The document provides a summary of news and events related to military and family programs from June 17, 2011. It includes announcements about upcoming hiring fairs and career resources for military spouses, educational opportunities and resources for military children, financial planning tools for civil servants, and other family support initiatives. It also summarizes recent media coverage of efforts to increase support for military families from Hollywood, the cable industry, and other organizations.

1. http://www.health.mil/blog/10-06-24/Family_Resiliency_Webinar.aspx.
This Week in MC&FP
June 17, 2011
_________________________________
On Sunday, we‟ll celebrate our fathers. The day of special recognition was requested
in 1909 by Mrs. John B. Dodd of Spokane, Washington, in honor of her father, William Smart. Smart
was a Civil War veteran and widowed father of six. He raised all six children alone on a rural farm in
east Washington State. The first celebration was held a year later and by tradition , annually on the
third Sunday in June. On this 101st celebration of Father‟s Day, we salute all the fathers, father
figures, and men who serve as role models to our nation. We send our thanks and best wishes for a
wonderful day.
Have a good week and take care.
Please note: Some hyperlinks in this text are lengthy, sometimes extending more than one line. For best
results, cut and paste the entire link into your Web browser.
From the DASD, Robert L. Gordon III
From DoD Live Family Focus Friday – Royal Couple at Hiring Fair in Los Angeles
Two weeks ago, I first told you about a special opportunity for our military spouses in the southern
California area and nearby military installations seeking jobs and careers: the “Hiring Our Heroes” Los
Angeles hiring fair. Today, I am pleased to say that Their Royal Highnesses, Prince William, Duke of
Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will be participating in both the hiring fair and a
service project!
What connection does the Royal Couple have with military families? Many Americans may not realize
that Prince William is a search and rescue helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force, which means that
Catherine is also a military spouse! Their focus is to help raise awareness and support for the service
men and women, and their families in both Great Britain and the United States who have proudly
served and to assist in re-integration and employment efforts of veterans and military families. It is
both an honor and a thrill to have them join us. See http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/06/family-
focus-friday-royal-couple-at-hiring-our-heroes-fair-in-los-angeles/
From DoDEA
DoDEA Leaders to Appear on ‘Military Mom Talk Radio’
Marilee Fitzgerald, DoDEA‟s acting director; Charlie Toth, deputy director, DoDEA; and Kathy
Facon, branch chief, DoDEA educational partnership will participate in an interview on Military
Mom Talk Radio. The show will focus on how education is critical to military families as a quality
Providing policy, tools, and resources to further enhance the quality of life of service members and their families.

2. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
of life factor, parents‟ roles in positioning students for success in school, and preparing for the next
school year – transitioning from summer to school. The broadcast will take place at 5:00 p.m.
(EST) on Monday, June 20. To access the broadcast on line visit:
http://militarymomtalkradio.wordpress.com/
DoDEA 2011/2012 School Calendars Now Available Online
DoDEA school calendars for the 2011/12 school year are now posted online. Calendars for DoDDS
schools are posted at www.dodea.edu/home/calendars.cfm . For DDESS schools visit:
www.am.dodea.edu/ddessasc/aboutddess/areasycalendar.html.
Educational Partnership Team Hosts Third Special Ed Professional Development Seminar
DoDEA‟s Educational Partnership provided a third special education professional development
seminar for educators at Fort Carson, Colorado. The mission of the partnership program is to
champion quality educational opportunities for military children by providing resources and support
to military-connected local education agencies. The summer professional development
opportunities are based on a set of 16 special education training modules developed by Cambium
Learning Group for DoDEA to distribute to military-connected local education activities. DoDEA
hosted two prior events at schools with large military-connected student populations in Killeen,
Texas, and in Okaloosa County, Florida, and in August will host one more professional
development session this summer in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Continuous professional growth opportunities are critical for enhancing the repertoire of strategies,
skills and competencies of educators. DoDEA values the professional educator as most important
in achieving exemplary learning opportunities for our students. During the summer, scores of
DoDEA teachers will be engaged in summer training to enhance their skills and to strengthen their
teaching abilities.
From the Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth
New Money Management Campaign PSAs Debuts on AFN
Four new 30-second public service „spots‟ and four 15-second cutdown versions began airing on
Armed Forces Network June 16. The PSAs were created by DoD‟s Radio and Television
Production Office using an online animation program. To view the PSAs, click on this link:
http://www.dma.mil/rtpo/money_management/
OPM Releases New Federal ‘Ballpark E$timateR’ For Civil Servants
The Federal Ballpark E$timate includes projected Federal annuity and Thrift Savings Plan benefits
to help civil servants quickly identify approximately how much is needed to save to fund a
comfortable retirement.
The Federal Ballpark E$timate can be used by employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement
System (CSRS), CSRS-Offset, or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) who plan to
retire under the voluntary age and service rules. The current version does not perform estimates for
employees planning to retire under the „Minimum Retirement Age + 10‟ rules, or those who are
covered by special computation rules such as law enforcement officers and firefighters, or former
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3. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
Federal employees who may be entitled to a deferred retirement. To determine your own ballpark
estimate, see http://www.opm.gov/retire/tools/calculators/ballpark/ballparkintro.asp.
Military OneSource Webinars – June Topics Include Spouse Career Info, Keeping Kids Safe Online
Webinars are Web-based training sessions using teleconference audio and the Internet to deliver an
interactive seminar. All posted times are listed in Eastern Daylight Savings Time. For more
information, see http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/OnlineCommunity/Webinars.aspx
- The Spouse Career Center: Your Success is Our Mission
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Achieving your career and educational goals when you move frequently can be a challenge.
Whether you're changing jobs because of PCS or starting a new career, we can help you and
your family prepare for the changes ahead. Let Military OneSource help smooth the way with
information about portable work options, flexible college options, licensing, and where to find
job postings.
Join us for an overview of the Military OneSource Spouse Career Center services. Learn about
who we serve, the assistance we can provide, and the benefits of working with a Spouse Career
Center consultant as you move ahead in your education and career goals.
- Writing a Resume that will Lead to Interview Success
Friday, June 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., Eastern Time
Have you ever considered that your resume writing and interview preparation are your
communication to the employer that you are the right candidate for the job? Military spouses
offer a unique set of skills, but many spouses are unsure about how to communicate those skills
on a resume.
This webinar will help you build a resume employers will want to see and prepare you to make
a good first impression on your interview. Join us for a Spouse Career Center sponsored event
where we‟ll discuss the purpose of the resume, resume formats, essential features, and more.
- Keeping Kids Safe Online
Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Start early when talking to your kids about being online. After all, even toddlers see their
parents use all kinds of devices. As soon as your child is using a computer, a cell phone, or any
mobile device, it‟s time to talk to them about online behavior, safety, and security.
As a parent, you have the opportunity to talk to your child about what‟s important before
anyone else does. Join us for an informative sessions where we discuss helping kids improve
their digital literacy, including staying safe online and being good digital citizens.
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4. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
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:
June 24-26 155th Brigade Combat Team Tupelo, Miss.
July 9-10 Guard and Reserve Martinsburg, W. Va.
July 9-10 Guard and Reserve Williamstown, W. Va.
July 15-17 Guard and Reserve Springfield, Ore.
July 16-17 Guard and Reserve Chadron, Neb.
July 21-24 Guard and Reserve Chattanooga, Tenn.
July 22-23 Guard and Reserve Riverton, Utah
July 22-24 Guard and Reserve Aquadilla, Puerto Rico
July 30-31 West Virginia National Guard McConnelsville, Ohio
July 30-31 Guard and Reserve Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Note for the Plattsburgh event: Pre-order only.
Orders must be placed by June 23, 2011
In the News
From the Family Matters Blog – Obama Salutes Military Dads
With Father‟s Day nearly at hand, President Barack Obama took time to single out military dads
yesterday, thanking them for their service to the nation. “Thank you for your dedication,” he told
the dads gathered for a special screening of the Disney-Pixar movie “Cars 2” on the White House
complex. “And when I say thank you, it‟s not just to those in uniform; it‟s to the families as well
who are also serving. “We could not be more proud of you,” he added, “and we are grateful
because you help not only to keep us secure, but also keep us free.”
See http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64350
From the American Forces Press Service – First Lady Urges Hollywood, Tell Military Family Stories
The entertainment industry can help to shine the light on military families by incorporating their
compelling stories into movies and television, First Lady Michelle Obama said yesterday during a
panel discussion hosted by the entertainment guilds in Los Angeles. Speaking to an audience of
about 500 producers, writers, actors and directors, the first lady discussed her "Joining Forces"
military-support campaign and how Hollywood can play a role in her quest to stir up national
support for military families. Writer-director J.J. Abrams, who moderated the panel, kicked off the
discussion by asking Obama what sparked her passion for military family support. See
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64300 and the DoD video clip at
http://www.dodvclips.mil/?pid=ga1OeYiTX_cY1hcCDUshNSnI76Ox7opR .
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5. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
From the Family Matters Blog – The Perfect Father’s Day Gift
Luckily my husband isn't as high maintenance about Father's Day as I am about Mother's Day. As
in, he truly means it when he says, "Don't get me anything." Mike honestly is happy with a nice
breakfast (French toast) and working in the yard with his two helpers to celebrate. However, I still
quest to find inventive, personal gifts to show him how much we appreciate him. Unfortunately,
finding "the perfect gift" usually means it comes down to the wire, leaving me searching into June.
Knowing that some of you might be in the same boat – still looking for that elusive perfect gift –
here is a list of goodies that the man in your life might appreciate ….
See http://us.mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=9se42a90hv36l
From the American Forces Press Service – Dr. Biden Urges Cable Industry Support
Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, last night called on the cable television industry to
use its vast reach to help educate the public about military families and rally national support for
“the very best of our country.” Biden, speaking at the National Cable and Telecommunications
Association's annual convention in Chicago, echoed the message first lady Michelle Obama took to
Hollywood earlier this week. “The cable industry is uniquely positioned to help Americans learn
more about the challenges and needs of military families and to showcase the families‟ strength,
resilience and service to our nation,” Biden told the assembly.
See http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64356
From the American Forces Press Service – Gates, Mullen Protect Family Programs
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the service chiefs to “fence” two areas in the budget
options the military is contemplating: training and family programs. “I don't want any money taken
out of those,” he told the Senate Appropriations Committee today.
See http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64338
From the American Forces Press Service – DoD Libraries Launch Summer Reading Program
Defense Department libraries have launched a summer reading program in the hopes of inspiring
children – and adults – of all ages to read throughout the summer. Visitors to libraries on 270
military installations around the world are invited to join “A Midsummer Knight‟s Read,” an
activity-packed reading program with a medieval twist. “The idea is to encourage kids to come in
and see the library and look at the books and other materials, [and to] encourage them to
participate,” said Margie Buchanan, libraries division chief for the Air Force Services Agency.
See http://us.mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=53vbnk3ppf8gk ; at Yakota Air Base, Japan,
http://www.yokota.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123259460 ; and at Camp Lejeune,
http://www.camplejeuneglobe.com/carolina_living/article_ceb698be-9768-11e0-b0ca-
001cc4c03286.html
From the American Forces Press Service – Military Spouses Get Help with Professional Licenses
A Defense Department organization is making it easier for military spouses to maintain
professional licenses as they move from state to state. State Liaison and Educational Opportunity,
an office of military community and family policy here, today announced that 16 states have
adopted laws, or are close to doing so, to make it easier for military spouses to work in their career
fields. "It gets them to work faster, and that's been our objective," Marcus Beauregard, chief of the
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6. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
state liaison office and a retired Air Force officer, said in an interview with American Forces Press
Service. See http://us.mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=d9nokfuqrsamr
Tips of the Week
Nutrition Tip of the Week – Grazing is good for staying lean
When you graze on frequent mini meals throughout the day, your body enjoys stable insulin levels.
Insulin is a fat-storage hormone, so when you gorge, your store that extra food as extra fat. When
you graze, insulin is not so high, which helps keep you lean. Being lean does not mean being
skinny, but rather having the right body weight for your body.
Parenting Tip of the Week – Home Safety Month
June is Home Safety Month and with children home for summer, it‟s a good time to check your
home for potential safety issues and take simple steps to prepare for an emergency.
- Learn what to do in different types of emergencies.
http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicID=54&cnt=1&areaID=0
- Assemble an emergency supply kit.
Visit http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html for a list of ideas of what to include in
the kit.
- Make a family emergency plan. Find out what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur in
your area and how you will be notified.
See http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html
Let’s Move/Childhood Obesity Tip of the Week –Physical Activity – Part II
Children and Adolescents’ Physical Activity
According to the 2008 Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans, U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services there are plenty of activities your children and adolescents can participate in to
keep them healthy! Take a look below for some muscle and bone strengthening activities.
Examples of Moderate- and Vigorous-Intensity Aerobic Physical Activities and Muscle- and Bone-
Strengthening Activities for Children and Adolescents
Type of Physical Children Adolescents
Activity
Muscle - Games such as tug–of–war - Games such as tug–of–war
strengthening - Modified push–ups (with - Push–ups and pull–ups
knees on the floor) - Resistance exercises with exercise
- Resistance exercises using bands, weight machines, hand–held
body weight or resistance bands weights
- Rope or tree climbing - Climbing wall
- Sit–ups (curl–ups or crunches) - Sit–ups (curl–ups or crunches)
- Swinging on playground
equipment/bars
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7. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
Bone - Games such as hopscotch - Hopping, skipping, jumping
strengthening - Hopping, skipping, jumping - Jumping rope
- Jumping rope - Running
- Running - Sports such as gymnastics,
- Sports such as gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis
basketball, volleyball, tennis
For more information on physical activity and making healthy and nutritious food choices, check out
the Commissary‟s website at http://www.commissaries.com/
Financial Tip of the Week – Attention all Service members and families!
Do you have a consumer complaint? Do you feel like you've been scammed by:
- A company or individual who sold or attempted to sell you something (electronics, DVD's-
CD's, cell phones, etc)?
- A payday/loan company or lender?
- An automotive, motorcycle, or boat dealer?
- A company offering you or a family member employment?
- An internet-based commercial site?
- Identify theft phishers or scammers?
- Any company outside the installation gates or in the community?
Military Sentinel is a project of the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Defense to
identify and target consumer protection issues that affect members of the United States Armed
Forces and their families. To file a consumer complaint, click on
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/military_home.htm. This will link you to the consumer
complaint forms.
Military Sentinel allows members of the United States armed forces to enter consumer complaints
directly into a database that is immediately accessible by law enforcement organizations throughout
the United States, Canada, and Australia. These law enforcement agencies use this complaint data
to target cases for prosecution and other enforcement measures. The information from Military
Sentinel can be used by members of the JAG staff and others in the Department of Defense to help
protect armed services members and their families from consumer protection-related problems.
Military Sentinel also provides a gateway to consumer education materials covering a wide range of
consumer protection issues, from auto leasing, to identity theft, to work-at-home scams.
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8. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
Military OneSource Tip of the Week – Quick Tips and Vacation Ideas for Traveling Alone
If you‟re thinking of taking your next vacation alone, you‟re in good company. More people than
ever are enjoying the benefits of independent travel. You will be able to decide where you want to
go, what you want to see, and even what time you want to have meals. Here is information to help
you make the most of a solo vacation:
- Plan ahead. Find out about single-friendly vacation packages. Many cruise lines, travel
agencies, and touring specialists offer packages for singles, which may help you avoid a single
supplement charge.
- Check into the Armed Forces Recreation Center resorts. Brought to you by Family and Morale,
Welfare and recreation Command (FMWRC), these include resorts and clubs in Virginia,
Florida, Hawaii, Germany, and South Korea. (Go to http://www.MilitaryOneSource.com and
enter “Armed Forces Recreation” into the search box to find out more.)
- Consider a theme-based holiday. One seasoned solo traveler loves to learn about his roots by
visiting towns once inhabited by his ancestors. If you have a passion for nature, plan a vacation
that will keep you outdoors.
- Investigate conventions, conferences and trade shows. If you‟re a huge Star Wars fan, or you‟re
interested in anything from dog shows to psychology, consider attending a convention held by
an association dedicated to that field.
- Sign up for a workshop or a retreat. Whatever your interests are – dance, painting, computers –
there are seminars, workshops, and retreats held all over the world specializing in these areas.
There are even workshop cruises that focus on a specific activity, such as yoga.
- Swap homes. You can save on hotel bills when your trade homes with another traveler.
- Offer your unique talent or services for a cheap cruise. If you‟re a fitness expert, for example,
inquire about getting discounted rates for teaching an aerobics class. Most cruise vacations
offer passengers lots of varied activities, which may include computer training, dance
instruction, and estate planning, and may need people with knowledge and expertise to facilitate
them.
- Take safety precautions. If possible, avoid nighttime travel. Request a room above the ground
floor. Resist the urge to carry valuables with you. When driving, always travel with a cell
phone, and keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. Never pick up hitchhikers and, if
you see someone in trouble, call local officials for help.
- Don’t overpack. Lugging a heavy suitcase around can be a challenge when you‟re by yourself.
Experienced travelers know that the secret to enjoying a good trip is to pack light.
- Get a local newspaper as soon as you arrive. Look up activities geared toward single people or
have a tour leader or hotel concierge help you if you‟re in foreign country.
- Try not to overdo it. Don‟t feel compelled to visit every place on your list. Spend an afternoon
reading a book or walking around town.
- Be flexible. If a walking tour is cancelled due to rain, visit a museum you didn‟t think you‟d
have time to see. Introduce yourself to people you‟d like to meet. If you‟re shy, a good
conversation starter would be to ask the person to take your picture in front of a landmark with
your camera.
Your Family Support Center can give you information and support on many issues that affect
service members and their families. And Military OneSource, a free 24/7 service from DoD,
available to all active-duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families, provides information
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9. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
and referrals plus face-to-face counseling. Call (800) 342-9647 or access on the Web at
http://www.MilitaryOneSource.com.
Spouse Tip – Portable Career Fields, Occupations and Job Openings
Once you decide to „marry into the military,‟ you will quickly learn from fellow military spouses
that you are about to enter an exciting mobile military lifestyle, filled with opportunities to live all
over the world and experience different cultures that are different from your own – including stark
differences as you move from state to state, right here in the United States.
Your service member‟s occupational specialty (for example, supply, intelligence, fighter pilot, ship
driver, equipment maintenance, etc.) will determine the geographic locations where you and your
service member will most likely be stationed. If you decide to live together as a couple, as opposed
to being a periodic geographic bachelor, you will become a „trailing spouse‟ as you follow your
service member to each new duty location. This can be hard – emotionally, physically, and
financially – if you are career minded and have certain lifestyle expectations and goals.
In order to establish and sustain your own professional career alongside your service member, it is
important to find appealing career options for which you can become qualified, and which are most
likely have job openings at duty stations where you are most likely to live as you „trail.‟
Here are some career fields and related occupations that have proven over time to be highly
„portable‟ as military spouses move from one duty location to another. Do any of these career
choices appeal to you?
- Health and Human Services: Nurses; Medical/Dental/Surgical/Rehabilitation Technicians and
Technologists; Medical Coding, Billing and Records Specialists; Social Workers; Child Care
Providers; Child Development Specialists; Counselors (especially Behavioral and Mental
Health); Physical Fitness/Aerobics Specialists
- Education: K-12 Teachers (especially Math, Science, Technology and Special Education);
English As A Second Language (ESL) Teachers; Skilled Trades/Advanced Manufacturing
Instructors (Community Colleges and Occupational/Vocational Schools)
- Business and Financial Services: Accountants; Procurement Specialists; Marketing Analysts
and Managers; Business Managers; Financial Managers; Financial Counselors; Benefits
Specialists; Insurance Agents & Brokers
- Information Technology: Programmers; Systems Engineers; Database Managers; Web
Designers; Social Media Specialists; Multi-Media Graphic Designers
- Skilled Trades: Cosmetologists; Skincare and Nail Technicians; Massage Therapists;
Animal Services Specialists and Trainers; Advanced Manufacturing Workers; Mechanics;
Maintenance and Repairmen; Telecommunication Specialists and Repairmen; Security
Professionals
- Entrenuership: Own-Your-Own Business
Visit http://www.CareerOneStop.org for the latest career field, occupation and salary information
from the Department of Labor on fastest growing, highest demand and largest employment career
choices and related state and professional licensing/certification requirements.
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10. This Week in MC&FP June 17, 2011
Contact a Military OneSource Spouse Career Center Consultant (800) 342-9647 or
http://www.OurMilitary.mil) to request Career Connections, Career Fair and Job Fair schedules, and
employment websites and job board referrals.
For Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program information that connects you to employers
who are recruiting military spouses, visit: http://www.OurMilitary.mil.
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