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

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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:

TheCenterFleet & Family Support

2016 Mrs. Sybil Stockdale Ombudsman of the Year AwardThe 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

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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:

TheCenterFleet & Family Support

ContentsGold 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 Plan Your Next Event

ContentsSeptember 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 Plan Your Next Event

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 MonthAs 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.

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New Spouse OrientationNew 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 TipCustomer 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 OmbudsmanOmbudsmen 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

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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 less than one percent 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

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The New Blended Retirement WebsiteThe 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 CardThis 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 TelemarketersCalls 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

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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 EventSummer 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.

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