Episodes

Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Food Insecurity Military Family Advisory Network
Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Today we are discussing food insecurity with Dr. Shelley Kimball from the Military Family Advisory Network. This complex challenge can have a lasting consequence especially for our military children. MFAN will highlight how as a bonded community we can support those in need.
militaryfamilyadvisorynetwork.org
Show Notes:
MilMap: MilMap.org
Survey: http://milfanet.org/foodsurvey2021
U.S. Military Family Food Insecurity: How the USO is Trying to Help · United Service Organizations
Why are many of America's military families going hungry? (nbcnews.com)
Food Insecurity Among Service Members and Veterans - Military Families Learning Network
Shelley Kimball, Ph.D. Senior director of research and program evaluation
Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN)
As the research director for the Military Family Advisory Network, Shelley Kimball gathers the real-life experiences of military families to understand where they most need support and making sure they get it. She has presented MFAN’s research to the White House, on Capitol Hill, and at the Pentagon, where it has been used to shape policy affecting military families.
Dr. Kimball was awarded the Coast Guard Public Service Commendation for her service writing about military families in 2018. She received the Swivel Shot Award in 2014, an award from the commandant of the Coast Guard, in recognition for outstanding service and leadership. She was also recognized as the 2013 Coast Guard Spouse of the Year in 2013 by Armed Forces Insurance.
She teaches qualitative research methods and media law at The George Washington University. Her husband retired from Coast Guard aviation after 28 years of service.
This podcast was made possible thanks to Flow Mazda in Fayetteville.
Food insecurity is affecting our community including our military families. Help us fill a car of non-perishable food during our Grand Opening Event that will support the YMCA Ft. Bragg Food Pantry. We will be accepting canned donations at our new state-of-the-art facility, at Skibo Rd. now until March 18th
https://www.flowmazdafayetteville.com/mazda-grand-opening-event.htm
And don't miss your chance to participate in our hybrid celebration (online and at our location) on March 18th. The Grand Opening Charity Event will be filled with giveaways, virtual tours, and more to celebrate our community. Visit flowmazdafayetteville.com for details.

Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Copeify
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
We are chatting with CEO Drew Bartkiewicz of Copeify, an organization that promotes physical and mental wellbeing in young people. Copeify's app not only develops character traits, such as trustworthiness and accountability it also reinforces life skills while being 100% profile free.
"We need to help our young adults move from self-repair to self-care".
Show Notes:
Drew Bartkiewicz - CEO & Channel Coach - Service & Kindness
Drew Bartkiewicz is the CEO of Copeify and Chairman of Patriapps, a veteran backed Software Venture Studio based in NYC. In 2016, Goldman Sachs named Drew as a 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs and Forbes listed Patriapps (then lettrs) as a Top 25 Veteran Founded business that same year. Drew has spoken at the World Economic Forum, published two books (Unseen Liability and Poetguese, with author Paulo Coelho), and carries 25 years of experience in developing the human factors of technology, psychology and neuroscience. He serves on the board of the Line of Site Foundation that delivers partnerships through technology to support human development, public health and diversity.
Drew received his BS in Aerospace Engineering from West Point (’89) and his MBA from Yale University (’94). He is an Army combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne and he received the Bronze Star during the Gulf War in 199. Drew resides in Connecticut and New York City with his wife and three children.
Copeify, Character Comes First on the App Store (apple.com)
Copeify, Self-Care @Scale on the App Store Copeify is a subscription based app. All content is unlocked once you subscribe at $2.99/month. Dealing with school, health, and the future is tough. Get by with Copeify. Copeify is a subscription based secure app to learn about health and growth topics that interest you, to stay informed and moti… apps.apple.com |
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the Spouses' Club of the Fort Sam Houston Area Charitable Organization

Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Honoring the Past, Securing the Future: Amanda Woodyard
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
In our month-long series dedicated to recognizing and honoring black history month, MCEC is joining our country in highlighting members of our extensive community of leaders under the theme “Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future”. Our guest on this week’s episode is Amanda Woodyard MCEC Director of Community Engagement & Outreach for the National Capital Region.
Check out the Military Parent Advocate Volunteers - National Capital Region Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MCECNationalCapitalRegion
You can learn more about the Military Parent Advocate Volunteers in the National Capital Region by contacting Amanda at amanda.woodyard@miltarychild.org
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE FORT LEE AREA SPOUSES' CLUB.

Saturday Feb 20, 2021
Honoring the Past, Securing the Future: Neal Sanders
Saturday Feb 20, 2021
Saturday Feb 20, 2021
In our month-long series dedicated to recognizing and honoring black history month, MCEC is joining our country in highlighting members of our extensive community of leaders under the theme “Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future”. Our guest on this week’s episode is Neal Sanders Military Family Liaison and DoDEA Project Manager at Pebble Hills High School in Socorro Independent School District.
Neal Sanders is the Project Coordinator for the Positive Change at Socorro ISD (PCS) grant which is funded by DoDEA. Neal is a graduate of Austin Peay State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business/Public management. As the PCS Grant Coordinator, he has two major roles. First, he is the Military Liaison for Pebble Hills High School. Additionally, he carries out the duties and responsibilities of the PCS grant.
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE ASSOCIATION OF FORT BRAGG SPOUSES’ CLUB.

Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Honoring the Past, Securing the Future: Retired Admiral Cecil D. Haney
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
In our month-long series dedicated to recognizing and honoring black history month, MCEC is joining our country in highlighting members of our extensive community of leaders under the theme “Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future”. Our guest on this week’s episode is MCEC Chairman of the Board, Retired Admiral Cecil D. Haney.
Do you want to know more about today’s guest? Check out our website at: https://www.militarychild.org/about/boards-and-advisors/admiral-ret-cecil-d-haney
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST IS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO THE DOVER SPOUSES’ CLUB.

Thursday Feb 04, 2021
Navy EFMP Pilot Program Partners in Promise: Part 2
Thursday Feb 04, 2021
Thursday Feb 04, 2021
We are fortunate to have Michelle Norman, founder and director of Partners in Promise, back to discuss the Navy EFMP three-year pilot program to expand support for service members enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Hear why she's so passionate about special education resources and how this program can have a tremendous impact on all military families.
Show Notes:
Link to Last week’s episode with Partners in Promise: Special Education and Military Families Partners in Promise: Part 1
Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act The PROMISE Act asks for increased accountability, standardization and assistance to help special needs and EFMP military families. thepromiseact.org |
Navy hires special education attorneys as part of pilot program for families | The Promise Act Military family members at a hearing on the Exceptional Family Member Program, Feb. 5, 2020 on Capitol Hill. By ROSE L. THAYER | STARS AND STRIPES Published: December 14, 2020. AUSTIN, Texas – The Navy has hired two special education lawyers as part of a three-year pilot program to expand support for service members enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. thepromiseact.org |
Summary of S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 |
This podcast has been brought to you thanks to the Hickam Officer Spouses’ Club.

Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Special Education and Military Families Partners in Promise: Part 1
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Michelle Norman, Founder & Executive Director, and Jennifer Barnhill Chief Operating Officer, of Partners in PROMISE talk about the Special Education and Military Families issue paper and the “way forward” in protecting the rights of military children in special education.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to Hickam OSC.
Show Notes:
Military Child Education Coalition Issue Paper: Special Education and Military Families https://www.militarychild.org/upload/files/resources/issue%20papers/MCEC_Special_Education_MilitaryFamilies.pdf
https://thepromiseact.org/2021-survey/
Shown Here: Passed Senate (07/23/2020) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. |
Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act
Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act The PROMISE Act asks for increased accountability, standardization and assistance to help special needs and EFMP military families. thepromiseact.org |

Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Parent Chat: Scholarships
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
It's college scholarship season and it can be an overwhelming time for parents and students. Podcast host, Susan Sellers and Happy Garner, Master Parent Educator from the MCEC webinar team, share their experiences. They discuss how to start the scholarship search as well as helpful resources and lessons learned.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by Military Spouses' Club of Albany, GA.
Links for Show Notes:
The Scoop on Paying For College Road2College provides education, tools, and access to experts to help families make smarter college decisions. We provide trustworthy information on financial aid, college search, private scholarships, merit scholarships, FAFSA, borrowing options, and all things related to paying for college. Our tools match students to colleges offering them the most merit scholarships. |
https://militaryfamilies.com/military-education/35-scholarships-for-military-connected-students/
35+ scholarships for military-connected students | Military Education | Military Families Headed back to school in 2021 or working on your degree? Here are over 35 military scholarships that can help relieve some financial burden. militaryfamilies.com |
https://www.militarychild.org/webinars
Webinars - Military Child Education Coalition MCEC Parent to Parent community-based teams are available via webinar to support parents who are remote or not located near a major military installation. |

Thursday Jan 14, 2021
MCEC Military Student Consultants—Global Support System
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
No matter where you are located in the world the MCEC MSC’s, Sue Lopez and Mark Patton, can help with real-world situations and provide assistance in overcoming transitional barriers associated with the military lifestyle.
Contact an MSC today at:
Website: militarychild.org/contact
Phone: (254) 953-1923 ext 1146
email: msc@militarychild.org
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the generous support provided by United Club Spouses & Civilians Association Camp Humphreys United Club in South Korea.
Top Resources mentioned in this podcast:
https://www.militarychild.org/
School Quest https://schoolquest.militarychild.org/
Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission (MIC3) http://www.mic3.net/
Installation School Liaison Officers https://www.dodea.edu/partnership/schoolliaisonofficers.cfm
Tutor.com https://military.tutor.com/home
Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ 800-342-9647
Cohen Veterans Network https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/
America Serves- 360 care (8 state branches) https://americaserves.org/
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/the-exceptional-family-member-program-for-families-with-special-needs
https://branchta.org/maps-military-installations-and-contacts-by-region-state/
MFLC https://www.militaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/non-medical-counseling/military-and-family-life-counseling
Installation Family Programs- Army Community Services, Fleet and Family Readiness Centers https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/?looking-for-a=program/program-service=26/focus=program
Center for Parent and Teen Communication https://parentandteen.com/
Military One Source https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
College Board https://www.collegeboard.org/
Blue Star Families https://bluestarfam.org/family-life/
Boys and Girls Clubs of America https://www.bgca.org/about-us/military
Child Mind Institute https://childmind.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/
Partners in Promise https://thepromiseact.org/who-we-are/
Understood.org https://www.understood.org/
Wrights Law https://www.wrightslaw.com/

Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Improving Reading Outcomes--National Center on Improving Literacy
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Deputy Director of the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL), Dr. Sarah Sayko, seeks to improve awareness about evidence-based literacy information by sharing free resources for improving reading outcomes for both children with dyslexia and for those who are at-risk for literacy-related disabilities.
Show Notes:
What Do We Mean By Evidence-based?
Route to Reading: Be Your Child’s Tour Guide
What are the characteristics of effective reading instruction?
Remote Literacy Learning: Coaching Steps for Families
Other information:
National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) (see its academic tools chart)
This podcast as made possible thanks to the generous support from the Naval Officers' Spouses Club Washington, DC