1. Family
OCTOBER 2011
Contents
connection
Building a Community of “One Voice
Against Domestic Violence”
Exceptional Family Member
Enrollment Coming to NFAAS Website
National Disability Employment Building a Community
Awareness Month
See Something, Say Something
of “One Voice Against
Safe Harbor Domestic Violence”
Introducing Electronic OBT!
Each year, leaders and advocates across the
Operation Give a Hug
nation proclaim October as Domestic Violence
Operational Stress Control
Awareness Month. But a yearly proclamation
Combat the Winter Blues
isn’t enough. The severity of the problem calls for
Are You Ready for the Flu Season?
every person to be engaged in ending domestic
Information on the GO!
violence, year-round. The Navy’s theme this
Employment Resources & Updates
year focuses on blending our voices to stop it:
Family Readiness Groups “One Voice Against Domestic Violence.” Mothers,
fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins,
neighbors and co-workers are challenged to step
Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet up and speak out against domestic violence.
and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) assesses,
promotes the self-reliance and resiliency of
Sailors and their families. We provide information
treats and educates thousands of domestic vio-
that can help you meet the unique challenges of lence victims and offenders each year. However,
the military lifestyle.
If you have questions or comments, contact until the entire community becomes proactive,
Timothy McGough at timothy.mcgough@navy.mil. domestic violence will continue its insidious exis-
Visit us online at:
tence in the shadows of our family lives. Everyone
needs to speak up when they suspect someone “A peaceful world is an
is in danger; staying silent can have grave conse- inclusive world.”
quences.
–Judith Umbach
The more people get involved, the more Ameri-
The
Fleet & Family Support
can families will get help with this persistent yet
hidden threat to safety and welfare. In addition to What you can do to stop domestic violence:
Center reporting violence, we need to become educated
about the dynamics of abuse. Through education
N Be the example; model nonviolent and
respectful responses to conflict for the
and encouragement, we can begin to dispel the next generation.
myths that discourage involvement with this is- N Build a consensus among your family,
Scan QR Code sue and can promote healthier communities as a colleagues and neighbors that abusive
to access via
mobile device whole. Take a stand and make a difference! behavior and language is unacceptable.
N Spread the word; post a link to the Na-
tional Domestic Violence Hotline (www.
thehotline.org) on Facebook or Twitter.
Continued on Page 2

2. OCTOBER 2011
Exceptional
Family See Something, Continued from Page 1
Member Say Something If you or someone you know is a
Enrollment Coming victim of domestic violence, there
to NFAAS Website In support of the Navy’s continuing
efforts to combat terrorism and pro-
is help:
N The National Domestic Violence
The Navy Family Accountability and Assess- tect Navy personnel, Commander,
Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE
ment System (NFAAS) website has made Navy Installations Command (CNIC)
(7233).
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) launched its 2011 Antiterrorism
Awareness video. The video was N Locate your nearest victim ad-
enrollment easier and faster. Enrollment in the
created to inform and educate all vocate or counselor at the Fleet
EFMP will soon be available in NFAAS. NFAAS
Navy personnel and families on and Family Support Center.
EFMP module Phase I is being released to
enable an electronic process to expedite the what constitutes suspicious activity, N Military healthcare providers.
submission, review and final designation of what actions to take if you observe N Chaplain Care.
enrollment forms for new enrollees. suspicious activity, and how to best N Base security.
protect yourself from potential ter-
Additionally, the EFMP module will enable N Military chain of command.
rorist activities or attacks, whether at
case managers at Fleet and Family Support N Military One Source
work, home, or on travel.
Centers to track information and referral 1-800-342-9647.
requests, and to develop and manage indi- It is everyone’s responsibility to
N Anyone experiencing domestic
vidualized service plans for new enrollees. report suspicious activity. View the
violence — a victim or a wit-
The EFM Users Guide is available via the NFAAS video.
ness — should call 9 -1-1.
website. Once logged in, select the Help tab
and find the guide in the upper right corner.
National Disability Employment
Awareness Month
Being disabled by no means implies being Act, the President is again dem-
without ability. Each October, National Disability onstrating unwavering support of
Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) leads Veterans and businesses by putting
a national campaign that raises awareness about forward an aggressive plan that will
disability employment issues and celebrates help create new jobs for Veterans
the many and varied contributions of America’s and boost the American economy.
workers with disabilities. Veterans Affairs already employs
over 100,000 Veterans — about 30
The overall goal is to increase awareness of hir-
percent of their workforce. The goal
ing and training programs that assist and level
is to up that to 40 percent. For ad-
the playing field for people with disabilities. Tal-
ditional information and resources
ent has no boundaries. With the American Jobs
for veterans, visit the Department of
Veterans Affairs website.
2

3. OCTOBER 2011
Safe Harbor Operation Give a Hug
Navy Safe Harbor is the Operation Give a Hug strives to provide
Ways to Save Energy Navy’s lead organiza- comfort to children with a deployed par-
Now is the time to check your utility tion for coordinating the ent while helping families get connected
budget from last year. Review these non-medical care of seri- to resources and support. Give a Hug is a
tips to stay warm and reduce costs: ously wounded, ill and injured Sailors, Coast 501 (c) (3), charitable organization.
N Clean HVAC air filters monthly; Guardsmen, and their families. Safe Harbor
dirt and dust hinder air flow, provides a lifetime of individually tailored as-
reducing efficiency. sistance designed to optimize the success of
the service member’s recovery, rehabilitation
N Program your thermostat;
and reintegration activities. To learn more,
adjust the settings to allow for
visit www.safeharbor.navy.mil, email safehar-
higher daytime temperatures.
bor@navy.mil, or call 877-746-8563.
N Look for appliance incentives;
investing in a new energy-
efficient unit can cut costs Introducing Electronic OBT!
long-term.
You’ve asked, and we’ve listened! We often eOBT is open to ombudsmen, command
hear from family members who would like leadership and command leadership
to volunteer to be a command ombuds- spouses, but we encourage all to attend
man, but are unable to attend the required the standardized classroom training,
training due to scheduling, budget, or whenever possible. If you’re an
geographic constraints. Command ombudsman awaiting training,
leadership and command leader- or a member of the Command
ship spouses have shared similar Support Team wanting to learn
comments. In response to these more about the Ombudsman
concerns, CNIC is pleased to Program, please consider this
announce Electronic Ombudsman training alternative if you are un-
Basic Training (eOBT); the conversion able to attend classroom training.
Relocation Assistance of Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) to a All modules, both the webinars and
Program (RAP) Tip combination of five webinars and five on- the on-demands, will be available via the
demand modules. Although we recommend Learning Management System (LMS) at
Whether CONUS or OCONUS, mov-
students complete the modules in order, http://learning.zeiders.com.
ing is a part of the unique military
participants are required to begin with eOBT
lifestyle. The Relocation Assistance The first eOBT course will be offered in
Module 1: Orientation and Program Overview,
Program (RAP) offers assistance early November, 2011. For exact dates and
and end with eOBT Module 10: Capstone Part
and resources to help, from the times of the five webinars, please go to the
2. This alternative to classroom OBT was devel-
time you receive new orders to the Ombudsman Program Webinar schedules
oped to present the same course information
unpacking of that last box. Reduce at www.ffsp.navy.mil or www.ombuds-
as traditional OBT. However, the presentation
your stress; contact your Fleet and manregistry.org. The on-demand modules
order and delivery style varies slightly from
Family Support Center now. will be available to complete at your con-
classroom OBT to accommodate the webinar
venience at the conclusion of eOBT mod-
and on-demand medium.
ule 1. All questions should be directed to
CNIC’s Ombudsman Training Coordinator,
Doreen Scott, at Doreen.a.scott@gmail.com.
3

4. OCTOBER 2011
Operational Stress
Control
Day-to-day life in the Navy can be
extraordinarily stressful. The Operational
Stress Control (OSC) program is dedi-
cated to help Sailors and their families
be better prepared to navigate life’s
inevitable challenges. The program’s
focus is building resilience and keeping
stress issues from becoming stress
injuries through education and training
in conjunction with Navy Medicine and
allied programs.
OSC is about prevention. While the pro-
gram initially targeted service members
and deckplate leaders, it has become
increasingly focused on reaching out
to family members with information
about operational stress and ways to
mitigate its negative effects.
A recent Navy survey indicated that the is expanding its reach by joining forces The OSC Blog, http://NavyNavStress.com,
majority of Sailors use friends and fam- with other related efforts to create an offers official information and links to
ily members as their primary resource understanding of what stress is and other programs, resources and research;
to help them cope with stress-related provide practical tools Sailors and their while providing news about the Navy’s
issues. To be more “family friendly,” OSC families can use. continually expanding and improving
training curriculum. The OSC team
hopes that sharing the success stories
of family members who have overcome
the challenges of long deployments,
frequent relocations, reintegration and
financial concerns will empower others.
Resilience can be learned. The OSC’s
stress continuum is a guide for identify-
ing stress reactions and appropriate
actions to take. Knowing what stress
is, how we respond to it, and where
to get help will keep us healthier and
psychologically fit.
4

5. OCTOBER 2011
Combat the Winter Blues
As the fall season approaches with cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours,
many begin to experience what is called the “winter blues.” It usually begins by
late fall or early winter and ends by late spring or early summer. Symptoms are
characterized by a drop in energy level, social withdrawal, oversleeping or insomnia,
difficulty concentrating, irritability, weight gain, and carbohydrate cravings. Consider
these tips to improve your mood and combat the winter blues:
N Exercise. Exercise is great for reliev- N Reduce alcohol. Alcohol is a de-
ing the stresses of life. Exercise also pressant, and rather than improving
helps your mind by releasing those your mood, it only makes it worse.
“feel good chemicals” that improve N Treat yourself. If you plan some-
your mood. thing exciting, your mood improves
N Eat healthy. Incorporate complex when you’re anticipating it and
carbohydrates such as whole wheat when the event actually occurs. Are You Ready for
breads, veggies and fruit in your diet.
Healthy foods provide your body
N Relax. Try to spend a few minutes
each day doing nothing! Read a
the Flu Season?
and mind with nutrients, and stabi- book or magazine, sleep in on the The influenza season is upon us, and
lize blood sugar and energy levels. weekend, go to bed early, try medi- it’s important for you and your family
N Get some sun. Spend a little more tation, or take a yoga class. to take the necessary precautions.
time outdoors. Did you know that N Embrace the season. Seeing win- Widespread local outbreaks, called
the sun improves your mood? Keep ter in a positive light, with all the fun epidemics, occur annually. Very wide-
your shades up during the day to let activities that it has to offer, will keep spread outbreaks, called pandemics,
more light in. Sit near windows while your spirits high. are unpredictable, but the opportunity
you are out. Try changing the light always exists for an outbreak like the
N Get social support. Don’t underes-
bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” H1N1 virus in 2009, which had far-
timate the power of friends, family,
bulbs. These mimic natural light and reaching impacts.
co-workers, neighbors and support
actually have the same affects on
groups like Family Readiness Groups. The most important steps to take to
your mind as the real thing.
Something as simple as a phone call, prevent the spread of flu viruses are to
a chat over coffee, or a nice email or receive annual vaccinations, wash your
letter can brighten your mood. hands with soap and water, and cover
your mouth and nose when coughing
and sneezing. You and your family
should also be prepared with an emer-
gency plan and an emergency supply
kit. If a flu pandemic seems imminent,
increase your emergency supplies to
last at least ten days.
In the event of an epidemic, stay
informed and follow the instructions
of health and emergency authorities
to practice safe infection control mea-
sures. For more information on what to
do and how to prepare, visit the Com-
mander Navy Installations Command,
Operation Prepare.
5

6. OCTOBER 2011
Information
on the GO!
Navy Life AHRN Mobile Byki
Navy Life is an official Byki Online is a
Navy iPhone/iPod Touch new language-
application providing learning software
information about system from Trans-
important quality of life The Automated Housing Referral Net- parent Language. Byki can be used on
resources for Navy personnel, retirees work (AHRN.com) is sponsored by the a desktop computer, but also includes
and their families. It was created by Com- Department of Defense and is designed iPhone and Android applications. Byki
mander, Navy Installations Command Fleet to improve the process of securing connects online and mobile resources
and Family Readiness staff and endorsed available housing for relocating military to social media. A free, “express” version
by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the members and their families. From AHRN of Byki is downloadable from any
Navy. The application includes embedded mobile you can: computer at www.byki.com. A more
videos and information about Morale, powerful version is available at no
N Search for listings, including a geo-
Welfare, and Recreation, Navy Entertain- cost through Navy Knowledge Online
based search option to show listings
ment, single Sailor program, family and (NKO).
near your current location.
bachelor housing, library program, child N Log on to NKO wwwa.nko.navy.mil.
and youth programs, discounted tours and N View listing information including
photos and maps. N Click: Reference (upper right of the
travel, Fleet and Family Support programs,
N Check your AHRN message center. page).
lodging for business travelers, the Navy
Movie Program, and more. Download at N View housing office contact infor- N Click: E-Library - Foreign Lan-
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navy-life/ mation. guage/Culture (left side of the
id368752284?mt=8. page).
N Manage your account.
N Click the Byki Online icon.
Visit www.ahrn.com/mobile today!
N At the Byki site, click the “sign up
now” button to create a new ac-
Navy Fitness Child ID iPhone App count.
The Navy Operational The first mobile ap- N Log in to your new account.
Fitness and Fueling Series plication created by N If you are planning to use your
iPhone/iPod Touch appli- the FBI provides a mobile device with Byki, download
cation is now available so convenient place to the free Byki application for that
you will never be without electronically store device at your service provider’s
photos and vital information about app store. When it has been
your Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling
your children so that it’s literally right installed, you will be prompted for
Series (NOFFS) workouts. Sailors and their
at hand if you need it. You can show an activation code.
families can read news and events, use
the pictures and immediately provide N Click the “Byki Mobile” button on
an interactive NOFFS virtual meal and physical identifiers such as height and the right side of your Byki desktop
workout builder, find answers to their most weight to security or police officers. to generate the activation code.
common questions about fitness, sports, Using a special tab on the app, you can
and nutrition, and more! Download at N Enter the code into your mobile
also quickly and easily email the infor-
device.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navy-life/ mation to authorities with a few clicks.
id368752284?mt=8. Download at http://itunes.apple.com/
us/app/fbi-child-id/id446158585?mt=8.
6

7. OCTOBER 2011
Employment Resources & Updates
Indefinite Noncompetitive Eligibility for Government Jobs IA Discussion Group
Husbands and wives of service members disabled or killed in the line of duty
Schedule
View the Fleet-wide list of classes,
now have indefinite noncompetitive eligibility for government jobs. In a final rule support groups and events.
published in August in Federal Register, the Office of Personnel Management
eliminated a two-year limit on a special hiring authority for the spouses of disabled Returning Warrior
or deceased military personnel. The new regulation provides indefinite eligibility for Workshops (RWW)
Returning Warrior Workshop
spouses who are not prepared to enter the workforce within the two-year period Schedule & IA Family Events —
because they are still grieving, they are enrolled in school or training programs, or www.ia.navy.mil/
they are caring for children or their disabled spouse. Read the full article.
Helping Transitioning Military Service Members Start a Career
Transitioning from the military and will work with service members to help
starting a new career can be challeng- them find jobs for up to 21 months. No
ing. Job Corps can help. At Job Corps, matter where a member is coming from
eligible veterans up to age 24 can train or wants to go, there is a Job Corps
hands-on for a new and rewarding center nearby. Check it out at www.
career. After training, Job Corps staff recruiting.jobcorps.gov.
TeleTech@Home Family Readiness Groups
Seasonal part-time home agent op- Family Readiness Groups (FRG) are
portunities are available to assist with an integral part of a support service
the upcoming holiday season. Training network. The purpose of a Family Readi-
classes will begin in early October ness Group is to help plan, coordinate,
with new classes starting each week and conduct informational, care-taking,
thereafter through year end. For more morale-building and social activities to
increase the resiliency and well-being of
information visit: http://www.hirepoint.
Sailors and their families. Gain valuable
com/athome-en-US/.
tools to establish, run and maintain a
successful FRG by visiting the Family
Readiness Groups site.
7