First Quarter FRG Newsletter

1. Jan/Feb/Mar
2011 INSIDE:
OPSEC, Safety while on Social N e t w o r k s ,
USSOCOM - Ragnar Florida K e y s R a c e ,
Spouses Networking Groups
Greetings from the Chief of Staff
Ha p p y N e w
Year! 2011 is
here and I look
fo r w a r d t o
supporting the
F a m i l y
R e a dine s s
G r o u p (FRG)
Jump Team
as they continue to serve our Calendar
USSOCOM service members,
Fishhawk
government civilians, and their
Baseball
families. As we move into 2011, Opening Ceremonies
I want to highlight the superb efforts 16120 Fishhawk Blvd.
of the FRG and our former Lithia, FL
coordinator, Ms. Barbara Moody. 2/26/2011, 10:00 AM
Under Barb’s leadership last year, Phillies Spring Training
the FRG sponsored the National Take Opening Day vs Yankees
Our Daughters and Sons to Work Brighthouse Field Clearwater
Day (over 100 kids registered) and the 2/27/2011
Military Spouse Appreciation Day UPCOMING
(which included a sponsored luncheon (LOCAL) EVENTS)
an d a h u r r i c a n e b r i e f i n g b y February 10th -21st
Lt G e n F i e l ) . Yo u r F R G a l s o The Annual Florida State Fair
worked with various community March 9 - The 2011 Florida
organizations throughout the year to Strawberry Festival, Plant City
provide phone cards to deploying March 26 - Paws for Patriots
personnel, back to school backpacks Quaker State & Lube
w/supplies, and restaurant gift cards to www.RollingThunderFL11.com
military families.
In the summer of 2010, Ms.
Moody departed the position of FRG
-Cont, page 2

2. coordinator and Maj Karen Reiff OPSEC, all while enjoying free uplifting Christmas carols.
took on the role of temporary childcare! A Defense Biometric Throughout the coming year, it
FRG coordinator in addition to Identification station was also set will be my distinct honor to
her normal duties. up t o r e g i s t e r d e p e n d e n t support the FRG in helping HQ
Even as the search began for a ID cards to meet new MacDill USSOCOM personnel and their
new FRG coordinator, Karen’s AFB entry requirements. Karen’s families enhance their quality of
outstanding leadership allowed efforts during this interim period life and well-being by developing
the FRG to plan and execute ensured a smooth transition as the ope r a t i n g s y s t e m s t h a t
th e C o m m a n d Brief/Family new FRG coordinator, Ms. Teresa provide information, offer
Readiness Information Education Torelli, took over in October of support and outreach, promote
& Needs Day. I was able to 2010. Teresa hit the ground in v o l v e m e n t , a n d p r e v e n t
provide an informative briefing running in her first few days by isolation. When your spouse is
about SOCOM to family assisting the preparation of deployed, the FRG will work with
members after which everyone numerous Care Packages for our you to identify your needs and
had the opportunity to browse deployed SOCOM personnel. provide information and referral
information booths from The FRG finished up a busy assistance.
15 agencies including Military 2010 by hosting the Open
ON E S o u r c e , Operation House/Tree Lighting Ceremony
Homefront, SOCOM Booster which included a visit from Santa MG Joseph Votel
Cl u b , C a r e C o a l i t i o n , a n d Claus and the singing of several USSOCOM Chief of Staff
White House to Unveil
Military Family Plan
January 23, 2011 all federal government agencies
Military.com| by Bryant Jordan and cabinet departments, said
The White House and Robert L. Gordon III, deputy
Pentagon are scheduled today to assistant secretary of defense for
roll out an ambitious, administra- military community and family
tion-wide policy to improve the policy. At the same time the
lives of military families by The goals in the draft 25-page Department of Health and Human
tackling everything from child- report are defined broadly in Services will assist states in
care and financial problems to four areas – enhance family applying for federal block
veteran homelessness and job psychological health, children’s grants for mental health services
opportunities for spouses. ed u c a t i o n , s p o u s e c a r e e r and drug abuse prevention
President Obama directed his opportunities and development, programs, which they can
National Security staff to and improve child-care services. direct toward helping returning
organize an interagency policy The report calls for enhancing servicemembers, veterans and
group early last year. The military family mental health by their families.
resultant plan is detailed in having the Defense Department The report considers veteran
Strengthening Our Military and Department of Veterans homelessness a factor affecting
Families: Meeting America’s Affairs implement a multi-year military and veteran families
Commitment, a policy report program to help family members and so incorporates the VA’s
approved by Obama in December. recognize mental health problems already-announced pledge to end
The report is the culmination of and get the proper care and veteran homelessness.
meetings by representatives from treatment. -Cont, page 3

3. The VA plans to fund non-profit The Educate to Innovate Spouse Employment Partnership
groups that work to keep at-risk Campaign, a White House- has a support program with more
veterans in family situations or launched business, academic, and than 40 Fortune 500 companies
help homeless vets find housing. non-profit consortium that works that, since 2003, have hired more
The Pentagon and the to bolster high school math and than 90,000 Army spouses. DoD
Department of the Interior will science education, has been will also provide job counseling
expand opportunities for military directed to give special attention and educational stipends to help
families to use the country’s 500 to schools catering to military spouses get the training and
million acres of public lands for families. Another group, the education they need to get into the
recreation as part of regaining National Math and Science workforce.
their psychological health. Areas Initiative, will work with the “We have roughly over
and trails will be modified to White House Office of 700,000 spouses” across DoD, he
accommodate military families, Science and Technology and DoD said, of which more than
especially wounded troops and to expand access to advance 77 percent want to work. “We
veterans, and Interior Department placement science and technology want to create opportunities for
staff will be trained on military courses to children of military them.”
culture. families. The report also promises
A commitment to protect The policy report states that immediate child care relief with
against unfair financial practices this initiative will begin in new “Child Care Liaison”
could make Obama’s controver- September at four schools serving positions established in pilot
sial new Consumer Financial Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort programs in 13 states -- Alaska,
Protection Bureau an ally to Hood, Texas. Another three California, Colorado, Delaware,
military families. According to schools also will get additional Fl o r i d a , I n d i a n a , K a n s a s,
the report, the CFPB will have an support, but the report doesn’t say Kentucky, North Carolina,
Office of Service Member Affairs where they are located. Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and
and will work with the DoD to The Department of the Washington.
address three areas: education on Interior, meanwhile, will focus on According to Gordon, DoD
financial readiness; complaint employment opportunities in has more than 200,000 children in
monitoring and response; and national parks for military kids. its system in need of child care.
coordination among federal and The Department of Agriculture Currently, there is a shortfall of
state consumer protection agen- will work with DoD to enhance about 30,000 child-care seats, he
cies on behalf of military families. their ongoing partnership to said, adding that the pilot
Gordon said the Department support 4-H clubs and activities programs should result in an
of Education will get involved to for military children and youth. increase of approximately 8,300
improve education for military The Department of Labor will child care spaces available
children. For the first time the open the Transition Assistance throughout the country. The
DoE will make military families Program – the career guidance spaces may be moved to where
a priority for its discretionary counseling and workshop they’re most needed, however, as
grant programs, which will favor program long available to needs change.
funding programs to meet the separating and retiring service- “We care about [military
needs of military-connected members – to military spouses. families],” Gordon said in sum.
students, the report states. DoL will also promote priority “I think you’ll find [in this
“The Department of Educa- hiring of military spouses in its report] those sorts of commit-
tion wants to work with our states workforce.
ments that focus on you as a
to better identify our military kids Gordon said DoD also plans
community that will empower
in schools so we can focus on to expand a successful Army
them and outreach to them,” program for spouse employment you, that will support you, that
Gordon said. to all the branches. The Army will care for you.”

4. OPSEC
Safety while on Social Networks
Many agencies, organizations you don’t want them to see. them. This data is called Geotags.
and individuals across the United You should also be wary of Geotags can tell people where and
States are using Social Network- what you post on an SNS. You when the photo was taken.
ing Sites (SNS) like Facebook as shouldn’t post things that you Additionally, you may not want to
a means to communicate to wouldn’t want a stranger, or let certain people know where
the general populace, customers someone who would do you you live, so be aware of all the
and acquaintances. While these harm, to see. Doing so could information a photo shows (such
agencies are using these pages, cause you to lose your identity, as street signs, house numbers,
th e y a r e t a k i n g v a r i o u s your money, or even your life. and the like.)
preventative measures to ensure There may be information on Unlike a face to face
that pieces of critical information your SNS that you don’t want just encounter with someone, you
are being adequately protected. anyone to access. Most people may not really know who you’re
With that in mind...here are don’t walk up to complete contacting on-line. You shouldn’t
some reminders about some strangers as they leave their necessarily trust that someone
vulnerabilities associated with homes and announce their house on-line is who they claim to be.
SNS and some tips to safeguard is unoccupied and they’ll be gone If you get a friend request and you
your own personal account. for a few days. So why would don’t recognize the name
Proper use of SNS security anyone want to do so on an SNS, don’t openly accept the request.
settings limit what site visitors are allowing strangers to know their Granting access could give an
allowed to see. Facebook alone house is unprotected. unknown person information that
has over 124 security settings. If you use Facebook’s “Places” you may not want them to have.
Have you gone through the feature, you could give on-line Verify who they are through a
available settings and adjusted viewers exact information of separate means. Email a friend
them for the various groups, where you are or where you’ve who you might have in common
friends, and family members who been and when. You don’t need with the requestor. Ask other
have access to your page? There’s to advertise when and where friends if they know this
information you should keep to you’re going or where you are. It individual. Ultimately it’s up to
yourself or within a trusted circle could help an adversary to you to accept or decline.
of family and friends. Allow establish a pattern of life for you Using Social Networking
specific group access for family and thereby put you or your Sites can be an enjoyable pastime,
and those trusted friends by using family at an increased risk of but we all have to remain vigilant
the SNS security settings. Then exploitation. where our families are concerned.
make a more restricted access If you don’t want people to know Protecting yourself and your
group for those “friends” who are what your home or house looks family is also protecting
more like associates and then like or what kind of car you own, SO C O M ’s m o s t v a l u a b l e
further limit the personal then maybe you shouldn’t post resource…our people. If you
information they can see. This any photos of your home or car on have questions, please feel free to
will help prevent others from an SNS. Some digital photos you contact the SOCOM Operations
“accidentally” seeing something post can have hidden data in Security (OPSEC) element.
OPSEC@socom.mil.

5. Chaplain’s Corner
The New Year has come. For consider with regard to goals for parking fees.)
many this is a time for setting new the new year. Spiritual: The New Year is a
priorities and goals for the year. Finances: Think about how you great time for people of faith to
C.S. Lewis wrote: “You are never are going to get out of debt, put return to places of worship that
too old to set another goal or to more in savings or long term in- they may have neglected. Look at
dream a new dream.” The new vestments, or give more to some of the spiritual disciplines
year is a great time to dream and charity. of prayer, fasting, and study or
set some new goals for yourself. meditation and set some specific
Many focus on the physical “You are never too old to set goals for yourself. Order your
when it comes to goals. People another goal or to dream a new spiritual lives in a more conscious
want to lose weight or begin a dream.” wa y. S e t f o r w a r d - f o c u s e d
new physical training regimen. - C.S. Lewis
spiritual goals, and be delivered
These are good goals, but make from the boredom of a wayward
sure the goals are realistic and cut and aimless spiritual life.
Intellectual: Consider taking
yourself some slack if you don't
classes, learning a new language, Goals: are important to give us
meet every goal. Better to miss
limit the amount of TV that you direction and help us live out our
that work out or splurge on that
watch and read a classic book. priorities on a daily basis. May
dessert, and then refocus and keep
moving forward as opposed to Relationships: Spend more time God grant you discernment and
giving up because you can't keep with friends, your spouse, and wisdom as you set your goals and
up with the schedule you have set children. Think about setting up a remember what Yogi Berra said,
for yourself. regular date night with your "You’ve got to be very careful if
Focus on other areas of your spouse, plan family game nights, you don’t know where you are
life as well. Robert Schuller wrote or as a family explore the many going, because you might not get
"Goals are not only absolutely attractions that the Tampa area there.
necessary to motivate us. They offers. (This doesn't necessarily
are essential to really keep us take much money, most of V/r
alive." Here are some different the beaches and parks are free or Chaplain Jim Edwards
areas that you might want to have very inexpensive entrance or Deputy Command Chaplain
Spouses Networking Group
Spouses Networking Groups: water to FishHawk creating the ting. For easy access to a group
Happy New Year from your Fam- perfect opportunity for spouses near you, the network is divided
ily Readiness Group (FRG)… As to become isolated. Staying into five geographical locations,
2011 sets off at racing pace, connected when geographically FishHawk, North Tampa, Valrico,
I would like to take just a few separated enhances your sense of Riverview/Apollo, and South
minutes to focus on our SOCOM belonging and offers support dur- Tampa. For information on the
Spouses Networking Group. ing times of dep l o y m e n t . T h e (FRG) Spouses Networking Group
The Bay Area covers hun- S O C O M Spouses Networking near you, email your contact infor-
dreds of miles and our SOCOM Groups are perfect for meeting mation and geographical location
Families are spread from Clear- other spouses in an informal set- to: socomfrg@socom.mil
Command Run and Childcare
Did you know the MacDill Child Development Center (CDC) will open early to support SOCOM’s
monthly Command runs? If you would like to take advantage of this service,
reservations must be made by close of business on the Wednesday before the run.
To reserve your spot call 813-828-5011

6. Baseball Spring Training Schedule
“People ask me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell
you what I do I stare out the window and wait for spring.”
— Rogers Hornsby "The Rajah"
Spring Training Begins: February 10th -21st
The Annual
Yankees vs Phillies, 26 Feb
Florida State Fair
Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
is a salute to the state's
Phillies vs Yankees 27 Feb best in the agriculture and
Bright House Field, Clearwater equestrian industry includ-
ing an abundance of
USSOCOM Para-Commandos sh o w s , m u s i c , r i d e s,
will jump in to kick off the season food and shopping for
12 consecutive days.
Excitement is in the air all
over the fairgrounds with
plenty of free entertain-
ment included with admis-
sion. Make sure to plan
your day in advance to
enjoy all the sights,
sounds, and tastes the
state fair has to offer.
Parking is free during the
Fair. For more information
visit their website;
http://www.floridastate-
fair.com/
Para-Commandos
Shedule
Cont from front page...
5th Annual Ta m p a
Clean City Day Event
Raymond James Stadium
3/12/2011
April 16 - Sun 'n Fun
International Fly-In-
Ma x P a r t i c i p a t i o n o n
Weekend Lakeland Linder
Regional Airport 3/29/2011

7. USSOCOM and
the Ragnar Florida Keys Race
By TSgt Larry Carpenter, SOPA Operations warriors and their their time was 24:03:58, which
Eighteen members from families. In support of the Special was enough for them to win first
U.S. Special Operations Operations Warrior Foundation, place in the ultra division by two
Command participated in the the team raised nearly $4300 and half hours, finishing in sixth
inaugural Ra g n a r F l o r i d a($4279 to be exact) for college place overall.
K e y s e ndurance relay race scholarships and providing family SOCOM6 members were Col.
Jan. 7-8. support to members of the Special Frank Donovan, Col. Lex Brown,
Operations Forces community Cmdr. Todd Gagnon, Lt. Col.
The Ragnar Florida Keys
affected by combat and training (AUS) Stuart Davies, Maj. Rob
relay race is a 191-mile course casualties.
that took racers from Crandon Bailey and Lt. Cmdr. Brian
SOCOM 12’s lead-off runner O’Lavin.
Park in Miami Fl., located on the
broke his ankle the night before The members of SOCOM12
barrier island of Key Biscayne, the race and could not compete.
were Mr. Donovan Haggas,
all the way to the famous Duval In true SOF warrior fashion, the
Col. Christopher Leyda, Col.
Street in Key West, Fla. team decided to run with eleven Stephen Goto, Lt. Col. Thomas
members. The team finished third Hancock, Lt. Col. Cynthia
The command was repre-
in their division with an overall Hazel, Lt. Col. James Higgins,
sented by two teams: a 12-man
time of 28:58:50. Maj. Matthew Razvillas, Maj.
regular relay (SOCOM 12) and
a six-man “ultra” relay team Battling injuries sustained Billy Moore, Maj. Eric Young,
(SOCOM 6) who ran around during the race, SOCOM6 mem- Capt. Trevor Nolan, Master
the clock for more than 24 bers missed their goal of finishing Sgt. Brian Burns and Mr.
hours honoring fallen Special the race in less than 24 hours; William Lengner, SOCC-SC.
Left to right: starting
line--Davies, Bailey, Gagnon,
Brown, Donovan, O'lavin
Left to right:Team at the
finish line with their medals-
-Gagnon, O'lavin, Brown,
Bailey, Davies, Donovan
Colonel Donovan handing off the baton to Major Bailey

8. 2011 Thrift Savings Plan Contribution Limits
TAX ASSISTANCE
TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan that gives investors
AVAILABLE
an opportunity to lower their taxes each year they contribute, Tax assistance will be
because taxes are deferred until the employee withdraws from provided at MacDill’s Retiree
the account after retirement. Activities Office (RAO) from
1 February to 18 April 2011.
Federal Retirement Thrift or when the maximum catch-up This service is free for
Investment Board members dollar limit is reached. Eligible retirees, spouses and active duty
announced the 2011 elective employees must submit a new families.
deferral limit for regular Thrift election each year. Walk-in service or appoint-
Savings Plan contributions will ments are available Monday
remain $16,500, and TSP For more information about TSP, through Friday from 0900-1500,
catch-up plan contribution limits go to: www.tsp.gov active duty members who walk in
will remain at $5,500. between 0900 and 1100
visit the Air Force personnel in uniform, will have priority.
TSP options include stocks,
ervices website or call the The RAO are now taking
government securities or lifecycle
Total Force Service Center at appointments by calling;
funds.
800-525-0102. 813-828-0248.
Regular TSP contributions
stop when contributions reach the ELECTRONIC FILING
annual maximum limit and Starting 1 February the
Tax Assistance
automatically resume the next RAO will have five computers
calendar year. The MacDill Family available for electronic filing.
Catch-up contributions are Re s o u rc e Center in Using the e-filing service you
ad d i t i o n a l t a x - d e f e r r e d Brandon (A&FRC satellite can receive your return in
contributions, separate from office) is offering a free approximately two weeks
regular TSP contributions. To be If the RAO did not prepare
tax assistance service by
your 2009 Tax return, please
eligible for catch-up contribu- appointment from 0900-
bring a copy with you.
tions, investors must be age 50 or
1600, Monday through The program is sponsored by
older the year the first deduction
Saturday. For more the Staff Judge Advocate and is
from pay occurs. Contributors
information call: operated under the supervision of
must also be in a pay status and
813-655-9281. the RAO. Tax preparers are
able to certify they will make, or trained under the VITA (Volunteer
have made, the maximum regular They are located at
Income Tax Assistance) program
contributions by the end of 710 Oakfield Dr, Suite 153, and are certified by the IRS
the year. Catch-up contributions Brandon FL for performance at a level
automatically stop with the last commensurate with most retirees'
pay date in the calendar year incomes.

10. Emergency Management Corner
By Matthew Management element, HQ disaster plan.
Stork, CPM US S O C O M d e v e l o p e d a About the Author: Mr.
Each y e a r, supporting program called Matthew J. Stork is the
disasters th e C o m m a n d C o n t i n u i t y USSOCOM Continuity Program
disrupt count- Management Office (CPMO). Manager. He is responsible for
le s s lives One key responsibility of development and maintenance of
aro u n d the the CPMO is development the HQ Continuity of Operations
World. It is no and maintenance of the HQ Plan, the Disaster Preparedness
revelation that a USSOCOM Disaster Prepared- Plan, and the Survivability,
disaster can have lasting impact, ness Plan (DP). Key emergency Recovery, and Reconstitution
to both people and property. management responsibilities Plan. Matt is also an Assistant
Unfortunately, many of these and procedures are outlined in the Professor at American Military
people are military service DP Plan, which focuses on our University, and teaches Graduate
members and their families who Personnel. In short, the DP Courses within the School
suffer the wrath from a wide plan prepares the Command for of Public Safety and Health.
variety of events. Examples the possibility of a natural or Matt’s Emergency management
may include wi l d f i r e s , manmade disaster with little or no background includes National
hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, warning. certification as an EMT and Fire
tornados, etc. However, having a The HQ USSOCOM DP plan Fighter, is FEMA certified as a
plan and being prepared can seeks to ensure the safety of our Continuity and Emergency
reduce fear, anxiety, and the loss personnel and their dependents by Planner, and is a Lt Col in the
that accompanies disasters. providing guidance on roles and AFR, assigned to the 927 ARW
For this reason, it's important responsibilities, and is directly Aerospace Medicine Flight,
everyone be prepared and supportive to the installation MacDill AFB. He can be
ready…as best we can. emergency management plan. contacted at:
To meet the challenge of The USSOCOM DP Plan storkm@socom.mil or
preparedness and readiness for outlines policy and procedures to M a t t h e w. S t o rk @ u s . a f . m i l
all hazards, each installation educate command personnel and
Commander has an emergency their families on how we will Health and
management planning element respond to any threat any hazard Wellness Center
that provides guidance, oversight, that could or would impact our Ma c D i l l ’ s Health and
support, and when necessary, SOCOM family. The plan strives We l l n e s s C e n t e r ( H AW C)
action to help mitigate, respond to ensure each member and bo a s t s a s t a t e - o r - t h e a r t
to, and recover from a disaster. their dependents are informed, facility providing programs
The emergency management prepared, and ready when faced and preventive wellbeing
element ensures plans, resources, with a disaster event. services which increase
readiness, reduces health risk,
and procedures are in place when In the next quarterly newslet-
striving to improve the quality
faced with any situation, be it a ter, we will outline family
of life for active duty, family
little or no warning situation. disaster planning responsibilities, members, retirees and DOD
At MacDill AFB, the Emer- procedures, and recommenda- civilians. The HAWC is open
gency Planning Element is the tions on how to prepare for and be Monday-Friday 0730-1630
responsibility of the 6th Air ready for the upcoming hurricane closed during lunch from
Mo b i l i t y W i n g ( A M W) season. We will also discuss 1130-1230. Call today for more
Commander, who provides specific programs and services in information 813-828-4739 or
support to all on-base Commands place at MacDill each family visit us on line at:
and their personnel. In support of member should know when www.macdillafb.be-
the 6th AMW Emergency preparing to develop their family stofhealth.com

11. Influenza (or “the Flu”)
INFLUENZA Antibiotics will NOT cure influenza or In adults, seek emergency
(OR “THE FLU”) colds, which are caused by viruses. An- medical attention for:
Influenza virus is spread from tibiotics are only useful in combating
person to person via the respiratory bacterial infections. Only time and your -Difficulty breathing or
system (coughing/sneezing). Flu may immune system can cure influenza and shortness of breath
also spread by touching something that cold viruses.
has been contaminated with the virus. -Pain or pressure in the chest
A person can infect another person a day Make an appt to see your health or abdomen
before they notice symptoms. Affected care provider if:
-Sudden dizziness or confusion
persons are infectious for a week after
becoming ill; young children may be -cough lasts more than
-Severe or persistent vomiting
infectious for 10 days or more. 10 days
-Flu-like symptoms improve
Influenza Frequent Signs and -fever lasts several days or is
but then return with fever and
Symptoms: over 101 F
worse cough
-Stuffy or runny nose -painful earache or
Flu Prevention Measures
-Nasal discharge severe headache
-Avoid contact during the
-Throat scratchy and sore -chills, chest pain, shortness contagious stage (first 2-4 days)
-Coughing and sneezing of breath
-Loss of voice -Wash hands often, especially
-skin rash or unexplained
-Fever (> 100.5 F) after blowing nose or before
bruised skin
handling food
-Mild headache
-pain in sinuses or teeth
Cold symptoms start slowly -Cough/sneeze into your upper
and symptoms are mild. Flu -severe throat pain or white/ sleeve (not your hands)
symptoms are more sudden and yellow spots on the tonsils or
include higher fevers, severe body aches, other parts of the throat -Eat a well balanced diet and
chills, sweats, weakness, severe sore increase fluids
throat, cough, and chest discomfort. -enlarged, tender glands in
the neck -Avoid touching hands to face
MEDICATION and
(especially eyes, nose,
TREATMENT Emergency Warning Signs and mouth)
Try treatment on your own for 3 days
In children, seek emergency
before seeking medical attention.
Increase fluid intake and get ample medical attention for: -Avoid unnecessary personal
sleep. Use nonprescription drugs such as contact especially with persons
-Fast breathing or trouble
Tylenol, cold and sinus medicine, nose who are obviously ill
breathing
drops or spray, cough remedies and
throat lozenges to reduce symptoms and - Bluish or gray skin -Stay home and away from
discomfort. others when not feeling well
- Not drinking enough fluids
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO -Severe or persistent vomiting -Increase sleep
CHILDREN LESS THAN 12
YEARS OF AGE; -Not waking up or not -Get vaccinated
interacting
it can cause Reye’s Syndrome.
-Being so irritable that the child Whether you see a health care
For more information about Reye’s provider or not, stay home until
syndrome, visit: does not want to be held
you have no fever or other
h t t p : / / w w w. n i n d s . n i h . g o v / -Flu-like symptoms improve symptoms for at least 24 hours.
disorders/reyes_syndrome/rey but then return with fever and Flu may take 5 to 10 days to
es_syndrome.htm . worse cough completely resolve.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ to get the most up to date information on the flu/H1N1.

12. MacDill’s Veterinary Treatment Facility
New Year Healthy Pet… weak, could be hypothermic. Call your pet’s health care.
Design a diet and exercise your veterinarian immediately. Mac D i l l ’ s Ve t e r i n a r y
plan to meet your pet’s specific 3. Before traveling with Treatment Facility hours of
needs your pets, make sure they have operation are Monday through
Obesity leads to serious dog all required vaccinations and Friday from 0800-1600, closed on
and cat health problems such health papers. If they are on all federal holidays and the last
as heart disease. Exercise is medications, have enough to last working day of the month for
important, but a pet will only ex- through the trip. inventory. Patients are seen by
ercise if there is an incentive to do 4. Remember that even the appointment only scheduled one
so . Yo u r v e t e r i n a r i a n w i ll most gentle and trusting pet may week in advance.
consider what stage of life your bite when in pain. If you must Services provided:
pet is in, the amount of activity muzzle, use a soft towel or cloth
your pet enjoys, and the time of strips and remove it as soon as • Vaccinations
year before outlining a specific possible so the pet can breathe • Microchipping
plan. The right kind of food and more easily. • Health Certificates
physical activity can add to the 5. If you must transport an • Treatment and
quality of your pet’s life. injured or ill animal, a blanket, prevention of
vinyl mat, and even a door make Zoonotic diseases
Following are five general pet excellent stretchers. The trick is to
• Prescription heartworm
care tips: immobilize the animal to avoid
1. Mmm... All that choco- further stress. prevention and
late! None for your pets please! The American Animal flea control
Chocolate contains a toxic Hospital Association asks you to Appointments can be made
substance, theobromine, which is provide a safe environment, qual- in p e r s o n o r b y c a l l i n g
harmful to pets. So, just say NO! ity diet, exercise, and adequate 828-3558/3559 If you have
2. Is it an emergency? A veterinary care for your pet. questions or concerns call or stop
pet exposed to bitter cold that Consult your veterinarian if you by the clinic during normal duty
Quick Reference Numbers
becomes lethargic, depressed, and have any questions regarding hours.
USSOCOM MacDill AFB ID Card Office 828-2276
Chaplain 826-5080 Air Force Aid Society Legal Office 828-4421
Care Coalition 826-3099 828-2721 Lodging 828-4259
Command Post 826-5300
Airman & Family Readiness MacDill Family Resource
Emergency Center 828-0145 Center (Brandon) 655-9281
Information Line American Red Cross Medical Clinic–
866-686-3653 1-877-272-7337 6th Med Group 828-5393
FRG Coordinator 826-3742 Base Command Post
HQ Commandant 826-3722 828-4361 Pharmacy 827-9300
First Sergeant 826-4869 TRICARE 827-9900
Family Advocacy 827-9172
Medical Clinic 827-9870
Security Police 826-2888 Military One Source
Housing Harbor Bay at 800-342-9647
OPSEC Family Representative MacDill 828-3166
826-5383 840-2600