July 2012 ACS Newsletter. Contact us at 718 630-4754 for more information

1. Family July 2012
Times
Military families get free passes to national parks
Article from www.armymwr.com
YORKTOWN, Va. (Army News Service) From Alcatraz
Island to Zion National Park, Soldiers and their families
can visit more than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges,
national forests, and other public lands around the nation
this year, without paying entry fees.
Beginning Armed Forces Day, May 19, active-duty
and activated Guard and Reserve service members
can pick up the new military version of the "America
the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation
Lands Annual Pass." Military members and their dependents can pick up their own
pass at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an
The pass will be accepted at National Park Service, U.S. entrance fee or other selected sites. They must show a valid
Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau military identification card to obtain their pass. The pass is also
of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army available to dependent family members of active-duty personnel.
Corps of Engineer recreation sites that charge entrance or
standard amenity fees. With the pass, those entry fees Where there are entrance fees, the pass covers the owner and
will be waived. accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial
vehicle at recreation sites that charge per vehicle. At sites where
The pass is part of the "Joining Forces" initiative to per-person entrance fees are charged, it covers the pass owner
support service members and their families, said Dr. Jill and three accompanying adults age 16 and older. There is no
Biden. entry fee for children 15 and under.
"First Lady Michelle Obama and I started the Joining For more information on the pass, please visit:
Forces initiative last year as a way to honor, recognize and http://store.usgs.gov/pass/
support our veterans and military families," Biden said.
"This effort is a wonderful way to give something back, (A White House "Joining Forces" news release contributed to
giving our military men and women and their families a this article.)
chance to reconnect with their loved ones, experience the
beauty of this country, and simply have a little fun."
At a ceremony May 15 at Colonial National Historical In This Issue
Park in Yorktown, Va., Secretary of the Interior Ken Director’s Corner………………..……..……...2
Salazar, Director of the National Park Service Jon Jarvis Newcomers’.....………………………….....….2
and Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Jo- ACS Directory...…….………………………...2
Ellen Darcy distributed the first passes to one member AFAP/AFTB/MRT……...…...……..…………3
from each of the military's five branches.
FAP…………...…..…………………………...4
"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to our servicemen and FRP………..…....……………………..............5
women who make great sacrifices and put their lives on Safety……...……...……...................................6
the lines to protect our country and preserve our freedom," EFMP/SOS/MFLC.………………...................7
Salazar said. "In recognition of their contributions and AVC/ERP………...…………………...............8
service, we are putting out a welcome mat for these brave Relo/Mob/Dep….………………….............9/10
men and women and their families at America's most Calendar..…………………………………….11
beautiful and storied sites."

2. Director’s Corner
Carmen E. Borrero, ACS Director
ACS PROGRAMS & STAFF
ACS Director Family Advocacy
New to Ft. Hamilton?
Carmen Borrero Vincent DiMaira Would you like to learn more
about your new community?
718-630-4457 718-630-4460
Army Emergency Relief Financial Readiness
718-630-4754 718-630-4754
Army Family
Attend Our Newcomer’s
Front Desk/Information
Team Building & Referral Orientation!
John Mapes Magda Lawrence
718-630-4498 718-630-4754
Army Family Action Plan Lending Closet July 26, 2012
Starts at 8:30 a.m.
John Mapes Madeline Pastorella
718-630-4498 718-630-4754
Army Volunteer Corps Relocation Readiness
Joseph Gamez Madeline Pastorella
718-630-4756 718-630-4462
Deployment Readiness Sexual Assault & Location:
ACS Conference Room
Madeline Pastorella Victim Advocacy
718-630-4462 Vincent DiMaira
Bldg. 137-C Poly Place
718-630-4460
Employment Readiness
Joseph Gamez Survivor
718-630-4756 Outreach Services
718-630-4754
Exceptional Family
Member Program
Vincent DiMaira
Please Call Maddy to
718-630-4460 Reserve Your Seat
(718) 630-4754

3. Master Resiliency Training (MRT)
Module 2 Unit 1
Activating Event, Thoughts & Consequences
17 July 2012 --1300 hrs at the
Army Community Service Center
137 C Poly Place, 1st floor-- Fort Hamilton.
Join us as we continue the MRT series of training. It’s not too late to join
our class. Open to all Military, Family Members and DoD Civilians.
Call 718 630-4498 or e-mail john.e.mapes2.civ@mail.mil to reserve
your seat or get information.
Army Family Action Plan
Army Family Team Building
Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)
Is a program designed to give Soldiers,
family members, retirees, DoD civilians,
and teens an opportunity to voice their
New to Military Life?
concerns and suggestions on how to
improve life and living conditions for all Ever wonder why we do
members of the Fort Hamilton community. what we do?
To inquire about AFAP classes, please Join our AFTB Class!
contact John Mapes @ 718-630-4498 July 03, 2012 at 11am-1230pm
Location: ACS Conference Room
AFAP…Voice of the Army Community Building 137C, 1st Floor
Army Family Action Plan
Bldg. 137C, Poly Place
Phone: (718) 630-4498
To sign up please contact:
Program Manager, John Mapes
John Mapes at 718-630-4498

4. Jillian Michaels: Put the
Brakes on Emotional Eating
www.everydayhealth.com
A bad day at the office soothed by a pint of creamy ice
cream. Nightly boredom in front of the TV solved by a bag of
crunchy pretzels. Stressful family events managed with says. "Make a list of hobbies you love and people you can turn
heaping plates of gooey pasta. Whatever the cause, millions to. Reach out to those people and establish the ability to
of people struggle with emotional eating, which is defined as call them at any time so they can be a support system for you.‖
eating because of an emotion, not hunger, every day. Experts
estimate that 75 percent of all overeating is fueled by Ask for help. To avoid emotional eating, you ultimately have
emotion. to keep yourself accountable. But that doesn't mean you have
to go at it completely alone. Find a diet buddy to confide in, or
On a recent episode of Daily Dose With Jillian Michaels, reach out to loved ones, and ask them to cover for you when
Jillian advises Antoinette, whose son's Leukemia diagnosis you need a little time to yourself for your favorite stress-
has led her to self-medicate with food. Twenty pounds later, busting healthy activity, such as exercising, reading a good
she's asked for help on how to curb emotional eating. book, or getting a quick mani-pedi.
Throughout all the family stress, Antoinette reports that
losing weight has been tough, and sticking with a diet has "Do what you need to do to survive, to take care of your son, to
been nearly impossible, sound familiar? Try Jillian's top tips take care of your daughter, to take care of your husband,"
for putting a stop to emotional eating and getting back on Jillian suggests. "And that means leaning on other people.―
track with your health.
Know your triggers. If you can't stay away from chips and
Write a list of alternatives. The No. 1 piece of advice Jillian salsa or your favorite cereal, don't keep it in the house. You're
offers to emotional eaters: Focus on feeling good with more likely to overindulge in your favorite comfort food when
something or someone that's not food. When she's feeling its easily available. If your family can't live without the trigger
down, Jillian says she turns to uplifting activities, such as foods that send you spiraling, keep them in a cabinet
riding her horse, walking her dog, or even just relaxing and that's separate from your day-to-day foods — out of sight, out
watching a favorite TV show. "I have these behaviors that I of mind.
turn to, that I find pleasurable, that are going to help distract
me from feeling scared, upset, emotional, or anxious," she Analyze your hunger. When you're about to reach for that
second serving, put the brakes on and stop to think. Are you
Family
really hungry, or tempted to overeat because of boredom or
stress? If the answer is emotion, the next step is to ask yourself
Advocacy
what's really missing from your life. Figure out which emotion
is driving your eating, and take steps to solve it.
Program Take a hike. If you're bored eating, some sort of activity is
usually the answer. Pry yourself away from the kitchen and go
for a brisk walk instead. If you're feeling lonely, call that friend
who you asked to help keep you accountable. If you regularly
Dedicated to Spousal & Child
eat to reward yourself, try a larger goal to keep you on track
long-term, such as a massage, a movie ticket, or a long
Abuse Prevention, Education, weekend away.
Prompt Reporting, Investigation, Recover one day at a time. Busting long-standing habits is
& Intervention difficult, but not impossible. Each day you're able to resist
overeating out of emotion, mark an "X" on your calendar.
To access the Family Advocacy
You'll be less likely to break the streak if you have a visual
reminder of how far you've come. If you do slip up, don't beat
Program, please contact Vincent yourself up about it. Instead, take a step back, and create a plan
DiMaira at 718-630-4460 that will see you through next time.

5. Financially Helping Your Adult Children
Article from www.moneymanagement.org
Financial Readiness Program
Helping someone obtain his or her financial goals can be very
rewarding, especially if you are helping your own child.
When your adult child asks for financial help, they can be
difficult to refuse, however, you need to be careful. Every
child (even those within the same family) is different, and
you’ll need to assess each situation individually. If your
normally responsible child needs help, that can be a very
different situation than a not-yet-independent adult child Cosigning does not equal ownership
needing financial help yet again. It is a common misperception that cosigning a secured loan
entitles you to ownership. However, if you cosign a loan for a
If you feel that your normally responsible child needs help vehicle and your name is not on the title, you are not entitled to
because of an emergency situation, you may consider ownership of the vehicle. This is true even if you are the one
assisting them, especially if you and your spouse are in making payments.
agreement. Be very clear with your child about the kind of
assistance you are providing, as well as the terms of that The decision to cosign a loan for someone comes down to this:
assistance. If you offer a loan that must be repaid, discuss Are you willing to pay the debt? If you are not willing to assume
loan terms prior to giving any money. totally responsibility, you should not agree to sign for the loan.
There are other options—you could offer assistance in a
However, if you find that your adult child needs help yet different way, one that may help your adult child get back on his
again because he or she isn’t financially responsible, or her feet in a more responsible way.
providing them financial education rather than money is
going to help them more in the long run. Try to talk with your
child about developing a long-term financial plan as well as
possible solutions to their short-term problem. Constantly
providing your child with the money they request will not
teach them financial responsibility.
Be especially careful if your child asks for help cosigning a
loan. Cosigning a loan carries many risks and very little
reward. In fact, many financial experts believe that you
should never put your name on someone else’s loan. As a
parent, however, it can be hard not to help your own child. If
you have been asked to cosign a loan, understand the risks
before you sign on the dotted line.
You are responsible for the debt
If the primary borrower does not pay the debt as agreed, for
any reason, the creditor will hold you responsible. You should
not assume that the lender will pursue collecting from the
primary borrower if the borrower in unresponsive. In most
cases, collectors will seek payment from the person who
offers the best chance of recovering the money, which is
likely to be you, and if you do not pay, you could be sued.
Your credit report may suffer
For more information
Any late payments made by the primary borrower will appear
on your credit report. This is true even if you were unaware
that late payments were being made. In addition, the cosigned Please call 718-630-4754
loan could change your debt-to-income ratio, making it
harder to qualify for future credit.

6. Take 5 for Safety
Enjoy Fireworks-Safely!
Article from www.safety.army.mil
Information & Referral
Thousands of Americans enjoy shooting fireworks every obey all local laws; always keep water handy; only use
year, and while fireworks-related injuries are on the decline, fireworks as intended; never relight a dud; read all warning
everyone should remain vigilant when handling pyrotechnics. labels; and never use illegal or homemade fireworks.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, hospital ―We have a multitude of safety tips and resources available
emergency rooms treated approximately 8,600 people for on our website, www.fireworkssafety.org,‖ said Apel. ―What
fireworks-related injuries during 2010. Of those injuries, 73 I always like to stress to folks is have a designated shooter,
percent occurred between June 18 and July 18. An estimated use common sense, and remember alcohol and fireworks do
1,200 ER visits were associated with sparklers, 900 with not mix.‖
firecrackers and 400 with bottle rockets.
―Parents need to teach their children fireworks safety just like
Though fireworks are readily available in many states, they teach them other safety lessons around the house,‖ said
Soldiers, Family members and Civilians must ensure they are Ralph Apel, spokesperson for the National Council on
buying legal fireworks and understand the hazards associated Fireworks Safety. ―When using sparklers, individuals should
with handling explosives. be 12 years old or older.‖
The USFA reports that two out of five people injured in 2010 ―There’s nothing wrong with enjoying fireworks at your
were under the age of 15, and even a seemingly harmless home with friends and Family as long as you do so safely,‖
sparkler burns at about 2,000 F. said Lt. Col. Spencer Ashford, director, U.S. Army Combat
Readiness/Safety Center Ground Directorate. ―But sometimes
Officials at the NCFS offer the following tips for a safe, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and let the pros
enjoyable fireworks display: only shoot fireworks outdoors; handle the fireworks show.‖
Free Event Free Event
Independence Day Celebration Independence Day Celebration
Fort Hamilton Army Base Fort Hamilton Army Base
Sunday July 1st Sunday July 1st
Register today via the website! Register today via the website!
www.hamiltonmwr.com www.hamiltonmwr.com

7. Prevention
Sexual assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as
intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force,
physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim
does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault includes: Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult
things anyone can go through. In its commitment to
Rape - Sexual intercourse by force and without consent. the Families of the Fallen, the United States Army
has developed a comprehensive Survivor
Nonconsensual Sodomy - Oral or anal sex by force and Outreach Services (SOS) Program.
without consent.
The mission of the Survivor Outreach Services
Indecent Assault - Unwanted, inappropriate sexual (SOS) is to provide long-term support to Families
contact or fondling. of our Fallen Soldiers by offering assistance with
any concerns or issues, providing information on
Carnal Knowledge - Sexual intercourse with a child services and programs, and connecting Families to
under age 16. outreach organizations both inside and outside the
Department of Defense.
Attempts to commit these acts.
If you would like more information, please call
If you are a victim of a sexual assault, please contact the 718-630-4754
ACS Assault Response Coordinator at 718-630-4460 or
347-452-4302 24/7.
Military & Family Life Consultant Exceptional Family
Member Program (EFMP)
NEED TO TALK?
Military & Family Life Consultants
Help with the Stress of Military Life
EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that
works with other military and civilian agencies to
provide comprehensive and coordinated medical,
educational, housing, community support, and
personnel services to Families with special needs.
Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) For any questions concerning the Exceptional
are mental health specialist who Family Member Program, please contact Vincent
DiMaira, Family Advocacy Program Manager at
provide confidential, short-term, non-medical
718-630-4460
counseling to Military Families.
To enroll your Family Member in EFMP, contact
To access MFLC services please call: Nola Francois at Keller Army Community Hospital
(718) 757-9408 at West Point. 845-938-6881

8. Walt Disney World’s
Armed Forces Salute 2012
(Travel must be completed by September 30. 2012)
Active Duty and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast
Guard, and active members of the National Guard, or Reservists, may purchase
4-Day Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute Tickets for themselves and up to
five (5) family members and/or friends.
*4 Day Military Ticket w/ Park Hopper Option only $138.00
*4 Day Military Ticket w/ Water Park Fun and More Options only $138.00
*4 Day Military Ticket w/ Park Hopper & Water Park Fun &
More Options only $165.00
Purchase your tickets at Sector NY MWR, Fort Wadsworth 718-354-4407, D01-MWRSECNY@uscg.mil. Military
ID cardholder must purchase the tickets and must be present at ticket activation. Complete eligibility requirements
available at MWR. All tickets sold are final, no refunds are available. Available only for Disney World in Florida.
While the “Salute” Ticket offers four days of Theme Park visitation, the Water Park Fun & More option allows the
Guests to choose one of the following for each Fun visit: “One (1) visit to DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Park
*One (1) visit to Disney’s Wide World Of Sports® Complex (valid only on events days; some events require an
additional admission charge). The Water Park Options can extend your stay, they do not count against your theme
park visitations unless used the same day.
Block Out Dates for WDW Block Out dates July 4th, 2012, tickets will not be valid at Magic Kingdom. To visit the
Magic Kingdom during the block out dates, you must order the standard military discounted tickets.
Employment Readiness Program
Army Volunteer Corps
Employment Readiness Offers:
Lend a hand….make a difference
Meet New People Job Search Assistance
Become Active in Your Community Resume Development
Gain New Job Skills Career Planning
Feel Good About Yourself Vacancy Listings
Enhance Job Opportunities
Gain Experience
Job Search Training
Network Computer & Internet Access
Volunteer Today!
To Schedule an appointment, please call
TO REGISTER please call (718) 630-4756 Joseph Gamez at (718) 630-4756

9. PCS Financial Tips for
Military Families
Article from www.saveandinvest.org
Relocation Program
Whether your family is planning for a PCS move now or in a
few years, questions about finances undoubtedly will arise.
The following tips can help you plan financially for your next
move.
Get on the same page. Start by talking with your spouse about percent of military personnel live off-base. As you create a
your family’s finances. These steps can help you initiate a budget detailing expected income and expenses at your new
discussion that is productive and may help prevent potential duty station, be sure to compare current and future Basic
financial difficulties. Allowance for Housing (BAH) to determine how much house
you can afford. Use the BAH Calculator from the Defense
Close out and transfer accounts. Make a list of all your Travel Management Office to find out your specific
financial accounts. Note which accounts can be transferred allowance.
and ones that need to be closed and reopened in your new
location. Take advantage of the move as a way to shop for Save those receipts! Be sure to keep all your receipts and put
lower rates on some financial products (e.g., homeowners’ or them in a central place—including expenses that don’t qualify
renters’ insurance). for reimbursement—because they may qualify as tax
deductions. Pay off your bills immediately.
Pay all your current bills. To avoid negative impact on your
credit, be sure to pay all close-out bills such as electricity, Get answers to your questions. As you plan your move,
water, etc., before leaving. Provide all organizations with a financial questions may arise, such as whether to buy or rent a
forwarding address as there may be unpaid bills that will home. The Foundation’s Money and Mobility publication
follow you. includes a chapter dedicated to PCS moves, complete with
resources, worksheets, checklists and the Make a Moving
Compare the value of your housing allowance. Sixty-five Fund worksheet to help you plan.
Military Youth on the Move
box, so label each one as you go.
http://apps.mhf.dod.mil
Relo/Mob/Dep Program
Plan for the trip. Don't forget to keep out a few things that
Getting packed can be a lot of hard work you'll need along the way. Whether you're driving or flying
and kind of frustrating if you feel like you've done it a million to your new home, you'll want to have books or magazines
times before. If you've moved before, you probably have a handy, some entertainment like CDs or your MP3 player, and
good idea about what worked and what didn't last time maybe something to do like a travel size video game.
around. Use your own ideas, and check out some of the tips
below for some helpful information. Make a separate box or bag for your first few nights at
your new installation. It might take a while for you to get
Get organized first. Sort through your room and closet to into your permanent home and to get fully unpacked, so keep
figure out what you want to keep and what you are ready to a few important things in a box or bag that you can easily get
give away or get rid of. Make a trip to the installation thrift to like pajamas, a toothbrush, a pillow and blanket, and the
store, relief society, church or charity and donate those old book you are reading.
clothes and games you're no longer interested in.
Helpful Tips
Separate things into piles when you pack. You don't want Get involved. Ask your parents how else you can help with
to put your sports equipment with your video games or your the move. Maybe you can help plan a garage sale or help a
favorite dress with your gym shoes. Make sure the things you younger sibling with packing.
put into boxes go together and can't harm one another.
Make packing as enjoyable as possible. Invite some friends
Get markers and label your boxes. When it's finally time over to help, play some music, and laugh about some of your
to unpack at your new home, it's nice to know what's in each old clothes and music you've still got around.

10. Waiting Families Relocation Program
eSponsorship Application & Training
Spouses Support Group
3rd Saturday, Monthly
Training Sponsors to Assist Relocating
Service Members & Their Families
Sponsorship Training Available
on the following date:
September 17, 2012
NYC Aquarium Location ACS, Bldg. 137
July 21, 2012 1300 – 1400 hrs.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm,
Meet at ACS, Bldg. 137C, 1st Floor
Please call to reserve your seat!! For more information contact
Phone: 718-630-4754 Madeline Pastorella 718-630-4754/4462
Loan Closet Mobilization & Deployment
Need to borrow something? Immigration & Naturalization
Visit our Lending Closet Assistance:
Dishes, pots, pans, & baby strollers,
sleeping mats, & more!
Provided to Active Duty, eligible
reservists, retirees & Family Members.
This service offers information on
Immigration and Naturalization
policies, procedures and forms.
Fort Hamilton
Army Community Service Due to the high demand of this
Relocation Readiness Program service, appointments are preferred.
Bldg. 137C Poly Place
To schedule an appointment call
718-630-4754 (718) 630-4462

11. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
AFTB –Training Happy ACS HOURS ACS HOURS
0830-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630
ACS Conf Rm.
4 th of July!!
Computer Lab Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
ACS HOURS Master Resiliency ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS Waiting Families
0800-1630 Training 0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 NY Aquarium
Computer Lab 1300-1400 Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab 1300-1600 Meet
0800-1600 ACS Conf. Rm. 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 @ ACS Conf. Rm.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS ACS HOURS Newcomer’s ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630 0800-1630 0830-1130 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab Computer Lab ACS Conf Rm. Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600 0800-1600
29 30 31
ACS HOURS ACS HOURS
0800-1630 0800-1630
Computer Lab Computer Lab
0800-1600 0800-1600