FAMILY READINESS
NEWSLETTER
July/August/September 2009
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From the Commanding Officer
Chaplain’s
Corner 4 To the Families and Friends of Headquarters and Support Battalion:
I t is hard to believe that it is time again to let you know how your Marines, Sailors and Soldiers are
The Company doing at Headquarters and Support Battalion! Since the last newsletter, the Marines of the Battalion have
Commanders 5-8 made significant contributions to the Base. In fact, it was through their efforts, and those of the civilians
aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune that the Base was awarded the prestigious 2008 Commander in
Commanding Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. This means that Camp Lejeune was recognized as the finest
Officer 1 installation within the Marine Corps. I hope you are as proud of your Marine’s contribution to this
achievement as I am. The Base Public Affairs Office was also recognized for their work on the Globe,
winning the best metro format newspaper in the Marine Corps for 2008. The Base was also awarded the
Family Readiness 2-3 Secretary of the Navy USMC Large Installation Natural Resources Conservation Award for 2008. All in
Corner all, your Marines are doing tremendous things and are being recognized for them.
MCCS Corner 4
T he Battalion Family Readiness Program is becoming better and better. Over 50 people participated
in the Jayne/John Wayne Day, where friends and family of Marines lived the life of a Marine for a few
Quick Reference 10 hours. The participants had great fun touring the Tank Battalion and Amphibious Assault Vehicle
For Upcoming Battalion areas and seeing these metal monsters; having the opportunity to shoot the same small arms
Events their Marines do; experiencing all the static displays from Infantry Weapons systems to Explosive
8-9 Ordinance Disposal Teams; running the Combat Fitness Test; and of course, enjoying Meals-Ready-To-
Safety Corner
Eat! We had 90 Marines and their family members participate in an afternoon of bowling at Bonnyman
Bowling Center on 13 June. Fun and great food marked this occasion! On 18 June, we had over 600
Sergeant Major’s people at the Battalion Family Day at Onslow Beach, enjoying the beautiful day. We had a tremendous
Corner 2 layout of chow—JC’s Barbeque had an Eastern North Carolina Pig Pickin’, Funnel Cakes, Corn Dogs,
Hamburgers and wonderful drinks. Our MCCS Coordinator, Ms. Heidi Anastasia, pulled out all the stops
Tricare Facts 9-
with a DJ, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Balloon tricks, and fun games for the kids. It was a day sure to be
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remembered by all who attended for many years to come.
Voting 10
Information
I understand that the hardest thing about the program is getting information in the hands of the
families. We are working very hard to put as much information as possible on the Battalion Website.
There you can find point of contact information for the Family Readiness Program and ways to get
involved. Please take a look—
http://www.marines.mil/units/mcieast/mcblejeune/hqsptbn/Pages/default.aspx and click on Family
Readiness for more information. We hope to roll out a Family Readiness Calendar onto the MCCS Camp
“Every individual has Lejeune webpage soon; please keep a look out for more information on that.
a place to fill in the
world and is A s Holly and I prepare ourselves to leave this tremendous Battalion, I would like to thank all the
important in some wonderful people who have made this past year so enjoyable for us. To the Family Readiness Volunteers,
respect whether he I owe a special thank you. It is caring, committed people like you who make this Program so relevant and
chooses to be so or special. Thank you for what you do for our Families!
not.”
One last special thank you is owed to Master Gunnery Sergeant Marcia McLaurin. She enabled this
Battalion to move from the old Key Volunteer Program to the new Family Readiness Program in smooth
~Nathaniel Hawthorne
fashion. Not only that, but she has revitalized the focus on the Family. She is the primary reason why
this program is where it is today, and Holly and I are so happy that we were so fortunate to have her as
our Family Readiness Officer.
Semper Fidelis,
David W. McMorries
-1- Colonel, United States Marine Corps
Commanding Officer
Sergeant Major’s Corner
F amilies you may not know when the need arises. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a nonprofit
chartable organization designed to provide financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval
Services of the United States, eligible family members and survivors.
T he Navy- Marine Corps Society offers, Quick Assist Loans up to $300 for certain needs to active duty Marines and Sailors,
assist in developing a personal spending plan and interest-free loans and/or grants to help with emergencies such as:
Food, rent, and utilities
Disaster relief assistance
Essential vehicle repairs
Unforeseen family emergencies
Medical/dental bills
Emergency transportation
Visiting Nurses – house call and instructions to mothers with newborns, retirees and widows/widowers.
T hese are just a few programs available for Marines/Sailors and their family. If you seek assistance, ensure your bring your
military/eligible family member military ID card, leave papers, Leave and Earning Statement (LES), information which might be
helpful in processing your request. For further assistance contact the Family Readiness Officer, MGySgt Marcia McLaurin at
(910) 451-8578 or email: marcia.mclaurin@usmc.mil
Semper Fi,
Michael R. Wootten
Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps
Family Readiness Officer Corner
Shades of Green
“Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” Tickets
T
“ hrough 23 December 2009, each member of the U.S. military (active duty, National Guard, reserves or retired) may obtain
one complimentary 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More options. The
ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a
Disney water park, Disney Quest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, the military
personnel is also qualified to make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute
Companion” tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends.
Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun and More
options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25 plus tax, per option. Actual prices
may be less. All tickets and options are nontransferable and must be used by 23 December 2009.”
D
“ isney’s Armed Forces Salute” tickets can be obtained only at participating U.S. military base ticket offices (including at
the Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World Resort) or at main entrance theme park ticket windows. Tickets are not valid
until activated at the main entrance theme park ticket windows. Valid military identification will be required to be presented by
the service member (or dependent) for all ticket transactions (including activating tickets at the main entrance theme park ticket
windows). All parties must be present when purchasing or activating tickets at main entrance theme park ticket windows.”
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L.I.N.K.S Training is very important for Marine Spouses to attend. We ask your support in attending this great training.
L.I.N.K.S covers important topics designed to make you more knowledgeable on “life in the Marine Corps.” Some of the
discussions will include topics such as:
-- Marrying into the Marine Corps
-- Rank Structure
-- Specific mission of the Spouse’s Marine Corps Unit
-- Pay Scales and how to Read the Leave and Earning Statement
-- About Deployments: Prep for them and what the Marine is doing while deployed
-- The Need for a “Will” and Power of Attorney
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-- Role of the Chaplain
-- Family Readiness Issues
-- Career Planner Issues: Why Re-enlist?
-- Moving: How to PCS.
The upcoming classes for L.I.N.K.S. are as follows:
July 8-9 (0900-1300 at Midway Park Chapel) **
July 25th (0900-1300 at Midway Park Chapel)
August 20th (0900-1630 at Midway Park Chapel)
August 25th - 26h (0900-1300 at Midway Park Chapel) **
September 4th (0900-1630 at Midway Park Chapel)
September 15th (0900-1630 at Midway Park Chapel)
September 21st - 22nd (1700-2100 at Midway Park Chapel)
September 29th (0900-1630 at Midway Park Chapel)
**Both days are required for completion certificate**
Also Available LINKS for Parents/Extended Family Members recognizes that for many of our Marines, their parents and
extended family members play a major role in their lives, providing both support and advice. The content focuses on parents and
the extended family new to the Marine Corps Community. The Program offers an orientation to the Marine Corps lifestyle,
helping the participant better understand the unique challenges military life often presents.
The upcoming Family Readiness Assistant Classes are held at Russell Marine and Family Team Services Building (Bldg 40).
The dates and times are:
July 11th (1830-1500)
July 21st (0830-1500)
July 29th - 30th (0830-1500) **
August 11th (0830-1500)
August 22nd (0830-1500)
August 26th - 27th (1830-2100) **
September 9th - 10th (1830-2100) **
September 15th (0830-1500)
September 26th (0830-1500)
**Both days are required for completion certificate**
For deployed family members, a special service for families with deployed loved ones. The USO of Jacksonville has
created the Smiles over the Miles program to maintain the bond between a deployed service member and their family and help to
alleviate the emotional strain of the deployment. On the first Thursday of each month, our Jacksonville Center hosts "Smiles
Over the Miles." Families with deployed loved ones are invited to the USO for a free pizza party, complete with games and
prizes for the kids. As part of the event, families may record a free DVD Video message which the USO will ship to the
deployed service member at no cost to the family. We thank Pioneer Services and Pizza Hut for their gracious support of this
program! For more information call (910) 455-3411.
I f any of you are interested in joining our Family Readiness Program, attending training, or have any questions, please email
the Family Readiness Officer, MGySgt Marcia McLaurin at marcia.mclaurin@usmc.mil or call at (910)554-1801 (cell) or
(910)451-8578 (work) or visit our website at http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/hqsptbn/. Thanks for your time and hope to see
you soon!
Congratulations go to the following Marines who won $25 MCCS Gift Certificate for playing Safety Jeopardy during the
Summer Safety Fair:
LCpl Nicole Dolasco Alpha Company
LCpl Frank Herrington MP Company
PFC Kalie Martine India Company
LCpl David Taylor India Company
Congratulations go to the winners of Family Fun Bowling:
High Score Child: D J Moss (104)
High Score Female: April L. Moss (122)
High Score Male: Orlando L. Ashworth (197)
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MCCS Corner
For more information on Heidi's Events, call 451-3399 or email
heidi.anastasia@usmc.mil
4th of JULY CELEBRATION! Featuring the 2d MARINE DIVISION BAND and the Crystal Coast Choral Society
WPT Hill Field Saturday, 4 July at 1700, Camp Lejeune Celebrates America's 233rd Birthday with Pride and Tradition!
A s America celebrates its 233rd birthday, you can also celebrate it by attending an event steeped in pride and tradition.
Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit Division in partnership with Tyson Foods will present the 4th Of July
Celebration, Saturday, July 4th on W.P.T. Hill Field aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. MCCS Camp Lejeune will
continue its yearly tradition of hosting its annual 4th of July Celebration. This is no ordinary celebration, it is an event presented
in grand style. It will be an evening of food and fun for the entire family. This year's celebration will include children's activities
featuring a variety of inflatables. It would not be a celebration without music! Live musical entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m.
with Camp Lejeune's very own 2d Marine Division Band accompanied by the Crystal Coast Choral Society will keep the crowd
entertained with a musical concert of patriotic tunes that will bring out the American pride in all. Bring your lawn chairs and
blankets and enjoy the event on the lawn of W.P.T. Hill Field. Top the evening off with one of the best fireworks display in the
area. It is guaranteed to "ooh" and "awe" the crowd. The 4th of July Celebration is an alcohol free event. Admission is free and
the event is open to the public. In case of inclement weather, only the fireworks portion of the celebration will be rescheduled on
July 5. No personal fireworks, alcohol, or sparklers will be permitted. All items will be confiscated. No pets will be allowed on
the field. The 4th of July Celebration is presented by Tyson Foods and sponsored by EDS, WRNS, LeBleu Water, The Daily
News, MAX Magazine, and First Citizens. For more information about the 4th of July Celebration, please call 910-451-2785. No
federal or USMC endorsement implied. POC: 451-2785 or go to mccslejeune.com/july4
Exceptional Family Member Program Support Group (EFMP): Tuesday 4 August from 1830-2030.
T he EFMP support group consists of parents and adults with special needs. Come meet and socialize with others facing
some of the same issues you may be experiencing. In return, you may be able to provide support and information that someone
else may need. Various topics will be discussed at each meeting and when available, guests from military & local agencies will
be there to answer questions. FREE childcare will be available, advance reservations are required, call 451-2672. Please RSVP
for the meeting to receive location by calling 451-4394. POC: Holly Brumage -Email brumagehm@usmc-mccs.org
Sincerely,
Heidi Anastasia
Chaplain’s Corner
Marriage Enrichment Retreat
Every couple needs a time in their relationship to recharge and reenergize. The toll of
military life and family can often times leave couples exhausted, worn-out and disillusioned. This retreat (CREDO’s
most popular) gives couples time to reflect, resolve and refocus. The retreat begins on Friday evening and concludes
mid-morning Sunday. Couples stay in motel-type accommodations and all meals are provided. To make
reservations call (910) 450-1668
17-19 Jul Marriage Enrichment Retreat
24-25 Jul Prevention and Relations Enhancement Program
7-9 Aug Marriage Enrichment Retreat
14-16 Aug Marriage Enrichment Retreat
26-27 Aug Prevention and Relations Enhancement Program
Sincerely,
Chaplain Hatton
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The Company Commanders
Alpha Company
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I t has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as the Commanding Officer of Alpha Company,
Headquarters and Support Battalion. Since taking over the company on 24 March 2009, I have had the distinct privilege of
working with and getting to know some of the Marine Corps’ outstanding Marines and Sailors. This company brings unique
challenges and I look forward to continue serving as the company commander.
Summer is right around the corner, and most people spend a lot of their time outdoors participating in multiple activities.
Whatever outdoor activities you participate in, safety should be one of the top priorities. Ensure you and your families practice
good Operation Risk Management which should include, but not limited to: wearing the appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment, avoiding, or at least closely observing, areas that may have wild animals, maintaining a good diet and proper
hydration, and wearing sun block.
I would also like to acknowledge that the Marines, Sailors, and Civilian employees are doing great things in supporting not
only the battalion’s mission, but also the mission of the base. These talented ladies and gentlemen do not necessarily go out and
pull triggers, but they help set the conditions that allow the warfighters to go out and win our nation’s wars. In my opinion, that
is a critical responsibility that is bestowed upon this battalion.
Lastly, I would like to thank all Marines, Sailors, and Civilian employees of Alpha Company for their support. I greatly
appreciate your professionalism. I would also like to thank the spouses for YOUR support because you all play an integral part
in the battalion’s mission. Again, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for all of you and I look forward to continued service
with you.
Semper Fidelis,
Captain John D. Wilson
Commanding Officer, United States Marine Corps
Bravo Company
Friends and Families of Bravo Company,
C ongratulations to Corporal Proctor for his meritorious promotion! The competition was stiff, but
Cpl Proctor showed the Battalion that Bravo Company has the best Marines. Also, congratulations to Sergeant Dean for
graduating Sergeants Course.
I ’d like to thank all of the spouses that participated in the Jayne/ John Wayne day in May. Family members enjoyed shooting
M-16s, Pistol, and Shot Gun and living the life of a Marine for a day. Family day also went well with the party on Onslow
Beach. For those that missed these events, I encourage you to participate in the Battalion events in the future. Our family events
foster unit cohesion and are a lot of fun.
I regret to inform you all that I will relinquish Command this July as I have Permanent Change of Station Orders to Quantico,
VA. I will attend Expeditionary Warfare School and return to the fleet shortly thereafter. It has been a pleasure Commanding
Bravo Company and serving with such fine Marines and families. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Semper Fi,
Captain William C. Neely
Commanding Officer, United State Marine Corps
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Brig Company
To the Families of Brig Company:
S ummer is here!! The kids are out of school for summer break, it’s a time to get outside and have some fun!
Just ensure that when you do that safety is paramount! Whether it’s on the lake, at the beach, in the mountains, keep your
families safe! They are the most important part of your life.
A s Marines we should always ready when called upon so with the deployment of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade in full
swing, some Marines may find themselves deploying in support of anticipated operations in Afghanistan. Now is the time to
ensure that your Family Readiness is up to date and they are prepared for deployment! The Company First Sergeant or Company
GySgt can point you in the right direction.
Since the last newsletter, several Marines have been promoted based on their potential to excel at the next rank. A well
deserved “job well done” to these Marines! Promoted to the listed ranks are:
Master Sergeant Concepcion Corporal Simpson Lance Corporal Patterson
Master Sergeant Mitchell Corporal McGuire (while deployed) Lance Corporal Lewis
Corporal Foreman, J. Corporal Saultz (while deployed) Lance Corporal Moore
Corporal Norman Lance Corporal Snyder
Lance Corporal Zoza
Private First Class Vitiello
We would like to congratulate the families on their new bundles of joy and welcome the newest additions to the Brig
family.
Gage Michael Janko born on 31 March 2009 to PFC Joseph and Krystal Janko
Josiah Kohler born on 20 May 2009 to Cpl Joshua and Michelle Kohler
W e would like to congratulate the a few Marines on their recent re-enlistment and also thank them for their continue service
to our country.
Master Sergeant Angel D. Concepcion Master Sergeant George L. Vazquez Sergeant Paul A. Krukowski
The Company and the Battalion have several family events planned in the near future we hope you will come out and join us.
We had a great turn out for the Jane Wayne day the battalion hosted in May. I would personally like to thank the spouses that
attended, I hope you enjoyed it. Your attendance definitely made the day a huge success.
Mrs. Dominique Boles Mrs. Melissa Lance Mrs. Aubrey Hibble
Mrs. Lacie Deckard Mrs. Kayla Leonard Mrs. Jenna Houston
Mrs. Brianne Fullen Mrs. Jackeline Lopez-Noguera Mrs. Alice Keller
Mrs. Britney Sheppard Mrs. Magadelene Vazquez Mrs. Jamie Wiley
Mrs. Kayla Vaughn
The following Marines from Brig Company are deployed in support of OIF/OEF:
Master Gunnery Sergeant Brent W. Piel Staff Sergeant Michael Curro Corporal Foreman, III. William K.
Gunnery Sergeant Melissa A. Harris Sergeant Adam J. Chase Corporal Jason B. Parker
Corporal Jeffrey M. St.Jean
Lance Corporal John D. Raymond
We would like to welcome home several Marines from deployment in support of OIF/OEF we are glad to have them home
safe:
Chief Warrant Officer-2 John J. Nolan IV Staff Sergeant Donald H. Farthing Jr. Sgt Lucas L. Warner
Staff Sergeant Darrell E. Eley Sergeant Sean P. Schofield Corporal Shaun P. McGuire
Corporal Daniel H. Saultz
Semper Fidelis,
Joseph A. Stines
Chief Warrant Officer-4
Commanding Officer, United States Marine Corps
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India Company
O ur Company continues to work very hard and we are fully engaged with numerous events that are being
conducted around the Base. We are supporting retirement ceremonies, our Battalion’s Change of Command, and many other
social events that require our personnel to support. All of this is being done on top of our mission requirements to provide the
personnel administrative support for all personnel assigned to Marine Corps Base. Your Marines and civilian employees are
performing superbly and I want you to know their exceptional efforts and the sacrifices of their time and talents are noticed. The
Company is closely monitoring the training requirements as we are coming up on some mid-year milestones including the
Physical Fitness test (PFT) for the 1st half of CY 2009 and scheduling the next FY 2009 milestones in weapons qualifications
coming up in September. Corporal David Schmidt was recently selected as the Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter and
Lance Corporal Jeanette Ventura was selected as the Marine of the Quarter for India Company and both will represent the
Company at the Battalion board being held on 22 June.
O ur Marines and civilian employees in our Outbound and Inbound Branches are very busy these days. This is the busy time
of year where personnel execute PCS moves and where there are also an increased number of personnel who separate during the
next three to four months. Our Outbound Branch personnel are also involved with the development of the Outbound process in
the Case Management Module (CMM), which is a new system being developed by headquarters Marine Corps to facilitate and
automate the administrative processes. Our Deployment Branch personnel have properly supported II MEF in its participation in
the Global War on Terror and have been supporting over 11,000 deployed Marines over the past month and expect that to
continue over the next few months. Our Customer Service Branch personnel have been processing the numerous applications for
Basic Allowance for Housing that are typically associated with the pre-deployment process and these numbers have been higher
lately. Our Command Support personnel have continued working closely with the Remain Behind Element of the Division to
improve the process of those Marines pending medical and legal issues and are making some headway. Corporal Lucas Moore
was sent to the RBE to assist in the increased workload and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal for his exceptional
performance of duties--Congratulations! The Quality Control Branch personnel have been conducting internal inspections of all
Branches within the IPAC to improve our processes and better prepare our personnel for an inspection scheduled for the end of
September and October. They are also continuing to monitor the internal procedures within the IPAC; they are assisting with the
development of the Outbound Process within the CMM and are training our personnel. Our Wounded Warrior Cell personnel
have continued to provide superb support to our wounded warriors. They have conducted join audits from remote locations and
continue to build the Wounded Warrior Battalion-East as the personnel from various hospitals are assigned to them. A combined
effort by all personnel has resulted in the IPAC maintaining a 12-month unit diary timeliness rating of 96%. This is an
outstanding achievement and superb effort by all. As you can see all of our Marines and civilian personnel very busy in
supporting the personnel assigned to Camp Lejeune and around the globe.
W ell our planned events for the MCCS funds we were given that I published in last quarter’s newsletter have not worked
out quite the way we thought they would but our NCOs were able to put together a Bowling Tournament where each Branch
built their teams and were able to share in some camaraderie outside the workspaces. We are still planning the Marine Corps
Museum trip and Family Day picnic and we will publish additional information about that when the planning is completed.
W ith the summer months upon us we are able to get out and enjoy the North Carolina area and there is plenty to do. With
this come the increased risks such as becoming a heat casualty during physical training, boating, swimming, motorcycle use, and
increased traffic due to our children being out of school. Unfortunately alcohol is a common factor in all mishaps. Please be
careful, develop and use your liberty plan, and please don’t drink and drive. There isn’t one person we can do without.
You, the spouses and parents of these Marines and civilian personnel, are an integral and important part of allowing us to
accomplish our assigned mission. I thank each of you for your continued support and want you to know we are counting on you.
I hope all of you have a happy and safe summer and are able to enjoy some time with your families during the school break. As
always, I am extremely proud to be serving with you.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steven D. Wilde
Chief Warrant Officer 5
Commanding Officer, United States Marine Corps
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Military Police Company
To the families of MP Company,
F irst off I would like to say “Fair Winds and Following Seas”’ to Captain Bailey. He will be missed
but he and his family are moving on to bigger adventures in the civilian world. It is my distinct honor to be taking command of
MP Company and look forward to working with the Marines. Their job is a unique one and requires a great sense of pride and
maturity. They work many long hours with the steadfastness of a Marine. You should be proud of what they do. They do an
outstanding job keeping the peace aboard Camp Lejeune, New river Air Station and the housing areas.
S ummer is now in full swing and I am sure everyone is looking forward to vacations and spending time outdoors. I cannot
impress upon everyone enough about being safe in whatever activity you enjoy during this time of year. Being an avid
motorcycle rider myself and love this time of year for riding. I make sure, every time before I ride that I am ready and my
motorcycle is ready, from checking the tire pressure up to my mental state. Please be safe in everything you do.
C heck out the many opportunities that the Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) has to offer for the Marines and their
families to enjoy during the summer season. Universal Orlando is having a military salute by offering free pass to the military
member and discounted tickets for their family members. If interested check out the MCCS website at;
http://www.mccslejeune.com/itt/index.html
I would like to thank the spouses that participated in the Jayne/John Wayne Day; I hope that you enjoyed this unique
experience. A big round of applause to the Family Readiness Assistants (FRA), from our company who volunteered their time to
help with this event.
Mrs. Sabrina Bianchi Mrs. Kerie Mitzel
Since the last newsletter, several Marines have been promoted and received awards. Job well done Marines!
The following is a list of those Marines who have dedicated their time to their country and retired:
LtCol Marc H. Lambert MSgt David W. Moehring
Fair Winds and Following Seas! Good luck to you and your families in your new endeavors.
Pease check out the new Battalion and Company website at:
https://intranet.mcieast.usmc.mil/C6/C7/HQ%20%20Support%20Battalion/default.aspx
https://intranet.mcieast.usmc.mil/C16/C17/MP%20Company/default.aspx
This can only be done through CAC card access on a government computer, but there is a lot of good information on these sites.
The Marine Corps Ball will be held on 10 November at the New Bern Convention Center. So now is the time to dust off the
Blues and make sure they are ready. More information will follow.
I look forward to supporting the Marines and families of MP Company.
Semper Fi!
Thomas D. Clark Jr.
Chief Warrant Officer-3
Commanding Officer, United States Marine Corps
Safety Corner
E veryone can benefit by using the appropriate protective equipment for themselves, family members and employees when
the job and its potential hazards call for it. Protect your head with a hard hat when performing construction work, trimming
trees, repairing machinery, and doing other jobs with head injury risks. Use a sun safety hat (one with a wide brim and neck
protection) to assist in the prevention of skin cancer. Protect your vision with appropriate safety eyewear (safety glasses,
goggles, face-shields) when applying pesticides, fertilizers, working in the shop, or in heavy dust conditions. Protect your
hearing with acoustic earmuffs or plugs when operating noisy equipment such as grain dryers, feed grinders, older tractors, chain
saws, etc. Protect your lungs with the correct respiratory equipment (dust masks, cartridge respirators, gas masks, air pacts) when
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working in dusty or moldy conditions, spray painting, applying chemicals, working in bins, tanks, silos, and manure storage
places. Protect your hands from everyday abuse with job-matched gloves and barrier creams. Protect your feet with safety shoes
or boots with non-slip soles and heels. Protect your skin with impervious garments when using toxic or irritating chemicals. In
addition, use sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays. Take a few extra minutes to protect yourself now will give you
a few extra years later.
LaKendra S. Lancaster
Sergeant
Safety NCO, United States Marine Corps
Money Matters
Pay and Benefits
D irect deposit? LES? Allotments? And just who is eligible for which benefits? Managing your pay and benefits can be
confusing with the variety of pay and allowances and the many regulations. And just when you get the basics figured out, along
comes an unexpected permanent change of station (PCS), deployment, school, or other temporary assignment that changes
things. The following resources will help you make the most of your personal finances and manage your military benefits.
Military Compensation (http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay)
Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Pay and Benefits site provides information about basic
pay, Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), tax advantages, retirement, commissary,
exchange and healthcare benefits, survivor benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan. It includes pay charts for active duty and
reserve military, and tax advantages and pay and retirement calculators.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service(DFAS) myPay
(http://www.dod.mil/dfas)
(https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx)
Active duty military, military retirees, and civilian employees can review and manage their finances, including pay, leave
and earning statements, and W-2's by going online with (DFAS). You'll find information and resources for a variety of money
matters, including military and civilian pay charts, benefits, travel pay, disbursements, and even when your pay could be
garnished.
MilitaryBenefits.com
(http://militarybenefits.com)
F rom pay to the GI Bill, from VA home loans to health care, your military service has earned you valuable military benefits.
Whether you're on active duty, a veteran or retiree, militarybenefits.com makes using your military Veteran benefits easy.
MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
(http://militaryinstallations.dod.mil/ismart/MHF-MI/isw/home.jsp)
Visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS for a complete listing, including maps and directions, for all installation ID/CAC Card
Processing centers (http://militaryinstallations.dod.mil/ismart/MHF-MI/isw/home.jsp) and Personnel Support offices
(http://militaryinstallations.dod.mil/ismart/MHF-MI/isw/home.jsp) throughout the world.
Tricare Facts
T RICARE is the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) worldwide health care program available to
eligible beneficiaries from any of the seven uniformed services—the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps,
U.S. Coast Guard, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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T RICARE Choices: At a glance provides an overview of TRICARE’s program options, including medical, pharmacy, and
dental. Eligibility for TRICARE is determined by information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
It is important for sponsors to keep DEERS records up to date. For eligibility, enrollment, costs, and coverage details, visit
www.tricare.mil or contact your regional contractor.
What TRICARE program options are available?
D epending on your beneficiary category and location, you may be eligible for different program options.
Your options may change when you move or when you become entitled to Medicare Part A. For assistance with health care
coverage when moving or traveling, contact your regional contractor. For more information about your TRICARE benefits visit
www.tricare.mil.
Voting Information
Winning Slogans Selected For The 2009 Voting Slogan Contest
T he Federal Voting Assistance Program is pleased to announce the winning slogans of its biennial Voting
Slogan Contest. These slogans will be used to promote participation in the democratic process among citizens covered under the
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act -- members of the Uniformed Services, the Merchant Marine, their
families, and all U.S. citizens residing outside the United States.
T his year, the department received more than 1,600 slogans from all branches of the Uniformed Services, the State
Department, local election officials and citizens living around the world. A panel of judges which included Members of the U.S.
Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and Service Voting Action Officers was asked to rank their top selections based on
originality and motivational value. These slogans will be part of the FVAP’s 2010-2011 outreach campaign which focuses on
increasing voter awareness among U.S. citizens worldwide and will be featured in the 2010-2011 Voting Assistance Guide, on
motivational posters, and other FVAP publications.
The winning entries in the contest were:
"Honor the past, support the future - vote!"- 1st Place by Andrea K. Bristol, USA.
"Vote Today for Tomorrow's Future"- 2nd Place by James R. Hopkins Jr., USN.
"Never too far away to have your say! VOTE!"- 3rd Place by Jill E. Pigo, USN.
"Don't just protect the right to vote, use it!"- 4th Place by GySgt Michael D. Travers, USMC.
Receiving Honorable Mention were:
"Be a part of history: Vote!"- LT Laura Reeves, USN.
"Citizenship reaches around the world, Vote!"- John Tuteur, Napa County Registrar of Voters
"Be Informed. Be Involved. Be a Voter!"-Rob Rock, Rhode Island’s Office Secretary of State
"Have a say in the USA- VOTE"- James E. Kramer, USAF.
T hese winners will receive a letter and certificate of congratulations from the Department. Mr. Thomas L. Bush, Director,
Federal Voting Assistance Program congratulates these winners and thanks our judges and all those who submitted slogans.
QUICK REFERENCE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS:
Monthly Family Readiness Assistant Meeting, 1800-1930, 9 July, 6 August, and 3 September 2009
Battalion Change of Command 0900, 10 July 2009, 2d MLG Amphitheater
Back to School Pool Party, 1900-2100, 8 August 2009 TT Swimming Pool
For further information and more details contact the Family Readiness Officer, MGySgt Marcia McLaurin at (910) 451-8578 or
email: marcia.mclaurin@usmc.mil or visit our website at http://www.lejeune.usmc.mil/hqsptbn/.
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