Military Spouse Appreciation DayMilitary Spouse Appreciation Day, May 6, is an occasion to honor the Navy spouses who support our Sailors and manage the balancing act of military life, family, career and children day after day. Spouses, we thank you for your service through de-ployments and relocations, and for your resilience while stationed miles away from friends and family.

President Ronald Reagan recognized the profound importance of spouse commitment to the readi-ness and well-being of military members when he declared May 23, 1984, the first Military Spouse Day. The Department of Defense has since standard-

ized the date, establishing the Friday before Mother’s Day every year as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

In celebration of Military Spouse Appreciation Day, bases worldwide will hold a variety of programs and special events to inform, honor and recognize military spouses. Events ranging from spouse appreciation luncheons to educa-tional workshops to spouse employment fairs will pay tribute to military spouses.

Join us in recognizing, celebrating and thank-ing our military spouses.

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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, ffsp.fct@navy.mil.

Visit us online at:

TheCenterFleet & Family Support

ContentsAccessing Higher Education: Do You Know Your Options?

Make a Plan: How to Save

We Remember…

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line

Navy Gold Star – Supporting Families Through New App

Kids to Parks Day

Live Well Resiliency Webinars – May 2016

On the Road to Invictus

When it comes to saving money, the sooner you start, the better. Saving is not accomplished overnight. It is a process that happens gradually and grows over time. Just remember, “Start Small, Think Big.”

Making ends meet can be a challenge. In today’s tough economy; you may wonder how it is possible to spare anything for your savings. But any amount saved - a quarter, a dollar - is progress. Those quarters and dollars add up. As you get into the habit of routinely “paying into your savings,” you will see the money you are setting aside grow.

Here are some practical tips to make your money work for you:

• Five savings strategies: Not sure what you should be saving for? Get started with the top five savings strategies.

• Savings tips: Discover 54 ways to cut back spending and save some cash.

• Finding money to save: Find out how small amounts saved each month can equal large yearly savings.

• Saving on a tight budget: Read the top ten tips for saving money when budgets are tight.

Make a Plan: How to Save

• Saving at tax time: Receiving a refund this tax season? Learn how to use that money to pay down debt and save instead of buying something you might not really need.

Read the full story here.

For no-cost financial counseling or educa-tion, contact your local Fleet and Family Support Center.

We Remember…The month of May gets many thinking about Memorial Day, the unofficial kick off to sum-mer, barbecues and a long holiday weekend. However, Memorial Day was originally set aside as a day of remembrance to honor those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was dedicated to honoring the fallen of the Civil War. The Civil War connection held fast until World War I, when Memorial Day expanded to honor all who give their lives in service to our country.

Today, when we remember fallen service members, we should also take time to recognize the sacrifices Gold Star family members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter or other loved one dies in service to the nation.

The Navy Gold Star Program declares the entire month of May as Gold Star Awareness Month and dedicates May to recognizing Gold Star families. The Navy recognizes that no one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen. As Memorial Day approaches, all Americans should think about the sacrifices made by military service members and their families: remember those who died and will no longer be able to celebrate a birthday, an accomplishment or a special family event, as well as those families who will have an empty seat at their tables.

Throughout the month of May, the Navy Gold Star Program will help to educate our communities on what it means to be a Gold Star family and will honor Gold Star families by hosting events that pay tribute to the fallen and connect their families with one another. For more information on events in your area please visit www.facebook.com/navygoldstar or www.navygoldstar.com, or call 1-888-509-8759.

Accessing Higher Education: Do You Know Your Options?Are you preparing to transition from the Navy? Are you thinking about going back to school, but do not quite know where to start? The Accessing Higher Education (AHE) track, part of the Transition GPS program, may be just what you are looking for!

The AHE workshop is a two-day course de-signed to help participants choose a degree program, select a college, explore funding options and complete the admissions process. Obtaining higher education gives you the chance to expand your knowledge in a subject that interests you and that might also boost your career prospects and earnings potential.

If you are considering going back to school, help and support is available. Contact your command career counselor or local Fleet and Family Support Center to register for the Accessing Higher Education workshop today! Check out the schedule of AHE workshops near you.

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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.

Relocation TipPro gear weight is not included in the overall weight of a shipment. Spouse pro gear must be approved in advance.

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

Do you know about TRICARE’s Nurse Advice Line? The Nurse Advice Line, available at no cost to beneficiaries, helps callers make in-formed decisions about seeing a health care provider or caring for themselves at home.

Patients talk directly with a nurse who evaluates their conditions and gives advice ranging from self-care instructions to urg-ing an immediate emergency room visit. You can call the Nurse Advice Line 24/7, at no cost to you, to talk to a registered nurse who can:

• Answer your urgent care questions.

• Give health care advice.

• Help you find a doctor.

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line • Schedule next-day appointments at

military hospitals and clinics.

There is always a live person on the line to answer health questions. You can reach the Nurse Advice Line by calling 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273) and selecting option 1. The Nurse Advice Line is available at no cost to TRICARE beneficiaries in the Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

New App Supports Gold Star FamiliesWhile everyone in the military knows the sacrifice of those in the Gold Star commu-nity, far too few outside the military do. The Navy Gold Star Program aims to change that through social media with the launch of the new Gold Star app.

The app will highlight resources available to better support Gold Star families and will provide information to educate people about the many sacrifices of these families. Moreover, it will give Gold Star families a platform to share their stories. Finally, it will serve as a means to just say “Thanks.”

What can you do?

• Download the app: It is free and currently runs on iPhones and iPads (an Android version is in develop-ment).

• Share their story: Navy Gold Star seeks to document the stories of every Gold Star military member or deceased veteran. If you are a Gold Star family member or a Survivor of a deceased veteran, please consider adding their profile to the map and directory.

• Say thanks: Take some time to visit a Gold Star service member or veteran’s profile in the app and write a note paying tribute to their service.

Get started by downloading the app or visit-ing the Navy Gold Star website.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

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Kids to Parks DayBy Navy Community Recreation

Get excited about Kids to Parks Day! Thou-sands of children nation-wide, including families and kids in our Navy community, will take part in a “grassroots” movement to discover America’s parks through play on Saturday, May 21, the National Park Trust’s sixth annual Kids to Parks Day. The National Park Trust invites children across the country to explore their local parks and rediscover science, history, nature and adventure right around the corner.

Kids to Parks Day is a great way to kick off your summer season. Did you know that MWR’s Navy Community Recreation program has green space, parks, picnic areas and playgrounds at your local instal-lation? A list of parks and recreation areas near your installation can be found in the American Park Network Guide, available through your Navy Community Recreation program.

There is so much to do in the park during the summertime, from using sports fields, to picnicking or having a fun-filled day at the playground. Most parks offer baseball and soccer fields, as well as basketball and tennis courts. Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and there are many options for physically challeng-ing adventures at your local park.

You may find yourself enjoying Mother Nature on a beautiful hiking path. Hiking trails offer breathtaking scenery, and you never know what kind of animals you may glimpse nearby. Navy Community Recreation also offers leisure skill classes that bring active leisure to you and your family. Introductory classes include hiking and kayaking, to name just two. Be adventurous, get active and enjoy the great outdoors on Kids to Parks Day and throughout the summer season!

Live Well Resiliency Webinars – May 2016FFSC facilitators bring the classroom to you! Connect with service members and families from around the globe in the comfort of your home or office. Webinars are approximately one hour and provide tips, tools and resources to support the Navy lifestyle.

Interviewing Skills: Make your dream job a reality! Gain information and resources to develop expert interviewing skills. May 3 (1–2 p.m. EST)

Personal Communications: Would you like to improve your personal communication skills? This educational group can make a difference! Participants learn about different communication styles, conflict resolution and ways to develop more effective speaking and listening skills. May 10 (2–3 p.m. EST)

Smooth Move: This webinar offers tips to help make your move as painless as possible! Topics include hints on shipping household goods, travel and financial planning, entitlements, family preparation and ways to cope with relocation. May 19 (2–3 p.m. EST)

Send an email request for course registration to livewellresilientweb@navy.mil. The request should include the title of the webinar that you would like to register for and your email address. Please remember to include the webinar title in the subject line of your email message.

After you complete your online registration, a confirmation will be sent to the email address you provided. The confirmation will include your classroom link for the selected webinar and should be retained for class-room access.

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On the Road to InvictusBy Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor

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.

United States active-duty and retired service members will participate in the Invictus Games May 8-12, 2016 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. This is the second convening of the multi-national games, which are hosted by Britain’s Prince Harry. The concept for the event was inspired by the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, where Prince Harry was a distinguished visitor.

About 500 athletes from 15 invited countries will participate; there will be 115 athletes from the U.S. The athletes will participate in archery, cycling, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair racing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

On the U.S. team, 19 athletes from the Navy and Coast Guard will compete. The wounded warrior athletes have upper-body, lower-body and spinal cord injuries; serious illnesses; traumatic brain injuries; visual im-pairment and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Team members were selected after dem-onstrating their abilities at adaptive sports camps, invitational competitions and, in some cases, the Wounded Warrior Team Navy Trials. All of the Navy and Coast Guard athletes are enrolled in Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy’s sole wounded warrior support program. For more information on Invictus visit: http://invictusgames2016.org/.

U.S. Invictus athletes Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Angelo Anderson and Retired Navy Chief Yeoman Javier D. Rodriguez Santiago participated in a wheelchair basketball Joining Forces Invictus Games 2016 Event at the Wells Fields House on October 28, 2015 in Fort Belvoir, Va. Doctor Jill Biden, Prince Harry and First Lady Michelle Obama were in attendance.

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