http://www.health.mil/blog/10-06-24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.

This Week in MC&FP

March 25, 2011
___________________________________________________________

Despite predictions for snow in the next few days, as of March 20th, winter is officially
in the past and the long-awaited spring season has arrived. Here in Washington, one rite of spring is
the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The two-week celebration, which begins tomorrow,
commemorates Japan‟s gift of 3,000 Yoshino cherry to the city 99 years ago. Festival organizers held a
solemn vigil to the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami yesterday. Japanese Ambassador
Ichiro Fujisaki told the crowd of several hundred that his country needs help and recognized America‟s
response -- in particular, the rescue teams and the military support. As we enjoy the beautiful canopy
of pink blossoms here, we‟ll be thinking of the many hands engaged in support of the disaster response
in Japan and hope for healing in the years to come.

Have a good week and take care.

Your MC&FP Team

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.

Earthquake, Tsunami Response Information Resources Available Online

For current information, several online resources are available. See:

Military OneSource's Japan earthquake and tsunami page at
http://www.militaryonesource.com
DoDEA‟s 24/7 support to families at
http://www.dodea.edu/home/japan-evacuation.cfm?cId=CC
Defense.gov for up-to-date information
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2011/0311_japan/
NorthCom‟s Operation Pacific Passage site with arrival and departure information at
http://www.northcom.mil/japan/

From DoDEA

DoDEA Offers Earthquake and Tsunami Support to Schools and Personnel in Japan
DoDEA has established 24/7 Crisis Centers in Japan and the United States with toll-free and e-mail
access. See http://www.dodea.edu/home/japan-evacuation.cfm?cId=CC and
http://afps.dodlive.mil/2011/03/22/dodea-stands-up-crisis-centers/#

Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.
 This Week in MC&FP March 25, 2011

DoDEA has deployed teams to the embarkation points to assist families with coordinating the
continuation of educational needs for students (for example, obtaining school records, transcripts;
providing information about registering students in stateside local educations activities). Staff will
also assist any DoDEA employees and/or family members with issues they may have.

News of natural disasters such as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan can have an emotional
impact on some students. Adults can help students keep events in perspective, however, by
understanding how children are affected, watching for signs of emotional distress, and adjusting the
response to the maturity level of the child.
See http://www.dodea.edu/home/docs/Children-disasters.pdf

The DoDEA Web site has a series of frequently asked questions on educational issues that may be
helpful to families transitioning to another school at the safe haven.
See http://www.dodea.edu/home/japan-evacuation.cfm

The DoDEA Virtual High School will be assisting students who need courses not offered locally to
complete their spring semester courses. This includes graduating seniors, students in AP courses,
middle school students enrolled in high school courses; and fielding calls and providing information
to military dependent families in transition who have questions related to DoDEA high school
courses. See http://www.dodea.edu/home/japan-evacuation.cfm?cId=students

DoDEA is leveraging social media via Facebook in the Pacific and the U.S. to provide instant
information and responses to requests for assistance. You can also follow us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/dodea.pacific and http://www.facebook.com/dodea.edu

From the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office

MWR to Conduct Second Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Defense Department will conduct the second military-wide survey to assess Morale, Welfare
and Recreation programs. When the DoD MWR survey was conducted in 2009, the survey results
were used to acquire funding to make improvements to Service member priorities – fitness
programs and facilities, outdoor recreation check-out equipment, and the single servicemember
program. Again this year, servicemembers will have an opportunity to rate customer service,
operation hours, facility condition, and quality of services provided among other items. Survey
results will be used to improve program options and service delivery. The survey will be sent to
active-duty service members and members of the National Guard and Reserves; those selected are
encouraged to take their families‟ opinions into consideration when responding.

The Customer Satisfaction Survey is an important tool for defense planners as they shape MWR
programs to meet service member and family needs. The survey is being conducted with the help
of CFI Group, an international customer-satisfaction consulting firm. The survey will be e-mailed
to about 600,000 randomly selected servicemembers in mid-April and will appear as being from
CFI Group “on behalf of DoD.” Those receiving the survey will have about three weeks to
participate. When the responses are collected and analyzed, the findings of the second survey will
be published on the Defense Department Web site, as well as on Military Community and Family
Policy‟s Military OneSource and MilitaryHOMEFRONT sites.

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Joint Service Training – Inclusive Recreation for Wounded Warriors

Attendees have been selected for the twelfth “Inclusive Recreation for Wounded Warriors Training
Course” on April 3-7 at Penn State University. The four-day course recognizes the important role
recreation and sports can have in the recovery process. Taught by highly credentialed Penn State
faculty, the course includes discussion on post traumatic stress disorder, limb amputations,
traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries, adaptive/specialized equipment, accessible design,
age appropriate inclusive recreation programming, and societal and cultural issues. Students
develop a plan of action to add inclusive recreation programs at their installation, which will be
evaluated six months after course completion. To date, 326 recreation programmers from all
military services have completed the training. Feedback has been very positive with enhanced
programming skills and significant networking among dedicated professionals.

From the Family Advocacy Program Office

Director Meets with Air Force Program Managers

Family Advocacy Program David Lloyd addressed attendees of the Air Force Family Advocacy
Policy treatment managers' conference. He provided an update on OSD family advocacy policy
initiatives, including: implementation of joint basing, General Accounting Office recommendations
on domestic violence, and forthcoming Webinars on domestic violence sponsored by the Battered
Women's Justice Project.

From the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth

General Motors Foundation Offers Youth Scholarship Opportunity – Five Days to Deadline
High school seniors or graduates who will be first-time college students in the fall of 2011 are
eligible to apply for the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program. Scholarships range from $2,000 to
$24,000 each year for up to five years of study. A majority of the scholarships will be awarded to
students majoring in science, technology, engineering or math, with a heavy emphasis on
engineering majors. Special consideration will be given to dependents of military personnel.
Please access http//www.buickachievers.com for more detailed information and to apply. The
application deadline is Wednesday, March 30, 2011. This opportunity is one of many made
available through the youth programs partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Applications for Military Extension Internships – Six Days to Deadline

The Military Extension Internship Program is an opportunity for college students to gain practical
work experience in child development, school-age, and youth programs. Interns work on military
installations around the world for 10 weeks to six months and receive a broad range of experiences,
from working with children and youth and implementing programs, to learning about the
management of child and youth centers. Applications for Fall 2011 internships are due Thursday,
March 31, 2011. For more information and to see the Military Extension Internship programs in
action, go to http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/military/Pages/default.aspx.

“Forging the Partnership” – Registration to close March 31st! You can be last, just don’t be late!

Have you registered for the conference yet? Plan to join us at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago,
April 27- 29. Registration closes March 31st so don‟t wait any longer – register now!

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See http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/FRC2011.

The conference will offer more than 200 presentations including: keynotes, research presentations,
workshops, interacts and computer workshops. Topic areas will address early childhood, school-
age, teens, parent/family, health, and community capacity building. In addition, the conference will
include more than 80 program showcases and more than 40 research posters. Plan to attend two
town hall meetings – one with the Services‟ senior enlisted advisors and the second with religious
ministry. Be part of this unique experience – see you in Chicago!

From the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs

Fort Monroe Hosts Joint Services Family Forum and Resource Fair
Isabel Hodge was the keynote speaker for the 14th Annual Joint Services Exceptional Family
Member Forum and Resource Fair held at Fort Monroe on March 21, 2011. More than 100 families
and service providers attended the event. Hodge spoke about the Office of Community Support for
Military Families with Special Needs, the „State of the States,‟ the Medicaid Home Community
Based Waivers, and about advocates that have made positive changes for families and individuals
with disabilities. Participants received information on TRICARE's extended care health option and
the autism demonstration, sexuality, assistive technology and more. Hodge was approached by an
adult family member with special needs who was moved to tears during the keynote speech. The
family member said that she was happy that the OSN is working on beneficial tools for adults with
special needs, in particular, the Adult Tool Kit and Special Care Organizational Record.
See http://www.norfolknavyflagship.com/news/front_center/article_2206eeea-39f6-11e0-9d80-
001cc4c03286.html

From the Office of Strategic Outreach

Youth Employment Skills Program – Build your résumé and earn money for college!
The Youth Employment Skills program –YES – is a unique volunteer program for high school
students of active duty/Title 10 Air Force members. Students can earn a potential $1,000 grant by
working at an on-base location, and gain valuable employment skills while serving their local
community. Students can claim their „banked‟ grant funding upon high school graduation to be
applied directly toward post-secondary educational expenses. Please contact the youth director at
your base Youth/Teen Center to learn more about the YES program and enrollment procedures.
This program, underwritten by the Air Force Aid Society, is a joint effort with the Airman and
Family Services Flight.

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.

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In the next few weeks, DeCA will deliver the benefit:

April 1-2 Texas Army National Guard Austin, Texas

April 1-3 Guard and Reserve Smyrna, Tenn.
April 2-3 Guard and Reserve Rome, N.Y.
April 8-9 Air National Guard Fresno, Calif.
April 14-17 Guard and Reserve Chattanooga, Tenn.
April 15-16 National Guard LaGrande, Ore.
April 15-16 Air National Guard North Platte, Neb.
April 15-16 Guard and Reserve Swanton, Georgia
April 15-17 Texas Air National Guard Houston, Texas
April 15-17 Oregon National Guard Redmond, Ore.
April 16 Guard and Reserve Fort Wayne, Ind.
April 19-20 Guard and Reserve Fort Myer, Calif.

In the News

From the National Highway Safety Administration – New Child Restraint Guidelines Announced
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA – has revised its child restraint
guidelines to be categorized by age rather than by type of child seat in order to keep pace with the
latest scientific and medical research and the development of new child restraint technologies.
Under the new guidelines, issued March 21, 2011, NHTSA is advising parents and caregivers to
keep children in each restraint type, including rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats, for as
long as possible before moving them up to the next type of seat. See
http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2011/NHTSA+Releases+New+Child+Seat+Guidelines

From American Forces Press Service – Education Activity Launches Online Preregistration
Defense Department officials have launched an online preregistration application that's intended to
help parents get an early start on enrolling their children in DOD schools. Through the site, parents
can preregister their children in a DOD school from anywhere in the world, and even while on the
move from one installation to another, explained Mike Lynch, chief of policy and legislation for the
Department of Defense Education Activity. The site, located at https://registration.dodea.edu, is
open to parents with students entering pre-kindergarten up to 12th grade.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63266 and a Pentagon Channel report at
http://www.dodvclips.mil/?pid=C_f7kxfI8Tjo_rLIdxSveWcuW3z3z3xO

From American Forces Press Service – Military Children Need Nation’s Support
Military children need the support not just of the Defense Department, but the “whole of nation” to
ensure they‟re ready for the future, a DOD official said here today. “Military children are resilient,
but they need a lot of help,” said Robert L. Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of defense for
military community and family policy. “We‟re doing much more in the within the Department of
Defense and federal government, but it will not be enough, because this is an American problem –
it‟s not just a problem of the Department of Defense.”
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63283

From American Forces Press Service – Mrs. Mullen: Military Children Deserve Respect, Support

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Military children need and deserve the nation's utmost respect and support as they continue to
weather a decade of war, the wife of the nation's top military officer said here yesterday.
"I do not believe, and have not believed for quite some time, that there are many issues more
important to the future of our armed forces – indeed to the future of our country – than those
confronting military children today," said Deborah Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen,
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Mullen offered a snapshot of the challenges confronting military children, both in and out of the
classroom, for attendees of a roundtable discussion on the education of military children, one of the
culminating events of a summit called "Building a Grad Nation: Partnerships for Student Success."
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63292

From the Family Matters Blog – TRICARE Remains Intact for Japan-based Beneficiaries
I wanted to pass on some information regarding health care benefits as well as some contact
numbers for TRICARE military health plan beneficiaries affected by the situation in Japan.
First, TRICARE Management Activity officials would like to reassure beneficiaries that their health
care benefits remain intact, even if they relocate. See
http://afps.dodlive.mil/2011/03/24/tricare-remains-intact-for-japan-based-beneficiaries/#

From the American Forces Press Service – Tax Laws Benefit Troops, Families
Service members and their families have a few tax advantages at their disposal, as well as a few
extra days in which to complete their taxes this year, a Defense Department tax expert said.
Due to Emancipation Day, a holiday recognized by the District of Columbia, government officials
have pushed the nation‟s tax filing deadline from April 15 to April 18, Army Lt. Col. Evan Stone,
director of the Armed Forces Tax Council, told American Forces Press Service. Along with the
filing extension, Stone pointed out several new and existing tax laws military members and their
spouses should keep in mind as the deadline draws near.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63252

From American Forces Press Service – U.S. Forces Continue to Aid Earthquake, Tsunami Victims
American service members in Japan continue to help the Japanese people recover from the
catastrophic March 11 earthquake and tsunami. At the same time, many family members have
taken advantage of the voluntary authorized departure process.
See http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63308

Tips of the Week

Nutrition Tip of the Week

For those who want to buy organic produce and are on a budget – and who isn't today? – consider
choosing the organic versions of the „dirty dozen‟ and buy conventional for the least-contaminated
and cleanest fruits and vegetables listed. The non-profit Environmental Working Group analyzed 43
of the most commonly consumed fruits and vegetables for pesticide residues to come up with this
list.

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Dirty Dozen Cleanest Dozen

peaches onions
apples avocado
sweet bell sweet corn
peppers (frozen)
celery pineapples
nectarines mango
strawberries asparagus
cherries sweet peas
pears (frozen)
grapes kiwi
(imported) bananas
spinach cabbage
lettuce broccoli
potatoes papaya

Washing and rinsing fresh produce may reduce levels of some pesticides but it does not get rid of
them. Peeling also helps, but valuable nutrients often are lost. The best option is to eat a varied diet,
wash all produce, and choose organic when possible. Bottom line: Eating fruits and vegetables with
pesticides is better than not eating fruits and vegetables.

For more information on making healthy and nutritious food choices, check out the Commissary‟s
Web site at http://www.commissaries.com/

Parenting Tip of the Week – TRICARE Resources

If your family has already departed or is planning to depart from Japan due to the effects of the
March 11 earthquake and tsunami, your health care benefits will be maintained and service and
support will continue during this difficult time. If you depart from Japan and permanently move to
another location overseas or in the U.S., be sure to update your personal information in the Defense
Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System – „DEERS „ – immediately so there is no break in your
coverage or problems with claims or enrollment options. Visit http://tricare.mil/tsunami/ for more
details. There are also several earthquake and tsunami resources available on Military OneSource
at http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and Defense.gov at
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2011/0311_japan/

Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week – Mealtime Makeover: Chicken Fingers
Use boneless, skinless chicken with high-fiber cereal and an egg substitute to make a healthier
version of this favorite kids' meal. You can make it in batches and freeze it for reheating for future
meals. It goes great with a cup of skim milk and cut-up veggies. Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 4-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, rinsed, patted dry, and sliced into strips
¼ c. egg substitute or skim milk

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1/3 c. flaked, high-fiber cereal, crushed

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350º F (176º C).
2. Dip chicken strips into egg substitute or skim milk.
3. Roll dipped chicken in high-fiber cereal to coat.
4. Place coated strips on non-stick baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning after 9 minutes, until chicken is done (white, not pink,
inside).

Serving size: 1 chicken breast

For more information: http://kidshealth.org/parent/recipes/#cat20582

Financial Tip of the Week – Why your credit score is important

Bad credit can result in unfavorable interest rates can cost you thousands when you take out a
mortgage, a car loan or a student loan. So it pays to know the essentials of your credit report and
related score. Your credit report is a summary of your borrowing and repayment history-any new
accounts, closed accounts, unpaid bills, late bills, and other activity. Your credit score, also called
your Fair Isaac Corp – „FICO ‟ – score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 calculated
from a formula that‟s designed to gauge your creditworthiness. The three main credit-reporting
agencies (Equifax Inc., Experian PLC, and TransUnion) buy the formula from Fair Isaac. The
bureaus use your personal data and crunch the numbers differently, so your score will vary slightly
at each agency. When a lender considers your application for credit, they turn to one (or all) of the
credit agencies for your score, which indicates your reliability as a borrower. Visit your installation
Personal Financial Mangers to get your FICO score before applying/ requesting for any loans. Few
ingredients of your credit score are:

Payment History: Whether you pay your bills on time, including credit cards, student loans,
utility bills, or any other lender or service provider that reports to the big three agencies.
Getting this right is easy: don‟t blow the due date.
Amounts owed: The breakdown of your credit balances, and how they compare to the limits of
what you‟re allowed to take out. If you‟re maxed out, it can hurt.
Years of credit: The age on your accounts. The longer your credit history, the better lenders can
gauge your ability to repay. Unfortunately, the formula knocks young borrowers who don‟t
have an established, detailed credit history.
New credit: How many accounts have you opened recently, and how many lenders have
inquired about your credit? The more activity, the more it appears you‟re about to go on a debt
binge.
Types of credit: The mix of accounts you hold, such as auto loans, credit cards, student loans,
or mortgages.

In general, higher credit scores equate to lower interest rates, meaning less cash you‟ll have to fork
over during the life of a loan. Remember that your credit score is important, but it‟s not the sole
factor in whether you get approved for a loan, credit card, or other forms of credit. Most lenders
also look at your annual income, employment history and other factors.

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Resource links:
Fair Isaac Corp – „FICO ‟ – http://www.fico.com/en/Company/News/Pages/03-10-2009.aspx
Equifax Inc. – http://www.equifax.com
Experian PLC – http://www.experian.com
TransUnion – http://transunion.com

Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Quick Tips for Relocating with Your Pet
When you‟re faced with a PCS move, making arrangements for your pet well in advance well help
you avoid any unwanted surprises. You will need to meet requirements -- and pay fees -- for
documentation, immunization, and import regulations (for overseas installations). The following
tips will help you make the move with your pet safer and easier:

Plan early. Research the pet requirements at your next duty station. Most states require pets to
have an interstate health certificate. Hawaii and some foreign countries have quarantine
periods, which may be reduced if you meet certain requirements. Many foreign countries
require specific certifications before your pet may enter the country. Also, keep in mind that
dog breeds that are considered aggressive are prohibited in certain areas.
Take your pet to the veterinarian at least three months before you move. This visit will give
you time to address any health problems that your veterinarian may discover and make sure all
vaccinations are current. Be sure to get a copy of your pet‟s records, including the rabies
certificate.
If you’re moving overseas, you may be required to provide a health certificate dated no more
than 10 days prior to your departure. If possible, have a military veterinary issue the health
certificate. Military veterinarians are more familiar with the process and are authorized to
provide the required documentation. For more information, visit the Army Veterinary
Command site at http://vetcom.amedd.army.mil.
Make reservations to kennel your pet, if necessary. If your pet will need kenneling while you
search for housing or if there is a quarantine, be sure to make reservations well in advance. If
you‟re moving OCONUS, you may be able to coordinate the schedule with your sponsor, if
you have one.
If you’re moving your pet by air, find out about restrictions. Commercial airlines may restrict
pet travel when the weather is extremely hot. If you‟re traveling on a military flight, the Air
Mobility Command has specific rules for pet travel. You can download their brochure at
http://www.move.mil/documents/DOD/AMC_Pet_Brochure.pdf. Either way, be sure to make
travel reservations for your pet early on.
Make arrangements to keep your pet at a friend’s house or at a kennel on moving day. If that‟s
not possible, put your pet in a quiet, safe place, such as a bathroom with the door closed. This
will reduce the risk that your pet will become frightened and run away or hide in a box about to
be put on the truck.
Try to keep your pet’s routine as regular as possible. Your pet may sense something is going
on and become nervous in the days leading up to the move, especially if familiar objects are
packed away. Sticking to regular walks, play times, and feeding times will help keep your pet
calm and reassured.
If you’re moving your pet by car, avoid temperature extremes. Don‟t leave pets in the car
alone. Use a sturdy insulated carrier to help regulate the temperature when traveling. Be sure to

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provide plenty of water. Small animals, such as gerbils and hamsters, can become dehydrated
easily. Make sure you have a leash in the car for your dog.
When you travel, carry a copy of your pet’s documents with you. Be sure to have vaccination
records, health certificates and import certificates, when required.
Be sure to have identification for your pet. Mark the outside of the carrier with your name,
destination address, and a phone number where you can be contacted. Make sure your pet‟s tag
has the same contact information. Also, attach copies of health, rabies, and import certificates
(when required) to the kennel.

Your Family 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 (800) 342-9647 or access http://www.MilitaryOneSource.com.

Spouse Tip -- Job Clubs are a Source of Support and Encouragement

Did you know that many public libraries have Job Clubs that meet on a weekly basis? Well, they
do. Some are more structured than others.

The more organized Job Clubs have four to six-week sessions, complete with a facilitator who
offers planned programs on job search strategies and activities. These facilitators are often times a
career counselor with experience in helping community members transition from unemployment,
through education and training programs into fast growing, high demand careers and employment
opportunities that match regional employer needs with job seeker interests. With the help of
dedicated club volunteers, some also meet with employers, post openings on library job boards and
help Job Club members search through openings they have developed in the community and found
online.

Other clubs are more informal, with leadership coming from Job Club members. Club meetings are
spent exchanging job search tips and experiences, sharing information about what is currently
available from employers in the region, helping each other tighten up resumes, and developing
answers to tough interview questions. Sometimes members even volunteer to help each other
overcome barriers to employment by making referrals to trusted sources of child care,
transportation, education and training.

So, if you find yourself in an extended job search in a region with high unemployment, you might
want to see if your local library or community college is sponsoring regular Job Club meetings.
They are a good way to keep your finger on the pulse of local community job markets and to keep
your spirits high while you work hard to find the job you are looking for.

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