http://www.health.mil/blog/10-06-24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.

Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.

This Week in MC&FP October 8, 2010

___________________________________________________________

Monday, October 11th

we’ll celebrate Columbus Day, a day set aside to

commemorate the October 12, 1492, landfall of Christopher Columbus in the New World – a place we

now call home. Other countries across the Americas join us in celebrating the day. And if you live in

Hawaii, you are also celebrating “Discover’s Day,” in honor of all discoverers, including the Pacific and

Polynesian navigators. And while we look back at an important event that took place more than five

centuries ago, let’s take a moment to remember our servicemen and women, far from home and family,

who keep us safe.

Have a good week and take care.

Your MC&FP Team

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 the DUSD

Yesterday, we said farewell to an MC&FP champion and leader, Ms. Vee Penrod. She accepted the

position of acting deputy under secretary for Military Community and Family Policy at a time of great

transition and provided stellar leadership and mission focus when it was needed the most. She stayed on

as acting principal director to provide stability and support upon my arrival. This week on Wednesday,

Oct. 6th

, she began her new assignment as deputy under secretary for Military Personnel Policy. In the

short period of time that she served in leadership here, her leadership style, focus and energy helped us

meet our mission of taking care of our military community. We will miss her sense of purpose as much

as we’ll miss her sense of humor. We’re fortunate that she won’t be far away from us and look forward

to continued collaboration in the days to come. Thank you and good luck!

From DoDEA

DoDEA Schools Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month

This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment

actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each

year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was

removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types

of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to

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"National Disability Employment Awareness Month." For more information, visit

http://www.dodea.edu

September „Safe Schools Newsletter‟ Ready for Reading

The current edition includes tips on back to school security, communicating with parents about

security, and helping children make ethical choices online. See

http://www.dodea.edu/schools/cat/11_1.pdf

State Department Advisory Stark Reminder of Need for Vigilance

The recent advisory issued by the State Department for Americans living and traveling in Europe

is a stark reminder of the obligations to be vigilant about the ever-present danger of terrorism.

Each DoDEA school has emergency plans coordinated with local commands should an event

occur that puts our students, employees, or facilities at risk. The safety, security and well-being

of our children and our school communities around the world are our top priority. All employees

are cooperating with commanders around the world as they continually assess the security

environment. District Safety and Security Officers routinely coordinate with school, bus

transportation, and command officials to review anti-terrorism procedures and measures and

ensure principals, school employees, students and parents are aware of emergency plans and

what to do if a crisis occurs.

Wiesbaden High School Student Produces Suicide Prevention PSA

More than 30,000 Americans commit suicide each year. And there are 30 to 50 percent more

attempted suicides than actual deaths. A student from Wiesbaden High School in Germany

recently produced a Public Service Announcement on suicide titled, “Shoulder to Shoulder.” See

http://www.dodea.edu/pressroom/video_suicide.cfm

From the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth

JC Penney Offers Military Families Reduced Prices in Portrait Studios JC Penney portrait studios are offering two discounts for military families. The first, offered

through October 31st includes a free sitting, 50 percent off on all photos and two free 8 x 10

photos – one for the family and one that JC Penney will send directly to the servicemember in

theater. See http://www.jcpportraits.com/offers/portraitsoflove.html

The second discount, through June 30, 2011, provides for a free sitting, a free 8 x 10 photo, and

50 percent off the total portrait purchase (no minimum order). See

http://www.jcpportraits.com/offers/MilitaryOffer.html for more information.

“Forging the Partnership” Conference Planners Call for Proposals

Thinking about presenting at the DoD/USDA 2011 Family Resilience Conference? Proposals

for workshops, computer labs, research posters, and program showcase exhibits are due

Wednesday, November 3, 2010.

If you haven’t done so yet, mark your calendar now to be in Chicago on April 27 - 29, 2011, at

the Hyatt Regency.

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The interagency conference, Forging the Partnership, 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

From the Office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation

U.S. Armed Forces Men and Women Compete in Basketball Championships The U.S. Armed Forces Men and Women’s Basketball teams competed in the CISM Military

World Basketball Championships held in Seoul, Korea, September 8-18, 2010. This was the

50th

time the event has been held for the men and the first time for the women.

The U.S. men’s team placed sixth out of 13 teams with South Korea taking the Gold, Lithuania

the Silver, and Brazil the Bronze medal. The U.S. women’s team fared better and took home the

Bronze medal in the event with YN2 Syreeta Bromfield and 1LT Monica Mason being named to

the All Tournament team. The women’s Gold medal went to China and the Silver to

Kazakhstan. Congratulations to all the competitors!

From Resale

• DECA is delivering the benefit at the following Guard and reserve locations. For more

information visit http://www.commissaries.com/guard_reserve_sales.cfm:

– Oct 8-9 Army National Guard Scottsbluff, Neb.

– Oct 8-9 Air National Guard Portland, Ore.

In the News

From the White House – Presidential Proclamations

Child Health Day

The health and well being of a child is one of our most challenging, yet important,

responsibilities, and we have an obligation to ensure that all our children can live, learn, and play

in safe and healthy environments. On Child Health Day, we reaffirm the critical importance of

the quality health care, nutritious foods, clean air and water, and safe communities our kids need

to grow into strong and active adults. See

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/04/presidential-proclamation-child-health-

day

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

As Americans, we understand employment and economic security are critical to fulfilling our

hopes and aspirations. We also know we are stronger when our country and economy can

benefit from the skills and talents of all our citizens. No individual in our Nation should face

unnecessary barriers to success, and no American with a disability should be limited in his or her

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desire to work. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we renew our focus

on improving employment opportunities and career pathways that lead to good jobs and sound

economic futures for people with disabilities. See http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-

office/2010/10/01/presidential-proclamation-national-disability-employment-awareness-month

From the American Forces Press Service – Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Defense Department is observing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by

reminding the military community about resources and programs to help in preventing or

stopping domestic violence. President Barack Obama issued a National Domestic Violence

Awareness Month proclamation Oct. 1, emphasizing the U.S. government’s commitment to

reducing its prevalence, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.

See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61131

From the Family Matters Blog – Domestic Abuse: Don’t Suffer in Silence

“Several years ago, I interviewed a noncommissioned officer for the base paper where I was

stationed. He very bravely had agreed to talk about his experiences with domestic abuse in hopes

of raising awareness of the problem. He told me how his temper would flare up at his wife and

how he would get physically aggressive with her. His anger would rage out of control, he told

me, and it was difficult to suppress.”

See http://afps.dodlive.mil/2010/10/08/domestic-abuse-dont-suffer-in-silence/#more-4870

From the American Forces Press Service – Efforts to End Domestic Abuse

Whether a withering comment or a fist raised in anger, the Defense Department is working to put

an end to all levels of domestic abuse within the military, a defense official said today. “We

want [our families] to be strong and healthy, and we’re committed to helping you in every way

we can to deal with the pressures and stresses of service, particularly those associated with

overseas contingencies,” David Lloyd, director of the DOD’s family advocacy program, said in

an interview with American Forces Press Service. See

http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61152

From the Family Matters Blog – Readers Urged to Protect Identities

“In the fall of 2007, I was planning a trip to Disney World when I found out that I needed to be

in New York for business that same week. So I canceled my Disney World reservations and

made new reservations and went to New York. To keep my business expenses separate, I took a

rarely used credit card with me to New York. Because I didn't use that card very often, I didn't

think it was necessary to go online and check my charges. I just waited for the bill to come.

That was a mistake.” See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=61112

From the Fort Belvoir Eagle – Fort Belvoir community celebrates educational grant

DoDEA Acting Director, Marilee Fitzgerald, spoke at Fort Belvoir Elementary School's

"Operation Patriotic STEM" festivities on Saturday, October 2. The school received one of

the DoDEA Educational Partnership grants aimed at enhancing student learning opportunities,

student achievement, and educator professional development at military-connected public

schools. The grant will support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –

“STEM” – initiatives for the students. For more information, see

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http://www.belvoireagle.com/index.php/belvoir/news-

articles/fort_belvoir_community_celebrates_educational_grant/

Tips of the Week

Nutrition Tip of the Week – Are you getting enough Vitamin C in your diet?

Why do we ask? It's important for body growth, tissue repair, and wound healing. Good sources

include citrus fruits and juices, kiwi fruits, strawberries, guava, papaya and cantaloupe. 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 – Resources for Families with Special Needs

More than 100,000 military families have members with special needs. These include spouses,

children, or dependent parents who require special medical or educational services. These family

members have a diagnosed physical, intellectual or emotional condition. MilitaryHOMEFRONT

offers several valuable resources for military families with members with special needs,

including a Special Needs Parent Toolkit. For more information, visit the Exceptional Family

Member Program home page at

http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/mhf/MHF/MHF_HOME_1?section_id=20.40

.500.570.0.0.0.0.0.

• Let‟s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week – Remove Calorie-rich temptations

Although everything can be enjoyed in moderation, reducing the calorie-rich temptations of

high-fat and high-sugar, or salty snacks can also help your children develop healthy eating

habits. Instead only allow your children to eat them sometimes, so that they truly will be treats!

Here are examples of easy-to-prepare, low-fat and low-sugar treats that are 100 calories or less:

A medium-size apple

A medium-size banana

1 cup blueberries

1 cup grapes

1 cup carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. hummus

See http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html#problems

Financial Tip of the Week – Five Major Money Mistakes to Avoid

Examine your financial habits carefully, and then determine whether or not you are making any

of these five major money mistakes.

Spending too much. Spending too much isn't just about exceeding your income (although that is

a big part of it). Spending too much also encompasses getting things that you think you can

afford, but that you might not need. Focus on value, looking at what you can afford, and what

will deliver what you need for the lowest cost. Live within your means, avoiding debt when

possible, and keeping your debt to a minimum when you borrow.

Not taking advantage of compound interest. One of the keys to building wealth effectively is

taking advantage of compound interest. This means that you need to start saving early, whether

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it's for an emergency fund or for retirement. Build a habit of saving -- and investing -- early, and

you will have more time for compound interest to work for you, helping you toward a more

financially secure future.

Inadequate protection for your assets. Assess your needs (you may need a financial professional

to help), and make sure your assets are adequately protected. That way, you experience less

financial devastation in the event that something unexpected happens. Remember: insurance is

purchased to secure replacement of lost income should something happen to your money-earning

status.

Neglect of estate planning issues. No one likes to think about the necessity of estate planning,

especially the part that involves the will. Without a will, power of attorney, health care proxy,

and other aspects of future planning, you are not in control of your finances.

Disunity in money issues in marriage. One of the most important things you can do for your

money is to be on the same page with your life partner. In order to be financially successful as a

family unit, you need to have common money goals to work for, and be on the same page with

money. Many couples have a “spender” and/or a “saver;” speak honestly to your spouse to

determine which one you may be and work together to meet your common goals.

Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Quick Tips for Single Servicemembers

Coming home after a deployment can feel great, but it's also a time of adjustment. These tips

can help:

Tell your friends and relatives how you'd like to celebrate your return. If you want to keep it

low-key, gently tell them that you're not ready for a large gathering yet.

Avoid a tight social schedule for the first few weeks. Instead of trying to see everyone right away,

give yourself time to relax and return to life at your own pace.

Establish your new living situation as soon as you feel ready. If you need to find new housing

after deployment, doing it soon can help you feel more settled.

Expect to feel out of sorts for a while. Loneliness, fatigue, anger, and sadness are normal parts of

re-adjustment.

Talk about how you're feeling and encourage friends and family to do the same. People may

wonder what you've gone through, but may hesitate to ask you.

Be patient with yourself and with others. Remember that those who are close to you are also

adjusting to having you home.

Limit your use of alcohol. Overuse of alcohol can increase feelings of depression and loneliness.

Watch your spending. It's tempting to celebrate your return with a shopping spree, but it's

important to stay within your means.

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Know when to seek help. If you're feeling signs of stress, physical or emotional, it's important to

seek expert help – the earlier the better.

Your Family Support 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 (800) 342-9647 or access

http://www.militaryonesource.com.

Spouse Tip – Six Lifelong Transferable Competencies

In his “Six Universal Competencies for Career Success,” Frank Leibold, Ph.D., of the National

Career Development Association, says that to succeed today one must:

Satisfy the changing customer's or client's needs. Your customer may be either external or

internal and your output either a product or service. Most times customer satisfaction will require

a process of innovation through team-oriented collaboration.

Become a creative, effective and efficient problem solver using critical thinking skills to meet the

customer's need in a response time that provides a sustainable competitive advantage through

added comparative value and service.

Have a global perspective with cultural understanding and sensitivity. It’s essential In order to

perform effectively in an increasingly multicultural society.

Be motivated and persistent for the right reasons; realizing that you can increase your motivation

substantially to face unforeseen future challenges. The root of all effective motivation is a

healthy amount of self-esteem.

Manage and take responsibility for one’s own career, including multiple and varied job

assignments with an international perspective, to help develop the needed competencies. A

formal career plan, along with feedback from candid and trusted friends for realism, and a

mentor to assist you in navigating career moves is also critical.

Live a balanced and healthy life with time devoted to family and outside work activities, a skill

that is now recognized as essential to life and career success.

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