1. Family
SEPTEMBER 2011
Contents
Navy Family Ombudsman Program -
connection
Keeping Families Connected
It’s Not Easy Being Green: Life Skills
It is National Preparedness Month!
Smiles Over Miles Program Navy Family
Navy Child & Youth Programs
for Back to School Ombudsman
Sittercity
TRICARE® Resources
Program - Keeping
for New and Expectant Parents
A Definition of Courage: Asking
Families Connected
for Help
New Standards for Infants and September 14th is the day that commemo-
Toddlers: Safe Sleeping Practices and
SIDS Prevention
rates the anniversary of the U.S. Navy Family
Coming Home Ombudsman Program. Every year, ombuds-
Navy Individual Augmentee Hall of men are honored on or around this day at
Honor installation ombudsman appreciation events.
FREE Income Tax Course for Military
Spouses and Wounded Warriors
Making a difference with each connection,
Career Opportunities for Military Talent ombudsmen are trained volunteers who act
FREE College Fairs and Workshops for as a liaison between the command and the
Military Families! command families, offering information and
referral to resources designed to benefit Navy
Family Connection is a publication of the
Fleet and Family Support Program. command families. Take a few minutes this
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program month to contact your ombudsman and
promotes the self-reliance and resiliency
of Sailors and their families. We provide thank them for their efforts to support com-
information that can help you meet the
unique challenges of the military lifestyle. mand families. CNIC’s Ombudsman Program
If you have questions or comments, contact
John Levinson at john.levinson.ctr@navy.mil. Team would like to extend our appreciation
Visit us online at: to all the ombudsmen and the commands
that support the Ombudsman Program.
Contact your ombudsman.
“The happiness of
your life depends
Scan QR Code,
access via upon the quality of
mobile device.
your thoughts.”
– Marcus Aurelius

2. SEPTEMBER 2011
It’s Not Easy Being Green:
Life Skills
New standardized workshops that
connect the mind, body and spirit
are available to service members
and their families: Life Skills Training
2011 is all about self-discovery.
Participants will be provided an
opportunity to explore new ways
to communicate, interact and
problem-solve. The workshops will
It is National Preparedness Month!
focus on three areas using conflict
to direct positive change; harnessing On September 11, 2011, the nation family’s particular needs, remember the
the power of communication to will observe the 10th anniversary of basic supplies such as water, food, first
strengthen relationships through the terrorist attacks on the U.S. World aid kit and money.
mutual respect and understanding; Trade Center and Pentagon. This tragic
and employing thought manage- Because hazardous events are unpre-
event, in which nearly 3,000 victims lost
ment and problem-solving strategies dictable, you should be prepared with
to obtain and stay in Operational their lives, serves as a reminder that we
an emergency kit at home, at work and
Stress Control (OSC) mission- must always be prepared for potential
even in your car. In addition to food,
ready green! hazards. As a result of these attacks, the
water and first aid supplies, keep com-
Each workshop promotes self leader- month of September is now designated
fortable walking shoes in case you must
ship to gain awareness, make new as National Preparedness Month. You
walk long distances to get to safety or
choices and take new actions. and your family are encouraged to
to meet your family. Regularly evalu-
Choose from: prepare for the full range of hazards in-
ate and update all your emergency
cluding natural disasters, cyber attacks,
N Communication Skills (1-hour), preparedness kits to ensure they will
pandemic disease and acts of terrorism.
provide you and your family with basic
N Conflict Management (1-hour),
To fully prepare yourself and your needs during an emergency.
N Stress Management 101 (1-hour) family, create an emergency kit that
If a disaster is declared, be sure to muster
N Stress Management Multi-session includes supplies for at least three days.
with your command or through the Navy
(8-hours) These kits will enable you and your fam-
Family Accountability and Assessment
ily to respond to an emergency more
Contact your local Fleet and Family System (NFAAS). For more information on
effectively. Although the most helpful
Support Center for program schedules. how to create an emergency kit and pre-
kits include items that best suit your
pare for all hazards, visit the Commander
Navy Installations Command, Operation
Prepare Web page.
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3. SEPTEMBER 2011
Smiles Over Miles Program
The Smiles Over Miles program is a provide every
Sittercity
totally secure video messaging platform active duty U.S.
that allows service members to stay Service Mem- If installation child care and
connected with family and friends ber with a FREE youth programs are not available
while separated by deployments and Smiles Over to you, use your free Sittercity
membership to find quality baby-
other assignments. The USO is pleased Miles account.
sitters, nannies and tutors to help
to offer you a FREE, one-year Smiles To get started,
throughout the year. Your Sittercity
Over Miles account. The goal is to go to Smiles Over Miles.
membership has been provided
by DoD, and is at no cost to you
Navy Child & Youth Programs ($140 value!)
for Back to School Sittercity can help you find before-
and after-school babysitters, CDH/
As the school year begins, it is the peak Navy’s CYP system of care provides cen- FCC caregivers, school holiday
season for securing caregivers. Did ter-based, quality developmental child care, homework help, short-notice
you know that Navy Child and Youth care for children ages six to 12 years of caregivers, as well as senior care,
Programs (CYP) provide developmental age in youth centers, community cen- pet care and housekeeping. Care-
child care and youth recreational pro- ters, and schools worldwide. Services giver profiles feature background
checks, references and reviews
grams and services for eligible children consist of before- and after-school care,
from other site members who
and youth ages four weeks to 18 years? teacher-in-service full-day care, holiday
have used their services. The
and summer full-day camps, and hourly
“Post a Job” feature allows you to
care designed to meet individual family instantly send out your open posi-
readiness needs including transporta- tion to all of the caregivers in your
tion to and from many school districts. area. Check out local sitters today
The Youth Programs provide devel- at www.sittercity.com/dod!
opmental recreational/sponsorship
programs for Navy youth ages six to
18 years of age through Youth Centers
and Community Outreach Centers
worldwide. All programs are nationally
affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs Navy Family Account-
of America and 4H. The Navy provides ability and Assessment
all Navy youth free memberships to over System (NFAAS)
3,000 Boys and Girls Clubs in communi- NFAAS allows Navy personnel to
ties throughout the United States. Where manage the recovery process for
an installation youth program is not avail- personnel affected by a wide-
able, the Navy offers the Mission Youth spread catastrophic event.
Outreach Program. Request for care It is also helpful in providing
applications can be completed online at commands with information to
support IA family members while
https://qol.navyaims.net/CYPWeb/.
their sponsors are deployed over-
seas. Log on to NFAAS at https:
www.navyfamily.navy.mil.
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4. SEPTEMBER 2011
A Definition of
Courage: Asking
for Help
It is understandable that there is a stig-
ma associated with seeking counseling;
that one is weak, or that counseling is
only for depressed or suicidal individu-
als. Actually, most people will have
some form of depression or anxiety in
their lifetime. Asking for help when you
TRICARE® Resources need it takes courage.
for New and Expectant Parents In times of increased deployments,
frequent relocations and financial
Well-Child Care: sages are sent directly to the mother’s uncertainty, daily living problems can
No Co-Pays or Cost-Shares personal email. Included are tips, ques- seem more difficult; it is good to have
tions and answers, information on their a place to go to receive support and
Keeping toddlers healthy is a big
baby’s current stage of development, guidance. Clinical counseling at the
responsibility and TRICARE® is here to
parenting news and recent research. Fleet and Family Support Centers pro-
help. TRICARE® provides well-child care
Emails may also include customized vides help to address issues of personal
for eligible children from birth to age
information from the MTF where they crises, grief, marital discord and parent-
six. There are no copayments or cost-
receive obstetric or pediatric care. ing in a non-medical environment.
shares for well-child care. The well-child
benefit includes routine newborn care, One mother mentioned forwarding The Clinical Counseling Program
comprehensive health-promotion and the emails to her husband, who was includes educational, preventive
disease-prevention exams, vision and deployed during her pregnancy. She and therapeutic services to promote
hearing screenings, routine immuniza- appreciated the messages as a way to improved quality of life and increased
tions and developmental assessments. inform and include him in her experi- resilience are available to service
ence. Another mother said that she members and their families, both CO-
The Parent Review
sends the email to her mother, who NUS and OCONUS. Seeking help and
The Parent Review offers weekly, lives out of state, as a way to include support before issues turn into major
customized emails to new and expect- her in the pregnancy. difficulties is the key; asking for help
ant parents who receive care at select
To learn more about the well-child care shows strength.
military treatment facilities (MTFs) and
benefit, the Parent Review and other
civilian practices. Beginning in the sev-
resources to help families keep their
enth week of pregnancy, through birth
child on the path to healthy develop-
and up to the child’s third birthday, mes-
ment, visit www.tricare.mil/baby.
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5. SEPTEMBER 2011
New Standards for Infants and Toddlers:
Safe Sleeping Practices and SIDS Prevention
One of the most pleasurable moments N The room where the infant and tod-
that many parents experience occurs dler is sleeping should have sufficient
while watching their little one sleep. For lighting that exposes their skin color,
many parents, it allows them time to the infant’s breathing pattern and the
tend to needed tasks or simply to give position of a pacifier (if one is used).
themselves some overdue loving care.
N Pacifiers should be removed from a
For whatever reason we cherish that
sleeping child’s mouth and placed
moment, we must be mindful of the
out of reach.
potential hazards a child can succumb
to while sleeping. Therefore, we must For the entire report and more extensive
utilize safe sleeping practices. Earlier this N Infants should not be allowed to sleep information regarding children’s health
year, the American Academy of Pediat- in any furniture and/or equipment and safety, go to http://nrckids.org/
rics (AAP), the American Public Health that is not a safety approved crib. CFOC3/PDFVersion/list.html. Remember
Association (APHA), and the National to ask about the New Parent Support
N Infants and toddlers sleeping in fur- Home Visitation Program at your local
Resource Center for Health and Safety
niture and/or equipment other than Fleet and Family Support Center.
in Child Care and Early Education (NRC)
a safety approved crib should be
released the Third Edition of the Caring
immediately removed and placed in
for Children: National Health and Safety
a crib on their back.
Performance Standards. This edition lists
the newly identified best practices and N One crib for one infant or toddler. IA Discussion Group
gold standards for the health and safety N Soft or loose bedding should be Schedule
of children and how to prevent Sudden kept out of a sleeping infant or View the Fleet-wide list of classes,
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). toddler’s reach. This includes bed support groups and events.
Below is a summary of the recom- padding, comforters, pillows, quilts,
mended standards and best practices cloth diapers and anything that a Returning Warrior
that should be implemented by all child could grasp. Workshops (RWW)
parents and child care providers for N Toys, both mobile and stationary, Returning Warrior Workshop
infants and toddlers: and any other play equipment Schedule & IA Family Events -
should be kept away from sleeping www.ia.navy.mil/
N Infants up to 12 months must be
placed on their back when sleeping. infants and toddlers.
N Cribs should contain a firm mattress N The caregiver should always be in close
and tight fitted sheet. proximity of a sleeping infant and tod-
dler, to the extent that they can hear
and/or directly observe them.
N Bedding should be clean.
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6. SEPTEMBER 2011
Coming Home
The graphic story Coming Home,
developed for Military OneSource,
helps service members returning from
combat and their loved ones under-
RAP Tip: stand reunion and reintegration issues.
Issues include marital stress, drug and
Remember to file your claim! As a
alcohol abuse, aggressive driving, sleep
customer, you have 75 days from
problems, and combat stress symptoms
delivery to notify Transportation
that left un-
Service Providers (TSP) of loss or
treated can
damage to your household goods.
grow more
Once a customer submits a claim,
TSP has 60 days to respond. Once all
serious and
harder to
FREE Income
items are settled, the TSP must pay
the claim within 30 days. If TSP does
beat. Tax Course for
not meet these timelines, notify the Note: Not
Military Spouses and
Military Claims Office and your des-
tination Personal Property Shipment
intended for
children or
Wounded Warriors
Office. The best advice - watch the adolescents. Full scholarships are now available
claims video at www.move.mil.
to military spouses for the H&R Block
Navy Individual Income Tax Course!* Learn how to
prepare taxes now. Upon successful
Augmentee Hall completion of the course, you could
of Honor potentially become a tax professional
and earn extra income.
The Navy Individual Augmentee (IA)
Flexible course times and convenient
Hall of Honor recognizes Sailors who
locations will fit your schedule and bilin-
were on IA orders, served their country,
and performed above and beyond the gual courses are available! Contact your
call of duty during Operation Endur- local FFSC Family Employment Readiness
ing Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Program work and family consultant for
Freedom (OIF) and Operation New eligibility and scholarship information.
Dawn (OND). In addition, it pays special For more information, call 1-800-HR-
tribute and honors our fallen IA Sailors BLOCK or go to hrblock.com/class.
who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our
country while serving during these *Enrollment restrictions apply. See enrollment
overseas contingency operations. form for details. Full scholarship offer applies
only to active-duty and Reserve component
military spouses. Enrollment in, or completion
of, the H&R Block Income Tax Course is neither
an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Offer
good through 12/31/11.
6

7. SEPTEMBER 2011
Ways to Save: Use Coupons –
It’s Free Money!
If you have ever picked up the
weekend newspaper, you have prob-
ably noticed that it is full of coupons.
Coupons can stretch your shopping
dollars. At the Commissary, a family
of four can save more than $4,400 a
year. Subscribe to the Commissary
Connection newsletter; check out the
coupon links, recipes and DeCATV!
FREE College Fairs
Career Opportunities for and Workshops for Military Families!
Military Talent
Thank you for your service! Many Whether you are looking for a future include financial aid workshops as
transitioning military leaders have in medicine or film--fresh out of high well as guidance counselors to help
joined Amazon, earth’s most custom- school or changing career paths--there families navigate through the admis-
er-centric company. Their successes is a college fair that fits the needs of sions process and other postsecondary
are due in part to the similarities every student, both traditional and non- education-related services. To ease
between the fast-paced, dynamic traditional. The National Association of the transition from a military to civil-
environment found in today’s armed
College Admission Counseling (NACAC) ian lifestyle, especially to a college
forces and Amazon’s leadership
hosts more than 74 National College setting, colleges and universities have
principles. Military members have
Fairs and Performing and Visual Arts implemented programs with applicable
joined Amazon’s team of leaders and
continue to innovate, create and Fairs throughout the year. Launched in information related to the GI Bill, the
develop throughout the company. If 1972, the National College Fairs (NCF) Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Fund
you are a passionate leader who be- program is one of the most reputable for Veterans Education to assist military
lieves in these leadership principles, and productive tools for those seeking families.
Amazon might be for you! information about colleges, universities
“At the fairs, service members and their
and other postsecondary institutions.
Apply online at Amazon. families can speak directly with college
As an Equal Opportunity employer, the Amazon National College Fairs and Performing representatives who will discuss their
group of companies is committed to a diverse
workforce and is also committed to a barrier-free and Visual Arts College Fairs give stu- individual needs and the programs that
employment process. In order to ensure reasonable
accommodations for individuals protected by Section dents and parents alike the opportunity can assist them,” said NCF Director Greg
503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era
Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and to interact face-to-face with college Ferguson. NACAC offers a plethora of
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as
amended, individuals that require accommodation admissions representatives from online resources, all just a click away.
in the job application process for a posted position around the world. Fair onsite offerings Attend a National College Fair or a Per-
may contact us at 866-437-9078 for assistance.
forming and Visual Arts Fair near you!
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