Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet and Family Support Program. The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program promotes the self-reliance and resilience of Sailors and their families. We provide information that can help you meet the unique challenges of the military lifestyle.

1. The recipients of the 2016 Mrs. Sybil Stockdale
Ombudsman of the Year Award will be formally
recognized on Sept. 29 at the Hampton Roads
Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner in Virginia
Beach, Va.
The award honors the dedication and con-
tributions of all ombudsmen while formally
recognizing four outstanding individuals. The
awardees were nominated by their command-
ing officers for serving their command and
families with extraordinary, selfless dedication
and commitment to family readiness. They are:
•• Mrs. Kelly Sperry, former Ombudsman for
USS Kearsarge (LPD 3), representing
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
•• Mrs. Julie Pratt, Ombudsman for SEAL
Team 1, representing Commander, U.S.
Pacific Fleet.
•• Mrs. Amy Anderson, Force Ombudsman
for Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic,
representing all naval shore activities.
•• Mrs. Elaine Allen, Ombudsman for Navy
Operational Support Center North Island,
representing Commander, Navy Reserve
Force.
Named in honor of Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, wife
of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, the award
memorializes her steadfast support to families
of prisoners of war (POW) throughout her
husband’s seven-year internment during the Viet-
nam War. She became a co-founder and national
coordinator of the National League of Families,
a nonprofit organization that worked on behalf
of American Vietnam-era POW/MIA (missing in
action) families. Mrs. Stockdale served as their
liaison to the White House and the Department
of Defense.
2016 Mrs. Sybil
Stockdale Ombudsman
of the Year Award
Familyc o n n e c t i o n
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Family Connection is a publication of the
Fleet and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program
promotes the self-reliance and resilience
of Sailors and their families.We provide
information that can help you meet the
unique challenges of the military lifestyle.
The appearance of external links in this
newsletter does not constitute official
endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Navy or
Department of Defense.
If you have questions or comments,
contact the Fleet and Family Support
Program, ffsp.fct@navy.mil.
Visit us online at:
The
Center
Fleet & Family Support
2016 Mrs. Sybil
Stockdale Ombudsman
of the Year Award
The recipients of the 2016 Mrs. Sybil Stockdale
Ombudsman of the Year Award will be formally
recognized on Sept. 29, 2016 at the Hampton
Roads Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner in
Virginia Beach Va.
The award honors the dedication and contribu-
tions of all ombudsmen while formally recognizing
four outstanding individuals. The awardees were
nominated by their commanding officers for serv-
ing their command and families with extraordinary,
selfless dedication and commitment to family
readiness. They are:
• Mrs. Kelly Sperry, former Ombudsman for
USS Kearsarge (LPD 3), representing Com-
mander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
• Mrs. Julie Pratt, Ombudsman for SEAL
Team 1, representing Commander, U.S.
Pacific Fleet.
• Mrs. Amy Anderson, Force Ombuds-
man for Commander, Submarine
Force, Atlantic, representing all naval
shore activities.
• Mrs. Elaine Allen, Ombudsman for Navy
Operational Support Center North
Island, representing Commander, Navy
Reserve Force.
Named in honor of Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, wife
of Vice Adm. James Bond Stockdale, the award
memorializes her steadfast support to families
of prisoners of war (POW) throughout her
husband’s seven-year internment during the
Vietnam War. She became a co-founder and
national coordinator of the National League of
Families, a nonprofit organization that worked
on behalf of American Vietnam-era POW/
MIA (missing in action) families. Mrs. Stockdale
served as their liaison to the White House and
the Department of Defense.
Familyc o n n e c t i o n
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Family Connection is a publication of the
Fleet and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support
Program promotes the self-reliance and
resilience of Sailors and their families. We
provide information that can help you
meet the unique challenges of the military
lifestyle.
The appearance of external links in this
newsletter does not constitute official
endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Navy or
Department of Defense.
If you have questions or comments,
contact the Fleet and Family Support
Program, ffsp.fct@navy.mil.
Visit us online at:
The
Center
Fleet & Family Support
Contents
Gold Star Mother’s and
Family’s Day
Don’t Wait. Communicate!
Suicide Prevention: 1 Small ACT
Can Save a Life
Updates from the Personal
Financial Management
Program
New Parent Support Home
Visitation Program: Educating
Parents and Nurturing Children
Let Navy Community
Recreation Help you PlanYour
Next Event
Contents
September is Ombudsman
Appreciation Month
Gold Star Mother’s and
Family’s Day
Don’t Wait. Communicate!
Suicide Prevention: 1 Small ACT
Can Save a Life
Updates from the Personal
Financial Management
Program
New Parent Support Home
Visitation Program: Educating
Parents and Nurturing Children
Let Navy Community
Recreation Help you PlanYour
Next Event

2. Returning Warrior Workshops (RWW)
Returning Warrior Workshop Schedule and
IA Family Events — www.ia.navy.mil.
Click “Resources” then “IA Services.”
U.S. Navy
Individual
Augmentees
IA Discussion
Group Schedule
View the Fleet-wide list of classes, sup-
port groups and events.
Since 1936, the last Sunday in September has been designated as Gold
Star Mother’s Day to recognize and honor those who have lost a child
while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces. In 2009,
Fallen Service Members’ families were officially recognized and added
by Presidential Proclamation, renaming the observance to Gold Star
Mother’s and Family’s Day. Each year, the president signs a proclama-
tion reaffirming our commitment to honor the individuals “who carry
forward the memories of those willing to lay down their lives for the
United States and the liberties for which we stand.” On Sept. 25, we
pay tribute to those mothers and families who have sacrificed so much.
The Navy is committed to helping foster resiliency for families of fallen
service members regardless of how they died. The Navy Gold Star
Program honors Gold Star families throughout the year by hosting
events that pay tribute to their lost loved ones, providing resources and
opportunities to connect with one another.
On Sept. 22, in association with Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day,
Navy installations across the Continental U.S. will participate in Bells
Across America for Fallen Service Members where the names of the
fallen will be read and a bell will toll to honor and remember them.
Throughout history, bells have been used to announce a death or
to express the gravity of an individual’s passing. They are struck to
communicate the depth of sorrow and the extent of loss. These coordi-
nated ceremonies are just one way the Navy is
recognizing the sacrifices of our fallen heroes
and the Gold Star families left behind.
For more information on the Navy Gold
Star Program or the location of Bells Across
America for Fallen Service Members in your
area, please visit www.facebook.com/navy-
goldstar or www.navygoldstar.com, or call
1-888-509-8759.
Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
September is Ombudsman
Appreciation Month
As we celebrate the 46th anniversary of the Navy Family
Ombudsman Program, please take this opportunity to recog-
nize ombudsmen across the enterprise for what they do to
support our Navy. The volunteer role they fill is a significant
one with direct impact on our families and mission readiness.
Ombudsmen, thank you for volunteering for this important
position and for serving your country in this important way.
2
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

3. New Spouse Orientation
New Spouse Orientation is offered as an
on-demand course designed to support
new Navy spouses. It provides informa-
tion on benefits, support services,
military culture and resources to help
spouses adapt to the military lifestyle.
Relocation Tip
Customer Service Survey
(CSS) is a performance
report that DPS uses to
rate transportation ser-
vice providers, thereby
ensuring that only quality moving
companies will handle your belongings.
It is imperative that you fill out a CSS for
each and every shipment. Luckily, it’s
easy! You will automatically receive an
email with a link to your CSS after your
shipment has been delivered. YOUR
OPINION MATTERS!
Contact Your Ombudsman
Ombudsmen play a vital role in estab-
lishing and maintaining current and
accurate communication between the
command and families. Use our “Contact
Your Ombudsman” feature to connect
with your Ombudsman, a great source of
information and resources.
JSS Dial-in Access 24/7?
1-877-JSS-NOW1
(577-6691)
www.jointservicessupport.org
JSSJoint Services Support
Are You Prepared?
If a natural disaster – an earthquake or
tsunami – were to strike, would you and
your family be prepared? Where would you
go? Would you know where to reunite with
your family? These are important questions
that should be answered before a disaster
occurs. September is National Preparedness
Month, which makes now the perfect time
to learn about the potential hazards in your
area and to identify what you need to do to
be prepared.
First, take time to find out what disasters are
most likely in your area. Contact the nearest
emergency management office to help you
identify potential hazards, receive an outline
of local plans and get recommendations
for yourself and your family. Emergency
management representatives can also
provide information on evacuation routes
and procedures.
Along with learning your community’s
emergency procedures, it is important for
you and your family to discuss what actions
to take in the event of a disaster. Make a plan
that includes how you will communicate
with your family and pinpoint a designated
meeting place. You should also list one or
two out-of-state contacts who you can
“check in” with after an event. If you have
young children and are concerned that
discussing disasters might frighten them,
visit www.READY.gov to find resources and
information specifically designed for kids.
Ensure you are prepared by building an
emergency supply kit for your home and
vehicle. A collection of items that will help
you meet basic needs will let you evacuate
more quickly and will help ensure that you
and your family can meet your needs in the
days immediately following a disaster.
The time and effort you and your family
invest in preparedness will make a difference
in your ability to handle emergency situa-
tions and will help each of you stay safe. Be
informed. Have a plan. Make a kit.
Get Prepared…
•• Create a sheet or card with all of the
phone numbers and information every
individual in the family may need, and
make sure every member of the family
has a copy of the communication plan.
•• Include a plan for what information will be
communicated, e.g., status, location and
next steps.
•• Be aware that phone lines and cellphone
towers may be overloaded or down
during an emergency. Plan to use other
means of communications if cellphones
are not available.
•• Ensure every member of your family has
a cellphone or a prepaid phone card in
order to stay connected and informed
during emergencies.
•• Establish an out-of-state, in-case-of-
emergency (ICE) name and number. Save
the ICE information in everyone’s cellular
phone.
•• File a copy of emergency contact informa-
tion with the command ombudsman and
the command, to be opened only in case
of emergency.
For more information on disaster prepared-
ness visit www.Ready.Navy.mil or www.
Ready.gov.
Don’t Wait. Communicate!
Navy Encourages Sailors and Families to Make
Communication Plan for September’s National Preparedness Month
3
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

4. September is Suicide Prevention Month in
the Navy. The 21st
Century Sailor Office’s
Suicide Prevention Branch, OPNAV N171,
has the resources you need to get ACTively
involved in supporting your Sailors, Navy
family and community this month and
throughout the year. 1 Small ACT will remain
the Every Sailor, Every Day campaign’s pri-
mary message, encouraging simple actions
that can make differences in others’ lives and
strengthening relationships between peers
and community members.
Research indicates that immediate family
members are more likely to notice behav-
ioral changes and stress reactions in Sailors,
including those that may be less obvious
to peers and leaders. No matter how minor
the stress reaction may seem, ACT (Ask,
Care, Treat) and start the conversation
with your Sailor early to open the door for
proactive intervention and support. 1 Small
ACT—being there to listen, encouraging use
of professional resources, and promoting
health and safety at home—can lead to one
big step in the right direction.
One of the many reasons service members
may not seek help for mental health concerns
is fear that doing so will jeopardize their
clearance eligibility and careers. You can help
spread the truth to combat this misconcep-
tion. Emphasize that lessthanonepercent of
security clearance denials and revocations
involve psychological health concerns. In fact,
seeking help to promote personal wellness
and recovery may favorably impact a person’s
security clearance eligibility. Remember,
counseling and treatment for adjustments
related to military service in a combat
environment, marital or family concerns
(unrelated to violence committed by the
service member), grief and sexual assault vic-
timization do not need to be reported when
answering Question 21 on the Questionnaire
for National Security Positions (SF 86). Seeking
help is a sign of strength and help exists in
many forms, including Fleet and Family
Support Centers, the Military Crisis Line,
Military One
Source and Navy
chaplains. Navy
chaplains offer
100% confidential
support and can-
not be compelled
by the command,
medical profes-
sionals or others
to disclose what a
service member
or family member
shares in confi-
dence.
During day-to-day
conversation,
make stress and
psychological
health an active
part of your
family’s dialogue.
When possible,
enjoy a meal to-
gether as a family
without distrac-
tion. Mealtime is
an opportunity to bond and engage with
loved ones by sharing experiences, offering
support and improving communication.
Research indicates that sharing meals as a
family benefits emotional health and con-
nectedness and is linked with decreased
risk-taking and destructive behavior.
Another way to promote health and safety
at home is to ensure that privately-owned
firearms are stored unloaded in a locked
safe or cabinet and secured with a gunlock.
These simple steps not only help prevent
injury among children in the household, but
are proven ways to prevent suicide when
loved ones are experiencing stress and psy-
chological health concerns that place them
at increased risk.
While suicide prevention is an ongoing
effort, this month’s observance is the perfect
time to encourage your family to take care
of themselves and each other during calm
and rough seas. You can set an example by
participating in the 1 Small ACT Photo Gal-
lery on our Navy Operational Stress Control
Page (www.facebook.com/navstress).
Download the new “Small ACT Selfie” sign
from www.suicide.navy.mil, personalize it
with an example of a small act that you and/
or your family can take to make a difference,
snap a photo with you and/or your family
holding the sign, and email it to us at navy-
suicideprevention@gmail.com for uploading
into the gallery. Like us on Facebook to share
your photo—and all of our resources—with
your friends and family.
For more resources to navigate stress as a
family and be there for every Sailor, every
day, bookmark Navy Suicide Prevention’s
webpage, subscribe to our blog, like us on
and follow us on Twitter.
1 Small ACT can save a life. It starts with you.
Suicide Prevention:
1 Small ACT Can Save a Life
4
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

5. The New Blended
Retirement Website
The new Blended Retirement
System (BRS) website has launched.
It will keep you up-to-date on BRS.
This site will contain information
on policy, resources, training and
events. Stay informed, visit http://
militarypay.defense.gov/Blended-
Retirement/.
Online Shopping Con
Demands Payment by
Gift Card
This holiday shopping season, be
on the lookout for a new scam
technique. As shoppers become
wary of paying by wire transfer and
pre-paid debit cards, scammers
are trying something new. They
are requesting victims purchase
and pay with gift cards. View the
full article at http://www.bbb.org/
blog/blog_new-posts/2016/08/04/
online-shopping-con-demands-
payment-by-gift-card/.
New Restrictions on
Telemarketers
Calls allegedly from the IRS, the US
Department of Treasury or a ran-
dom company claiming you have a
long-standing debt easily remedied
by making a wire transfer may soon
taper off. The Federal Trade Com-
mission recently passed restrictions
on the forms of payment that
telemarketers can demand and on
unwanted robocalls. The Commis-
sion also expanded protections
under the National Do Not Call
Registry (www.donotcall.gov.)
Updates from the
Personal Financial Management Program
5
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6

6. The New Parent Support Home Visitation
Program (NPSHVP) is a support services pro-
gram designed to help active-duty families
with young children. Command leadership
knows that many families need assistance to
incorporate healthy parenting practices into
a military lifestyle. Families eligible for this
program must either be expecting a child
or have at least one child under the age of 4.
In addition, they must be eligible to receive
services at any military medical treatment
facility (MTF). NPSHVP services are provided
at no cost to families.
The NPSHVP offers comprehensive ser-
vices including maternal and infant health,
nutrition and breastfeeding, early child
development education, fatherhood focus
training, parent and child bonding and child
discipline strategies. This free program also
offers tips on how to sooth a colicky child,
how to set up a safe home environment for
young children and other healthy parenting
practices and support services. Services are
provided by home visitors either in the home
or at the Fleet and Family Support Center.
The Navy is committed to ensuring that
top-quality services are provided to military
families. New Parent Support home visitors
have training and skills related to parent
and child education. They receive ongoing
training and education to learn new skills
and enhance others. Some home visitors
are licensed nurses, social workers, mar-
riage and family therapists or early child
development educators.
To learn how to access NPSHVP services
contact your local New Parent Support Pro-
gram, located at your local Fleet and Family
Support Center, or visit www.ffsp.navy.mil.
New Parent Support Home
Visitation Program: Educating Parents and Nurturing Children
Let Navy Community Recreation Help you Plan Your Next Event
Summer picnics and barbecues get all the
glory, but let’s not forget how amazing
autumn can be with cooler temperatures,
fewer bugs and changing colors. Before win-
ter arrives, take time to enjoy the fresh crisp
fall air with your friends, families and cowork-
ers. What better way to enjoy the outdoors
than an expertly executed picnic/outdoor
party event? Navy Community Recreation is
here to make your event something special
and truly stress-free. Stop by your local Navy
Community Recreation facility for all of your
outing needs.
Do you have enough seats and space?
What if you have five chairs and plan on
30 guests? Navy Community Recreation
offers pavilion rentals equipped with pic-
nic tables as well as individual table and
chair rentals. On some installations, Navy
Community Recreation will even drop off
and pick up the equipment you need, so
all you have to do is round up your guests
and have some fun!
No picnic or outdoor event would be
complete without a series of fun, entertain-
ing picnic games and activities to help
partygoers enjoy the great
outdoors. Navy
Community
Recreation offers
a variety of
outdoor rentals
such as sporting
equipment,
sumo suits corn-
hole, ladder golf,
disc golf and
horseshoes.
If you plan on having groups of children
in attendance, consider renting a moon
bounce from Navy Community Recreation.
Moon bounces will keep the children enter-
tained for hours as they jump, bounce, flip
and play in an inflatable play place.
Worried about the weather? Navy Com-
munity Recreation not only offers pavilion
and outdoor recreation rentals, they also
offer tent/canopy rentals that provide shelter
from the sun or rain. Canopy/tent rentals can
also be the perfect place for a DJ to set up
so you do not have to worry about equip-
ment getting damaged.
Stop by your local Navy Community
Recreation facility today to see what other
essential outdoor party equipment acces-
sories are available to expertly execute your
picnic/outdoor party event today!
Note: Not all installations carry the same
outdoor rentals, so call your local Navy
Community Recreation facility for more
information.
6
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6