1. http://www.health.mil/blog/10-06-24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.
This Week in MC&FP
May 20, 2011
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It’s far too easy to take our modern transportation capabilities for granted. Even
in the aftermath of national disasters, our defense transportation and logistics experts harness the
industry’s skills and expertise to bring together users, manufacturers, mode carriers, information
technology and related military, government and civil interests to provide a strong and responsive
transportation capability.
Today is 44th celebration of National Defense Transportation Day. It’s also to the
anniversary of Charles Lindbergh’s first solo transatlantic flight which began May 20, 1927, in Long
Island, New York, and the anniversary of the first woman – Amelia Earhart – to accomplish a solo
transatlantic flight five years later on May 20, 1932. These early pioneers of flight helped to shape
delivery systems that, today, add significantly to the quality of our lives. This weekend, across the
globe many will help celebrate Armed Forces Day. If you are among them, just remember to thank
the transportation team and the logistics planners – where would we be without them?!
Have a good week and take care.
Please note: Some hyperlinks in this text are lengthy, sometimes extending more than one line. For best
results, cut and paste the entire link into your Web browser.
From the DASD, Robert L. Gordon III
With summer nearly upon us, I know we are all busily planning our summer activities to take
advantage of some well-earned time off with family and friends. While there are many great deals
available to our military members and families thanks to the generosity of our communities, I wanted to
highlight one program in particular that I feel is rich with culture, history, education, and fun: Blue
Star Museums. Through the Blue Star Museums program, all military members and their families
receive free admission to more than 1,300 museums in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from
Memorial Day, May 30, through Labor Day, Sept. 5, 2011. Blue Star Museums is the result of a
partnership among Blue Star Families, the NEA and museums across the country. While available to
all active/activated duty military members and families, the program was specifically designed to
provide a fun outlet for the approximately one million children who have had at least one parent
deployed. This will be only the second year for the program. More than 300,000 military families
participated last year, visiting more than 950 sites across the country. For more information, see:
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/05/blue-star-museums-free-admission-from-memorial-day-to-
labor-day/
Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.

2. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
From DoDEA
• DoDEA Asks Parents and Students for Input on 21st Century Education Environment
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is offering teachers, parents, students and
other community members a chance to collaborate on how future learning environments are
designed, constructed and furnished. DoDEA has established a three-phase plan entitled, Facilities
for 21st Century Learning. Phase 1, which has already occurred, brought together experts from
industry, educational leaders, and futurists. Phase 2 focuses on receiving ideas and input from
customers -- students, teachers, parents, and communities. Phase 3 will involve a thorough analysis
and synthesis of all submitted ideas and input. Parents and community members are invited to share
ideas at: http://21stcentury.dodea.edu/. DoDEA also established a space an internal site for
employees to submit ideas at: http://intersect.hq.ds.dodea.edu/community/21stcenturyschools. For
more information, see: http://www.dodea.edu/pressroom/releasesDisplay.cfm?prId=20110513
From the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth
• Age Appropriate Books on Moving with Children
Moving can be challenging and exciting. Moving is difficult for an adult and it is just as hard for
children. No matter what the age of the child there are emotional and logistical issues that arise.
Visit the link below for a sampling of the many wonderful books available to families moving with
children. Many of the books listed below address both of these issues as well as preparation,
dealing with potential problems during the move and ongoing challenges once you and your family
have relocated. http://www.facebook.com/MCandFP#!/notes/military-community-and-family-
policy/plan-my-move-series-moving-books-for-children/10150240725238278
• 2011 Student ESSAY Contest - Grand Prize Winner - Voting Ends May 31!
The annual ASYMCA Art and Essay Contest is officially launched every November and is open to
all eligible children of U.S. active duty or retired service members. Winners are chosen the
following spring. Winners of both the art and essay contests have their winning entries displayed in
a number of locations in the Washington, D.C., area, including in the Russell Rotunda, and are
recognized at an annual luncheon on Capitol Hill. ASYMCA awards U.S. Savings bonds totaling
$7,600 to 1st and 2nd place winners of both contests, as well as honorable mention recipients of the
essay contest. Entries for the art contest depict the theme, “My Military Family.” Co-sponsored by
GEICO, the art contest promotes art among children in grades K–6 of active duty or retired (with
20+ years of service) members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National
Guard/Reserves families. For more information, see: http://www.facebook.com/notes/armed-
services-ymca/2011-student-essay-contest-grand-prize-winner-voting-ends-may-
31/10150250461852498
• Military OneSource Webinars – Military Spouse Employment Training Continues
Webinars are Web-based training sessions using teleconference audio and the Internet to deliver an
interactive seminar. All posted times are listed in Eastern Daylight Savings Time. For more
information, see http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/OnlineCommunity/Webinars.aspx
• On the Hunt: Exploring Employment Opportunities Through USA Jobs
Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time
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3. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
As a military spouse, you often find yourself living on or near installations that employ federal
civil servants. You, too, could be one and land a federally appropriated or non-appropriated job
through USA Jobs, the official job site for the United States Federal Government. Using your
Military Spouse Preference to get your foot in the door of Federal Civil Service Employment,
you could be eligible for priority placement and/or military spouse preference. Portability is of
key importance. If you work for the government, you might be able to transfer from your
present position to a position at your spouse's new duty station.
Join as we discuss navigating and exploring your employment opportunities at
http://www.USAJobs.com. USA Jobs contains listings for all available government jobs. You
can submit your resume and apply online.
For more information on these and other upcoming Webinars, see
http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/OnlineCommunity/Webinars.aspx
From the Resale and NAF Policy Office
• Get your ‘five–or–more–a–day’ the grillin’ way
When it comes to grilling, most of us think of steaks, chops, chicken or ribs. But you’re missing out
on some of the best eating of the season if you fail to include fresh vegetables grilled right
alongside your main dish. It’s a perfect way to make sure you get the recommended five or more
servings from the fruit and vegetable food groups each day. You’ll also be missing out on some of
the very best prices in town, if you don’t buy those veggies at the commissary. Remember, we aim
to give you overall savings of 30 percent or more, just by consistent shopping at the commissary.
More info, http://www.commissaries.com/press_room/press_release/2011/DeCA_46_11.cfm
• State Booster Seat Use Requirements
In this blog post, we focus on the use of booster seats, and what state laws have to say regarding
this. This is because many states have recently revised their child restraint laws to require
appropriate restraint devices for children who have outgrown their child safety seats, but who are
still too small to use an adult seat belt system safely. Research shows that children seated in a belt-
positioning booster seat in the rear of the car are almost half as less likely to be injured in a collision
when compared to similar collisions where the children use only a seat belt. More info,
http://www.salutetoyourservice.com/?p=1438
• Commissary On-Site Sale Events
The Guard/Reserve On-site Sales Program provides the commissary benefit to deserving
Guard/Reserve members and their families who live in areas that aren’t close to an existing
commissary store. These sales are not only for the Guard and Reserve – they're for any authorized
shopper. Currently, there are no on-site sales for online ordering. For more information, visit
http://www.commissaries.com/guard_reserve_sales.cfm
In the next few weeks, DeCA will deliver the benefit:
May 28 Guard and Reserve Augusta, Maine
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4. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
June 3 Guard and Reserve Devils Lake, N.D.
June 3-4 Army National Guard Bakersville, Calif.
June 3-4 New York Army Reserve
98th Training Division Rochester, N.Y.
June 4 Guard and Reserve Madison, Wis.
June 5-6 Guard and Reserve Williamson, W. Va.
In the News
• New OPSEC Video
We know how important OPSEC is in this age of social media. Here's a 60-video that's entertaining
and informative. WATCH & SHARE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1vkOQESVq8
• TRICARE Promotes the Value of Physical Activity for All Kids
For children, having an illness or disability may present a unique challenge to staying physically
active. Children with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular physical activity than children
without disabilities, yet, they have similar needs to promote their health and prevent disease,
according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). An inactive lifestyle
can lead to problems with weight control and increased risk for diabetes and other preventable
diseases for children with disabilities as it can for any child. However for children with medical
challenges, it can also lead to unique problems, including: bone loss, blood clots, low self-esteem
and fewer social interactions. May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, sponsored by the
PCPFS. It is a great way to promote the value and fun of physical activity. During National
Physical Fitness and Sports Month, TRICARE reminds beneficiaries that the benefits of physical
activity are universal for all children, including those with disabilities. The participation of children
with disabilities in sports and recreational activities promotes inclusion, minimizes deconditioning,
optimizes physical functioning and enhances overall well-being. For more information, see:
http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/press_article.aspx?fid=534
• Lynn Cites Progress in DOD, VA Partnership
The partnership to ensure seamless transitions for wounded warriors from military to Veterans
Affairs medical care has made significant progress, but work remains to be done, Deputy Defense
Secretary William J. Lynn III said this week. In testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs
Committee, Lynn and Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary W. Scott Gould laid out their goals and
achievements to show the progress of the partnership, established four years ago. “The
professionalism and commitment of the staff in both departments is helping make [seamless
transition] a reality,” Lynn told the committee. “We’ve reached a historic level of cooperation
between the departments.” A modernized disability evaluation system is one of the vital tools to
create seamless transitions, Lynn said, noting that the former system remained relatively unchanged
for decades. The new Integrated Disability Evaluation System, which DOD and VA developed,
serves more service members, Lynn said, and full adoption of the new system, expected to be in
place by year’s end, is the partnership’s top priority. For more information, see:
http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63991
• Listen Live: DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable: Transformation of Military Family Programs
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5. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
A DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable features guest Mrs. Laura Stultz (wife of Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz,
Chief, Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command) on Friday May 20,
10:00 a.m. EDT. Mrs. Stultz, will discuss the amazing transformation of family programs and
resources over her 35 years as an Army spouse. She will explain that there is more to be done will
take questions on developing sustainable programs that support the unique needs of the Army
Reserve family, including Army Strong Community Centers. Please join Mrs. Stultz in a
conversation about Army Reserve Families as she currently at the Army Reserve Senior Leader and
Quality of Life symposium in Chicago. For more information, see:
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/05/dodlive-bloggers-roundtable-transformation-of-military-
family-programs/
• VIDEO: Your Commissary Benefits in Eight Minutes
A great primer to share with someone new to the military. Let them know about their benefits!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sWEgTFXC8s
Tips of the Week
• Nutrition Tip of the Week - Power Foods – Part II
In need of more power foods to add to your meals for the week? Then make sure to add these to
your shopping cart along with oatmeal, avocado and blueberries.
Fish –Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the keys to an overall healthy diet. Some research suggests
that fatty fish or fish oils can help lower blood pressure and triglycerides and may even help with
treatment of arthritis and depression. Like most things in life, moderation is necessary due to the
potential of high mercury levels in fish due to pollution. Healthy individuals should stick to 10-12
ounces of fatty fish a week such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, and pregnant and lactating women
should speak with their doctor and dietitian before adding fish to their diet.
Whole grain foods – whole grain foods in the form of rice, pasta, cereals, bread and granola bars
help fuel your body for the day while helping to stave off diseases such as heart disease and high
blood pressure. Some research shows also that individuals who choose whole grains maintain a
healthy weight longer. Be sure to have 1-2 servings of whole grains at all your meals. A serving
size is a half cup of most cereals and pasta, or a slice of bread.
For more information on making healthy and nutritious food choices, check out the Commissary’s
website at http://www.commissaries.com/
• Parenting Tip of the Week - Finding the right college for your teen
The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that here are over 4,000 colleges in the
United States. To help find the right college for your teen, check out the National Center for
Education Statistics’ College Navigator, which can be found on their website at
http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/. The site has a wealth of information, including links to
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6. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
additional resources. Something else you and your teen may want to research is scholarships for
military children. Visit http://tinyurl.com/collegenavigator for more details.
• Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week - There are 1,440 minutes in every day. Schedule
30 of them for physical activity!
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel
better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some
cancers and heart problems.
Most adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days per week.
Examples include walking briskly, mowing the lawn, dancing, swimming for recreation or
bicycling. Stretching and weight training can also strengthen your body and improve your fitness
level.
The key is to find the right exercise for you. If it is fun, you are more likely to stay motivated. You
may want to walk with a friend, join a class or plan a group bike ride. If you've been inactive for
awhile, use a sensible approach and start out slowly.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For additional resources see: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html
• Financial Tip of the Week - Ways to Teach Kids About Money
Despite a hefty load of teaching duties from potty-training to self-feeding, parents are apparently
willing to take on another major task: Passing on money skills. Here are some ways to start
teaching your children about money today:
Get over the awkwardness. Whatever trick you use, find a way to bring up dollars over the dinner
table, or wherever else you make conversation with your kids.
Use other people’s lesson plans. You don’t have to do all the hard work yourself, because other
people have done it for you. Mymoney.gov and AmericaSaves.org, are just a few of the websites
designed to help parents educate themselves, and their children.
Practice one financial tip a week. Pick one financial tip each week, such as setting up a budget, and
talking about it as a family. At the commissary/grocery store, take a minute to explain how to
choose an affordable brand of dishwasher detergent, or how to compare the cost of bread.
Show kids what you can do with money. When you teach kids how to budget - save, spend, donate,
and invest, you're teaching them to stop, pause, and reflect, and this is the first step toward teaching
them to delay gratification.
As they get older, limit the support you provide. While assistance during those challenging early
adulthood years can help adult children find their footing, parents can inadvertently set up a cycle of
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7. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
dependence. If your money ends up going towards frivolous purchases like vacations and cars, you
should probably freeze those payments. But if you’re helping a hardworking son or daughter afford
an internship in an expensive city, there's little reason to hold back, other than your own budget. If
you can’t afford financial help, consider giving in other ways, by offering the occasional home-
cooked meal, babysitting services for grandchildren.
Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of technicalities like 401(k)s
and bonds, they can start to grasp broader concepts like the importance of saving for a rainy day,
spending less than you earn, and how money can grow over time.
• Military OneSource Tip of the Week - Quick Tips for Going Back to School as a Military Spouse
Going back to school can increase your earning power, help you climb the career ladder, and widen
the range of jobs available to you. As a military spouse, you face some extra challenges, including
frequent relocations that can make it harder to complete a degree or certificate program. The
following information will help you understand what’s involved with going back to school and how
to find information that can make this step easier:
Take the time to think about your reasons for going back to school. Do you need more education or
training to meet a career goal? What new opportunities will a higher education provide? What is the
job market for your chosen field? Will you be able to move your career when you PCS to a new
duty station? What is the job market like in other parts of the country or at an overseas duty station?
Choose a program of study. Depending on the type of career you choose, you may need to earn a
certification, a degree from a two- or four-year college, or a graduate degree. Typically, you will
take more courses to earn a degree than you will to earn a certification. Use the Internet to help
research the programs available and visit the education counselor on your installation to help pick
the best program for your needs.
Consider relocation. If you will move to a new duty station before you’ve completed your training,
find out what options are available to transfer your credits. Service members Opportunity Colleges
(SOC) are available to military spouses and guarantee that course credits are transferrable. Find out
more on their website at http://www.soc.aascu.org.
Find ways to help cover the costs. Resources are available that help spouses cover the costs of
going back to school. Check out the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account
(https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/), the Post-9/11 GI Bill (http://www.gibill.va.gov/), which may be
available to spouses under certain circumstances, and the U.S. Department of Education financial
aid Web page (http://www2.ed.gov/finaid/landing.jhtml?src=ln). College scholarship information is
available at the Military.com site (http://www.military.com) by clicking on “Education” and “Find
Scholarships.” You may also want to check into student loans, which are available through the
federal government or private lending institutions.
Call the Military OneSource Spouse Career Center (SCC) at 1-800-342-9647. Expert consultants
will help you determine an employment direction, understand your options, and even help you
prepare your resume and practice for interviews.
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Think about your options for child care. If you have children, you may need child care when you
are in class. Check with the Child Development Center (CDC) on your installation. They may have
drop-in care or can refer you to home child care providers who offer child care on a part-time basis.
Learn more about distance learning. Distance learning is often a good option for military spouses
who have to relocate or need flexible schedules. Assignments and lectures are delivered
electronically so you don’t need to be in a classroom.
Check with the education counselor on your installation. Many installations have an Education
Center or a Lifelong Learning Office. The counselors there can help military spouses work out their
career goals, find available education programs, or access distance learning programs. Education
counselors may also have information on financial aid and scholarships available through the
military or locally.
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 1-800-342-9647 or access
www.MilitaryOneSource.com.
• Spouse Tip - Ever Heard of KSAPs?
KSAP is an acronym for “Knowledge, Skills and Personal Qualities.” It’s what you are selling that
employers are buying during the hiring process. If you haven’t thought about these three important
selling points and this invisible buying-selling process, you need to read on.
KSAPs should be woven into your resume. They should be an important part of your answers to
potential interview questions – so, be sure to mention them! When you write your “elevator
speech” -- that 30-second commercial about yourself that employers need to remember about you
during the hiring process, -- include them. They are the best way to promote YOU!
So, how do you know what your KSAPs are?
KNOWLEDGE: Look at your employment history and transcripts for education, training, on the
job work experience and volunteer work. What subjects do you know most about – accounting,
customer service, graphic design, strategic planning, emergency medicine, child development,
pediatric nursing, dog training, physical fitness, cooking. Make your list. Prioritize. Compare your
list to the words in job announcements you are interested in. What subject matter expertise are
employers seeking? Match your knowledge by using employer’s job announcement words if
possible. That’s your “K.”
SKILLS: Skills are generally stated as “action verbs.” They are what employers want you to be
able to do on the job, things like: sell, write, plan, develop, manage, repair, maintain, analyze,
serve, lead, assist, design, supervise, and operate. What do you do best? Make a list of your action
verb skills. Look at the job descriptions you are interested in. Spot the action verbs. If your
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9. This Week in MC&FP May 20, 2011
resume contains the same verbs (skills) the employer is looking for, you will be a perfect match,
and more likely to get a job interview and job offer. That’s your “S.”
PERSONAL QUALITIES: Employers hire people who are the best fit for their organizational
needs and culture. Depending on the level of the position being advertised, there are certain
characteristics the new hire must have. So think about your characteristics (e.g. adjectives that
describe you) that are required for an entry level, mid-career level, or senior level position. Are you
hard-working, motivated, enthusiastic, creative, loyal, assertive, honest, tech-savvy, adaptable,
trustworthy, mature, responsible, effective under pressure, a good communicator, a team player?
How can you describe yourself as their perfect match? That’s your “P.”
KSAPs are your secret marketing strategy for becoming a “perfect match” for employer needs. Use
them wisely and you will become the employer’s “best choice for his or her next hire.”
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