The Military Family

The military culture is an amazing mix of diverse people and personalities connected by service to this great nation of ours and commitment to the loved one in uniform. Who are these unsung heroes? They are men and women of valor, ordinary people who do extraordinary things in the performance of their duties. The love of country, discipline, dedication and professionalism unite them in a common goal. The rigorous and ongoing training, the relentless work they do, and their extreme commitment to others set them apart in a league of their own. These men and women are true professionals. They work in many different fields from intelligence to logistics, to communication to avionics, from pushing paperwork to Special Forces. Their dedication, their commitment, and their ability to be the best in their fields, are a few of the essential characteristics of those who choose to serve in the Armed Forces. But, they are also those who support the Military Member from the sidelines. They are the spouses who sacrifice careers, comfort, and roots to make those moves every three years to support their loved one in uniform. They are the kids who learn to be tough and courageous when one, or both parents, has to deploy to foreign soil. They are the parents who have to let go of the innocent little girls and fearless pint-sized boys they know as sons and daughters when they choose to heed the call of duty. Many times when one decides to join the military, or marry a military member, they are unaware of all the challenges that await them. Many give up status, family, and friends, to follow their hearts. All too quickly, the simple things in life, which are usually taken for granted, are not that simple in the military world. Military Families have to face the challenges of frequent moves, career changes, and deployments, but they are also isolated from family and friends and everything familiar as they struggle to adapt to a new lifestyle. A lifestyle that includes a unfamiliarity, a world much larger and more complex, a world filled with more protocol, and red tape, and formalities. The military lifestyle is a challenging one. It is full of stressors above and beyond those of "normal" daily life. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at Naval Support Activity Panama City, FL provide service and support to all active duty, retired military, and their dependents (civilian employees may use the FFSC services on a space available basis.) The varieties of programs are there to enhance and improve the readiness and resiliency of the Military Family. We exist to support the Fleet, Fighter, and Family. FFSC offers training, resources, and services covering a variety of topics to help our Military Families achieve their goals. Take advantage of the services and resources provided free of charge to you. If you are unable to visit during normal office hours, please call to discuss alternate appointment times.

Fleet and Family Support Center 101 Vernon Avenue Bldg 304/Room 121 850.235.5800/DSN 436.5800 Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Fleet and Family Support Center

NEWSLETTER Why Shop Interest Rates?

November 2011

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In the banking world, your responsibility as an honest banker/lender means going the distance for your customer and offering him or her the lowest competitive interest rate on a loan that your home office will approve. The latter part of that last sentence is what many consumers fail to remember. In most cases, there is some person, (a loan underwriter) in another office, city, or state you have never met, who decides your credit terms; not the banker sitting across the desk from you. In addition, banks and credit unions have cyclical needs, and their executive leadership will dictate what parameters the underwriters can operate within to make a profit (yes, credit unions make profits too) one month they may want more low-cost deposits (get new checking/savings business, not CDs), the next month they may want to grow their long-term loan portfolio (offer more competitive rates for 30-year mortgages, not short-term loans). If your loan application does not coincide with that banks flavor of the month, then you may be receiving a less competitive rate than what can be found elsewhere in the community. Unfortunately for some borrowers, the power of interest rates (especially in todays marketplace) can be overlooked. Smart consumers will always conduct their own due diligence and shop available interest rates ahead of their purchase. With so many resources available on the internet, consumers can compare APRs instantly on national and local levels. When you have explored enough resources and feel like you have a better understanding about the interest rate environment, you are ready to hit the pavement and begin your comparisons. While shopping rates among lenders in the area, distinguish between your pre-qualifications and pre-approvals. While a pre-qualification is helpful to ascertain what rate you could get and how much you might be able to afford, there are some underlying assumptions the institution is making. A pre-approval, however, is considered a conditional approval for the loan at a specific rate the condition is that you dont take out other loans or impact your credit negatively somehow before getting this loan. The pre-approval is concrete because it removes the assumptions out of the game by pulling your credit profile and obtaining needed financial documents (pay statements, etc.). Being that your credit score is the primary focus in the lending decision, lets clear the air about how much these inquiries from the pre-approval process really affect your score. It can sound counter-intuitive to advise that we shop rates at various financial institutions, yet say we should not apply for credit too many times (primarily because weve been trained to think that every credit inquiry means points taken from our scores). The truth is that FICO scoring models can see how much, and what type of credit you are applying for each time. If the preapprovals are for the same purpose and take place within a close timeline, the impact from each subsequent credit inquiry after the first pre-approval has little to no impact. While most financial institutions subscribe to some version of the FICO scoring model, the different versions may create a bit of confusion similar to how a person using Microsoft 2000 sees something different from an individual using Microsoft 2010. Over time, FICOs scoring models need to adapt to behavioral changes among consumers, and to government/economic changes in order to protect their clients (banks, credit unions, landlords, etc.). So, while more recent scoring models suggest similar inquiries made over a lengthier timeline (30-45 days) when shopping rates are considered as only one inquiry, older versions would suggest that a borrower should compare rates within a shorter timeline (say, two weeks). Falling outside of this window would imply that subsequent inquiries impact your score negatively. To be conservative, you should have a plan before committing to a major purchase that allows time in your schedule to compare rates among three or four institutions within a couple of weeks.

Mark Kinkade is the Personal Financial Manager at the FFSC. If you would like to talk with Mark about financial concerns you may have, you can contact him at 850.235.5611 or email mark.a.kinkade.ctr@navy.mil.

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November 2011

NEWSLETTER

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Navy Streamlines Exceptional Family Member Enrollment

The Navy launched an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) enrollment and tracking application on the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) (https://navyfamily.navy.mil) Sept. 1. The EFMP application adds an electronic enrollment capability for the EFMP and allows service members to track the progress of the enrollment process. The initial phase will only allow new enrollees to use the system. Phase Two implementation is scheduled for the middle of fiscal year 2012, at which time all enrollees will have access and all existing enrollee information will be migrated over to the NFAAS system. At that time, EFMP enrollment information will show in the NFAAS profile. Those who were enrolled in the EFMP prior to Sept. 1, 2011, do not need do anything further at this time. The NFAAS/EFMP module is in Phase One of implementation, which will only show new enrollments after Sept. 1. Those who enroll in the EFMP after Sept. 1, 2011, should take the following steps: 1. If you have not already done so, you must manually download and complete the enrollment forms (DD form 2792 and DD form 2792.1) found here: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/Pages/default.aspx 2. You or your spouse (if the EFM member) and the physician should complete the forms and attach any applicable documentation. 3. Make a copy for yourself and submit to the EFMP coordinator at your local military treatment facility or branch medical clinic. 4. Your local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC)/EFMP liaison can assist you with locating the coordinator and completing the enrollment process and can provide information, referral and services related to your family member's needs. 5. The EFMP Coordinator will review the package, complete their assigned sections and upload all documents into NFAAS for submission to the Central Screening Committee (CSC) at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. 6. The CSC will review the package and submit it to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) with a category recommendation. 7. NPC will then review and assign the final category, and notate your detailing record. Screening and processing typically takes 4-8 weeks. Applicants may contact their FFSC/EFMP liaison or check NFAAS for the status of the application. The exceptional family module is available online at the NFAAS website at https://navyfamily.navy.mil <https://navyfamily.navy.mil/> . The NFAAS Navy family member's user guide is available after login and can be found under the help tab. Sailors with additional questions can contact the regional EFMP liaison at 904-542-9838 or email cheryl.mcgrew.ctr@navy.mil.

Debra Forand is the local EFMP Point of Contact. She can be reached at 234.4898 or via email at debra.forand.ctr@navy.mil.

Fleet and Family Support Center

November 2011

NEWSLETTER 2011 Holiday Season Mailing Dates

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It is that time of year again where the temperature change reminds us that the holiday season is just around the corner, which means it is time to begin filling out our holiday cards and start getting those holiday care packages together. Deployments are not easy, and during the holiday's it becomes even more stressful when families are apart. In order to bridge the gap and ensure that deployed troops still get a taste of the holiday celebrations at home, the Naval Supply Systems Commands (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division has released mail-by dates for holiday cards, letters, and packages. This will ensure that all packages can be received by deployed loved ones before Christmas Day, December 25 Shore APO/FPO/DPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966 * Express Mail: Dec. 17 * First-Class Mail (letters/cards and priority mail): by Dec. 10 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 3 * Space Available Mail: Nov 26 * Parcel Post: Nov. 12 Shore APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 * Express mail Military Service: N/A * First-Class Letters/Cards/Priority Mail: Dec. 3 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 1 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 * Parcel Post: Nov. 12

* First-Class Mail (Letters/cards, priority mail): Dec. 10 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 3 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO address, check with your local post office to determine if this service is available. Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service. Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates that are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. From overseas locations, items mailed at Parcel Post rates are sent to CONUS by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limit are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined. It is also recommended that customers check with their local civilian or military post office for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup.

For mail addressed from all shore FPOs (except 093): * Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 17

Navy Individual Augmentee Hall of Honor

U.S. Fleet Forces Command recently launched the Navy IA Hall of Honor website to recognizes Sailors who were on IA orders, served their country, and performed above and beyond the call of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND). The site provides names and photos of those who have earned combat and meritorious honors and has a memorial page honoring IA sailors who have been killed while supporting combat operations. To learn more, go to http://www.public.navy.mil/ia/pages/hoh.aspx.

Fleet and Family Support Center

November 2011

NEWSLETTER

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September 14, 2011 PRESS SUMMARY - The Photo Imaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA), a respected photo industry organization that brings together some of the most renowned brand names in the photographic community, today announced that its third annual Portraits of Love Project will launch in October 2011 and aim to provide 10,000 deployed military troops with free family portraits in time for the holidays. Starting October 1, 2011 and running through December 31, 2011, military families can sign up for a free portrait session that will be hosted by the programs growing support network. Military families can receive a free personal family portrait and one that is sent to their loved one on active duty overseas by participating at select USO facilities, military bases hosting onbase sessions and a the Projects nationwide network of local photography studios. For both military families and their loved ones deployed overseas, the holiday season can be an especially difficult time. Through the Portraits of Love Project, soldiers can receive a small token of home at a time when it may be needed most. Launched through a joint effort between the PMDA and the military support organization USO, the Portraits of Love Project seeks to provide professional photographers with an opportunity to use their talents to show their appreciation for all those serving abroad. To find a local independent studio or for information on participating USO offices and on-base sessions, military families can visit the Portraits of Love Project website at: http://www.pmdaportraitsoflove.com/.

Do you have a loved one that will be deployed this holiday season! Well no need for hum bug's! Here are some great tips for care packages!
Christmas Cards and Decorations Handmade gifts such as Christmas cards add a personal touch to a care package, especially if it is addressed to a particular soldier. Consider taking pictures of yourself and your family to include in your soldier's card. Add personal touches by having every family member sign the card or write a short note. You can also create sturdy Christmas decorations with your kids. Make sure they're made of nothing that will shatter or break, such as glass. Snacks & Goodies Don't forget to send your soldier plenty of Christmas snacks and treats. Some things to consider include: hard candies, mints, popcorn, dried cranberries or figs, mixed nuts, candy canes, chocolate, apple cider packets and coffee. There are many other things which you can also include. Keep in mind a few things, however. First, don't send anything perishable. It will need to be able to be mailed potentially around the world and carried in his bag. Also don't send anything that might spill. A good example of this is to opt for powdered coffee creamer rather than the small creamer cups, even though they won't perish. Lastly, consider the heightened security and don't send anything in an unmarked or opened package. You don't want to get yourself or your soldier into trouble. Necessities Simple supplies that aren't necessarily Christmas-related still mean a lot to your soldier. Items such as bar soap, deodorant, cotton swabs, toothpaste or batteries are just as cherished as those typical holiday gifts. These things will go a long way and your soldier will appreciate them immensely. To fit the Christmas theme, you can wrap them each as little tiny presents. You may even wish to send along a stocking for your sailor to hang and open on Christmas morning. Some other great ideas are... Christmas movie Kids craft paper snowflakes CD of you (and your children) singing Christmas carols Holiday scented oil Pine cones (scented)

November Calendar of FFSC Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 IA Discussion Group 1500-1600 6 7 8

2 Retirement Planning 1500-1600 9 Saving for the Holidays 1000-1100

3 Basic Resume 1000-1600 10 VA Pre-Sep Claims 0830-1530 IA Support Committee 1300 17 Investing Today 1500-1600

11

12

Veterans Day Office Closed

18 10 Steps to a Federal Job 1300-1500 19

13

14

15 Credit & Debt Management 0900-1030

16

20

21 Operation Prepare 1300-1400

22

23

24

25

26

Office Closed
Thanksgiving 29 30 Childrens Deployment Creating Effective Activity Hour Spending Plans 1400-1500 0900-1000

27

28

Dates and times of programs are subject to change. Please call the number listed for each program for confirmation. Registration is required for all events. Events will be cancelled if no participation.
Kandis Bainter
Clinical Counselor/Life Skills Contact at 636.6105 or email kandis.bainter.ctr@navy.mil

Michael Jordy
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Contact at 235.5459 or email michael.jordy.ctr@navy.mil

Mark Kinkade
Personal Financial Manager Contact at 235.5611 or email mark.a.kinkade.ctr@navy.mil

Tim Bowers
Work and Family Life Consultant Transition Assistance/Employment/Ombudsman Contact at 235.5587 or email timothy.t.bowers.ctr@navy.mil

Debra Forand
Deployment Specialist/Disaster Coordinator/ Exceptional Family Member POC Contact at 234.4898 or email debra.forand.ctr@navy.mil

Famous Quotes:
An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. Henry David Thoreau

Military OneSource 1.800.342.9547

The training offered at the Fleet And Family Support Center has been color coordinated in an attempt to save space in the newsletter. If you are interested in any of the classes featured in the calendar, simply contact the Program Manager whose name corresponds with the color of the class on the calendar. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may cause our readers.

Fleet and Family Support Center

September 2011

NEWSLETTER Whats Happening in and Around Panama City

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EAT WELL, PLAY WELL EXHIBIT at the Science Discovery Center (aka Junior Museum) is on display from now through January 8, 2012; the exhibit focuses on fitness and nutrition, call 850-769-6128 to find out more Nov 4-6 UnWineD: A Taste of the Beach Experience the flavors of the coast at this unique wine tasting event; visit http://www.xorbia.com//unwined for more information Nov 4-5 Bay County Rodeo at Bay County Fairgrounds; gates open nightly at 7:00pm; tickets are $10.00 (age 4 & under free admission) Nov 4-6 24TH Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow located at the Niceville Mullet Festival Grounds, corner of Hwy 85N & College Boulevard, Niceville Florida; spend the day with craft makers, singers, dancers, flute players, storytellers, and exhibits. ADMISSION: $5; $3 - Age 12 and younger call 850.217.6103 or visit www.thunderbirdpowwow.org for more information Nov 10-13 Holly Fair at Boardwalk Beach Resort Conference Center this is truly a holiday shopping experience worth making; call 850.785.7870 or visit www.jslpanamacity.com for more information Nov 11 Fundraising Friday at Howl at the Moon to benefit Habitat Okaloosa; the night will be filled with laughter, great music, drinks and raffle prizes; tickets are $10.00 per person; visit www.habitatfwb.org to order your tickets online or call 850.315.0025, ext 3 for details

Nov 12-13 10th Annual Festival of Nations in Downtown Panama City; call 850.785.2554 to find out more
Nov 14 22nd Annual Outdoor Rendezvous Wild Game Feast at the Shaddai Shrine Center - The evening will include a wild game dinner, an auction, raffles, door prizes & fun; call 850.763.2076 for more details Nov 18 Turkey Shoot at Panama City Beach from 5-9pm at the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 346; call 850.234.5521 for details Nov 18-19 Grills Gone Wild IV at Gulf Coast State College; visit http://www.grillsgonewildpcb.com or call 850.769.3939 for more information Nov 29-Dec 2 Rescue Mission Festival of Trees at the Marina Civic Center; for more information visit www.pcrmission.org/festival.html

Thanksgiving
For more information on upcoming events, call 235.5800, option 6 November 24th
We, as Americans, are blessed people to be living in the finest nation in the world enjoying the many freedoms our Founding Fathers, and those who have gone before us, have sacrificed on our behalf. Let us, as individuals, and as a nation take time this season to be truly thankful for what we have and extend our compassion to others less fortunate.

Naval History:

The Trent Affair was an international diplomatic incident that occurred martingale - lower stay during the American Civil War. On November 8, 1861, the USS San Jacinto, commanded by of rope used to sustain Captain Charles Wilkes, intercepted the British vessel, RMS Trent and removed, as contraband of war, strain of the forestays two Confederate diplomats, James Mason and John Slidell. The envoys were bound for Great Britain and France to plead the Confederacys case for diplomatic recognition. The initial reaction in the United States was to rally against Britain, threatening war; but President Abraham Lincoln and his top advisors did not want to risk war. The Confederacy hoped the incident would lead to a permanent rupture in Anglo-American relations and diplomatic recognition by Britain of the Confederate States. The British public expressed outrage at the violation of neutral rights and insult to their national honor. The British government demanded an apology and the release of the prisoners. After several weeks of tension and loose talk of war, the crisis was resolved when the Lincoln administration released the envoys and disavowed Captain Wilkes's actions. No formal apology was issued and Mason and Slidell resumed their voyage to Europe but failed in their goal of achieving diplomatic recognition.

Fleet and Family Support Center

September 2011

NEWSLETTER
Childrens Christmas Party
Over 60 years of Making Children Smile

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The Childrens Christmas Party Committee (CCPC) coordinates the annual Childrens Christmas Party aboard Naval Support Activity Panama City. For more than 60 years they have provided clothing, books, toys, food, and shoe gift certificates as well as a morning of fun and entertainment to underprivileged children selected by the Bay County School Board. This event truly makes a difference in the lives of the children that are selected to participate. If you would like to help with this heartwarming opportunity, contact one of the following CCPC members Brenna Williams @ 235.5615, Julie Billot @ 234.4441, or Susan Garrett @ 234.4102.

Events for 2011

Nov 1-30 Sponsor a Child Dec 7 Dec 8 Dec 14 Shopping for clothes Wrapping presents in the Long Glass Childrens Christmas Party

Nov 14-18 Silent Auction Dec 6 Shopping for toys

December
Deployment Support

ATTENTION TRICARE BENEFICIARIES

Walgreens will no longer participate as a member of the Express Scripts retail pharmacy network. Anny TRICARE patient who fills a prescription at Walgreens on or after 1 January, 2012, will have to pay 100% of the cost. You will then have to file a hard copy/paper claim for non-network benefit reimbursement.

January
Get to Know Your FFSC

So live that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip. Will Rogers

Join us on Facebook for the latest Fleet and Family news and information. Be part of the conversation! Use this link to stay connected http://www.facebook.com/pages/FFSCPanamaCity/187350194633211#!/pa ges/FFSC-PanamaCity/187350194633211
As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live. Pope John Paul II

Three options are available for filling new prescriptions (or existing prescriptions with Walgreens): (1) Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) for formulary medications; (2) TRICARE Pharmacy home delivery (mail order); (3) Other TRICARE Network Pharmacies. Military Treatment Pharmacies and the TRICARE mail order pharmacy will require new written prescriptions before they can fill them. Other TRICARE Network Pharmacies may obtain a copy of the prescription from Walgreens. If you need a need a new prescription the normal dispensing process will occur. For more information, and a list of participating TRICARE Network Pharmacies, call 1.877.885.6313 or visit www.Express-Scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy.

Fleet and Family Support Center

101 Vernon Avenue Bldg 304/Room 121 850.235.5800/DSN 436.5800 Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

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