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This Week in MCFP December 17 2010
This Week in MCFP December 17 2010
This Week in MCFP December 17 2010
We wish a belated ‘Happy Birthday’ to the citizen-warriors serving in the National Guard; they
celebrated their 374th birthday on Monday, December 13th. True to your motto, “Always Ready,
Always There,” you are deployed across the globe. You hail from every state and territory and stand
shoulder-to-shoulder and fly wingtip-to-wingtip with your brothers and sisters in arms. Thank you for
your dedicated service!
And lastly, a brief administrative note: This December 17th issue will be the final edition for this
calendar year. We’ll return Friday, January 7, 2011. During this hiatus, if we have information we think
you might need, rest assured we’ll reach out to you. So, until next year and the next edition of this
publication, please accept our best wishes for safe and happy holidays. Thank you for all you do!
Please note: Some hyperlinks in this text are lengthy, sometimes extending more than one line. For best results,
cut and past the entire link into your Web browser.
From DoDEA
Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.
This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
• Family Advocacy Program Teams Collaborate with State Social Service Agencies
Tib Campise joined Air Force and Army Family Advocacy headquarters staff and representatives
from social services agencies and installation Family Advocacy Program teams located in California,
Texas, Kentucky and North Carolina for a shared learning collaborative, “Improving Practice with
Military Families,” hosted by the Casey Family Programs in San Antonio, Texas. The primary goal
was to explore innovative and effective approaches to build and sustain collaborative relationships
between child welfare agencies and military installations. The collaborative resulted in draft action
plans created by the state social services and Family Advocacy Program teams.
If you haven’t done so yet, mark your calendars to be in Chicago April 27- 29, 2011, at the
Hyatt Regency for the interagency family readiness conference, “Forging the Partnership.”
The conference will bring together professionals from DoD and USDA and will build
connections, competency and the capacity of our agencies and programs.
The conference will feature keynote speakers, current youth and family research presenters,
interactive workshops and computer labs. For more information, see
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/service/conferenceandworkshops/fy2011
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
provide information about this group and their lack of affiliation with or endorsement by the VA to
military installations and mobilization sites in particular. For more information, see
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/
• World Wrestling Entertainment to Give Tribute to the Troops December 18, 9 p.m., on NBC-TV
For the past seven years, World Wrestling Entertainment – WWE – has traveled to the AOR to meet
the troops. In the past, the group spent several days traveling to the various sites, meeting the troops,
signing autographs, taking pictures, and so on. On the final day, they would do a WWE wrestling
event which would be broadcast on national television around the holidays. This year, they were
unable to travel to the AOR but visited Fort Hood, Texas. They visited various units there to meet
and greet the troops and they performed a wrestling event which will air this Saturday, December 18,
at 9 p.m. on NBC-TV (check your local listings). The show focuses on the service-members and is a
huge morale booster for all.
• Air Force Women, Army Men, Take Top Honors at Armed Forces Bowling Championship
The U.S. Armed Forces Bowling championship was held at Naval Base San Diego. Teams
competed in singles, doubles and mixed doubles to determine the overall team championship. The
Air Force women took top honors followed by Army, Marine Corps and Navy. The Army men took
the top prize followed by Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy.
See http://armedforcessports.defense.gov/
• U.S. Basketball Team Undefeated, Takes Gold at International Basketball tournament, Belgium
The United States was undefeated in winning the SHAPE International Basketball tournament held
recently in Mons, Belgium. The U.S. team defeated Italy, the United Kingdom and Latvia by wide
margins and won the championship match against Lithuania with a score of 78-71 to take home the
gold. See http://armedforcessports.defense.gov/
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
From the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs
• Staff Provides Exceptional Family Member Program Training for Newly Assigned Navigators
Isabel Hodge, Dr. Maria Barkmeier and Dr. Rebecca Posante presented at the Army's Exceptional
Family Member Program training for systems navigators held at the MWR Academy from
December 6-17. Newly hired systems navigators were trained on the many programs and resources
that may help support a family with special needs. Ms. Hodge and Dr. Barkmeier provided training
on community support systems and on special education in the DoD schools.
From Resale
In the News
• From the Family Matters blog – Operation Homefront Helps Indiana Families
Throughout the year, Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other relief to the
nation’s servicemembers and wounded warriors. Recently, the group’s Indiana chapter arranged for
Santa Claus to pay an early visit to the families of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Headquarters Company at Tyndall Armory in Indianapolis. For the rest of the story, see
http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=62143
• From the American Forces Press Service – Spiritual Fitness Can Help ‘Lighten Load’
Spiritual fitness can help “lighten the load” for servicemembers and their families, whether they’re
facing combat, dealing with health issues or just managing the day-to-day stressors of military life,
the Army’s chief of chaplains said. “I would imagine that soldiers carry some of that in their
rucksack,” Army Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas L. Carver said. “[Chaplains] are there in many cases
to help them unload some feelings, some of the trauma they’re carrying around.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=62108
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
• From the Family Matters blog – Blogger Shares Holiday Money-saving Tips
I’ve noticed, over the years, that holiday shoppers typically fall into specific categories as they
embark on their gift-gathering quests. First up are the bargain hunters, who relentlessly search day
and night for the perfect deal. They crowd into stores in the wee hours on Black Friday and shut
down sites with an overload of Internet traffic from office cubicles on Cyber Monday.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=62094
• From the American Forces Press Service – Famous Military Mom Works to Boost Family Support
The wife of the nation’s vice president walked into a crowded gym at a dusty Army base in the Iraqi
desert and was greeted like a rock star. Soldiers were crowded onto bleachers -- a sea of camouflage
uniforms – and let out a thunderous cheer and applause at the sight of Dr. Jill Biden, who glided in
with her signature warm smile. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=62079
and the Family Matters blog at http://afps.dodlive.mil/category/family-matters/
White meat chicken and turkey are the best sources of low–fat protein. Boneless skinless chicken
breasts and turkey cutlets are the leanest poultry choices. Try to skip or limit breading, though. It
adds fat and calories and soaks up more fat if the poultry is fried. For more information on making
healthy and nutritious food choices, check out the Commissary’s Web site at
http://www.commissaries.com/
Parenting Tip of the Week – Traveling? Some TRICARE Tips May Help
Chances are, you and your family are among the millions of Americans traveling 50 miles or more
roundtrip this Christmas/New Year's holiday. If you have TRICARE, you are covered while
traveling; how you get care depends on which TRICARE health plan option you are using and where
you are going.
• Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week – Calculating Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index – ‘BMI’ – the most commonly used measure for body fat, is calculated by
dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (kg/m2). Current
guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health
Organization define a normal BMI range as 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 to
29.9; obesity is defined as a BMI over 30.0; and severe obesity is defined as BMI 35 or higher. For
more information and a BMI calculator, go to National Institutes of Health News at
http://www.nih.gov/news/health/dec2010/nci-01.htm
• Financial Tip of the Week – Coming Soon! Military Saves Campaign 2011
The 2011 Military Saves Campaign will kick off with Military Saves Week, scheduled February 20
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
to 27, 2011. This annual campaign is conducted jointly by the Department of Defense (Military
Community and Family Policy and the military services) and the Consumer Federation of America (,
an official DoD financial readiness campaign non-profit partner. The goal of the Military Saves
campaign is for servicemembers and families to make a personal commitment to saving their hard-
earned pay for emergencies, for their near- and long-term financial goals, and for retirement. In
taking positive action to save, they will avoid common financial pitfalls that confront many
Americans, and most importantly, in ensuring they are financially ready, they will also be mission-
ready, enabling commanders to support both current and future military operations.
Service and family members are encouraged to go to www.militarysaves.org and register to take the
"Saver Pledge". This pledge states that members will commit to saving and encourage others to do
so as part of a military savings ‘community.’
The military services are planning promotional events to raise awareness and participation in
Military Saves at installations around the world to include financial fairs, guest speakers, fun runs,
commander proclamations, ‘saver drives,’ and others.
• Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Enjoying the Holiday When Your Loved One is Deployed
The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but when your servicemember is deployed, they can be
especially difficult. You may experience a range of emotions, from worry to loneliness – even anger
and disappointment. The holidays may magnify those feelings, but they can also be a time to
strengthen your emotional commitment to your service member and your family.
- Get an early start with gifts and cards. Depending on where your service member is stationed,
it can take ten days or more for a package to arrive from the United States. Give yourself plenty
of time to get your gifts together and send it so your service member will receive it in time for
the holiday. If you have children, ask them to write their gift lists early to avoid last-minute
purchases that may put you over your budget.
- Record a holiday message. Borrow a video camera or audio recorder and record yourself and
other family members wishing your loved one a happy holiday season. Do this far enough in
advance so your service member receives it in time for the holiday. Or, if you your service
member has access to the Internet, you can post it on a private Web site close to the holiday.
- Take lots of pictures. Take pictures of you and your family decorating for the holidays,
celebrating, and opening gifts. You can send these to your service member via e-mail or post
them on a private Web site.
- Surround yourself with people. Plan to attend holiday events for families of deployed service
members. If you have school-age children, volunteer to help teachers with holiday events. Help
organize a holiday potluck party for families in your service member’s command. All of these
will help keep your mind off your loneliness and you will be comforted to be with others who
are going through the same thing.
- Volunteer for a good cause. Collect coats for the needy, help stock shelves at the food pantry, or
serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Helping others less fortunate than you will keep you busy
and will remind you of all you have.
- Do something you wouldn’t ordinarily do. Instead of celebrating the holiday they way you have
in years past, make an effort to keep busy in a memorable way. If you have always stayed
home on the holiday, this year go to the movies or spend time with friends walking in a park or
nature preserve.
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
- Keep holiday decorations up until your loved one returns, if it makes you feel better. Or take
them down and put them back up when your loved one returns. Some families celebrate the
holidays twice: once on the actual dates and again when their deployed service member returns
home.
- Accept that this holiday season will be different. It’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting
everything to be perfect, especially around the holiday. Make the most of this season by
enjoying friends, trying new things, and slowing down a little bit.
Your Family Center can give you information and support on many issues that affect service
members and their families. And Military OneSource, a free 24/7 service from DoD, available to all
active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families, provides information and referrals plus
face-to-face counseling. Call 1-800-342-9647 or access www.MilitaryOneSource.com.
- Do you know what career fields and occupations you are interested in?
Call Military OneSource to schedule a free career counseling session: (800) 342-9647
Also, visit www.careerinfonet.org/Occupations
- Do you know what licenses and credentials are required by your career choices?
To learn more, visit:
http://www.careerinfonet.org/licensedoccupations/lois_keyword.asp?nodeid=16&by=keyword
- Can you get the education and training you need at a Community College, Technical or
Vocational School or do you need to go to a college or university that offers four year or
advanced degrees (some of which require continuing education to maintain professional
licenses and credentials)? When getting started, the most affordable option may be community,
vocational and occupational schools.
o COMPARE prices for entry level coursework at different TYPES of schools before you
choose a school and enroll in a program of study.
o When receiving information from a school, trust and verify that information for “truth in
advertising.” Be sure the school has a good reputation in your professional field.
o Is your school accredited by an organization recognized by the US Department of
Education? Accreditation helps ensure a quality education that is valued by future
employers.
For helpful information, visit
http://www.careeronestop.org/EducationTraining/EduTraining.aspx.
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
- Calculate the entire cost of your selected program of study and ask if these costs are payable up
front or with each course enrollment. Upfront payments may mean that if you do not complete
the program of study within the prescribed timeframe, all or part of your investment may be
lost.
- Will the future salary you expect to earn enable you to pay off any educational loan debt you
incur within a reasonable time? To learn more about future salaries, visit:
www.careeronestop.org/SalariesBenefits/Sal_default.aspx
The Better Business Bureaus – federal, state and local – are another excellent source of consumer
information. Find out if students are satisfied with the program of study you are interested in or
have lodged official complaints. Google it!
Completion rates may be low when students are not prepared to go back to school.
Military OneSource career counselors can help with school readiness issues:
• GED, academic skills, and English as a Second Language referrals and advice
• Child care and transportation options
• Deployment, relocation, stress and time management information and assistance
• MyCAA – the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts financial assistance,
provides up to $4,000 for education and training leading to a license, credential or
associates degree in a portable career field – for eligible military spouses of service-
members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2.
What is the student employment placement rate following graduation from your selected
program of study? Are students finding full-time or part-time employment in your geographic
location? This means how many students graduating with a degree, certificate, license or other
credential are getting jobs within 6 months of graduation from the program of study you are
interested in – and where are these jobs located?
If you will be moving, will jobs in your field of study be at your next duty location?
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This Week in MC&FP December 17, 2010
If employment placement rates are low, you might want to consider another school, career,
occupation or program of study. Military OneSource Career Counselors can help (1-800-342-
9647).
Learn more about the occupations that are fastest growing, highest demand, have the largest
number of employment openings as listed on the following Web sites: www.careeronestop.org
and https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa
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