MCCS Okinawa - Personal Services Center Resource News

08 February 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:50:15 -0800

April 17th is just around the corner! Let Military OneSource help you complete, save, and file your 2011 federal and up to three state returns online free. Follow the link below to open up the Military OneSource Special Announcement, "The Military OneSource Free Tax Filing Service Is Here" in your browser: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/12038/Newsletters/MHF/265713.html
Military Pay Raise takes effect, and Defense authorization act also contains TRICARE fee hikes for some enrollees: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=49682&dcn=e_gvet
Unemployed Veteran Training Program

The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 included the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) for unemployed Veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Labor (DoL) are working together to roll out this new program on July 1, 2012. The new program will provide retraining for Veterans hardest hit by current economic conditions. More information is available at: http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/vow.html
Space Camp scholarships now available:
Space Camp is a five-day program that shows youngsters to experience first-hand what it takes to be an astronaut. Activities include simulated Space Shuttle missions, training simulators, rocket building and launches, scientific experiments and lectures on the past, present, and future of space exploration.

There are three Space Camp locations: Huntsville, Ala.; Mountain View, Calif.; and Titusville, Fla. Tuition ranges from $550 to $875 and includes meals, lodging and program materials, but not transportation.

Eligibility: Student applicant must first meet be:
- The child of a Military Member on Active Duty or Mobilized Guard or Reserves; OR
- The child of a Military Member who died while serving on Active Duty or Mobilized Guard or Reserve Status; AND
- Enrolled in grades 6 through 9
Application must be postmarked by March 20, 2012. More information on the camp, here:http://www.spacecamp.com/

03 January 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:50:15 -0800

Welcome to the Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) Weekly eNewsletter. As a result of a merger with another MC&FP publication, This Week in MC&FP, the newsletter has expanded content to include the latest Quality of Life news and information from the Department of Defense and dates for upcoming Guard and Reserve on site sales. Thank you for being loyal readers and contributors to this newsletter. We look forward to hearing your feedback about the new style and format. http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/weekly
VETERANS!!! Increased Social Security Benefits For Vets: DD FORM 214 -EXTRA SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT for those with active duty between January 1957 to December 31, 2001. You qualify for a higher social security payment because of your Military service, for active duty any time from 1957 through 2001 (the program was done away with 1 January 2002). Up to $1200 per year of earnings credit credited at time of application - which can make a substantial difference in social security monthly payments upon your retirement. You must bring your DD-214 to the Social Security Office when applying for retirement, and you must ask for this benefit to receive it! Soc Sec website: http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm
Military One Source January Webinar for EFMP Families - Choosing an Exceptional Life: Family-Directed Resource Organizations - Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 1:00 PM, EST. Presenter will be Dr. Ann Turnbull, the parent of a son with significant disabilities. She is a professor at the University of Kansas in the field of special education with expertise in special needs/disabilities, family support, family quality of life, and family-professional partnerships. Dr. Turnbull will share some of her insight about finding the right resources for families with special needs; review some common quality of life issues; help participants identify their own family-life priorities; and briefly highlight three national organizations she found helpful in her pursuit of information. This one-hour webinar is the first in a three-part webinar series created for families with special needs! It will include a fifteen-minute question and answer period after the presentation. Register online and pose questions for Dr. Turnbull before the webinar starts by visiting www.militaryonesource.mil/webinar.

20 December 2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 03:02:08 -0800

December 2011 edition of the Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) eMagazine - Please visit http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/emag to read about the latest MC&FP program updates and information. In this issue, we provide resources and information about limiting stress and staying on budget throughout the holiday season. This edition also highlights another employer signing on to assist spouses, and what some of our partners are doing for service members and their families.
Free e-Books on the MCCS library website!! - http://library.usmc-mccs.org First visit your base library to ask for the GALE database password. Then go to the online library page at http://library.usmc-mccs.org . Enter the password. Then you will see the selection of books. Click on a book, and you will be given the option to download pages in PDF (to computer or eReader), listen on computer or download to MP3 player. These eBooks can be used simultaneously. Provided free of charge thanks to our MCCS library program!
The National Military Family Association Scholarship opened on 12/1. This year the scholarship will include state licensing. Important dates:
- December 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012 (midnight Eastern Standard Time) - Applications accepted online only
- March 15, 2012 - Scholarship Award Letters emailed to recipients
- April 30, 2012 - Verification information deadline (military dependent ID and school address)
- June 1, 2012 - Scholarship checks mailed to student
Give your feedback on the new MSEP (Military Spouse Employment Program) website: http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/12/voice-your-feedback-on-the-new-msep-website/

14 December 2011

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:26:42 -0800

VOW To Hire Heroes Act of 2011: House Committee on Veterans Affairs - The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 was recently signed into law.
Marine Corps Connections: The latest edition is available here.
Some TRICARE enrollees will save money in 2012! Read More!

30 November 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:14:22 -0800

DoL Gold Card Program: The Department of Labor has established the Gold Card program to provide veterans with front of the line privileges and enhanced services through their One-Stop Career Centers. All job seeking veterans are encouraged to use this benefit at their nearest One-Stop center. The One-Stop centers should also be a core piece of every MFL reps network. These centers are located across the nation and can be found here: http://www.servicelocator.org/.
LinkedIn Veterans Tools: LinkedIn has created a set of tools focused on veterans at http://www.linkedin.com/veterans. "LinkedIn is committed to helping veterans transition to new career opportunities. We've brought together our best job-finding tools and tips in one place, specifically tailored for current and former military personnel. We're also giving you a one-year free LinkedIn Job Seeker Premium subscription to help you make the most of our wealth of career resources. We're proud to honor your service, and we look forward to seeing you on LinkedIn."
Google Veterans Tools: Google has also consolidated some tools for veterans, military members and their families at http://www.googleforveterans.com/. "From our veteran community to yours: This site was made by some veterans, family of veterans and friends who work at Google. We understand the challenges of serving, coming home and transitioning to civilian life. We've been there. Some of us are still figuring it out. Here are some free Google products we've gathered together that have made our lives easier. Hopefully, they can do the same for you."

18 November 2011

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:03:54 -0800

Tutor.com available on mobile devices: Military families can now access Tutor.com from any mobile device, including Androids. Students can get a tutor from any mobile phone or tablet using the new HTML5 classroom or the existing Tutor.com To Go (TM) app. Students must have an account with the Tutor.com for Military Families program to connect to a tutor in the HTML5 classroom or Tutor.com To Go (TM) app.
- Android users can sign into their account from their mobile device just like they do from their computer, and work with a tutor. www.tutor.com/mobile
- iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users can download the Tutor.com To Go app for free in the iTunes Store. If you have any questions about the mobile applications, please email militarysupport@tutor.com.
Holly Petraeus: Finances and Predatory lenders information: "As a lifetime military family member, I've seen first-hand the devastating impact financial scams and predatory lending can have on our military families. Unfortunately there are still too many young troops learning financial lessons through hard experience and years of paying off expensive debt." Read more here.
President Obama declares November Military Family Month
GOLD CARD SERVICES FOR POST 9/11 ERA VETERANS
On August 5, 2011, President Obama announced a comprehensive plan to lower veterans' unemployment and to ensure that service members leave the military career-ready. The announcement included several initiatives including the creation of a suite of Gold Card services for veterans. The Gold Card provides unemployed post-9/11 era veterans with the intensive and follow-up services they need to succeed in today's job market. The Gold Card initiative is a joint effort of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) and will become available today, November 7, 2011.
An eligible veteran can present the Gold Card at his/her local One-Stop Career Center to receive enhanced intensive services including up to six months of follow-up. The enhanced in-person services available for Gold Card holders at local One-Stop Career Centers may include:
- Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing
- Development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Career guidance through group or individual counseling that helps veterans in making training and career decisions
- Provision of labor market, occupational, and skills transferability information that inform educational, training, and occupational decisions
- Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings
- Referral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors
- Referral to training by WIA-funded or third party service providers
- Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months

02 November 2011

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:04:11 -0700

The First Lady is inviting military children from around the world to help decorate the White House for the holidays. Children can submit 5x8" handmade holiday cards with words of appreciation to honor their parents. The First Lady encourages children to use their imagination by including words, pictures and drawings. The White House will display as many of the cards as possible.

Participants are asked to mail holiday cards to the following address along with information from where they are sending it by November 16, 2011:

Reservation 1
Attn: Social Office
PO Box 8070
Washington DC, 20032
Transparent Language Online: Since 3 October the Library Program has registered 449 patrons for this program. The most popular classes so far have been for Japanese language instruction, and a variety of English as a Second Language classes for Arabic, Spanish and Japanese speakers. We have registered numerous Marines stationed at Embassies and in Afghanistan. If you haven't registered to learn a language, now would be a good time to start. If you are eligible for a library account, and have an account in good standing, you are eligible for the language program. Go to your base library and they will give you registration instructions. Marines and families who are not near a base library, can email Cynthia.shipley@usmc.mil for remote registration instructions.
Take note: www.e-Marine.org is now up and running so take a moment to explore the site. Each Unit has its own sub-site, administered by the FRO. They will upload messages, calendar items, newsletters, and official communications. There is a place for open forums for discussion. Each Marine is allowed to give five people access to his Unit's site. This will be an excellent place for the FRO to upload calendar items and events of interest, so please keep your FROs informed of items that could be of interest to their Units.
Military One Source is in the process of updating and improving the Military OneSource website! As we continue to work hard to make this an even better resource for our military families, you may notice things are a bit different as you navigate the site. First, military related resources and articles are now available on the Military OneSource website without having to use a login. Throughout the website, you will be able to find information to help support you and your family throughout every phase of the military life cycle.

28 October 2011

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:31:34 -0700

Job success for military spouses! Since the launch of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, more than 5,600 military spouses have been hired, and an additional twenty-four companies will be joining the partnership on October 10, bringing the total partners to ninety-six.
Warrior Gateway is a nonprofit, privately funded Web portal created to connect the military community with health care, education and employment organizations to ease transition into community life. It provides access to the largest directory of service organizations, national to local, and enables wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans, their families, caregivers and families of the fallen to search for services by category or location, including zip code. It also allows users to provide comments and feedback, both good and bad, on organizations and services included on the site.
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a government-sponsored Web portal created to help wounded warriors, Service Members, Veterans and their families and caregivers connect to services and resources that support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. It provides access to thousands of services and resources at the national, state and local levels and gives individuals the ability to search by topic, state, and zip code. The NRD was created collaboratively by the U.S. Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Labor. The information it contains comes from federal, state and local government agencies; Veterans service and benefit organizations; nonprofit and community-based organizations; academic institutions; and professional associations that provide assistance to wounded warriors and their families.
Women Veterans - The VA has released a You Tube video as part of VA's ongoing efforts to change its culture to be more understanding and accommodating of women Veterans and honor the important service they have given our country. Click here to watch.

19 October 2011

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:12:43 -0700

VA Special Need Grants for Homeless Veterans Service Providers: Eleven states will share more than $10.3 million in grants to community groups to provide enhanced services for homeless Veterans this year. This is in addition to the $59.5 million in preventive grants awarded earlier this year.

For more information, visit VA's website for the National Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Office at www.va.gov/homeless/GPD.ASP. Additionally, VA has offered a toll-free telephone number, staffed around the clock by trained professionals, to help homeless Veterans, their families and at-risk people. The number is 877-4AID-VET (or 877-424-3838).
Since the launch of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, more than 5,600 military spouses have been hired, and an additional twenty-four companies will be joining the partnership on October 10, bringing the total partners to ninety-six.
Hire Heroes USA: Offers transition assistance, job search assistance, and job placement services to those who have honorably served in the US military - and to their spouses - in order to reduce veteran unemployment.
Who Will Win this Diamond Ring? My Perfect Union Scott Anderson, President and CEO of Union Diamond, has announced that they will be awarding a $40,000 platinum and diamond engagement ring to one lucky member of the United States Armed Forces. The contest, titled "My Perfect Union", allows members of the military to nominate themselves or be nominated by friends or family members through a video submission and/or essay submitted to the website. All branches of the U.S. Military are eligible and encouraged to enter as are both active duty and retired members of the Armed Forces. Submissions Accepted Until November 28th.

13 October 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:15:10 -0700

Check out the Military One Source new podcasts. Whether you're buying a new or used car, get the most for your money with help from our podcast series,Getting Your Money's Worth When You Buy a Car.
Are you building a new life as a military spouse? From understanding complicated regulations to learning the meanings of dozens of acronyms (POC, MTF, PCS, EFMP.), new military spouses can find it hard to master the new lifestyle and culture. Keep in mind that if you start with the critical basics and take advantage of many benefits available to military families, you'll soon find the military community rewarding, energizing, and a great place to call home.
The Exceptional Family Program (EFMP) is launching a new mobile website for service members and families to conveniently access essential EFMP information from any mobile device. With the mobile site, EFMP families can quickly and easily access important information about programs and services through a smartphone, tablet, or any another mobile device with an Internet connection.

6 October 2011

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:40:34 -0700

New Foreign Language program available through MCCS libraries, starting 3 October 2011: The MCCS Library Program has announced the introduction of Transparent Language Online. Anyone who is eligible for a MCCS library account can go to their library to register for the program. The contract with Mango language has not been renewed. TLI is a powerful new online language-learning system designed specifically for use by MCCS Library patrons.

Transparent Language courses provide basic recreational learning and education language programs in over 60 languages and include activities for developing pronunciation, grammar, writing, vocabulary and culture skills. TLO also provides basic vocabulary learning activities in over 90 languages including 21 focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL). Many of these languages also include online social communities, blogs and mobile device learning activities.

Please note: Transparent Language also provides CL150, their Active Duty operational and deployment language instruction through Marine Net.
Change to Tutor.com
Beginning 3 Oct 2011, SMCR and AR Marines and family, either in deployed or non-deployed status, will be eligible for a Tutor.com account. Previously, only deployed Reservists were eligible. Also beginning 3 Oct all eligible Marines and family members will be able to self-register for their Tutor.com account through the website. www.tutor.com/military Previously, registration was required through the installation libraries. The new procedure will allow instant access for Live Homework Help at times the library may not be open.
Social Media Guidance: HQMC Public Affairs recently published a new website dedicated to social media http://marines.dodlive.mil/social-media

"The Marine Corps Social Media Handbook outlines Marine Corps social media principles - to empower Marines to participate with our social media community. The intent is to engage in greater discussion as even better communicators and improved representatives of our Corps." Please take a moment to read the guidance and apply as it relates to your social media sites.
October 2011 edition of the Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) eMagazine: In this issue, we provide resources and information about maintaining healthy and strong relationships throughout the holiday season and beyond. This edition also focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness Month resources and information, highlighting the reporting options for victims of domestic violence that enable them to seek help in a manner they choose and promote their safety. Please visit http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/emag to read about the latest MC&FP program updates and information.

28 September 2011

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:46:17 -0700

Military Spouses Get Help With Professional Licenses: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=64285
Husbands and wives of service members disabled or killed in the line of duty soon will have indefinite noncompetitive eligibility for government jobs. In a final rule to be published in Wednesday's Federal Register, the Office of Personnel Management will eliminate a two-year limit on a special hiring authority for the spouses of disabled or deceased military personnel. The new regulation will provide indefinite eligibility for spouses who are not prepared to enter the workforce within that period because they are still grieving, they are enrolled in school or training programs, or they are caring for children or their disabled spouse.
Source: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=48664&oref=todaysnews
Obama Proposes TRICARE Changes
Military retirees would pay an annual fee for TRICARE-for-Life health insurance and TRICARE pharmacy co-payments would be restructured under the deficit reduction plan President Barack Obama released today.
http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=65377
Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) September Newsletter, providing you with up-to-date information about what is going on with JFSAP around the country as well helpful tools and resources:
http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/jfsap/enewsletter

21 September 2011

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:52:13 -0700

Check out some of the upcoming webinars from Military One Source: Understanding Online Classes, Tudor.com Program Overview, Identity Theft, and more! http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/OnlineCommunity/Webinars.aspx
MAKE BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR MARINE CORPS FAMILIES LESS STRESSFUL - Back-to-school for many military families means new schools, new curricula and new homework assignments. Help make back-to-school time less stressful for military students by reminding them that they have free access to Tutor.com for Military Families funded by the Department of Defense MWR Library program. http://www.tutor.com/military
If you are separating or retiring in the near future please you may want to attend some of these TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fairs: http://www.techexpousa.com/index2.cfm
TechExpoUSA.com, the leading technology industry career center and home of TECHEXPO Top Secret Career Fairs. We bring security cleared professionals together with the nation's leading employers from the defense & government sectors. Please visit the show pages below for more information & to pre-register. You may also submit your resume and apply to thousands of security clearance jobs. Employers, for a full schedule of events, please contact us.

7 September 2011

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:15:41 -0700

Do you know your School Liaison (or SLO)? This week Robert L. Gordon III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy) talks about the important role a School Liaison can play in your kid's success moving into a new school. They can be a particularly important resource when you move from Okinawa back to the United States. Find out more about this valuable resource in his blog:
http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/09/family-focus-friday-school-liaisons-for-those-new-students/
The Troops to Energy Jobs Program is a new pilot program launched by the Edison Electric Institute. There are five energy companies that will participate in the pilot: Dominion in Virginia; PG & E in California; APS in Arizona; American Electric Power in Cleveland, Ohio; and Southern Company that has not yet defined the region. Program participants will start off as an apprentice and move up through the ranks. Each state will have their own page with a link to job openings when they are ready to begin accepting applications. Expected date for this is the end of August 2011. For dates and events go to:
http://www.troops2energy.com/
Free Camp for Military Kids - On the Edge Adventure Camp, October 7 - 10 (Columbus Day weekend)
http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/statePOCNewsDetail.aspx?type=event&ID=2773

Cost: Free to families, although families whose children are accepted to the camp will be required to send a $25 deposit that is refunded to you when the teen arrives at camp. There is also a limited amount of funding available to assist with travel expenses for families. Go to:
http://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=5510

If you have questions regarding this particular Military Teen Adventure Camp, please contact Linda Kupferschmid at lkupfers@illinois.edu or call 217-265-8209.

31 August 2011

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:27:18 -0700

Marine 4 Life provides veterans with valuable resources and mentorship programs. If you are transitioning out of the military don't miss out on this valuable resource. Visit their website at: http://www.m4l.usmc.mil/
The Exceptional Advocate eNewsletter is here! The Department of Defense Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is pleased to release the first issue of The Exceptional Advocate, a monthly electronic newsletter for military families with special needs. Each month you will find articles, resources, tips, and news that families can use to remain informed on a variety of topics: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/efmp/news
Check out the Military Community & Family Policy Tips of the Week: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/mhf/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_1
The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) has is a trusted one-stop source for answers to questions about consumer problems and government services. Consumers can get the information they need in four ways: by calling toll-free 1 (800) FED-INFO, through printed publications and online through various social media channels and FCIC's family of websites: USA.gov; Pueblo.gsa.gov; Kids.gov; Consumeraction.gov; GobiernoUSA.gov http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/ includes a variety of free publications you can order, on topics that assist Veterans, offer financial tips etc.