1. Family
M A Y 2 0 1 1
Contents
Military Spouses Serve Too!
connection
Military Spouses Virtual Career Fair
Military Moving
TRICARE and your Move
Avoiding Rental and Moving Scams
Podcast
Housing and Relocating
Military Spouses
Get Connected! Serve Too!
Provider Appreciation Day
We Honor Veterans Military Spouse Appreciation Day honors
American Legion’s Family Support
Network (FSN) the husbands, wives and loved ones of our
Morale, Welfare and Recreation service members for their contributions
Family Fun Fitness Festival and sacrifices. Proud, strong, steadfast and
American Wanderer Summer Camp resourceful; military spouses provide balance
Free Admission for Military Families
on the homefront.
Double Duty: Staying Connected
With Your Kids When You Are a Serving as both mom and dad while the
Deployed Dad
Web-based Counseling Program other parent is deployed, caring for our
Extended wounded warriors and volunteering in
QR Code: What is it? communities are some of the countless roles
Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Support
and Resources assumed when called upon. Military spouses
Did you Know? are appreciated! They bring calm to chaos
and meet each challenge head on. Thank
Family Connection is a publication of the
Fleet and Family Support Program. you for your commitment. Thank you for
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support serving too.
Program promotes the self-reliance and
resiliency of Sailors and their families. We
provide information that can help you
meet the unique challenges of the military Military Spouses
lifestyle.
If you have questions or comments, contact
Virtual Career Fair
John Levinson at john.levinson.ctr@navy.mil.
Visit us online at:
Here is an opportunity to meet and interact
with employers from your home or anywhere
there is Internet access. In conjunction
with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill
“The spirit of service and selfless-
Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative, Milicruit
ness that is seen in the military
has partnered with employers to present
communities across our country
the Military Spouses Virtual Career Fair on
The
Fleet & Family Support
May 6, 2011. Registration is FREE to all military
represents what is best about
America, and as a Nation, we owe
spouses and family members. Go to www. our brave service members and
Center militaryspousecf.com to register. their families more than gratitude –
we owe them the support
they have earned.”
– First Lady Michelle Obama

2. M AY 2 0 1 1
Military Moving
We all know how it is with the military;
moving becomes a common occur-
TRICARE and
rence in your life and that of your family. your Move
When Permanent Change of Station
(PCS) orders are presented, families TRICARE has made moving easier and
must move from one duty station more user-friendly. The “Moving Made
to another. The best way to make a Easy” option allows active-duty service
military move easier, is to be prepared. members and their families to transfer
The move can become stressful when their Prime enrollment option to a new
a family feels unorganized. There are region with a simple phone call before
many things you can do to lighten the they move stateside or overseas. In
load. If you establish a timeline of what most cases, using this option eliminates
needs to be done and when you need the need to submit a new enrollment
to do it, you can greatly improve the form or visit a TRICARE Service Center.
moving process. The process is completely automated
The Fleet and Family Support Center’s and hassle-free. You may still transfer
(FFSC) Relocation Assistance Program through military base in-processing,
(RAP) can make your move a lot easier. online through Beneficiary Web Enroll-
RAP is designed to make the moving ment by downloading and completing
process run as effortlessly as possible. The links below will also assist with an enrollment application to mail, or
Plan on attending a Smooth Move relocation to your new command: visiting a local TRICARE Service Center.
Workshop hosted by the FFSC. The
Military Installations. Your official
Smooth Move Workshop will address
DoD source directory of worldwide Avoiding Rental
move-related topics such as who pays
what, shipping your personal property
installation and state-related military and Moving Scams
information, programs, and services.
and the sponsorship program. There
It provides easy access to fast facts, Podcast
will also be a financial counselor avail-
articles, website resource directories,
able to answer your questions. Learn to recognize common scams
photos, contact information, major
that target people who are looking for
You may wish to gain an even greater units, weather and maps.
homes to rent or companies to trans-
sense of organization by visiting “Pre-
Plan My Move. Moving does not have port their household goods.
paring for Your Move” and downloading
to be a frightening task! Plan My Move
the Relocation Checklist. This will help Listen or Download | Read Transcript
provides you with tools to successfully
you to budget your time and ensure (7:22 minutes)
plan your next move.
you are not rushing to complete the For further information, go to http://
moving process. Remember you can also call the Fleet
www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/
and Family Support Center with your
OnlineCommunity/Podcasts/Avoid-
important moving questions!
ingRentalandMovingScamsPodcast.
aspx#10
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3. M AY 2 0 1 1
Housing and Relocating
Moving can be stressful, and Housing N Help finding a rental, whether on-
Service Centers (HSCs) have resources or off-base.
to help you leave your current home
N Advice on selling your home and
and smoothly and easily find your
buying a new one.
new home.
N Temporary housing.
Housing Service Center
Referral Services N Eligibility determinations and entitle-
ments assistance (BAH/OHA/MIHA/
Housing Service Centers (HSCs) are
TLA/TLE).
located on every base and can assist
you with your departure from your
current duty station and arrival at your
N A host of resident services such as
landlord/tenant issue facilitation,
Get Connected!
new one. HSCs provide a full suite of home buying workshops, and loaner Family Readiness Groups
housing services: furnishings (at overseas locations).
Commander, Navy Installations Com-
Find installation HSC contact informa- mand (CNIC) is proud to announce
tion and more on Navy OneStop. the release of the long-awaited revised
Automated Housing Referral Family Readiness Groups (FRG) Instruc-
Network (AHRN) tion, along with the FRG Handbook!
Whether you are PCSing from thou- FRGs serve as a wonderful resource
sands of miles away or are moving by helping families adjust to the Navy
locally, AHRN is your trusted source for lifestyle. They prepare members for
finding available housing fast. AHRN is a deployment and homecoming, provide
DoD-sponsored site dedicated to serve family support during deployments,
military-specific needs, such as home help families adjust to challenges
searches based on BAH rates, that target and support one another in times of
places that fit your needs and are within personal, unit or area crisis. FRGs also
Relocation Assistance
your budget. AHRN listings include: welcome and mentor members who
Program (RAP) Tip
are new to the Navy.
Use your luggage. During your N Off-Base Rentals.
pack-out, fill suitcases and duffle The new instruction clarifies FRG
N On-Base/Military Housing.
bags with essential items like member roles and responsibilities and
N Shared Rentals. provides commanders with guidance
clothing, sheets and towels. Once
you receive your household N Temporary Lodging. for interacting with FRGs. The FRG
goods, you will quickly spot the Handbook provides a solid foundation
N Military For Sale By Owner. to newly forming FRGs, serves as a
suitcase holding the sheets and
blankets for that first night’s sleep! AHRN is available at all CONUS Navy bases. point of reference to those already in
Visit AHRN.com to find your next home! existence, and gives families informa-
tion and ideas for establishing and
maintaining successful groups.
continued on page 4
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4. M AY 2 0 1 1
continued from page 3
For more information about Family Provider
Readiness Groups contact your local
Fleet and Family Support Center. The
Appreciation Day
Family Readiness Groups Handbook is Provider Appreciation Day is a special
available for download at http://www. day to recognize child care providers,
ffsp.navy.mil/. teachers and other educators of young
Ombudsman Program children everywhere. Celebrated each
year on the Friday before Mother’s
Many opportunities and services are
Day, it offers a unique opportunity to
available for service members and
their families such as Operation Purple
commend the unselfish dedication,
commitment and compassion that
We Honor Veterans
Camp and the Military Saves campaign.
child care providers demonstrate every We Honor Veterans, a program of the
Your command ombudsman receives
day. Even the smallest gesture means National Hospice and Palliative Care
regular updates about programs and
so much. Here are some ideas to get Organization (NHPCO) in collabora-
shares information through their
you started: tion with the Department of Veterans
newsletters and other correspondence
to benefit families. Take advantage and N Get together with other parents to Affairs (VA), invites hospices, state
become fully aware of all the resources create a surprise for the provider. hospice organizations, Hospice-Veteran
available to you. Unsure of who is your Partnerships and VA facilities to join
N Bring breakfast or lunch for your
command ombudsman? Ask your Sailor a pioneering program focused on
provider and for the kids.
or go to www.ffsp.navy.mil and click respectful inquiry, compassionate
N Buy something for your provider’s listening and grateful acknowledgment.
“Contact your Ombudsman.”
play area. By recognizing the unique needs of
For more information, visit America’s veterans and their families,
www.providerappreciationday.org. community providers, in partnership
with VA staff, will learn how to accom-
pany and guide them through their life
stories toward a more peaceful ending.”
We Honor Veterans provides educa-
tional tools and resources in advancing
these goals:
N Promote veteran-centric educational
activities.
N Increase organizational capacity to
serve veterans.
N Support development of strategic
partnerships.
N Increase access and improve quality.
For more information, visit
www.wehonorveterans.org
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5. M AY 2 0 1 1
Caregiver
Top 10 Tips American Legion’s Family
Support Network (FSN)
1. Ask for help – you can’t
do it all. Legionnaires at the post level are ready N The name, address and telephone
to provide immediate assistance to ser- number of the caller, as well as the
2. Take time for yourself – vice members and their families whose reason for the call, are collected.
even caregivers need a lives have been directly affected by
N The call is referred to the department.
vacation. Operation Iraqi Freedom and America’s
war on terror. The Family Support N The department refers the call to a
3. Take care of your health – Network can assist with needs such as local post.
the healthier you are the groceries, car repair, DIY projects, advice N The local post contacts the fam-
better caregiver you and counsel, and perhaps, interces- ily and provides the assistance, if
will be. sion with local businesses to extend resources are available, or refers the
payment terms. As the nation’s largest family to other local agencies.
4. Express your feelings –
veterans organization, the American
sharing your experiences N In case of financial need, the post
Legion is “Still Serving America.”
with others can help. provides the necessary funds or
How the Family Support Network works: assists the family in applying for
5. Talk with professionals. temporary financial assistance, if
N The request is received at the toll-
free number: 1-800-504-4098. minor children are in the home.
6. Watch for signs of
burnout - contact your
Veterans’ VA Social Worker
or Doctor for assistance.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation
The Navy provides an array of local Fleet and Family Recreation activities
7. Take breaks – helps
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) include:
you refresh.
programs both ashore and afloat.
N Entertainment
8. Avoid isolation. Service members and their families can
take advantage of these and numerous N Crafts & Hobbies
9. Give yourself a treat – other MWR benefits offered at Navy N Auto Skills
you deserve it. installations worldwide. For more infor-
N Tickets & Tours
mation, go to http://www.mwr.navy.mil.
10. Learn about your veteran’s N Outdoor Recreation
condition and how it can
N Golf & Bowling
change over time.
N Bingo
For ideas and more infor-
N Marinas
mation, visit http://www.
caregiver.va.gov/Tips.asp. N Gaming
N Cabins & RV Parks
N Navy Flying Club and MORE!
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6. M AY 2 0 1 1
Free Admission for
Military Familes
Blue Star Museums is back for a
second year. The National Endowment
for the Arts and more than 1,000
American Wanderer museums in all 50 states will offer
free admission to active-duty military
Summer Camp personnel and their families from
Memorial Day,
Not only will you reclaim your home
for a few days, but your kids will meet Family Fun May 30, 2011, through Labor Day,
September 5, 2011.
new people, broaden social skills and Fitness Festival The Anheuser Busch “Here’s to the He-
gain independence with plenty of roes” program will provide members
marshmallow roasts guaranteed. Ameri- Bring your family and join the fun! The of the military and as many as three
can Wanderer Summer Camp invites 2nd Annual Family Fun Fitness Festival direct dependents with a free single-
military youth from across the U.S. to promotes the benefits of a healthy day complimentary admission to
explore our National Parks this summer! lifestyle through fitness, nutrition SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego or San
and lots of fun. Defense Commissary Antonio; Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
American Wanderer Summer Camp
Agency (DeCA) has partnered with or Williamsburg; Sesame Place, Water
currently has openings available for
the Base Exchange and MWR to host Country USA, or Adventure Island.
middle and high school aged youth
family-focused events at more than 100 Click here to register.
(11-17 years old) from all branches of
commissaries worldwide.
the military and Coast Guard during the
following sessions: Combined with the World’s Biggest
Case Lot Sale, activities will include 5K
N Session 1 (June 22-July 5)
walk/runs, mini-marathons, aerobic
N Session II (July 6-July 19) and fitness demos, health screenings
N Session III (July 20-August 2) provided by the local dietitians as well
as exchange sidewalk sales; music
N Session IV (August 3-16) and industry-sponsored nutritious
For more information and to register food samples, prize giveaways and
or inquire about available military discount coupon offers. Due to last
discounts/scholarships, visit: http:// year’s success, the festival’s schedule IA Discussion Group
www.rvcampforkids.com/Scholarships. has expanded; beginning mid-April Schedule
html or contact the American Wanderer and running through mid-June to View the Fleet-wide list of classes,
Camp owners/directors, Lyn and Chris accommodate more activities. Check support groups and events.
Kimberly at 203-557-3339 or email at your local store for specific dates and
Returning Warrior
Lyn@RVCampforKids.com. information. You can also visit the “Case
Workshops (RWW)
Lot Sale” section of DeCA. Returning Warrior Workshop
Schedule & IA Family Events -
www.ia.navy.mil/
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7. M AY 2 0 1 1
Double Duty:
Staying Connected With Your Kids Joint Services Support (JSS)
When You Are a Deployed Dad JSS provides valuable information
on benefits, entitlements, events,
As a service member and a father, you N How to make your departure easier trainings and more. Making it easy
to stay connected, anytime, any-
have two very important jobs. How on your family.
where with online access, mobile
can you do both while deployed? It device applications and interac-
N Ways to reach out to your child
takes real effort to maintain a presence tive voice response. Services are
while you are deployed.
in your child’s life while you are away. available to all military branches;
On this CD from Military OneSource, N What your spouse can do to make featuring a community resource
fatherhood expert and former Marine, your absence easier on your child. locator by state. Go to http://www.
jointservicessupport.org.
Armin Brott talks about ways to stay N What to expect when you return.
close with your child from before you
N How to handle specific circum-
deploy to after you return. Service
stances such as becoming a father
members from all branches share their
while you are deployed, staying in
experiences.
touch with your child when you
You will learn: are divorced or single, how to keep
N How your child might react during up with your child’s education, and
each phase of your deployment. what to do if you may be feeling
combat stress
Web-based
Counseling Program
Extended
The TRICARE Assistance Program
(TRIAP) has been extended through
March 2012. Through the program, TRI-
CARE health-care beneficiaries use the
Internet and a Web cam to speak “face-
to-face” with mental-health counselors
around the clock and from anywhere
in the United States. People can log on
from home to receive short-term, non-
medical counseling for situations that
may arise from life circumstances such
as deployment stress, relationships,
personal loss and parent-child com-
munications. Download the brochure
for more information.
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8. M AY 2 0 1 1
QR Code:
What is it?
You have probably seen a QR code on
a poster, in a magazine or even on a
T-shirt. QR is short for Quick Response
and is also known as mobile tagging. It
is a specific two-dimensional barcode
that allows its contents to be decoded
at high speed on your mobile device.
Using a camera phone equipped with a
compatible QR reader application, you
can have instant access to the informa-
tion stored digitally within the code. QR
codes make everything interactive from
contact information to opening a Web
page using your phone’s browser. Free
QR Code readers are available via your Japan Earthquake/
smart phone’s App store. Tsunami Support Did you Know?
With a QR Code, Family Readiness pub- and Resources
lications, websites and videos can be To protect your privacy and personal
instantly accessible with a smart phone. The U.S. State Department currently lifted identity information, your Social Securi-
This feature can be used to provide the voluntary departure order for Japan. ty Number (SSN) is being replaced with
invaluable information to those that are For families returning to the United a DoD ID Number on all ID Cards. For
geographically isolated. States, below are resources to assist: more information about SSN removal,
visit www.dmdc.osd.mil/smartcard.
The Family Connection Newsletter N Navy Family Accountability and
will pilot this initiative to appeal to all Assessment System (NFAAS)
technology users and improve your N MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
access to resources. We are excited and
welcome your feedback! N TRICARE or 1-877-451-8659
Scan QR Code for the latest edition. N US Navy Judge Advocate
N Department of the Navy
Human Resources
N Department of the Defense
Education Activity
For more information and resources
available to help Navy families affected
by the recent earthquake and tsunami
in Japan, click here.
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