Family Program Office
Christmas Around the State 2012- Tea with the First Lady
Christmas Around the State 2012- A Huge Success - A Huge Thank You
Thanks to everyone for their support and help during this Christmas season.
To the Sponsors out there that adopted a military family(s) for Christmas, there are not enough words to thank you so much. You truly made a difference for these families, they were all so thankful, and I hope many of them will send you a thank you message and what it meant to them. I have heard from some families and they were just over whelmed and so grateful with the support and caring that you showed. If it were not for you, these families would have had a not so joyous holiday.
To the units, staff, and Veteran Organizations that help deliver these gifts, we at the Maine Military Community Services Thank YOU so much. This was truly a team effort and your efforts certainly showed how much you care about our military families.
AUSA Honors Maine's First Lady as the Person of the Year
A Great Start to the School Season has Begun at the Blaine House
The 2nd annual Ice cream social hosted by the First Lady of Maine, Mrs. LePage was a huge success and a great way to kick-off the new school year.
Camp Kieve Bikes to Burgers was a huge success.
All had a fun day at Camp Kieve's Annual Bikes to Burgers event. Check out Camp Kieve's Upcoming no cost Veteran's Camps at http://www.kieve.org/veterans/
Thanks to Port Harbor Marine for hosting the 4th Annual Veterans Fishing Tournament
Port Harbor Marine accepts the coin of excellence from the Association of the United State Army on 28 July 2012 for hosting the 4th Annual Veterans Fishing Tournament. A Huge Thank you goes out to the Port Harbor Marine and the 30 boat captains who donated their time, boats, gas, bait and fishing gear. A great day was shared with all and many are looking forward to this opportunity next year.
Youth Camp Was Fun!
Our success was measured by smiles! The first week of youth camp had 102 military children age 5-15, and was supported by another 18 teens and 44 adult support staff! We began with "Youth Camp Olympics" with Mrs. LePage leading the way to light the official torch. Cadets (13-15) Paintball Madness, Flag Handling and D&C, First Aid, and wilderness safety and Obstacle course thanks to the recruiters! Like our facebook page: MENG Youth Program to see pictures of the excitement Proud Fact: 10 of our adult staff (18 & older) were once campers and continue to volunteer their time to support this mission. Growing our program one child at a time!
State Family Readiness Conference Volunteers
Our annual state family readiness conference was a success. Our volunteers had the opportunity to accomplished a lot. Our Volunteers deserve a big round of applause. Nice work!
Purple-Up for Military Kids 13 April 2012
April is the “Month of the Military Child” Please help us celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of all military children nationwide and here in Maine! On Friday, 13 April, 2012 we wore purple all day to honor of the military children in our community and paraded around Augusta to show our pride! Please let us know what you or your business/organization did for “Purple-Up day.” We would love to see your photos, and hear your stories to share on our facebook page: Check us Out!http://www.facebook.com/pages/MENG-YouthProgram/113047838718028.
Kayak Donation to National Guard Family Program
In True Purple Spirit, I want to share this wonderful gift we will be receiving soon! The American Legion Auxiliary Child & Youth Representatives, Jerry & Jeri Greenwald visited youth camp last year and wanted to know what they could do to support us. After talking with our guys who handle the worn and ever deflating rafts, they soon understood our need for kayaks. The wheels started turning and the project began by collecting support from statewide members of the American Legion family to sponsor a kayak for OUR kids! With the coordination of SMSgt Gerry Martin from Maineacs charities and Tsgt Jason Howes, the wizard of the trailer project, this is the "almost" final product that will be delivered to the family program office in the coming weeks. Each kayak will be marked with the American Legion Post or Auxiliary and the logo. Very impressive work, and most important teamwork to get a need filled by VOLUNTEERS - the greatest resource we have!
Maine Red Claws Military Apprication Game
On 11 March 2012 the Portland Red Claw celebrated military families by inviting military members and their families to join them in at their annual military appreciation game. They made donations, gave out prizes and held a re-enlistment ceremony at half time. A huge thank you goes out to all who made this event possible. (Photo by Mike McSweeney.)
Military Family Assistance Center Manager Retires
Kerry Birmingham of the Military Family Assistance Center Manager has officially retired. A retirement celebration was held in at the Augusta Area Military Association on 27 January 2012. Mark Cater a long time Military Family Assistance Center Specialist has been named as his successor. We wish them both all the best. Kerry, who has been with the program since its creation will be missed by all. Thank you for your love and support of all military families. (Photo taken by Michael McSweeney)
Personal Financial Counselor
The Military & Family Life Consultant (MFLC) Program Personal Financial Counselor can help you and your family manage your finances, resolve financial problems and reach long-term goals such as getting an education, buying a home and planning for retirement. Service are free, anonymous and confidential. Maine.PFC@gmail.com 207-274-3987.
Now On Twitter and Flickr!
The MEARNG Family Program Office pictures can now be found by visiting our Flickr Page. Picture folders (Sets) can be found by visiting the following this link or by visiting our Flickr webpage at the following link www.flickr.com/meng_family and clicking on the "Sets" tab.
