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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
Staff report
November is Military Family Appreciation Month, a celebration of the Military Family in which the Department of Defense and the nation honors the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of the nation’s service members. We offer the following to raise awareness on matters of importance among Kentucky’s unsung heroes.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Money is often cited as the number one problem when it comes to preserving domestic tranquility. Money builds us up and it brings us down. Some think it is the key to happiness; the mismanagement of it is most certainly key to our misery.
Not everybody has a Santa to bail them out during the holiday spending season. Good money management can be the greatest gift your family can receive. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
In the military community money is a huge factor when it comes to wartime deployment. Adding to those hardships are complications arising from pay issues, particularly during the recent sequestration and federal shutdown.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that the Kentucky National Guard recognizes these challenges. Regina Harris is an accredited finance counselor on staff with the Family Programs as a personal finance counselor. Let’s see what she has to say about money and what to do about it.
So what exactly is your job?
My official mission is to assist service members with any personal financial issue that arises in their or their families lives. I strive to let them know that my services are free, anonymous and confidential.
Is this strictly a National Guard program?
While I work with National Guard Family Programs, I’m available to help any military service member, active duty and reserve force. We support Kentucky’s entire military community.
What are some of the financial challenges military families face?
Couples don’t always see eye to eye on finances. It helps to have a neutral person assist or guide them to making sound financial decisions; establishing that neither person is right or wrong. We can always realize outlandish financial decisions without any other input.
It’s not just married couples, either. Single service members often need someone to talk with about financial accountability. I can do that for them. Service members sometimes want guidance on budgeting, buying a car, buying auto or life insurance, buying a house, getting into an apartment, child support, preparing for a Furlough or answering a Security Clearance inquiry. Also, relieving debts, saving for emergencies and retirement are worthy topics.
Does a military service member have to be in trouble to use your services?
No, you do not have to be in financial distress. A personal finance counselor may be the only phone number you have to connect you to other resources; we gladly connect. Even when things are going fantastically well financially we can be a sounding board to help you plug any possible financial oversights or to agree with your plan.
Do you ever visit units on site?
Yes, I’m happy to provide financial briefs at the unit level. I regularly attend Yellow Ribbon ceremonies and I’m available for other events as well.
It’s my pleasure to help service members feel good and in control of their money. It’s my passion to serve, it’s what I do and it’s why the DOD has provided these person financial counselor services for you.
If you need help with your finances or just have general questions contact Regina Harris at 502-548-4836 or rharris@mflc.zeiders.com
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The first Kentucky National Guard Strong Bonds family weekend was held at the Center for Courageous Kids at Scottsville, Ky. August 24-26, 2012. The 2013 goal is to get ten percent of the force to take part in the program. (Photo courtesy KYNG Strong Bonds)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Life got you down? Is your marriage just “okay”? Having trouble with personal relationships? These are questions we all face at one time or another. The answers often seem elusive, but thanks to a unique program offered by the Kentucky National Guard, help could be just a phone call — or email — away.
“The Strong Bonds program has recently gained attention as one of the leading programs that builds relationships and improves the resiliency of Soldiers, Airmen, and family members in the National Guard,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Jerry Shacklett, Strong Bonds program activity director for the Kentucky Guard.
“We’ve got a proven track record, having helped more than 400 couples over the past five years.”
What exactly is the Strong Bonds program? Well, it’s a unit-based, chaplain-led program which assists commanders in building individual resiliency by strengthening the military family. The core mission of Strong Bonds is to increase individual service member and family readiness through
relationship education and skills training.
Click here to find out more about the Army’s Strong Bonds program.
“Strong Bonds events usually occur over a weekend and utilize relationship enhancement programs that are nationally renowned and approved by the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains,” said Shacklett. “Unit commanders have the option of allowing the Guard members to attend in lieu of drill or in a volunteer status.”
To make the offer even more attractive, Strong Bonds pays for two nights at the hotel, meals included, and recently added childcare to the mix.
“Childcare is an important element in this,” said Shacklett. “We’re doing everything we can to encourage folks to attend.”
One of the myths about Strong Bonds is that it focuses on troubled marriages.
“We invite married couples, singles and even entire families,” said Shacklett. “The program is set up to enhance healthy relationships across the board. We think we have something for everyone.”
The coming year represents a reenergized approach to the program, too: “the surge.”
“With the surge our goal in 2013 is to train ten percent of the force,” said Shacklett. “That includes both Soldiers and Airmen as well as their families. The command has pushed this as a high priority and we’re determined to get the word out far and wide on this.”
“This is a proven program that helps built resiliency, strengthens relationships and in turn reduces divorces and the number of suicides.”
The staff is particularly proud of the feedback they get from attendees.
“In our after action reviews we get a 99% approval rating with hardly any negative comments on our curriculum,” said Shacklett. “That tells us we must be doing something right.”
Here’s the 2013 Kentucky National Guard Strong Bonds schedule:
January 11-13 Lexington (couples)
February 1-3 Bowling Green (couples)
March 1-3 Louisville (couples)
April 26-28 Cumberland Falls (couples)
July 19-20 Lexington (couples)
August 2-4 Lexington (singles)
August 23-25 Scottsville (families)
For more information contact Chaplain (Maj.) Jerry Shacklett at 502.607-1232 or the state chaplain office at 502-607-1729, or you can email him at jerry.shacklett@us.army.mil.
You can also contact us on Face Book for updates and information.
