Inside 74

February 2014

January FRG Meeting

We want to thank all that were able to make it out to the FRG meeting. We loved seeing some new faces and continue to look forward to seeing more! Paula Ingram, a member of the Fleet and Family Services Center team reviewed tools to aide in navigating the early months of deployment. FFSC focus on families during deployment, offering services and programs that will empower you. Also, Januarys meeting was the start of JrSCWs. The kids had a blast! Because of Presidents Day, Februarys meeting will be th held on Tuesday, February 18 at the NOSC (the building on the left as you come in the Broad Ave. gate). The doors open at 1745 we will start promptly at 1800 (6pm). Mark your calendars! For the February meeting, after a quick session to discuss any concerns or questions, well be playing BINGO! Also the next session of the JrSCWS is a field trip to the Armory with the FRO, Senior Chief Maness. Dont worry, if they missed the first meeting they are still welcome to come and join in the fun! Bring your favorite Mardi Gras food and spend some time with the rest of your Fearless Family!

Message from your Ombudsmen

Lesley Clayton and Kelly Farwell

Greetings Fearless Families!

It is hard to believe that we are already one month into our historical final deployment of NMCB 74. Hopefully you have been able to settle into a nice routine and develop a rhythm to make time fly. As a reminder, in an effort to reach out to you, we are on Facebook (Nmcbseventyfour Ombudsmen). (https://www.facebook.com/nmcbseventyfour.ombudsm en) While we will continue to post updates and links on the Command and FRG pages, this page will provide an additional avenue for receiving assistance and allow posting of updates, newsletters and resource links to appear in your newsfeed. We want this to be an opportunity for open dialogue however it must remain family friendly. Be aware, while this profile is set to private, DO NOT POST ANY SENSITIVE INFORMATION. ALL COMMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL. REMEMBER OPSEC!!! As always, you may reach us by phone and/or email. Dont hesitate to contact us with any of your questions and concerns. We are of service to you, our Navy Family!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 3 4

FRG Meeting Recap Income Tax Resources Upcoming events Updated contact information; Resources

**Navy Family Ombudsman are required to report to the command and/or the appropriate authorities all instances of Alleged or Known Child Abuse, Alleged Spouse/Partner Abuse, Potential or attempted Suicide, Potential Homicidal or Life Threatening Behavior, and any other issues identified by the Commanding Officer.**

Remember, home is not a War Zone! Bringing peace to your relationship means knowing how to access support services your family may need to maintain stability and ensure safety. Call the Family Advocacy Office at 871-3000.

Military OneSource Offers Free Tax Services

If it hasnt arrived yet, your 2013 W -2 wage and tax statement likely is on its way, and with it the countdown toward the April 15 tax filing deadline. As preparations begin for the upcoming tax season, military families are being offered a no-cost to the customer service to ensure they can meet that deadline from anywhere they may be stationed around the world. Military OneSource, partnering with H&R Block, is offering all active duty, Guard and reserve forces help in preparing their taxes and in filing their federal and state returns, in addition to the variety of other financial planning services it already provides free of charge. No matter where you are, when you call 800-342-9647 or go to [the Military OneSource website], you can access the programs and services, Tony Jackson, a military community and family policy analyst for the service told American Forces Press Service. The program is designed to address the unique tax requirements and issues affecting military personnel and their families, Jackson said. With many still likely dealing with holiday credit card bills, the April tax deadline may seem far off. But with many military families having to file multiple state tax returns in addition to federal taxes, beginning the work now on gathering tax-related documents can prevent headaches later. Now is the time to prepare, to gather your documents and your questions, Jackson said, and [you can] speak to a tax consultant at no cost at Military OneSource. Additional paperwork at tax time for those living outside their home state who may have rental property or may be subject to taxes where they are currently deployed is a common additional burden, he noted. Military OneSource will provide help filing a federal tax return, as well as up to three state returns, at no charge. Jackson said some 224,000 federal and state tax returns were prepared for military families last year. The programs tax experts are able to help military families navigate changes in tax laws that may have a particular impact on or benefit for members of the

military -- as well as any tax implications related to military benefits, he added. They are nationally certified financial planners, so they are definitely qualified to assist families and service members, regardless of the topic, Jackson said. Reserve component members are eligible for the free service regardless of their activation status, as are veterans within 180 days of being discharged, retired or separated. The Defense Department established Military OneSource in 2002 to provide comprehensive information on military life at no cost to military families. By Nick Simeone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2014 VITA TAX ASSISTANCE NOW OPEN Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is now taking appointments. Located in Building 60, room 116Z, VITA is here to help with tax preparation for Active duty military and their dependants. Call (228)871-3597 or (228)871-2301 for an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted from 1100-1300 with priority given to those with an appointment. Tax Time Money Saving Strategies 1. Save money on tax preparations by utilizing legitimate programs offering free tax assistance such as those mentioned above (VITA and Military One Source). 2. Make sure you benefit from all tax credits and/or deductions for which you qualify. 3. Have any refund direct-deposited into your bank account. This is the fastest and safest way to receive your refund. 4. Reach savings goals or develop a rainy day fund by direct-depositing your refund into a savings account or using the refund to pay down debt, such as high-interest loans or credit cards. 5. Watch out for tax-related scams and fraud, such as fake emails claiming to come from the IRS that try to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information. 6. Do not put your tax filing off to the last minute. Take advantage of the resources available for military families that can make tax time stress-free.

Remember, home is not a War Zone! Bringing peace to your relationship means knowing how to access support services your family may need to maintain stability and ensure safety. Call the Family Advocacy Office at 871-3000.

CALENDAR FEBRUARY

OF

EVENTS

BASE-WIDE YARD SALE

FEBRUARY 15 800-1300
TH

FRG MEETING
FEBRUARY 18
TH

DOORS OPEN AT 1745, MEETING STARTS PROMPTLY AT 1800 JRSCW S FIELD TRIP TO THE ARMORY LOCATION AT THE NOSC

MARCH
SEABEE DAY
MARCH 8 900-1600 LOCATED ON THE GRINDER
TH

FRG Updates
The FRG is still selling key chains. Check out their FB page for pictures and details or take a peek at the flyer at the next meeting. They make a great gift for a loved oneor yourself. Money from sales is used to directly benefit you. They are also still looking for someone to join their team as treasurer. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved and would make an incredible addition to any resume. Send them a message on Facebook or email
nmcb74fsg@yahoo.com.

SEABEE BALL
MARCH 15 GULFCOAST COLISEUM
TH

FRG MEETING
MARCH 17 DOORS OPEN AT 1745, MEETING STARTS PROMPTLY AT 1800 YOUTH CENTER
TH

APRIL
EASTER
APRIL 20 APRIL 21
TH

FRG MEETING
ST

Seabee Memorial Scholarship

The Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association is committed to providing a college education for the children of brave Seabees. Children and grandchildren of Seabees qualify for an SMSA Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors or high school graduates for two and four year college degree programs and are based on financial need, scholastic record, citizenship and leadership. th Applications must be received by April 15 . Contact us for more information.

DETAILS TBD

OVER THE HUMP PARTY

APRIL 26
TH

LOCATED AT SEABEE LAKE DETAILS TBD

All dates are subject to change

Remember, home is not a War Zone! Bringing peace to your relationship means knowing how to access support services your family may need to maintain stability and ensure safety. Call the Family Advocacy Office at 871-3000.

CONTACT INFORMATION NMCB 74 Quarterdeck ( 228) 871-2149/2183 Chaplain LT C. J. SUTTON (228) 871-4201 Family Readiness Officer (FRO) Senior Chief Maness (228) 871-4568/3000 William.maness@navy.mil

Resources At Your Disposal

www.tutor.com/military www.militaryonesource.com http://www.militaryonesource.mil/seco/enewsl etter www.relayhealth.com http://go.usa.gov/WaHW (domestic violence awareness) http://www.scribd.com/doc/182023998/Inside74November-docx (previous edition of the ombudsmen newsletter) http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installat ions/ncbc_gulfport/news/Inside_the_Gate.html (Inside the Gate) http://benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison (GI Bill comparison tool) http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fl eet_and_family_support_program/deployment _readiness/during_deployment.html (deployment readiness tips) http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fl eet_and_family_support_program/deployment _readiness.html (CNIC Deployment Readiness Webpage) http://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/hq/ pdfs/n91_fleet_and_family_support_program/ deployment_readiness/FamilyConnectionNew sletter/Family%20Connection%20Newsletter% 20-%20Current%20Edition.pdf (February Family Connection Newsletter) Training Hall Movie Hotline: 228-871-3299

NMCB 74 Family Readiness Group (FRG) President: Aimee Wallace Vice President: Jenny Chapelle Secretary: Kendyl Stovall Treasurer: vacant nmcb74fsg@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/NMCB74FRG

NMCB 74 Ombudsmen Kelly Farwell (228) 239-8597 Lesley Clayton (228) 239-8722 nmcb74ombudsmen@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/nmcbseventyfour.ombuds men

Remember, home is not a War Zone! Bringing peace to your relationship means knowing how to access support services your family may need to maintain stability and ensure safety. Call the Family Advocacy Office at 871-3000.

I Am an Ombudsman by Gayle Brinkley I am not a crutch, but I can support you I am not a counselor, but I know one I am not a taxi driver, but I can steer you in the right direction I am not a rescuer, but I can help save lives I am not a baby sitter, but I can refer you to a caregiver I am not a gossiper, but I am a good listener I am not an enabler, but I can provide tools to empower you I am not a master of anything, but I know many experts who understand your need I am not a Recreation or Health Specialist, but I am concerned about your Morale, Welfare & Health I am not a busybody as Ive been called, but I am an Official Command Representative I am a Navy Family Ombudsman And I am of service to You The Navy Family

Remember, home is not a War Zone! Bringing peace to your relationship means knowing how to access support services your family may need to maintain stability and ensure safety. Call the Family Advocacy Office at 871-3000.