family connection newsletter april 2016
TRANSCRIPT
To highlight the year-round contributions, cour-age and patriotism of the military community’s youngest heroes, April is designated as Month of the Military Child, a time to acknowledge that kids serve, too. Established by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986, Month of the Military Child honors some 1.9 million U.S. military children who range in age from infants to 18 years old and who who have one or both parents serving in the armed forces.
As many of you know, military children face many challenges, including frequent moves, deploy-ments, making new friends and attending new schools. The average military child will attend
between six and nine different schools from kindergarten through high school.
In the face of these challenges, military kids display resilience and adaptability. As parents and community members, let’s take time this month to recognize the sacrifices these children make and thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Events celebrating military children will be taking place at installations all over the world. Check with your installation, command website and local media for events supporting military children in your community.
And don’t forget: April 15th is PURPLE UP day! Wear purple to show your support for military children.
April is the Month of the Military Child
Familyc o n n e c t i o n
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Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program promotes the self-reliance and resilience of Sailors and their families. We provide information that can help you meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
The appearance of external links in this newsletter does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Navy or Department of Defense.
If you have questions or comments, contact the Fleet and Family Support Program, [email protected].
Visit us online at:
TheCenterFleet & Family Support
ContentsThe Heart of the SAPR Program
“Children Thrive When Supervised, Safe and Sound”
Gold Star Wives Day
Saving on a Tight Budget – 10 Tips
Key to Success for Special Needs Families
PCS: What’s the Next Step?
USDA Wants You!
Booking Your Summer Vacation
National Take Back Day
Stress Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Pre-vention Month. This April, we highlight the role of Sexual Assault Response Coordina-tors (SARCs). Do you know what role SARCs play? SARCs manage the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program.
Did you know that family members who experience a sexual assault can use the services of a SARC? SARCs liaise with other community members such as the Family
The Heart of the SAPR Program Advocacy Program and off-base resources to ensure adequate support is rendered to victims of sexual assault. Additionally, SARCs facilitate SAPR training for a variety of audi-ences, including SAPR Victim Advocates, Sailors and Family Readiness Groups. Ongo-ing prevention education efforts ensure that Sailors and their family members understand the services available to them and the important role they play in prevent-ing sexual assault before it occurs.
Behind the scenes, SARCs rotate on-call duty to respond to sexual assault victims expeditiously. Responding appropriately to a victim takes great care and attentiveness to ensure that each one receives proper support and the tools necessary to move forward in the manner that is best for them.
For 24/7 confidential support, visit the DoD Safe Helpline or call 877-995-5247.
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New Spouse OrientationNew Spouse Orientation is offered as an on-demand course designed to support new Navy spouses. It provides informa-tion on benefits, support services, military culture and resources to help spouses adapt to the military lifestyle.
RAP Quick TipThe “It’s Your Move” booklet helps you understand your allowances and respon-sibilities involving the shipment and or storage of your household goods (HHG) and unaccompanied baggage (UB).
Contact Your OmbudsmanOmbudsmen play a vital role in estab-lishing and maintaining current and accurate communication between the command and families. Use our “Contact Your Ombudsman” feature to get in touch with your Ombudsman, a great source of information and resources.
JSS Dial-in Access 24/7?
1-877-JSS-NOW1(577-6691)
www.jointservicessupport.org
JSSJoint Services Support
April is both Child Abuse Prevention Aware-ness Month and Month of the Military Child. This year’s theme, “Children Thrive When Supervised, Safe and Sound,” is designed to heighten awareness of two protective factors for children: parental resiliency and healthy child development.
Research has proven that parents and child caregivers can prevent many childhood injuries when evidenced-base parenting strategies are integrated into their daily rou-tines. Here are a few essential guidelines we urge parents and child caregivers to adopt so that children will thrive and are always supervised, safe and sound.
Active Supervision:
• Avoid playing video games or using elec-tronic devices that will distract you from focusing on your child.
• Be prepared to redirect your child quickly if they do something that is unsafe.
• Notice typical as well as unusual noises or silence that may signal distress.
• Ensure that any person supervising your child is responsible, mature and age-appropriate.
• Always supervise your child when they are eating, sleeping and playing.
• Arrange the home environment so that it is safe, reducing the risk of injury.
Safe:
• Do not expose children to domestic violence.
• If you choose to keep a gun in your home, ensure that it is unloaded and in a locked place, with ammunition locked up separately.
• Lay sleeping babies on their backs to pre-vent suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Make sure children are not exposed to household hazards such as cleaning sup-plies, paints and insecticides.
Sound:
• Keep all “well child” pediatrics appoint-ments.
• Develop specific coping skills to help manage stress so that you are able to make wise choices during challenging times.
• Learn about child developmental stages so you know what to expect as your child grows.
To learn more about healthy parenting practices, check us out online or contact the New Parent Support Home Visitation Program at your local installation.
“Children Thrive When Supervised, Safe and Sound”
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While Gold Star pins have a long history full of tradition, the official designation of Gold Star Wives Day is relatively recent. In fact, Congress declared the first Gold Star Wives Day on December 18, 2010. It is observed on April 5 each year.
Remembrance days like Gold Star Wives Day honor the sacrifices of the individuals left behind by fallen service members. They also help promote awareness for what being a Gold Star family member means. Days like this should serve as a reminder for us all to remember, respect and honor our fallen military members and the sacrifice and strength of surviving families who wear the Gold Star pins.
The Gold Star is a symbol of loss dating back to the First World War. From World War I to the present, families with a member deployed with the armed forces may display a blue star service flag in a window of their homes.
The Gold Star recognition first appeared on flags in 1918, when families began pinning gold stars over the blue service star hanging in the windows to indicate that a loved one had been killed overseas.
In 1947, Congress approved the design, manufacture and distribution of the official
Gold Star lapel button. The button symbol-izes service members who lost their lives in combat operations. This pin features a gold star on a purple background. The lapel but-ton for next of kin of deceased personnel was introduced in 1973 to honor active-duty service members who lost their lives in non-combat operations. This pin features a gold star on a gold background surround by laurel leaves.
The Navy is committed to providing long term assistance to surviving family members. The Navy Gold Star Program is dedicated to fostering resiliency for surviving families of fallen service members regardless of how members lost their lives. Navy Gold Star co-ordinators connect survivors with resources such as chaplain services, personal financial counseling, school liaison assistance, family employment, clinical counseling and area survivor events. We want these individuals to know they will always be a part of the Navy community.
As Gold Star Wives Day approaches, please take a moment to honor all our Gold Star spouses and families who have commit-ted and sacrificed so much to our Nation. Remember, behind every Gold Star pin there are stories of fallen service members and strong survivors.
Gold Star Wives DayBy Stephanie Hunter, Navy Gold Star Program Analyst
Saving on a Tight Budget – 10 TipsCut Spending Painlessly
Tip 1: To find small savings that add up to big savings over time, keep a careful record of all (and we do mean all) of your expendi-tures for a month.
Tip 2: Comparison shop for necessary purchases such as food, transportation and insurance.
Tip 3: Restrain spending for birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas.
Reduce High-Cost Debt
Tip 4: Interest rates on credit card debts and other retail credit lines can easily run 25 percent. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars a year by paying off these high-cost debts.
Save For Emergencies
Tip 5: Build an emergency fund to avoid having to pay for unexpected purchases with credit cards or loans. An emergency fund is best kept in a savings account, despite the low interest such accounts pay right now.
Tip 6: Set up an automatic transfer each pay period or month from your checking to your savings account or set up an allotment.
Tip 7: Put all your loose change in this sav-ings account. For many people, that could add up to well over $100 a year.
Take Free Money and Save It
Tip 8: Low- and moderate-income workers qualify for an earned income tax credit that can put more than $1,000 – and often more than $2,000 – in your pocket.
Tip 9: Participate in a local Investment Development Account (IDA) program.
Tip 10: Participate in the Thrift Savings Plan or Save@Work.
For individual financial counseling or educa-tion, contact your local Fleet and Family Support Center.
Read the full article.
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Key to Success for Special Needs FamiliesEarly identification of a Navy family mem-ber’s potential EFMP qualifying conditions and/or educational needs, and enroll-ment in the EFMP, are vital. They are vital to the success of your exceptional family member’s care/education plan and to the military sponsor’s continued success on their career path.
To find out if someone in your family should be enrolled, take a moment to answer the following questions:
• Does a member of your family take medi-cations regularly for any condition?
• Is a member of your family seen at any Specialty Care Clinic?
• Has a family member been evaluated or treated for asthma?
• Does a family member have a current or past mental health diagnosis?
• Do any school-aged family members receive educational services or have an Education Service Plan?
• Do you have a family member who has been evaluated or receives treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental delay?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, contact or visit the EFMP Coordi-nator at your local Military Treatment Facility or the EFMP Liaison at the Fleet and Family Support Center for further information and enrollment assistance.
Once you submit your EFMP enrollment paperwork to the MTF Coordinator, you can track the progress of your enrollment request by logging into the Navy Account-ability and Assessment System (NFAAS).
As soon as you are alerted to your upcom-ing permanent change of station (PCS) move, you can start getting ready by visiting your local Fleet and Family Support Center. You can also find information on how to start your moving process, including step by step guidance on creating a shipment or tracking your household goods shipment, at Navy Household Goods (HHG).
More HHG information can be found at the following links:
• YouTube
PCS: What’s the Next Step?
USDA Wants You!Did you know that veterans seeking employ-ment with USDA may qualify for preferences and hiring authorities that enhance their job search? USDA’s Veterans Employment Program Office (VEPO) can review and give feedback on resumes, help match individual skills and qualifications with possible careers and explain the Federal application process, special hiring authority eligibility and category rating for veterans. The USDA can also assist in connecting veterans and their spouses with agriculture-related em-ployment and training opportunities outside of the USDA.
In addition, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison position was created to coordinate providing information, resources and support for active-duty military and veterans interested in agriculture.
Because of the Agriculture Act of 2014 (also known as the 2014 Farm Bill), USDA is ensuring their current programs and resources help new and beginning farmers and ranchers, including veterans, who are interested in beginning a farming or ranching career. USDA can provide technical
assistance, capital for land, livestock, seed and related operating expenses, risk man-agement support and a number of other services and resources to assist you.
Whether you’re thinking about becoming a farmer, continuing your career in the agricul-ture field or need additional resources, USDA may be able to assist you. Visit Veterans in Agriculture or connect to a local USDA Ser-vice Center in your community where you can speak to someone to learn more.
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Booking Your Summer VacationBy Navy Community Recreation
Summer is only a couple months away. Have you booked your summer vacation yet? Booking summer travel can be stressful and time consuming. It is easy to spend hours online searching for deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, excursions, and more. Why waste all that time? Turn to our talented travel agents at a Navy Community Recreation Ticket and Travel Office near you. Navy and MWR Community Recreation travel agents guide you through amazing travel options and make choosing the perfect trip simple, fast and cost effective.
Navy Community Recreation travel agents specialize in getting to know you and your family. They learn what your interests really are and help you pick the perfect vacation spot! Not only will the agents help you book a trip, the agents will help build a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They can pair your travel plans with tickets to local attractions and ensure that your trip is safe and secure with travel protection and insurance.
You are only moments away from booking your adventure. Stop by your local Navy Community Recreation Ticket and Travel Office today! There are memories to create; so go recreate!
Misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is a serious health threat and a threat to Fleet readiness. The Navy is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) again this year for National Take-Back Day on April 30. The event offers Navy personnel and their families a safe venue to turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at a local drop-off site, anonymously and free of charge.
Through Take-Back Days, Sailors and their family members can take a proactive role in preventing the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs.
“The number one source of prescription drug abuse is the sharing of medications with friends and family,” said LaNorfeia Parker, deputy director of the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Office. “When prescription medications fall into the wrong hands, they have serious health and career consequences. Take-Back Day should be an all-hands event where we each have the chance to protect our Sailors and their families.”
Sailors and family members can find information about participating Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) by contacting the hospitals directly. While participation at MTFs is encouraged, Sailors and their family members can also drop off unused or expired medications at participating sites in their local communities.
Collection sites in local communities can be found by visiting the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Office of Diversion Control and searching for local collection locations.
In addition to this event, the Prescription for Discharge website provides tips for all Navy personnel and their families on the safe and proper use of prescription drugs.
The Prescription for Discharge campaign also features engaging and informative videos on YouTube. The Prescription for Discharge training video details the warning signs and facts about prescription drug misuse in the Navy. The Public Service An-nouncement “Flooding the Brain” describes how prescription drug misuse and abuse overwhelms normal brain chemical levels, while “Toxic Agents” explains the dangers of chemical build up and overload caused by prescription drug misuse and abuse.
“Please take part in this important event to help rid our Navy communities of unused or expired medications before they get into the wrong hands,” said Parker. “And encour-age your family members and shipmates to do the same!”
For more information, visit www.nadap.navy.mil.
National Take Back DayBy Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
Returning Warrior Workshops (RWW)Returning Warrior Workshop Schedule and IA Family Events — www.ia.navy.mil. Click “Resources” then “IA Services.”
U.S. Navy Individual Augmentees
IA Discussion Group Schedule View the Fleet-wide list of classes, support groups and events.
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Operational stress is the process of responding to the challenges of Navy life, as well as the direct and indirect challenges associated with Navy operations – and Sailors are not the only ones who feel its effects. Frequent moves, lengthy deployments, reintegration and tough missions – coupled with the daily churn of home life – can lead to operational stress for the entire family. Some stress is good; helping us better respond to challenges, build resilience and promote family togetherness. However, exposure to prolonged or extreme stress can negatively impact health, perfor-mance and relationships.
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and there is no better time for you and your family to check in with each other – and yourselves. The Operational Stress Control (OSC) program’s Stress Con-tinuum Model can help Sailors, families and commands identify stress reactions and guide appropriate action based on four color-coded zones: Green (Ready), Yellow ( Reacting), Orange (Injured) and Red (Ill).
The Green Zone represents readiness and personal well-being. While you may not be stress-free, if you are feeling on top of things, are functioning optimally and have an overall positive attitude, you are likely in the Green. While you are here:
• Maintain a regular physical fitness routine and balanced diet.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep daily (preferably uninterrupted).
• Practice active communication and en-gagement to strengthen relationships.
The Yellow Zone represents normal, expected and predictable reactions to tem-porary and mild distress. While it may sound ideal to “stay in the Green,” at any given time in your life you may oscillate between Green and Yellow—and that is how you build resilience. Yellow Zone stress reactions are
like a tree branch bending in the wind—still capable of springing back in place when the wind calms. While you may experience some changes to daily function, including trouble sleeping and reduced concentration, serious and persistent dysfunction do not characterize Yellow Zone stress. To return to the Green:
• Practice self-care, such as active relaxation, exercise and “saying no” to activities that may contribute to stress.
• Talk with your spouse, partner or friends. Having a Stress Navigation Plan can help you readily identify who you can turn to when facing challenges.
• Explore resources available through your local Fleet and Family Support Center and/or Military OneSource.
The Orange Zone indicates injury resulting from severe and prolonged exposure to stress. Social withdrawal, inability to enjoy daily activities and intense or uncontrollable guilt, shame or emotion may characterize an Orange Zone stress injury. Think of it like the tree branch breaking because it was bent beyond its limits by the wind. While stress injuries usually heal over time, if left
untreated, they may progress into more serious physical and psychological health impacts. To promote recovery:
• Seek guidance from medical profession-als or confidential support from a Navy chaplain. The Military Crisis Line also offers 24/7 confidential support for military fam-ily members. Dial 1-800-273-TALK (Option 1), text 838255 from your mobile device or visit www.militarycrisisline.net.
• Communicate with your spouse, partner or a family member to harness support and promote emotional safety.
• Practice self-care as outlined above. Set goals to get back to the Green.
Severe distress that persists or worsens and leads to a loss of function characterizes the Red Zone. While only a medical or psycho-logical health professional can diagnose a Red Zone illness, it is important to recognize steps to take to get appropriate care. Re-member, seeking help is a sign of strength.
• If danger is imminent, contact 911.
• Seek medical treatment. Ask a trusted friend or family member to accompany you.
• Follow the treatment plan outlined by your provider.
The Navy’s Operational Stress Control Program has tools and resources to help you navigate stress and build resilience during and beyond the rigors of military life. Follow OSC online for daily tips, tricks and small acts to help you and your family stay in or get back to the Green.
• Wordpress
• Website
Stress Awareness MonthBy Navy Operational Stress Control Program
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