1. http://www.health.mil/blog/10-06-24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.
This Week in MC&FP
July 22, 2011
_________________________________
It’s hot. While summer conditions with high temperatures and high humidity aren’t
unusual for Washington, D.C. this time of the year, we haven’t seen conditions like this for quite some time.
Weather forecasters predict that by the end of this weekend, nearly 300 million Americans in 32 states will
be affected by the dangerous heat wave.
Earlier this week, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director, John Berry, issued a memorandum
requesting federal agencies to be proactive in protecting the health and well-being of employees
(http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=4088). The memorandum
reminds all of us to be proactive during potentially dangerous heat waves and provides the National Institute
of Safety and Occupational Health’s information on symptoms and treatment for heat stress injuries at
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses
and injuries – and deadly consequences. We all need to be involved in prevention.
Have a good week – stay hydrated – 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
• Improving Tuition Assistance Oversight
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Defense has established a new Tuition Assistance
policy, effective January 1, 2012, that will require all educational institutions that accept funds from
the Tuition Assistance Program to sign a new memorandum of understanding with the Defense
Department.
Schools signing this memorandum will provide one single tuition rate, regardless of the military
student’s branch of Service. Schools will also be required to participate in a periodic third party
review and be accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education. The
accreditation requirement increases the chances that credits from one school will transfer to another
school the next time the service member relocates. To further protect the interests of our service
members, the educational institutions must adhere to the principles established by the
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (http://www.soc.aascu.org/), and abide by the DoD and the
military services’ regulatory guidance on voluntary education. The full blog post is available at
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/07/family-focus-friday-improving-tuition-assistance-oversight/
Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.

2. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
From the State Liaison and Voluntary Education Office
• States Continue to Respond with Legislation to Benefit Service Members and their Families
So far in 2011, states have enacted 87 statutes addressing the 10 key issues, and there are still 23
active bills in 10 states. Most notable among these is that four additional states have adopted the
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children (Key Issue #4) bringing the
total states in the Compact to 39. In addition, 14 states have signed into law bills ensuring
deployment separation does not determine child custody decisions (Key Issue #2), and 29 bills have
been signed into law improving the absentee voting process for service members and their families
(Key Issue #8). There has also been much progress in two issues that are new for 2011: spouse and
service member licensure (Key Issue #5). Ten bills have been signed into law improving the
portability of occupational licenses for military spouses, and eight laws have been enacted making
it easier for separating service members to convert their education, training and experience into a
state license. Details of all state legislative activity across the 10 Key Issues can be found at
www.USA4MILITARYFAMILIES.dod.mil.
From the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program Office
• 2011 CISM Military World Games Under Way in Brazil
The Fifth Military World Games began July 16, 2011, with the pageantry befitting the more than
5,000 military athletes representing 109 nations. According to U.S. Army reporter, Tim Hipps,
“Marching bands from the Brazilian army, navy, air force, military police and firefighters dueled.
The Brazilian army’s symphonic band dazzled. The CISM flag was raised. The torch was run
around the stadium. Military jets, planes and helicopters performed symmetry, skywriting and
acrobatics overhead.” Brazilian President Dilma Rousselff officially declared the 2011 CISM
Military World Games open and Edison Arantes do Nascimento, best known as Pelè – the Brazilian
national hero widely regarded as the greatest soccer player ever – carried the CISM torch up the
steps and lit the cauldron.
The games are hosted by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire, known as CISM, or
International Military Sports Counsel. The organization's goal is to contribute to world peace by
uniting armed forces from foreign countries through sports. The organization's motto is "friendship
through sport." For additional information, photos, and results of the competition, go to
Defense.gov, http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2011/0711_militarygames/. The games will
conclude July 24.
From the Resale and NAF Policy Office
• 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:
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3. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
July 21-24 Guard and Reserve Chattanooga, Tenn.
July 22-23 Guard and Reserve Riverton, Utah
July 26 Guard and Reserve Grand Forks, N.D.
July 30-31 West Virginia National Guard McConnelsville, Ohio
August 6-7 Guard and Reserve Johnston, Iowa
August 6-7 Guard and Reserve Summersville, W. Va.
August 6-7 Guard and Reserve Topeka, Kans.
August 11-13 Guard and Reserve Louisville, Tenn.
August 12-14 Guard and Reserve Grenada, Miss.
August 13-14 Guard and Reserve Dunbar, W. Va.
August 13-14 Guard and Reserve Niagara Falls, N.Y.
August 13-14 California National Guard San Luis Obispo, Calif.
In the News
• From the American Forces Press Service – First Lady takes ‘Joining Forces’ to Oceana
First Lady Michelle Obama brought the national “Joining Forces” initiative to Naval Station
Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., today, where she attended a screening of “Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows Part 2” with hundreds of military family members. Joining Forces is designed to
build support for military members and their families in all facets of the U.S. government and
American society. “We are working hard for you, to make sure you know how much this country
appreciates each and every one of you,” Obama told the military families at the screening.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64761
• From the American Forces Press Service – First Lady, Soldiers Welcome Extreme Makeover
A former sailor who houses homeless female veterans here received the surprise of her life today
when hundreds of workers and well-wishers – including First Lady Michelle Obama – were on
hand as she became the latest winner on the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition show. The ABC-
TV reality show’s host Ty Pennington, as well as design crew, workers and volunteers have been at
the home at 120 Langdon St. for 24 hours each day for the past seven days, working to finish the
house on time. Between scorching temperatures and a grueling schedule, workers were put to the
test. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64767
• From DoDLive blog – MyPay Goes Mobile
myPay (https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx), the online pay account management system for all
U.S. military personnel, military retirees, and many federal civilian employees, has gone mobile.
Now myPay users can check pay statements on the go using a smartphone or other mobile device
that has a web browser. See http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/07/mypay-goes-mobile/
• From the American Forces Press Service – Military Games Foster Friendship, Peace
Retired Italian Maj. Gen. Gianni Gola cannot recall how many times he has traveled to this famous
party city. Sitting in a hotel overlooking the iconic Copacabana Beach, he laughs about it. "I'm
thinking of becoming an honorary citizen now," he jokes. Along the sandy stretch outside, vendors
peddle souvenirs, small huts sell cold beer, children build sand castles, and young and old jog along
the winding trail as cool winter breezes sweep in from the coast.
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4. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
It seems an unlikely venue for 7,000 military troops from around the world to descend upon and
face their opponents toe-to-toe. But, by facing off here first, Gola said he believes the troops will
not eventually see each other on opposite sides of a battlefield. "Through sports we can bring
together the soldiers of our nations [who otherwise would not meet]. And this is the only way.
There is no other parallel organization," Gola said.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64752
• From the American Forces Press Service – Pele Lights Torch to Open Military World Games
Counseil International du Sport Militaire borrowed a page from the International Olympic
Committee to stage the opening ceremony of the 5th Military World Games at Olympic Stadium
here July 16. The spectacle had all the pomp, circumstance and pageantry expected of a military
gathering of 109 nations dedicated to CISM’s motto of “Friendship Through Sport.” It also
resembled the unforgettable opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, albeit on a
smaller scale. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64732
• From the American Forces Press Service – Soccer Players Fly Athletes to Brazil for CISM Games
Military Team USA soccer players Air Force Capt. Wendy Emminger and Air Force 1st Lt. Mandi
Messinger were the pilots for a July 13 KC-10 Extender mission that flew teammates and track and
field athletes from here to Galeao Air Base in Brazil to compete in the 5th CISM Military World
Games. Created in 1948, the Conseil International du Sport Militaire organizes various sporting
events for the armed forces of 133 member countries, according to United Nations information.
CISM Military World Games are considered the largest military sporting event, with some 6,000
athletes expected to represent 110 countries in competitions in Rio de Janeiro this week.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64712
• From the American Forces Press Service – Families Share ‘Family of Year’ Honors
Families from the Army and the Air Force shared the honors today as the National Military Family
Association’s 2011 Family of the Year for their service to the nation and their communities.
During its 2011 leadership luncheon here, the association honored a family from each service
before announcing the Broesches, an Army National Guard family from Hayden, Idaho, and the
Arnolds, an Air Force family from Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, Texas, had tied for top honors.
Army Spc. Jerry Broesch has deployed twice, returning from his most recent deployment as a
wounded warrior. He and his wife, Kim, and their daughters, Taylor and Isabella, work with the
Army National Guard Military Youth Program and the Army’s Operation: Military Kids to help
other families. See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=64764
Tips of the Week
• Nutrition Tip of the Week – Eating Healthy On the Go with Kids
In last week’s tip we learned about eating fruits and vegetables on the go. But what if you have
kids with you? No problem. Take a look at these tips which can help you incorporate fruits and
vegetables into their on the go meals as well.
• When ordering a kids meal, substitute fruit for the fries.
• Have your kids help you make a large batch of trail mix at home using seeds, nuts, and dried
fruit. Store trail mix in small bags so they are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
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5. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
• ‘Ants on a Log’– spread peanut butter on a piece of celery. Add raisins as ants and you have a
fun, healthy treat.
For more information on making healthy choices while on the go, check out the USDA’s MyPlate
website at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
• Parenting Tip of the Week – Everyone can do something
In last week’s edition, you read about the Feds Feed Families food drive campaign. As food banks
across the country experience a shortage of donations, now is a good time to donate food and other
non-perishables and reinforce with your children the importance of helping families in need.
• Start small. Donating can be as easy as dropping off a few cans in the food donation box at
your local Commissary.
• Model giving. Whether you can donate food, time or funds, model the kind of behavior you
would like your children to learn.
• Consider volunteering at a local food bank, sorting food or serving meals with your children.
Depending on your family’s schedule, you can volunteer for a one-time event or on a recurring
basis.
For more information, visit http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov.
• Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week – What to Look for on the Food Label
Choose foods that name one of the following whole-grain ingredients first on the label’s ingredient
list:
"brown rice" "whole-grain corn"
"buckwheat" "whole-grain sorghum"
"bulgur" "whole-grain triticale"
"millet" "whole oats"
"oatmeal" "whole rye"
"quinoa" "whole wheat"
"rolled oats" "wild rice"
"whole-grain barley"
• Foods labeled with the words "multi-grain," "stone-ground," "100% wheat," "cracked wheat,"
"seven-grain," or "bran" are usually not whole-grain products.
• Color is not an indication of a whole grain. Bread can be brown because of molasses or other
added ingredients. Read the ingredient list to see if it is a whole grain.
• Use the Nutrition Facts label and choose whole grain products with a higher % Daily Value
(%DV) for fiber. Many, but not all, whole grain products are good or excellent sources of fiber.
• Read the food label’s ingredient list. Look for terms that indicate added sugars (such as sucrose,
high-fructose corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, maple syrup, molasses, or raw sugar) that add extra
calories. Choose foods with fewer added sugars.
• Most sodium in the food supply comes from packaged foods. Similar packaged foods can vary
widely in sodium content, including breads. Use the nutrition facts label
(http://www.nutrition.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=11&tax_level=1) to choose foods
with a lower percent for sodium. Foods with less than 140 mg sodium per serving can be
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6. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
labeled as low sodium foods. Claims such as “low in sodium” or “very low in sodium” on the
front of the food label can help you identify foods that contain less salt (or sodium).
• Financial Tip of the Week – Cross-Selling: Think Before You Buy the ‘Extras’
You're standing at the cash register ready to make a purchase and the sales person asks if you want
to buy an extended warranty. Or, you're about to place an online order and the Web site informs
you that "other customers who bought this item also bought this." It's known as ‘cross-selling,’
which means trying to make two sales instead of one by marketing add-ons that could complement
or protect the original purchase.
Don't be afraid to just say no if you're contacted to purchase a product you do not want, and be
careful how you ask for additional information so the salesperson cannot construe your request as a
'yes.'
Because these additional products and services may be beneficial to certain consumers, how can
you tell if that second offer from your bank may be right for you? Here are two products that are
commonly cross-sold, plus information to keep in mind.
• Payment protection, also known as credit protection, is designed to pay, suspend or cancel a
consumer's outstanding debt on an account in the event of a specific hardship, such as
unemployment, disability, hospitalization or death. These products may provide security and
peace of mind, but understand the costs (which could be hundreds of dollars each year) and the
limitations. You should also consider other alternatives, such as traditional life or disability
insurance. For more guidance, see the Credit Protection: Understand the Costs, Limitations
and Alternatives Before You Buy Web page at
(http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall10/creditprotection.html).
• Identity theft protection will monitor your credit reports for signs that someone may be
attempting to use your name to commit fraud. This service generally costs about $15 a month,
but there are cost-effective ways to monitor your credit yourself. Remember that you are
entitled to one free credit report (http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/facta.html)
once every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus. By spreading out your
requests throughout the year, such as by ordering one credit report in the first few months of the
year and another report from a different credit bureau a few months later, you can actively
monitor your credit report for warning signs of identity theft, such as loan requests or new
accounts you didn't initiate. At a minimum, however, you should order a report once a year. If
you're already a victim of identity theft, definitely place a fraud alert in your file at all three
credit bureaus, doing so warns lenders to be careful before approving a new loan or credit card
in your name.
• Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Quick Tips for Overcoming Online Dependency
If you think you’re becoming dependent on any activity delivered through the Internet, including
simple Web surfing, there are ways you can help yourself before it gets out of hand. The first thing
you must do is become fully aware of your patterns of overuse.
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7. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
• Are you spending more time (or money) with the computer than you want to?
• Do you downplay or deny to yourself and others the extent of your involvement with online
activities?
• Do you spend time thinking about online activities when you’re not engaged in them?
• Are your online activities hurting the quality of the rest of your life (that is, your relationships,
your work performance, your health, or your social life)?
Make a plan
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s time to take action. You must decide if you need
to stop an activity altogether or just reduce it to an appropriate level. Then you need to make a plan
and stick to it. Here are some action-plan ideas:
• Make a thoughtful decision about the role you want the activity to have in your life – how
much and how often, if at all.
• Create a schedule for your online time that shows how many hours a week, during what time
period each day, and which days of the week.
• Set limits on spending.
• Keep a log or journal to record the time and money you spend online.
• Find a new computer-free activity, sport, or hobby to take the place of the online activity.
• Look for opportunities to spend more time with family and friends.
• Spouse Tip – How to Get a GED Diploma– The First Step Toward Getting Hired!
Did you know that:
• Individuals who have academic skills, persistence and motivation are more likely to earn more
money and find career advancement opportunities
• One in every seven Americans with a high school diploma received a GED diploma
• One in every 20 college students received a GED diploma
• Seventy percent of GED test takers report their intention is to pursue education beyond high
school and that 30 percent are taking the GED test to pursue better employment opportunities
The GED diploma – America’s credential that certifies that GED test takers have high school-level
academic skills – is known by different names in different state jurisdictions: General Educational
Development (most common name); General Education Diploma; General Equivalency Diploma;
and Graduate Equivalency Degree. It consists of a series of five sub-tests (listed below) developed
by the American Council on Education (http://www2.acenet.edu/gedtest/policy/index.cfm). The
GED diploma was most recently updated in 2002 to comply with high school standards for
education. There are about 25 versions of the GED battery of tests, so test takers are encouraged to
take GED preparation courses and practice tests to get ready for the ‘real thing.’
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8. This Week in MC&FP July 22, 2011
GED sub-tests can be taken at any one of 3,200 official GED Test Centers, on the same or different
days within quarterly test cycles. If any single GED sub-test is re-taken in order to pass the overall
GED, the highest score for each sub-test is recorded for the purpose of awarding the GED diploma.
Test Centers are typically located in adult learning programs at high schools and community
colleges in each of the 50 states. These centers and programs can provide GED test schedules, test
preparation and test preparation textbook information. Many states give free preparation services
and tests for veterans and those under the age of 21, or charge fees as low as $13 for GED
preparation, registration and tests. Registration for GED tests must be done in person with a valid
government-issued photo ID card (for example, ID card or state issued driver’s license). To take
the GED test, the registered test taker must bring his or her photo ID card, test notification letter and
other items as instructed.
The five GED sub-tests place emphasis on socially relevant topics and problem solving. For
example:
• Language Arts (Reading) – Understanding a business publication or an instruction manual
• Language Arts (Writing) – Writing a well-focused essay or document that others can
understand
• Social Studies – Understanding the Declaration of Independence or U.S. Supreme Court
decisions
• Mathematics – Understanding statistics, measurements, algebraic and geometric problem
solving
• Science – Understanding the impact of science on everyday living – recycling, pollution,
health
Although state requirements may vary, typical GED eligibility criteria include:
• Must be a resident of the state
• Must be 17 years old or older
• Must be officially withdrawn from school for at least six months and not enrolled in school
• Must not have graduated from high school
For more information and assistance in choosing a GED preparation course and finding a test
location, contact Military OneSource at (800) 342-9647 or http://www.MilitaryOneSource.com
• Relocation Tip – Know Your Weight!
Of your property, that is. Having a good estimated weight of your personal property and
household goods is very important. An easy and dependable method for making this estimate is
to figure about 1,000 pounds per room. Keep in mind this is only an estimate and individual
shipments will vary.
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