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Santa gets a little help from Kentucky National Guard Youth Program Coordinator Cindy Culver and some volunteers during last year’s Operation Military Cheer. More than 440 young people from military families received clothes, shoes, and toys donated by service members, veterans and community organizations. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Can you believe that it’s that time of year? With the holidays right around the corner it’s time for all of us in the Kentucky National Guard family to reach out and help our fellow soldiers and airmen who may need assistance.
And what’s the most effective and direct way to do that? Why, Operation Military Cheer, of course!
“Last year we were able to provide gifts consisting of clothes, shoes, and toys for over 440 youth in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator. “This year we hope to provide for even more.”
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, State Youth Assistant Coordinator. “With the help of each service member, Family Readiness Group, and especially our local communities, we can bring a lot of comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Do you need assistance?
Are you or do you know a service member in need? The FAC has applications that will help you get assistance in time for the holidays. If you know someone who might need a little help, encourage them to fill one out. Deadline for the application is December 5.
Helping a military family
You may also choose to adopt one of our military families. Once you file an application the FAC will will contact you with the age, gender, sizes, and special interests of a child you can assist. Packages must be delivered to the Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Services in Frankfort no later than December 12.
Click here for Operation Military Cheer 2011 applications
Operation Military Cheer 2014 Application
For more information contact Cindy Culver Cindy.culver@us.army.mil or Linda Jones Linda.jones15@us.army.mil. You can also call them at 1-800-372-7601.
DWA
Story and photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs
Frankfort, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2010) — Charity begins at home, so the saying goes, and Kentucky National Guard troops and their families are banding together for the sixth year in a row to create a little comfort and joy during the holiday season.
Linda Jones and Cindy Culver pull double duty with the Family Assistance Center as "Christmas elves" as part of the Kentucky National Guard's Operation Military Cheer. At last count more than 210 Guard youth have been designated to receive gifts ... and the number keeps on growing.
“Times are tough for a lot of our Guard families the past few years,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “And in Kentucky we’re all family, so we’re getting together to take care of each other.”
“Getting together” is what the Kentucky Guard’s Family Assistance Center does best. Since 2005 the FAC has run Operation Military Cheer, connecting those in need with those who can.
The process is fairly simple: Guard families who cannot afford holiday gifts apply for assistance through the FAC and those requests are handed out to donors who want to help their fellow Soldiers and Airmen.
That first Christmas the program supported about 40 children in need and the numbers have grown every year since. Culver cited the uniqueness of the National Guard as a definite factor in the program.
Wrapped up and ready to go under the Christmas tree! This gift bag is numbered and targeted for a Guard family in the Morehead area.
“When you think National Guard you have to remember that most of our troops have civilian jobs that are affected by the economy,” said Culver. “So many are affected, especially with layoffs and cutbacks going on all across the workforce. Last year we were able to help more than 300 youth in the Kentucky National Guard family. So far this year we’ve got requests to provide for more than 210 youth from 87 families. We expect that number to increase significantly over the next several days.”
Requested items range from bicycles and toys to clothing.
“Anything is a good thing,” said Culver. “We just want everyone to get something for Christmas.”
The deadline to apply for assistance is Dec. 7. All applications received after that will be considered on a case by case basis.
To find out how you can become part of Operation Military Cheer contact: Cindy Culver @ cindy.culver@us.army.mil or Linda Jones @ linda.jones@us.army.mil. You can also reach them through the Family Assistance Center hotline at 1-800-372-7601.
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ACH
By U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada (back, left), Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team leader with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team, Abdul Monan (back, right), Panjshir National Environmental Protection Agency director, and three NEPA employees pose in front of brand new motorcycles.(Photo by U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Smith, Panjshir PRT Public Affairs)
Panjshir Province, Afghanistan (August 25, 2010) – Members of the Kentucky National Guard Agribusiness Development Team with Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered four brand-new Corola motorcycles to the Panjshir Province National Environmental Protection Agency director August 17th.
Now, the NEPA director says the agency can enforce standards and do the government’s work.
“We have a vehicle, but our vehicle was not able to go to a lot of places we needed to go,” said Abdul Monan, Panjshir NEPA director, through an interpreter. “We can say that we’re blessed now. We have motorcycles.”
The 150cc motorcycles cost about $4,500 total, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Casada, Kentucky ADT leader with Panjshir PRT. They were paid using Kentucky ADT Commander’s Emergency Response Funds, said the London, Ky., native.
In addition to the four motorcycles, the ADT delivered four helmets, winter riding mittens and motorcycle covers.
Casada also had Monan sign a letter of agreement stating Monan would be responsible to properly care for and service the new bikes.
The Panjshir NEPA will now be more active in inspecting water, air quality and other NEPA-related responsibilities, said Casada.
“If they’re here without transportation, then they’re not doing their job,” said Casada. “This gives them the freedom to get to the places they need to get to. They’ll be a big part of inspecting the proposed Anaba slaughterhouse.”
Along with increased inspections, Monan said he is looking forward to some other important projects.
“It’s my responsibility to take care of the forest and the animals,” said Monan. “There are some leopards and wolves that people are killing. They’re illegally destroying all of the leopards and wolves, and we’re going to try to stop them.”
With a little help from their American partners, the nine Afghan NEPA employees and their director will be riding to inspect standards and enforce policies.
