which leaves us feeling guilty. That is
difficult too! I would like to tell you that I’m going to
offer you some great way to add time to your day, or
give you a miraculous way to please everyone;
unfortunately, I have no great epiphanies in that regard.
But in the midst of our busy lives, there can always be
peace and joy. In fact, God has promised it! In the Old
Testament, David was really busy, too! He was running
from the army of King Saul, who wanted to kill him.
He was trying to take care of his family and lead an
army of men who followed and trusted him. God had
promised him a kingdom, but at that point he was
merely surviving in caves. But David had a unique faith
in God. He trusted Him completely…and God was
faithful to David! In Psalm 5:11, David said of God,
“But all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever
sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that
those who love your name may rejoice in you.” David
chose to look outside the issues of life and find peace
and protection in God. We can do the same today. Life
isn’t perfect. We don’t have it all together. But as we
look at life, I pray that we see that we love well and are
loved well. I pray that we don’t get discouraged in all
the things we are doing, but rejoice that we are needed
and loved and important, and I pray that we take the
time each day to sing for joy and thank God for the great
gift of this crazy busy life!
From the J-9 Chaplain
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013

7. 7
Spring 2016
In high school, the charismatic
and outgoing Salvatore seems
to have been, according to his
parents, more interested in
“socializing and goofing off”
than in grades - and the open
window frequently provided
him with many opportunities to
do so. Indeed, his parents
have said his “energy” could
be “challenging.” Examples of
his good humor and frivolity
include the time ”when he
stole the mouse from his math
teacher's computer, or sneaked out to put a Kennedy High
School shirt on an opposing team's statue.” A neighbor later
recalled that Salvatore's “bravery” stood out when he was in
high school.
Salvatore was a junior at Kennedy High School when
hijacked commercial jets were intentionally crashed into the
World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon on
Sept. 11, 2001. His mother recalled that Salvatore
immediately wanted to bring the family together and ensure
their safety by picking up his brother from middle school and
sister from elementary school, and she remembers telling
him: "If the world falls part, I guess I can count on you." It
was probably this same overriding sense of family and
concern for his rifle platoon brothers, and his recognized
bravery, that motivated his actions in Afghanistan on Oct.
25, 2007.
In summing up his life prior to joining the Army in 2003,
Salvatore said, "The first 18 years of my life were in Iowa.
I'm an Iowan." With characteristic humility, he added, "Every
single person who has touched my life has made me who I
am today...The only responsibility I claim for myself is if I
screw up."
While there were indications that Staff Sgt. Giunta had been
recommended for the Medal of Honor and that the
nomination had a good chance of approval, it was not
until Sept. 10, 2010 that the White House announced that
Staff Sgt. Giunta would receive the Medal of Honor, the first
awarded to a living recipient since the Vietnam War. On the
previous day, Sept. 9, 2010, President Barack Obama
telephoned Staff Sgt. Giunta to personally inform him that he
would be awarded the Medal of Honor and to thank him for
his gallant and selfless service. "President Obama said
‘thank you' for what I did," Staff Sgt. Giunta said in an
interview after receiving the phone call from the President.
"My heart was pounding in my chest, so much that my ears
almost stopped hearing. I had my wife by my side. She was
holding my hand. When she heard me say, ‘Mr. President,'
she gave me a squeeze."
Profile Video
Since being thrust into the national limelight on Sept. 10,
2010, Staff Sgt. Giunta has continuously reacted with
characteristic modesty and humility. "This was a situation we
were put into," Staff Sgt. Giunta observed. "By no means did
I do anything that everyone else wouldn't have done.
"It's all kind of blurry," he stated a few days after the Medal
of Honor announcement, "There wasn't a whole lot of
thinking I needed to do. Looking at it like a picture, I'm just
another brushstroke in the picture."
"I didn't run up to do anything heroic. Everybody's been shot
at, and I might as well run forward," Staff Sgt. Giunta said he
thought at the time.
In the wake of the Medal of Honor announcement, Staff Sgt.
Giunta also candidly observed that Oct. 25, 2007, was "one
of the worst days of my life, and when I revisit it, it kind of
guts me a little bit more every time." He also described his
award of the Medal of Honor as "bittersweet": "It's a huge
honor...but it does bring back memories of all the people I'd
love to share this moment with who are no longer with us."
Indeed, Staff Sgt. Giunta's mother recalls her son telling her
that, "The medal [Medal of Honor] should go to the guy on
the right of me and the guy on the left of me. We were all in
the fight."
Staff Sgt. Giunta has continued to demonstrate reluctance
for being singled out for his remarkable heroism, observing
that, "This respect that people are giving to me? This was
one moment. In my battalion, I am mediocre at best. This
shows how great the rest of them are." Humbly summing up
the situation, Staff Sgt. Giunta stated, "If I'm a hero, then
every man that stands round me, every woman in the
military, everyone who goes into the unknown is a hero."
Staff Sgt. Giunta's personification of the Warrior Ethos, his
selfless leadership, and his "conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above the beyond the call of
duty" provide tremendous inspiration and exemplify the very
best of the American Soldier today.
Article from the Army' MOH Pages at:
http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/giunta/profile.html
The Free and the Brave! …Continued from Page 4
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
"Think how good the great
soldiers are."
– SSSSGG SSaallvvaattoorree AA.. GGiiuunnttaa,, MMOOHH

8. 8
Spring 2016
If your idea of an exciting
day does not include
riding the “Georgia
Scorcher” roller coaster at
Six Flags backwards and
blindfolded, then the
volatility of our economy
over the past few years is
likely to be giving you
some serious heartburn.
Breaking news from CNN today (26 Apr 2013) reads…
“CNN reports:
The US economy accelerated at the beginning of the year, but,
don’t get too excited. Economists aren’t optimistic the trend will
continue in the months ahead.”
There are a number of economic influencers we could analyze
here, but, first and foremost, regardless of the current national
financial state of affairs, we as individuals have choices to make
that will dictate the direction of our financial destiny in any
economy.
The Basics. It’s called “Basic Training” for a reason. Because it
is the very basic level of skills required to survive in an uncertain
and threatening environment. Many losses in battle come from
abandoning basic survival strategy. The same is true with our
finances. We must know the basics and commit to doing the
basics – in all economies.
What are the Basics of sound money management?
1. Define your financial goals – without a clear mission,
we cannot know if we’re doing the right things to
succeed.
2. Assess your current position – make every effort to
know what’s going on with your money today. Track
every dollar of spending for at least 30 days to identify
uncontrolled spending on items that do not align with
your basic financial goals. Analyze your bank
statements to determine how many unnecessary bank
charges you’re paying. Also, track all ATM withdrawal
spending.
3. Identify all debt. Pull your credit report to get a
complete picture of balances and payment history on
each of your accounts. Develop a plan to improve your
credit score. Significant money is saved over time
through lower interest rates offered on mortgages and
vehicles to people with FICO scores above 720.
4. Develop a monthly spending plan (budget) that will
enable you to identify the amount of money you can
use to pay down your debt as soon as possible.
5. Develop a formal debt reduction plan – and stick to it.
Remember, every dollar of interest paid on debt
increases the overall cost of the item purchased. Many
times we find that we are still paying for items that
have long ago worn out or been given away.
6. Start a savings plan. Remember, Uncle Sam with get
his share of your earnings regardless of whatever else
is going on in your life and finances. Do the same for
yourself. Put a % of your income in savings before
spending any other money from your pay. Maybe it’s
2% -- maybe 10%. Whatever it is, pay yourself first.
7. Start saving for retirement – take advantage of the
power of compound interest over time and tax efficient
retirement accounts, such as TSP, Roth IRA,
Traditional IRA and/or 401(k). Put your money to
work for you. The longer your money has to work for
you, the better its opportunity for significant growth.
8. Engage expertise. Don’t go it alone. Get help in
developing your financial road map for the future.
Take advantage of the free and confidential personal
financial counseling service available to you through
the Joint Family Support Assistance Program made
Remember, as long as you allow your financial situation to be
the result of uncontrolled spending, unpaid debt, random
impulsive purchases, you have relinquished control of your
financial destiny to someone else – most likely, a total stranger.
Decide today to take back control of your finances and commit
to sound basic money management practices and see the
positive change over time to the strength and improved stability
of your financial future.
You worked hard for it – make sure it’s working hard for
you.
LLyynnddaa MM.. SSmmiitthh,, CCLLUU,, CChhFFCC
MFLC/Personal Financial Counselor
Joint Family Support Assistance Program
770-312-0923
770-500-7471
LSmith1@MFLC.zeiders.com
ENJOYING THE RIDE
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013

9. 9
Spring 2016
The military is excellent at getting more for less!
This is how a team of five can make things happen
for the Yellow Ribbon (YR) program in Georgia;
Providing assistance to all of the Georgia Guards
deploying service members and their families.
With a dedicated and hard working team, the
Yellow Ribbon program in Georgia is standing out
amongst other states. Since a recent successful visit
from the National Guard Bureau (NGB), Georgia is
known as one of the top programs in the Nation.
First Lieutenant Eboni Walker recently joined the
team in November 2012 as the YR OIC and many
have notice the amazing progress that the program
has made. “It’s not just me; I have an awesome
team to work with. They make it so easy for me!”
LT Walker says.
As most people know, Yellow Ribbon events are
held before deployment, during deployment and
after deployment. Each event requires different
types of resources depending on the event and
needs of the unit. The Yellow Ribbon Team is
always looking for more resources to give the
service members and their families the best
information possible.
SSG Williams is the YR NCOIC and he
coordinates vendors and presenters for all YR
events; enforces the military standard, and oversee
the logistics for the events. SGT Reams is the Joint
Serve Support (JSS)/ Event Plus expert which
provides funding for all our Yellow Ribbon events
and track YR attendees, he also handles IT and
audio/visual issues for events. SPC Rivers sets up
all IPR's with units’ leadership and presenters and
develops schedules and LOIs for the events. SPC
Tinnan makes sure everyone knows where to
go! As he is responsible for marketing the Yellow
Ribbon brand everywhere we go; to include all
signs for YR events and registration.
Everyone on the team is committed to the Army
Values and constantly displays a selfless service
attitude by going above and beyond to make sure
service members and their families leave YR
events with the knowledge and resources they need
for any situation.
Your Georgia
Yellow Ribbon Team
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
From left to right: SGT Andandrio Reams, SPC Joshua Tinnan,
1LT Eboni Walker, SPC Darryl Rivers, SSG Rolonzo Williams

10. 10
Spring 2016
As summer quickly approaches and outdoor activities resume people
are searching for a way to get in shape and Military One Source
(MOS) has a program to help. Military One Source offers services to
help with health and wellness.
Eligible individuals wishing to improve their health and general
well-being can seek online counseling for this free service through
MOS. There are four key areas of focus, which are as follows:
• Living Lean: Workbooks, emails various multimedia tools
are available to help with nutritional health including
weight management.
• Living Easy: Through the use of online media sources and
methods an individual can seek support and guidance to
manage stress and help one to become more resilient.
There is even a downloaded manual to help in your efforts.
• Living Fit: This program offers a plan to help you get fit,
which includes a 90-day Walking Program. Getting up and
starting is the hardest part and staff will help to get you
going and keep you motivated.
• Living Free: This program focuses on smoking cessation.
The four week course will help you to take control of the
habit and stop smoking no matter how many times you
have tried and failed.
The staff will help you to meet your goals through coaching,
mentoring and education. If you are looking for a way to get fit
and do not have the time, energy or money to attend a gym,
buy smoking cessation aids or just need help to get up and
move, contact Military One Source.
To enroll in these programs you can find them online at
http://www.militaryonesource.mil/ or call 800-342-9647,
where a consultant is standing by to help you. If you would
like more information or have other questions, please contact
Jani McGee our J-9 Team MOS representative at 404-307-
5827.
Here’s to your success and the achievement of your goals!!!!
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
JJeeaannss,, aa MMoovviiee,, PPooppccoorrnn aanndd
OOhh,, SSoo MMuucchh MMoorree!!
Abigale Hutchinson, the Sexual Assault Response
Coordinator for the Georgia National Guard had some high
level support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In
March 2013, Major General James Butterworth signed a
Memorandum approving all GA Guard Members and
civilians to wear jeans to work on Friday, 29 April 2013 in
recognition of the month’s sexual assault awareness and
prevention activities. His statement addressed the SARC
theme for 2013, which is “We Own it….We Solve It…
together” preventing sexual assault is everyone’s duty.

11. 11
Spring 2016
FOCAL POINT!
SPRING 2013
AAppppllyy YYoouurr
TTrraaiinniinngg!!!!!!
Governor Deal Signs The Veterans Licensure
Bill (House Bill 188)
In furthering the efforts to ease the
transition into the civilian workforce, Gov.
Deal signed the Veterans Licensure Bill
(House Bill 188) into law. A committee will
be created to determine which waivers will
translate military skills, training and testing
into the following licenses: Electrical
Contractor Class I, Journeyman Plumber,
Conditioned Air Contractor Class I,
Residential-Light Commercial Contractor,
and Utility Foreman. Also, this same
committee will consider if veterans' spouses
who have these 5 licenses will be able to
transfer them from another state to
Georgia.
Since the law was signed, a working group
that is comprised of the division director of
the Licensing Boards, members of the
relevant boards, and members from the
Governor's Office of Workforce
Development will work together on the
implementation of this bill. The legislation
does not change requirements for
certification, including testing and applying
to the board for a license. More information
will be available soon.
For more information, contact Lacy Turner at
lacy.p.turner.nfg@mail.mil or 678-569-5781.
The wearing of denim to recognize
this day dates back to 1999, when
the Italian group Peace Over
Violence organized Denim Day
USA. Historically, defense attorneys
have used the fact that a female was
wearing tight jeans during the
commission of rape as a means of
defense. This group is working like
so many others to educate people
that your choice of clothing does not
condone or invite sexual assault. It should not be viewed as
justification for bad behavior.
Ms Hutchinson also hosted a
movie and popcorn day showing
the movie the “Invisible War” in
recognition of SAAM’s month.
The invitation was distributed
statewide inviting everyone to
come and join in the fight and
learn more about sexual assault
and
prevention.
If you are a
victim of sexual assault or need more
information, contact Abby Hutchinson
at 404-308-7945.
JJeeaannss,, aa MMoovviiee,, PPooppccoorrnn aanndd
OOhh,, SSoo MMuucchh MMoorree!!

12. 12
Spring 2016
The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire
Heroes Act of 2011 Implementation Plan requires
various courses of action of soldiers on active duty
for over 180 days. All courses of action start while
the soldier is on active duty except for the
Department of Labor Employment Workshop
(DOLEW), for returning soldiers that are un-
employed. This course must be completed after their
release from active duty and before there ending DD
214 date. Eligible soldiers must attend a Department
of Labor Workshop (DOLEW).
The objective of this course is to create a customized
employment transition plan for each soldier. This 3-
day brick-and-mortar course is designed to share best
practices for transitioning into the civilian workforce.
Participants will customize these best practices to
create a plan that will be the vehicle to attain their
personal goals. Participants will add information to
their Individual Transition Plan (ITP).
The course is broken down into 3 days and seven
sections. Day 1 consists of Section 1 focusing on the
Change Management Plan, while Section 2 focuses
on developing a job search plan and then concludes
with Section 3 focusing on building effective job
search tools. Day 2 consists of Section 4 focusing on
building an effective resume while Section 5 focuses
on the federal hiring, federal resume and federal
programs. Day 3 consists of Section 6 and focuses
on the skilled interview and concludes with Section 7
which is the post interview analysis process.
Based on class size limitations spouses are eligible to
attend this training. For more information please
contact James Pawlik at 678-569-8257
james.s.pawlik.mil@mail.mil or Marvin Thomas at
678-569-8193 marvin.w.thomas.ctr@mail.mil.
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
CCDDLL aanndd TTrruucckk TTrraaiinniinngg ffoorr
oouurr HHeerrooeess
Are you interested in a Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL)?
By: Lacy Turner, Employment Coordinator for Joint and
Family Services (J-9)
The Troops to Trucks program is expedited and seamless
processes to assist veterans to obtain a Commercial Driver’s
License (CDL) and ease the transition into civilian employment.
Through a partnership with The Governor’s Office of Workforce
Development and The Department of Labor, The Department of
Driver Services (DDS) offers this program at several different
DDS locations throughout the state. There are 3 ways to gain a
CDL and start your new career!
Veterans who are in their 90 days before or after discharge and
have a DA348 with Tractor Trailer endorsements can visit a DDS
center to take the written and free test up to 3 times. A driving
test is not required. This is paid for by a grant through the U.S.
Department of Labor. To find a DDS Center to take the test, visit
http://1.usa.gov/Xsht3L.
Veterans who have not driven in a while and have a DA348 with
Tractor Trailer endorsements can take a two week driving course
at Albany Tech located at 1704 S. Slappey Blvd, Albany, GA
31701 and Atlanta Technical College located at 1560 Metropolitan
Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Eligible veterans will take a short
free refresher course with a written test and driving test to earn
the CDL. Contact your local career center to learn more
information by visiting http://wfia.cybernetixs.com/.
Veterans with or without a tractor trailer endorsement can take an
eight week course, pass the exam, and get connected with
employment opportunities. Eligible veterans can take this free
course that is recognized and endorsed by all truck companies.
Contact your local career center to learn more information by
visiting http://wfia.cybernetixs.com/.
For more information, contact Lacy Turner at
lacy.p.turner.nfg@mail.mil or 678-569-5781.

13. 13
Spring 2016
Just as our Soldier’s must prepare, train and
qualify for their duty-specific skills, so must our
families. Annual Training (AT) provides the
opportunity for FRG Leaders to test their
communication networks and make point of
contact (POC) “We-Care Calls”. It also enables
those Volunteer Leaders the opportunity to
educate and revisit some of the Family Care
necessities such as the Single Soldier’s plan.
“Who will care for the pets, pay the bills, repair
the car or check on the house?” Is the married
Soldier or Soldier with dependents, up-to-date
with their Family Care Plan? This applies for
both those who are required to complete the
Plan as well as for those who are not required
but want to ensure their family is well prepared
in their absence. Are they prepared with
childcare arrangements, emergency contacts
and pickups? Is the spouse prepared for 15-21
days of separation? Aware of all the emergency
plans for their home should one arise? Soldiers
need to provide their families with emergency
contact numbers of full-time staff, and their
Family Assistance Specialist’s name and contact
information. Educate your families and Soldiers
about the Joint and Family Services Directorate
and be available to resource and refer Family
and Service Members (SM) if needed during this
AT.
Annual training is your time to educate, train,
prepare and test your Family Readiness Group.
Creating resilient families for ANYTIME -
ANYWHERE missions!
And lastly, use this opportunity to schedule a fun
FRG outing or get together to build relationships
with those who will be holding down the home
front when the call to duty comes!
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
Impacting Unit Family
Readiness
Volunteers impact every department within the Georgia
National Guard, J9 Joint and Family Services Directorate.
During FY12, the impact of volunteers within our Family
Readiness Program at the Unit level reflected in the
overall readiness of our Georgia National Guard.
The Unit Family Readiness Program is the Commander’s
program implemented to provide information, education
and support to the Unit’s Service Members and their
Families. Volunteers are an essential component to the
Unit’s mission readiness by preparing and equipping
Georgia’s Service Member’s and their Families with the
knowledge and tools to successfully manage military life
throughout all phases of the deployment cycle.
There are many successful Unit Family Readiness
Programs across Georgia. These programs are staffed
with over two hundred and fifty two committed volunteers,
who execute the Commander’s Family Readiness goals.
With over 2,784 combined volunteer hours for FY12, their
involvement in the Unit’s Family Readiness Program is an
invaluable asset; they have provided support,
encouragement, communication and event coordination
during training exercises, deployments and State-side
missions, allowing the Service Members to focus on their
mission.
The Georgia Joint and Family Services directorate
ensures volunteer orientation, training, continuing
education and recognition of the vast volunteer corps and
relies on their commitment to assist Commanders in
meeting Family Readiness requirements.
Sharon Coleman
Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant

14. 14
Spring 2016
Military
leadership,
volunteers
and
Family
Members
have
a
team
of
Family
Readiness
Support
Assistants
(FRSA)
at
the
ready
to
help
with
family
readiness.
The
J-­‐9
Family
Program’s
FRSA
staff
acts
as
a
conduit
to
distribute
information,
offer
education,
training
and
support
to
military
leaderships
beginning
at
the
brigade
level
extending
their
services,
support
and
guidance
down
to
the
units.
These
staff
members
are
few
in
number,
but
active
in
the
State.
Our
FRSA
team
travels
to
offer
support
for
Soldier
Readiness
Processing
(SRP)
events,
unit
family
functions,
Yellow
Ribbon
Reintegration
Program
events
and
so
much
more.
FRSAs
help
to
recruit,
train
and
monitor
the
Family
Readiness
Groups
providing
hands-­‐on
assistance
and
information
to
subordinate
unit
commanders
and
unit
FRGs
on
all
aspects
of
family
readiness,
well-­‐being
and
the
deployment
cycle
support.
They
work
with
leadership
to
develop
and
implement
the
Commander’s
Family
Readiness
Program
and
Communication
plans.
The
FRSA
team
serves
as
Subject
Matter
Experts
(SME)
to
support
rear
detachment
commanders
(RDC)
and
support
post
deployment
reunion
plans,
trainings,
briefings,
and
activities.
In
essence,
your
FRSA
team
acts
as
the
channel
for
information,
training
and
development
of
the
Family
Readiness
support
staff.
Working
hand
in
hand
with
the
Family
Assistance
Center
Specialists,
Transition
Assistance
Advisors
and
other
related
staff,
these
staff
members
make
the
transmission
of
family
readiness
related
information
possible
for
the
GA
National
Guard.
For
questions
or
more
information
about
the
FRSA
program
or
to
request
their
support,
please
contact
Sharon
Coleman,
Senior
FRSA
BB)
404-­‐309-­‐6573
Sharon.l.coleman.nfg@mail.mil
Shelly
Williams,
GA
NG
FRSA
JFHQ-­‐GA/78th
HRF
O)
678-­‐569-­‐5508
BB)
404-­‐309-­‐3758
Shelly.c.williams.nfg@mail.mil
Kari
E.
Corley,
GA
NG
FRSA
560th
BFSB
O)
678-­‐569-­‐5936
BB)
404-­‐309-­‐4859
kari.e.corley.nfg@mail.mil
Julie
Mackim,
GA
NG
FRSA
48th
IBCT
(1-­‐121st
IN
BN,
148th
BSB,
1-­‐108th
CAV)
BB)
404-­‐309-­‐5642
julie.r.mackim.nfg@mail.mil
Micki
Boan,
GA
NG
FRSA
78th
Aviation
Troop
Command/78th
HRF
O)
678-­‐569-­‐3618
BB)
404-­‐308-­‐8744
amy.m.boan.nfg@mail.mil
Sonya
Recker,
GA
NG
FRSA
48th
IBCT
(2-­‐121st
IN
BN,
48th
BSTB,
48th
IBCT
HQ,
1-­‐118th
FA)
48th
IBCT
HQs,
O)
478-­‐803-­‐3153
BB)
404-­‐309-­‐2063
Sonya.w.recker.nfg@mail.mil
Kristi
Justice,
GA
NG
FRSA
648th
MEB
O)
706-­‐685-­‐7530
BB)
404-­‐308-­‐9080
Kristina.c.justice.nfg@mail.mil
FFaammiillyy RReeaaddiinneessss SSuuppppoorrtt AAssssiissttaannttss
By Your FRSA Team, J-9 Joint and Family Services Directorate, GA DoD
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
The FOCAL POINT! Newsletter, Volume 4:
It is always nice for an editor to have his own spot in a newsletter.
As we move forward into budgets, deployments, and more uncertain
times for our loved ones, friends and military family members, know
that you can be certain of some very important things. For one
thing, you are not alone. Many went before you, many will go after
you, and all of us are with you, in spirit if not in body. A second
surety is that there is more help today than ever for your trials as a
U.S. Military member or family member. For those who know me,
you know what I would add as one of the top three sureties, for
those who don't know me…suffice to say, I am a man of faith.
Should you find that faith is not reassuring to you, then satisfy
yourself with the understanding that there are few forces greater
than the U.S Military, and few people more dedicated to each other
than the American's who offer their lives in service to the people of
this nation and its founding documents. – CW2 Barry Long

15. 15
Spring 2016
The Georgia National Guard J9 Employment Assistance Team in conjunction with the State
Education Office is working to assist service members and their spouses in their efforts to obtain
employment. In addition to helping you with the steps shown below, we can assist with converting
military training and skills to civilian and keep you abreast of upcoming job fairs and workshops.
Follow the steps below to success! Remember to "Like" us on facebook
(www.facebook.com/GeorgiaNationalGuardJobAssistanceCenter) for the most recent job listings and
events!
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
Attention GA Guard Job Seekers

16. 16
Spring 2016
The 2nd
Military Recruitment Job Fair
was held on April 17th
at the National
Guard Armory in Glennville. The
Georgia Department of Defense and
the Georgia Department of
Corrections partnered to host this
event to fill approximately 800 open
positions.
Col. Mark London was quoted as
saying, “What makes this one so
unique is that they’re hiring on the
spot,” stated Col. Mark London. He
further stated, “Whereas, when you
go to most job fairs, they take your
resume and they may interview you,
but they don’t actually hire on the
spot, whereas the departments here
they are hiring on the spot.”
In addition, the following agencies
also participated: the Department of
Juvenile Justice, the Department of
Public Safety, State Board of Pardons
and Paroles, GEO Group, and
Corrections Corporation of America.
The complete statistical data is not in
yet, but so far feedback has been
promising. Of the 800 jobs available,
the GDC reports that job offers have
been extended to 24 attendees, CCA
hired 11, Pardons and Paroles have 3
to 4 potential applicants. The other
sections have not yet reported back
the full results. One job fair attendee
was hired immediately with the GDC
and starts work May 16, 2013.
With the success of this event, plans
are in the works for another later in
the year. In the fall of 2013, there will
be another Military Recruitment Job
Fair that will be held in the Augusta
area with anticipation of regionalizing
the event and hosting it quarterly in
the near future. More state agencies
are looking to participate like the
Georgia Department of Agriculture at
the next event. Stay tuned for more
details.
MMiilliittaarryy RReeccrruuiittmmeenntt JJoobb FFaaiirr ttoo bbee HHeelldd iinn
FFaallll 22001133
By Lacy Turner, Employment Coordinator for Joint and Family Services (J-9)
FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013

17. FOCAL POINT! SPRING 2013
JJ--99 JJOOIINNTT AANNDD FFAAMMIILLYY SSEERRVVIICCEESS DDIIRREECCTTOORRAATTEE
“Military Personnel, Families, and
Veterans First!”
The J-9 Joint and Family Services Directorate and The Georgia Guard
Family Program:
Our directorate services the military community of Georgia,
providing those services, support and information that are vital to
their care. Our staff is committed to providing the best care, in a
timely manner, and followed-thru to a successful conclusion so that
Military Personnel, their families, and Veterans in Georgia will have
the resources, help, and information they need to thrive.
Georgia Department
of Defense
1388 First Street, Bldg 840
(Finch Bldg)
1000 Halsey Avenue, Bldg 447,
Mailroom
Marietta, GA 30060
Point of Contact:
CW2 Barry D. Long
Human
Resources/Systems/AT
SO/Safety Officer
barry.long@us.army.mil