1. Image description. MC&FP banner image End of image description.
Blog post of Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family
Policy)
Image description. Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (MC&FP) End of image description.
Family Focus Friday: The Exceptional Family Member Program Goes Mobile
In today’s world, more and more of us are getting information through a mobile device. We like to
check our email while we are on the train and catch up on the news while in the elevator. It’s
convenient and quick. The DoD recognizes this and is finding ways to make sure you have access to the
information and resources that are most important to you whenever you need them.
The Exceptional Family Program (EFMP) is launching a new mobile website for service members and
families to conveniently access essential EFMP information from any mobile device. With the mobile
site, EFMP families can quickly and easily access important information about programs and services
through a smartphone, tablet, or any another mobile device with an Internet connection.
The EFMP supports military families and service members who have a family member with special
medical or educational needs. The EFMP facilitates the enrollment of a family member in the program,
provides assignment coordination to help ensure continuity in care and education during relocation, and
offers one-on-one family support, tools, and resources. Now this valuable program is going to be even
more accessible to our increasingly mobile military families.
When I first heard about the launch, I opened the site on my phone and was impressed! The site is clear
and easy to navigate. You do not have to waste time scrolling back and forth trying to read lines of text
because everything is designed to fit right onto your screen. I was able to click through the site,
download important forms, and access resources and information right from my phone! The mobile site
includes a brief program overview and links to important enrollment forms and Service-specific EFMP
sites. Users can also access additional resources, such as the DoD Special Needs Toolbox and the
EFMP eNewsletter. The EFMP locator is another great feature, allowing you to search for EFMP
support services near you. Just plug in your zip code or your installation name, and receive information
about child care services, local hospitals or military treatment facilities, and much more.
You can access the mobile site by using this link: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/mobile/efmp or
by scanning the quick response (QR) code shown below. The QR code can be scanned by your mobile
device as long as you have a camera and a QR code reader application, which can be easily downloaded
Page 1 of 10

2. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
for free for smartphone platforms such as the iPhone or Android.
So, what do you think? Does a mobile site make sense for you and your family? Join our discussion
and let us know! As always, we want to hear how this news affects you.
I am excited about the new and different ways that our service members and their families can access
and interact with the programs and services that are designed to serve them. This is a great new tool in
the EFMP toolbox! Until next time, stay connected and be well.
EFMP QR Code
Page 2 of 10

3. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
Joining Forces
Joining Forces
American Red Cross and Wounded Warrior Project are Joining Forces
This week, Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP), and the American Red Cross announced that they are
joining forces in a new multi-year partnership that will allow both organizations to strengthen services
and support offered to our nation’s wounded and their caregivers. On Tuesday, both organizations met at
the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross to kick off the partnership and to assemble 500
Transitional Care Packs.
“Alone each organization makes a difference within the military community, but together we magnify
our impact to those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country” said Sherri Brown,
SVP, Service to the Armed Forces, American Red Cross.
WWP and the Red Cross are collaborating on Wounded Warrior Project’s longstanding Transitional
Care Pack program. The packs contain clothing, toiletries, and other essential care and comfort items
newly injured warriors are often without. The pack provides immediate comfort when a warrior is
evacuated from the battlefield to a field hospital. Traditionally sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center in Germany, the new partnership with the Red Cross will expand the scope of delivery to
Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany; Camp Arifjan, Kuwait; Djibouti, Afghanistan and other military
medical facilities that are providing medical treatment and supporting wounded warriors.
“The American Red Cross has long believed as we do that it is important to support wounded veterans
and their families in all facets of their recovery. With a shared mission to support these heroes, a
collaborative partnership made sense on so many levels. We are honored to be working with a group that
has done so much good for so many.” said Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director Steve Nardizzi.
This new collaboration is a perfect example of organizations stepping up and working together to
support our Nation’s wounded service members and their families as highlighted by the Joining Forces
initiative launched by the First Lady and Dr. Biden. Their partnership ensures the continuation and
enhancement of other existing WWP and Red Cross programs, which provide unique and innovative
support to wounded warriors during the rehabilitation process.
Wellness and resiliency are also a critical piece of the new partnership. The organizations will work to
develop and manage several adaptive sporting programs and therapies including but not limited to
warrior games and wheelchair sports. Both WWP and the Red Cross share the belief that it is critical to
support staff and military personnel who are instrumental in the survival and recovery of the wounded.
The two groups will plan and organize respite days for spouses and family members who are providing
care for a wounded service member or veteran.
In joining forces, both organizations will together serve those who have sacrificed so much.
Page 3 of 10

4. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
Weekly Tips
Military Community and Family Policy Weekly Tips
Nutrition Tip of the Week - Fruits & Vegetables – Affordable? (Part II)
In need of more tips to help you find fruits and vegetables on your budget? Then check these out.
• Buy in bulk when items are on sale - For fresh vegetables or fruits you use often, a large size
bag is the better buy. Canned or frozen fruits or vegetables can be bought in large quantities
when they are on sale, since they last much longer.
• Store brands = savings - Opt for store brands when possible. You will get the same or similar
product for a cheaper price. If your grocery store has a membership card, sign up for even more
savings.
• Keep it simple - Buy vegetables and fruits in their simplest form. Pre-cut, pre-washed, ready-to-
eat, and processed foods are convenient, but often cost much more than when purchased in their
basic forms.
• Plant your own - Start a garden — in the yard or a pot on the deck — for fresh, inexpensive,
flavorful additions to meals. Herbs, cucumbers, peppers, or tomatoes are good options for
beginners. Browse through a local library or online for more information on starting a garden.
• Plan and cook smart - Prepare and freeze vegetable soups, stews, or other dishes in advance.
This saves time and money. Add leftover vegetables to casseroles or blend them to make soup.
Overripe fruit is great for smoothies or baking.
Parenting Tip of the Week - Communicating with Teenagers
Parents of teenagers who continue to communicate with their teens, despite conflict and arguments,
maintain stronger relationships with them. It might seem like a struggle to continue to talk to your teen
when it leads to conflicts and disagreements, but most teens report having a close relationship with their
parents and identify their parents as being a significant influence on their lives. Maintain an open line of
communication rather than simply trying to avoid disagreements.
Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week - Tips to help you make wise choices from the
Protein Foods Group
What to look for on the Food Label:
• Check the Nutrition Facts label for the saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium content of
packaged foods.
◦ Processed meats such as hams, sausages, frankfurters, and luncheon or deli meats have
added sodium. Check the ingredient and Nutrition Facts label to help limit sodium intake.
◦ Fresh chicken, turkey, and pork that have been enhanced with a salt-containing solution
also have added sodium. Check the product label for statements such as "self-basting" or
"contains up to __% of __."
◦ Lower fat versions of many processed meats are available. Look on the Nutrition Facts
label to choose products with less fat and saturated fat.
Page 4 of 10

5. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
Keep it safe to eat:
• Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Do not wash or rinse meat or poultry.
• Wash cutting boards, knives, utensils, and counter tops in hot soapy water after preparing each
food item and before going on to the next one.
• Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator so juices don’t drip
onto other foods.
• Cook foods to a safe temperature to kill microorganisms. Use a meat thermometer, which
measures the internal temperature of cooked meat and poultry, to make sure that the meat is
cooked all the way through.
• Chill (refrigerate) perishable food promptly and defrost foods properly. Refrigerate or freeze
perishables, prepared food, and leftovers within two hours.
• Plan ahead to defrost foods. Never defrost food on the kitchen counter at room temperature.
Thaw food by placing it in the refrigerator, submerging air-tight packaged food in cold tap water
(change water every thirty minutes), or defrosting on a plate in the microwave.
• Avoid raw or partially cooked eggs or foods containing raw eggs and raw or undercooked meat
and poultry.
• Women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children
should avoid some types of fish and eat types lower in mercury. See the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration's website or call (888) SAFE-FOOD for more information.
Financial Tip of the Week - Fraud Alerts
There are two types of fraud alerts: an initial alert, and an extended alert.
• An initial alert stays on your credit report for at least ninety days. You may ask that an initial
fraud alert be placed on your credit report if you suspect you have been, or are about to be, a
victim of identity theft. An initial alert is appropriate if your wallet has been stolen or if you've
been taken in by a "phishing" scam. When you place an initial fraud alert on your credit report,
you're entitled to one free credit report from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting
companies.
• An extended alert stays on your credit report for seven years. You can have an extended alert
placed on your credit report if you've been a victim of identity theft and you provide the
consumer reporting company with an "identity theft report." When you place an extended alert
on your credit report, you're entitled to two free credit reports within twelve months from each of
the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. In addition, the consumer reporting
companies will remove your name from marketing lists for pre-screened credit offers for five
years unless you ask them to put your name back on the list before then.
To place either of these alerts on your credit report, or to have them removed, you will be required to
provide appropriate proof of your identity. That may include your SSN, name, address, and other
personal information requested by the consumer reporting company.
When a business sees the alert on your credit report, they must verify your identity before issuing you
credit. As part of this verification process, the business may try to contact you directly. This may cause
some delays if you're trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to
include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert. Remember to keep all
contact information in your alert current.
Page 5 of 10

6. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
Spouse Tip of the Week - Overseas Spouse Employment
The employment situation for military spouses living overseas varies due to economic conditions in each
geographic location and the Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) the United States has signed with
foreign governments.
Because geographic information varies and is so dynamic, it is best to contact civilian personnel and
spouse employment officials in the specific location you are interested in before making career and
employment decisions as you prepare to move to or from an overseas location.
To help you find these contacts, the Department of Defense offers an online relocation assistance tool –
MilitaryINSTALLATIONS – that provides Civilian Personnel Office and Family Center points of
contact and addresses for employment specialists at duty locations worldwide. These are the best
starting places for spouses seeking overseas employment information.
Here are some questions you may want to ask overseas spouse employment officials:
• Does your command have an instruction which addresses spouse employment rules and
regulations for on and off-base employment? If so, where can I access a copy?
• Does your command (or the SOFA Agreement) allow spouses to operate their own businesses
from their homes on or off installation? If so, can spouses use the military or local mail systems
to order and ship supplies, products, and equipment for their businesses?
• What is the current unemployment rate, and how likely is it that I will find employment?
• What training, education, and volunteer opportunities exist on and off base?
• Where are overseas federal jobs posted? (Appropriated Fund [AF] positions and Non-
Appropriated Fund [NAF] positions) – Check out the USAjobs.gov web portal.
• Are there separate employment offices on base for NAF Jobs?
• Why do I have to contact each hiring office on each job vacancy announcement?
• What additional links do I need to check out besides the ones listed below?
◦ Army Employment Readiness Program (ERP)
◦ Marine Corps Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)
◦ Navy Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)
◦ Air Force Spouse Employment Program (SEP)
• How can I become a more competitive job seeker for overseas employment?
◦ Do I have to speak a foreign language to get a job overseas?
◦ Do I have to have a foreign driver’s license to work overseas?
◦ Do I have to have a security clearance to get a job overseas?
◦ Do I have to have postsecondary education or vocational/occupational licenses or
credentials to get a job overseas?
◦ How do I request Military Spouse Employment Preference or Hiring Authorities that will
help me compete or eliminate competition with other qualified applicants?
◦ Do I have "return rights" to federal employment opportunities when coming back to the
United States from overseas?
• Do the exchange, commissary, Child Development Program, MWR, or other on-installation
NAF federal employers have Military Spouse Employment Continuity Programs in place? If so,
who should I contact to find out how I can participate?
Page 6 of 10

7. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
• Is affordable child care available at this location?
• Should I use Standard DoD Forms or a specially written résumé that uses key buzz words from
job vacancy announcements when applying for a federal job overseas?
• Which additional forms do I need to submit as part of my employment package?
Note: Follow specific guidance provided on each job vacancy announcement.
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Forms
◦ United States Government Application Cover Page
◦ U.S. Office of Personnel Management Optional Forms
• Occupational Questionnaire
• Applicant Fax Cover Page (Use with faxed documents so they can be matched with your job
application)
• Declaration for Federal Employment (Optional Form 306)
Note: You may upload completed forms to your USAJOBS or Application Manager account if you
apply online. Then you can use the uploaded forms again and again when applying for future federal
job vacancies.
Relocation Tip of the Week - Relocation Budget Planner
One of the best ways to minimize your out-of-pocket or additional expenses is to set up a budget for
your move. Planning a relocation budget is the secret to staying in financial control throughout your
move. The Relocation Budget Planner is an Excel spreadsheet that you can save to and use on your
computer, or you can print it out and keep a running tab on a paper copy. Follow the easy instructions at
the top of the spreadsheet to guide you through the process.
Page 7 of 10

8. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
In the News
We've captured the latest Quality of Life (QOL) information, as well as recent additions to the Military
Community & Family Policy (MC&FP) collection of websites, including MilitaryHOMEFRONT. All
in one location! For a complete listing of QoL topic areas and information, please return to the
MilitaryHOMEFRONT homepage.
In the News
Notable Quality of Life developments and Department of Defense announcements and alerts.
DoD Appoints Chief Operating Officer at the Armed Forces Retirement Home
Mr. Steve McManus officially assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), Armed Forces
Retirement Home on Sept. 25. McManus has served as Acting COO since January 16th.
MOH Recipient Issues Scholarship Challange
Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer plans to raise $1 million in scholarship
money for the children of wounded Marines and Navy corpsmen, and challenges the American public to
match it.
Suicide Prevention Awareness: Perspectives from the Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and
Readiness)
Dr. Stanley, the Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) discusses his perspectives on
suicide prevention and resources he has found on the topic.
First Lady Michelle Obama: Joining Forces Is About Everyone Stepping Up to Give Something
Meaningful Back
Like so many of our veterans, Barbara Marshall’s service to this country didn’t stop when her 15-year
Navy career ended. Through Steps N Stages Jubilee House, she is working to combat homelessness
among female veterans in the Fayetteville area. She’s doing it in an unconventional way: by welcoming
these struggling women and their families into her own home.
Honoring Gold Star Mothers, Families
Each year the last Sunday of September is marked as Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day in honor of
those who have lost a son or daughter serving in the military.
Bureau Works to Protect Troops Pursuing Education
A number of for-profit schools target troops with aggressive, misleading marketing tactics followed by a
lack of administrative or counseling support -- which can lead to roadblocks for service members
seeking to advance their education, said Holly Petraeus, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s
assistant director for service member affairs.
FOOD RECALL: Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. Ground Beef
Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. notified the Defense Commissary Agency that three of its stores have received
products listed in the company’s recall of ground beef due to possible E. coli 0157:H7 contamination,
according to the commissary agency’s public health and safety directorate.
DOD Offers Help to Prevent Domestic Violence
Helping military couples and families build healthy relationships can help to prevent domestic violence.
When domestic does occur the department offers a range of support resources for victims, beginning
Page 8 of 10

9. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
with reporting options.
MyPlate Fruits and Veggies Video Challenge
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate Fruits and Veggies Video Challenge invites you
to create short videos (approximately 30 seconds) showing how you're adding fruits and vegetables to
your diet without spending a lot of money.
'Team Mullen' Highlights Troops' Service, Sacrifices
As "Team Mullen," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah, have championed the needs of
service members and their families during the admiral’s four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff.
Page 9 of 10

10. MC&FP Weekly (September 30,2011) 9/30/2011
Guard and Reserve
Image description. Two National Guard service members End of image description.
Oct. 6-8 - Guard and Reserve - North Little Rock, AR
Oct. 7-9 - Guard and Reserve - Redmond, OR
Oct. 8 - Guard and Reserve - Caribou, ME
Oct. 14-16 - Guard and Reserve - Hilo, HI
Oct. 14-16 - Guard and Reserve - Kalispell, MT
Oct. 15-16 - Guard and Reserve - Rome, NY
Oct. 15-16 - Texam Military Forces - Temple, TX
Oct. 21-22 - Guard and Reserve - Kearney, NE
Oct. 21-22 - Guard and Reserve - Yakima, WA
Oct. 22 - Guard and Reserve - San Pedro, CA
Oct. 23 - Guard and Reserve - Coleville, CA
Page 10 of 10