NCNGA Weekly Guardsman for October 11, 2018
October 11, 2018
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North Carolina National Guard soldier killed by explosion in Afghanistan ABC11
North Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. James Allen Slape, 23, of Morehead City, was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Thursday after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.
Slape was promoted to the rank of sergeant posthumously. Gov. Roy Cooper ordered U.S. and N.C. flags to be lowered to half staff Tuesday in honor of Slape.
His family released the following statement: “We, the family and friends of North Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. James Slape, would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. There are no words to express how much we miss James already. He was a loving husband, a devoted son and a true hero to his country.”
Slape’s mother and father also added: “We have always been proud of our son, and have always told him that he was capable of becoming anything that he set his mind to. This is what he chose, and this is where he knew he needed to be. We love him and he will always be a part of us.”
North Carolina Army Medic Whose Home Was Looted Gives Away Money Raised to Help Him WCMH-TV
The kindness of strangers was far more than National Guardsman Luis Ocampo needed.
His North Carolina home had been looted while the medic was helping to clean up ravaged seacoast areas hit by Hurricane Florence last month.
A GoFundMe page was established for Ocampo and his live-in girlfriend, Kailey Finch, who also is the mother of his infant son. Nearly $15,000 poured in, far surpassing the original goal of $5,000.
So Ocampo, 24, decided to pass along the goodwill that was passed to him.
“We got more than we expected, and felt that it was our responsibility to show someone that same kindness that so many showed us,” he told People magazine.
The couple is sending funds to the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, which helps North Carolina National Guard members and their families. They are also helping a soldier who’s been living in a motel since a tree fell on his home.
“A big part of wanting to give the donations comes from seeing how generous people have been, and I wanted to pay that back to someone else who needed help,” Ocampo said.
Finch added that unlike many, no members of their family were injured during the fierce storm.
“We’re very happy none of us are hurt,” she said. “We are so, so grateful.”
When Ocampo was deployed, Finch went to stay with his family, leaving the couple’s dog inside their home.
When he returned on Sept. 21, Ocampo found the back door open and their dog running loose outside.
State of Emergency issued for North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Michael WTKR
RALEIGH, N.C. – Governor Roy Cooper announced a State of Emergency for the state ahead of Hurricane Michael on Wednesday.
Restrictions on trucks and heavy vehicles have been lifted in order to help the state prepare.
Additionally, 150 National Guard troops have orders to report for duty beginning Wednesday afternoon.
Michael is expected to move ashore over the Florida Panhandle later Wednesday, move NE across the southeastern United States Wednesday night and Thursday, and then move off the Mid-Atlantic coast away from the United States on Friday.
North Carolina Lawmakers Approve Florence Recovery Legislation, $57M in Funding Insurance Journal
In a rare show of bipartisanship, the North Carolina legislature quickly approved Tuesday legislation described as financial and policy down payments on what’s expected to be a long, expensive recovery from Hurricane Florence.
Barely two weeks after the storm’s last rains left the state, the Republican-controlled General Assembly unanimously backed a pair of bills in a special session called by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who was expected to sign them.
More than 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain fell in some parts of the state, and along with the storm surge, caused historic widespread flooding that damaged tens of thousands of homes and other buildings. Authorities have confirmed 39 storm-related deaths. The damage is estimated to reach billions of dollars, including at least $1.1 billion in crop and livestock losses.
Nearly two years of rancor between the executive and legislative branches have led to a record number of vetoes and overrides and extensive litigation. But Cooper and legislative leaders have found likely temporary amity and teamwork in the face of Florence.
“The cooperation that I’ve seen has also been unprecedented and we need to keep that spirit of cooperation all together as we approach the short- and long-term recovery from this storm,” Cooper told the Council of State shortly before the session convened. His office and GOP legislators had conferred on Tuesday’s legislation before leaders gaveled open the session.
Become a Certified Medical Assistant (before Thanksgiving)! NCNGA
Have a great new career by the holidays and keep the laptop!
Wait…What? Career Pathways Institute has opened its Raleigh Campus, located with the North Carolina National Guard Association! We have spent years successfully providing education to employment training that gets our students into career-oriented jobs with high demand, high wage positions! Now, its available here in the RDU region conveniently at the NCNGA offices!
So… What are we talking about here? For a complete list of what we are offering this fall, check out website at https://www.cpi.institute. Programs are in classroom and online and include certifications business, healthcare, IT and our newest addition, the Roofing Academy!
PLUS, we can accept NC TAP Funds for tuition as well as help you find other funding sources!
Check out the information below for specific information on one of the Healthcare offerings, becoming a certified Medical Assistant!
Get 20% off a Treetop Adventure GoApe, courtesy of the NCNG! NCNG 
TREETOP ADVENTURE – Way more than just zip lines, Go Ape Treetop Adventure is a 2-3 hour exhilarating journey through the forest canopy. Experience unique suspended obstacles, Tarzan swings and breathtaking zip lines that will keep you flying through the trees – all with an incredible view. Supervision and other restrictions apply.
TREETOP JUNIOR (SELECT LOCATIONS) – Perfect for new adventurers of all ages, Go Ape Treetop Junior offers a 1-hour exhilarating outdoor adventure experience. Tackle elevated multi-action obstacles in the trees and close it out with an epic zip line. Supervision and other restrictions apply. Check out our website for locations with Treetop Juniors. LEARN MORE AT GOAPE.COM
Visit GOAPE.COM for the most up-to-date information on locations, pricing, height, weight, age and supervision requirements.
3rd NCNG Educational Foundation Cruise for Charity NCNGEF
The North Carolina National Guard Education Foundation is holding it’s 3rd Cruise for Charity! Royal Carribean will set sail on their Adventure Of the Seas cruise on January 19, from Ft. Lauderdale. Cabins start at $709, with a $250/person deposit. Some of the proceeds from each cabin will go to the NCNG Education Foundation.
Click below to register, or email rbliley@cruiseplanners.com for questions.
Prices are per person, double occupancy, based on availability and subject to change without notice.
October 11th — Today in Guard History National Guard
1879 The first President of the National Guard Association was New York Major General George Wingate, who served in the position from 1879-1890. Wingate was a strong proponent of Guard readiness issues and laid the groundwork to make the Association an active voice in Congressional matters dealing with the militia.
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