1. Family
AUGUST 2011
Contents
DoD Launches Military Spouse
connection
Employment Partnership
Free Online Tutoring and Homework
Help for Military Families
Back to School
Immunization Awareness Month
Navy School Liaison
DoD Launches
Officers at Your Service Military Spouse Employment Partnership
Suicide Prevention
and Awareness
“We’re going to help spouses get that degree, career opportunities between Fortune 500
United Through Reading®
find that job, or start that new business. We PLUS companies and military spouses world-
Build Healthier Diets with Choose want every company in America to know our wide. The program aims to expand portable
My Plate
military spouses and veterans have the skills career opportunities for spouses by connect-
TRICARE® Express Rx Mobile App
and the dedication, and our nation is more ing them with participating MSEP partners
The Real Social Network:
Command Ombudsman Program competitive when we tap their incredible who actively recruit military spouses.
talents.” President Barack Obama.
Your Voice Counts! Military Spouse Employment Partnership
Worldwide Sexual Assault Survey
One of the priorities of the Joining Forces ini- is available to all Navy spouses as well as
Career Decision Toolkit tiative lead by First Lady Michelle Obama and spouses from all military services, and cur-
Transition Assistance Dr. Jill Biden is to develop career and educa- rently encompasses over 70 organizations.
Program
tional opportunities for military spouses. Dr. Launch your career search today! For more
Family Connection is a publication of the Biden, in conjunction with the Department information or assistance with employment
Fleet and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program
of Defense, launched the Military Spouse readiness, visit OurMilitary.Mil, Military
promotes the self-reliance and resiliency Employment Partnership (MSEP) on June 29, OneSource’s Education and Career or contact
of Sailors and their families. We provide
information that can help you meet the 2011. MSEP promotes meaningful, long-term your local Fleet and Family Support Center.
unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
If you have questions or comments, contact
John Levinson at john.levinson.ctr@navy.mil.
Visit us online at:
Scan QR Code,
access via
mobile device.

2. AUGUST 2011
Free Online Tutoring
and Homework Help for
Military Families
“Are You Smarter than a Fifth
Grader” is a game show that has Back to School
stumped us all at least once. Back
to school equals homework, but As the last days of summer melt away,
Tutor.com offers a lifeline. This pro- begin preparing your students for the
gram gives eligible military families first day of school. Whether your student
access to free online tutoring and is prepping for kindergarten, grade or
free homework help from live, high school, or even college bound, the
professional tutors. following tips may be helpful.
Given frequent relocations or a Encourage Independence. Any level
deployed parent, staying on top of independence boosts confidence,
of daily assignments or missed from making their lunch the night
lessons can be challenging. before to scheduling an appointment
Tutor.com can help students with with their counselor to talk about col-
homework, studying, projects and lege options. Having a say in decisions
papers. Tutors are available in more promotes self-esteem and allows this
than 20 subjects in Math, Science, skill set to grow.
Social Studies, and English. Military Make Getting Ready Fun. Can you
students at every skill level can remember the excitement of the first Listen and Observe. Watch for symp-
get help, from Elementary Math to day of school, new clothes; fresh sup- toms that your child may be a bullying
honors English to AP Chemistry. plies? Go shopping together if possible. victim. Be aware of signs such as with-
Create a Tutor.com Military Most schools have checklists posted drawal, a drop in grades, physical signs,
Account today! on their website; some stores have lists or needing extra money or supplies.
Tutor.com To Go™ for iPhone, iPad available too. Make preparation during
Educate Yourself. Find out about
& iPod Touch is now available. the weeks and days before the first day
special programs or activities (academic
of school into events.
and athletic) that are available to help
Establish a Routine. Set a regular time increase your child’s learning and social
for homework and study; this creates potential. Get involved; ask questions
a habit. Agree on removing possible about classes, choices and requirements.
“An investment in distractions; no television, phone calls
Ask for Help. No one has all the
knowledge always pays or texting during this time.
answers. Get help if needed. Work with
the best interest.” Show an Interest. Encourage your the administrators, teachers and other
child to talk about the day’s activities, parents to ensure your child receives all
– Benjamin Franklin social events and the other children in the attention needed to be successful.
class. Ask about the walk or bus ride to
and from school.
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3. AUGUST 2011
Immunization Awareness Month
What? August is Immunization Who? Immunizations are important for Navy School Liaison
Awareness Month. “An ounce of adults as well as for children. Recom- Officers at Your Service
prevention is worth a pound of cure.” mended vaccinations begin at birth and
Navy School Liaison Officers (SLO)
Immunization shots, or vaccinations, continue throughout life.
are advocates that assist families
are essential. They protect against
When? Immunization is critical for with school transfers to help level
diseases like measles, mumps, rubella,
mission readiness. Now is the time the playing field for military children
hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus
to review your individual and fam- and youth. Under the Child and
and pertussis (whooping cough).
ily immunization records with your Youth Education Services Program,
Why? Vaccine-preventable diseases physician. Service members deploying SLOs collaborate with local school
and deaths still occur in the U.S., overseas, should receive all required districts to ensure school person-
affecting children, adolescents and immunizations before leaving stateside. nel are aware of the stressors on
adults. Your immune system helps Immunizations are not only important military families brought about
your body fight germs; it basically for your child’s health, but also a require- by frequent moves and extended
“remembers” the germ to fight it ment for school attendance. deployments.
again. With the exception of safe
Where? TRICARE® realizes the impor- These education professionals are
drinking water, there is no other
tant role of immunizations as part of a located on all major Navy installations
health improvement strategy with
healthy lifestyle. Beneficiaries can receive and serve as a liaison among com-
such a tremendous effect on reducing
all necessary vaccinations through munity schools, Navy commands
disease and improving health.
military treatment facilities, and TRICARE and military parents. Programming
network and non-network providers. includes installation-based Child and
Visit TRICARE® to learn more. Youth Programs support and school-
based support in schools attended
by Navy families. Services include:
N School transition services
(PCS cycle).
N Deployment support.
N Command, school and commu-
nity communications.
N Home - school linkage and support.
N Partnerships in education.
N Post-secondary preparations.
For a complete liaison list and more
information, go to the Navy School
Liaison Officer website or Facebook.
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4. AUGUST 2011
Suicide Prevention
and Awareness
Everyone can make a difference
and help prevent suicide at any
time. Consider what you would do
in a crisis. Use the “ASK CARE TREAT”
or “ACT” method:
Ask Ask if someone is depressed
or thinking of suicide.
Care Listen, offer hope and don’t
judge.
Treat Take action. Don’t leave the
person alone and get
assistance.
Resources on suicide include:
N Navy Suicide Awareness and
Prevention
N National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline or 1-800-273-TALK
N Fleet and Family Support Center
N Chaplain Care
N Military OneSource or 1-800-
United Through
342-9647 Reading®
N NavyNavStress.com Having a parent deployed is one of the
most difficult things a child can experi-
ence. The United through Reading®
Military Program helps ease the stress
of separation for military families by
having deployed parents read children’s
books aloud via DVD for their child to
Navy Family Accountability and watch at home.
Assessment System (NFAAS)
NFAAS allows Navy personnel to These powerful connections bring RAP Tip:
manage the recovery process for families a little closer with each read- You’ve arrived; but your children
personnel affected by a wide-spread ing. While reassuring a child that their may still have some big adjust-
catastrophic event. It is also helpful in deployed parent is safe and thinking
providing commands with informa- ments ahead of them. It is normal
of home; it fosters the opportunity to for children to take three to six
tion to support IA family members
while their sponsors are deployed continue a bedtime ritual. For further months to adjust to a new home.
overseas. Log on to NFAAS at https: information go to http://www.unit- Spend time with them – listening,
www.navyfamily.navy.mil. edthroughreading.org/military/. explaining, and reassuring -- and
the adjustment will go a little more
smoothly for the entire family.
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5. AUGUST 2011
Build Healthier
Diets with Choose
My Plate
First Lady Michelle Obama and TRICARE® Express Rx Mobile App
the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) said goodbye to TRICARE® Express Rx mobile app and
MyPyramid and unveiled the new mobile-optimized website allows
generation food icon, MyPlate. The TRICARE beneficiaries to manage their
intention is to encourage consumers to prescriptions and access important
make healthier food choices. The visual health information safely and securely
icon itself promotes building a healthy from anywhere using their smart
plate at meal times; emphasizing fruit, phone.
vegetable, grain, protein and dairy To ensure security and data protec-
food groups. tion, beneficiaries must register
According to the National Bureau of through the member portal at www. For more information about TRICARE
Economic Research, nearly one in three express-scripts.com/TRICARE before pharmacy, visit www.tricare.mil/
children in America is overweight or logging in to the Express Rx app pharmacy. To learn about the TRICARE
obese, which puts them at greater risk or mobile-optimized site. Once pharmacy home delivery, go to www.
for health problems like diabetes, heart registered, the same username and tricare.mil/homedelivery.
disease, high blood pressure, cancer password allow access to the Express
and asthma. MyPlate provides practical Rx app and mobile-optimized web-
information to help consumers build site. Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) is the
healthier diets with resources and tools TRICARE® Pharmacy contractor.
for dietary assessment, nutrition educa- Manage your prescriptions on the go IA Discussion Group
tion and other user-friendly nutrition with any Web-enabled mobile device! Schedule
information. Two things you can do for Simply scan the QR code above or View the Fleet-wide list of classes,
your health is regular physical activity surf to m.esrx.com from your mobile support groups and events.
and healthy eating. To learn more visit Web browser.
www.ChooseMyPlate.gov and www. Returning Warrior
Sign in to the Express Scripts mobile
tricare.mil/healthyliving/getfit. Workshops (RWW)
site anytime to:
Returning Warrior Workshop
N Start Home Delivery Schedule & IA Family Events -
N Order Refills www.ia.navy.mil/
N Check Order Status
N Find a Pharmacy
N Get Drug Information
5

6. AUGUST 2011
The Real Social Network:
Command Ombudsman
Program
Summer is Your Voice Counts!
at its peak
and you may
Worldwide Sexual Assault Survey
know some-
Combating sexual assault is an all-hands site visits, records analysis, personal
one who is
issue and top priority. In an effort to interviews, focus groups and individual
moving, or has just moved. Perhaps
determine the scope of sexual assault command reviews.
it is you that is PCSing this summer!
in the Navy, Secretary Ray Mabus has
Do you need information about According to Secretary Mabus, “SAPR
tasked the Department of the Navy
your new duty station? The Fleet is not a mere program with checklists
Sexual Assault Prevention &
and Family Support Program offers a and policy statements. All
Response Office (DoN
“Contact Your Ombudsman” feature commanding officers
SAPRO) to conduct
which enables families to contact are responsible for
a department-
the ombudsman for commands ensuring a com-
wide sexual
listed in the Ombudsman Registry. mand climate
assault survey
that con-
Access “Contact Your Ombudsman” assessing the
demns sexual
using www.ombudsmanregistry. functionality
assault; pro-
org or www.ffsp.navy.mil. When the and effective-
vides victims
map appears, select your region or ness of the
with sensitive
Reserve region, then your installa- Sexual Assault
care, resources,
tion, and finally your command. You Prevention &
and support;
will be prompted to complete and Response (SAPR)
reports incidents
send your message to the command Program. The feed-
of sexual assault;
ombudsman. The ombudsman will back will be solicited
and holds offenders
get in touch with you within 24 - 48 from Sailors and Marines
accountable for their actions.”
hours. If there is no ombudsman worldwide. All commanders
Last year there were over 900 reports of
listed for that command, the Om- have been directed to encourage
sexual assault in our Navy. The mission
budsman Registry administrator will participation of Sailors and Marines
is to eliminate sexual assault from
get in touch with the command and in their commands. The confidential
within our Navy ranks.
request that someone contacts you. and anonymous online survey will be
available through 30 September 2011 For victim assistance, please contact the
This is a great way to learn about
and can be accessed at www.donsapro. Safe Helpline, or call 877-995-5247, or
your new duty station and home
navy.mil/survey.html. DoN SAPRO’s text 55247.
before your arrival. And remember –
the Fleet and Family Support Center method of assessment will also include
(FFSC) has a full staff available to
assist service members and their
families with their move and answer
any questions.
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7. AUGUST 2011
Career Decision Toolkit
N Acing the Interview
August 16, 8:00 pm EDT
N Accept, Adjust, Repeat:
Strategies for Transition Success
Ways to Save August 23, 9:00 pm EDT
Back-to-school deals are in full effect. N Combat to College
Before you hit the stores, decipher August 25, 8:00 pm EDT
between the wants and the needs.
Make a list, set a budget and stick N Landing a Federal Job
to it. Compare purchases for quality August 30, 7:00 pm EDT
over brands. Often, shopping out of
season can save you a few dollars. Goals, Plan, Succeed. Access on- In addition to career support and
Many states have tax-free shopping demand courses via your Career transition assistance, Sailors who are
days. Check your state’s web page Decision Toolkit to help you navigate involuntarily separated may be eligible
for dates and guidelines. and become prepared for transition for other benefits, and should contact
into the civilian workforce. their personnel office for more informa-
Joint Services Support tion. Other helpful resources include:
Live On-line Learning is available for
(JSS) www.DOL.gov and www.VA.gov.
service members and their families..
JSS provides valuable information Attend a session from the comfort of
on benefits, entitlements, events, your home or anywhere broadband
trainings and more. Making it
easy to stay connected, anytime,
Internet and phone are available. Reg- Transition
anywhere with online access, ister for August sessions at http://www.
turbotap.org/
Assistance Program
mobile device applications and
interactive voice response. Services Changing Careers? All separating
August Sessions
are available to all military branches; Sailors and their family members are
featuring a community resource N Job Fair Success Strategies entitled to Transition Assistance Pro-
locator by state. Go to http://www. August 2, 8:00 pm EDT
jointservicessupport.org. gram (TAP) services. Resources, training
N Building Better Resumes and workshops include resume writing,
August 4, 8:00 pm EDT interviewing skills, pre-separation coun-
seling, self-employment information,
N Why Write a Cover Letter
job fair schedules, college and certifica-
August 9, 8:30 pm EDT
tion opportunities, apprenticeships,
N The Art of Career Networking salary and compensation, and financial
August 11, 8:00 pm EDT management and investment strate-
gies. TAP is available through your local
Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).
7