BLACK WIDOW NEWSLETTER
MCAS YUMA ARIZONA ISSUE: AUGUST 2009
COMMAND ELEMENT Commanding Officer: LtCol Gregory J. Clarke Executive Officer Maj Richard C. Martin Sergeant Major: SgtMaj Joseph D. Shaw ______________________________ FAMILY READINESS OFFICERS Family Readiness Officer: GySgt L. E. Leaver Office: (928) 269-2279 Cell: (928) 941-2845 larry.leaver@usmc.mil Deputy Family Readiness Officer: GySgt Black – Maintenance - 269-3324 GySgt Morrison – Supply - 269-6104 SSgt Beckett – Ordnance - 269-1229 SSgt Deniz – Avionics - 269-2665
MARINE AVIATION LOGISTICS SQUARDON 13
Commanding Officer’s Comments
Hello Marines and Families, The Black Widows have definitely experienced a challenging month full of ups and downs. We unfortunately lost one of our own to a tragic liberty accident near the Colorado River. As we bid farewell and mourn the departure of LCpl Trevor Dewar, we must honor him by reaffirming our team spirit and dedication to mission accomplishment. I ask that all Black Widows and their families be vigilant both on and off duty and take care of each other. We cannot afford to loose a single soul from our team! The most harmless situations can prove to be deadly. On a lighter note, I want to thank and congratulate all Black Widows for a JOB WELL DONE on the recent Commander, Naval Air Forces Maintenance Inspection! The Squadron scored the highest within 3D MAW. We could not have done it without the resolve and hard work that each Marine and Sailor put forth! I would also like to thank the Family Readiness Team members and volunteers and the Black Widows and families who supported and/or participated in the pool party movie night. All Black Widows, single or married, and family members are invited and welcome to attend Squadron events! We will get better at marketing the events to all hands. Well, I have rambled long enough. Again, I am extremely proud to be at the helm of MALS-13, and look forward to meeting and working with all Black Widow Marines, Sailors, and their family members. Warmest Regards! LtCol Clarke
In This Edition: Commanding Officer's Comments Sergeant Major's Message Black Widow Tidbits Info from the FRO Message from the FR Advisors MCCS…Did you know? Single Marine Program Deployment Message MCFTB 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4
Sergeant Major’s Message
Family, friends and Marines of MALS-13, Hope every ones summer is off to a good start. Remember to stay hydrated in this blistering heat! For those families getting ready for the next deployment, ensure you spend quality time together when training permits and take advantage of your leave time. The Marine Corps does not reenlist Marines, it reenlists families. Congratulations to the Maintenances Department and all Marines that were under the Gun for this most resent Command Naval Aviation Forces (CNAF) inspection, job well done. Great job by Cpl Ademy, T. for his performance at the Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) Meritorious Sgt Board. He will represent the MALS/MAG at the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) level for a Sergeant quota. I am confident he will do well. Semper Fidelis, SgtMaj Shaw
DATES TO REMEMBER SMP Meeting ~ Aug 6 ~ 3:00 p.m. Station Conf. Room, Bldg. 980 FR Meeting ~ Aug 10 ~ 5:30 p.m. FR Conf Room, Bldg. 699 Welcome Aboard Brief Aug 19 ~ 10:00 a.m. Sonoran Pueblo
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Black Widow Tidbits
YOUTH SELF DEFENSE Tuesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Grand Master Nay provides a quality martial arts and self defense program for children. Children ages 3-5 are welcome with parent and children ages 6 and up may be dropped off. For more info, call 269-5390. BACKPACK BRIGADE: BRINGING FREE BACKPACKS TO YUMA! MCFTB is partnering with Operation Homefront to bring E-1 through E-6 kids free backpacks and school supplies. Items will be distributed at Summer Splash. For more info, call 269-6550.
To receive a backpack, families must register at www.operationhomefront.net - Click on "Find an Operation Homefront chapter near you" - Select Arizona and click Backpack Registration - Complete form and select MCAS Yuma as distribution site
FAMILY READINESS TEAM
Senion Leader Spouse: Stephanie Clarke FR Advisors: Gloria Gonzalez FR Assistants: Jennifer Martin Maria Idibouo Anna Engblom Hope Klesser Morale Support Volunteers: Betty Pancake Delaina Morse Gabby Black
UPCOMING EVENTS
Financial Fitness Workshop
FREE CHILD CARE FOR DEPLOYED FAMILIES Free child care is now being offered every Tuesday and Wednesday night from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. for family members of a deployed spouse in support of OIF/OEF. For more info, call 269-2350. 5390. . ENHANCED EXTENDED CHILD CARE (EECC) The EECC is a program available to military families when they cannot use their regularly scheduled child care due to unexpected duty requirements, extended duty hours, family illness, or a family emergency. For more info, call 269-3233. PREP (PREPARATION AND RELATIONSHIP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM) If you are married, engaged, or seriously dating; then PREP is for you. The upcoming PREP seminars are on Aug 6, Sept 3 and Oct 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Fellowship Hall. For more info, call the Chaplain’s Office at 269-3454. SUPERINTENDENTS’ BACK TO SCHOOL TOWN HALL On August 19 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Yuma public school personnel will be available at the Sonoran Pueblo to speak with Marines and their families. The intent is to discuss the state of public education in Yuma and address issues that our Marines and their families have regarding public schools in Yuma. For more info, call 269-5373.
Wed, August 5 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Community Center, Bldg. 1098 ~ 269-2425
Car Buying Workshop
Wed, August 5 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Community Center, Bldg. 1093 ~ 269-2425
Charlie Daniels Band Concert
Thurs, August 6 starting at 6:00 p.m. Parade Deck
Free concert and free dinner (Open to 18 yrs and older only). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Childcare provided ~ 269-2350 Last Summer Matinee
Wed, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. Station Theater
Some seats will have prizes taped underneath them ~ 269-5585 Cosmic Blast Bowling
INFO from the FRO
By GySgt Leaver
Sat, August 8 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Cactus Bowl
Summer Splash
Ages 6-18, $8 per person ~ 269-5585
Black Widow Marines and Families, I wanted to let you know a little more about the Family Readiness Assessment Tool (FRAT). The FRAT is a science-based tool that supports the CO, the Marines and their families. It consists of two online assessment tools, one for Marines (UAI) that has 78 items, and one for Spouses (SAI) that has 82 items that can be completed in about 15 minutes. They examine the perceptions about connections with others about their personal and family resilience. The FRAT supports the CO in tailoring the Family Readiness Program to the specific needs of Marines and families. Once the assessments have been initiated and completed, under guidance from the CO, I will use the summary data to create a plan of action to improve unit functioning, readiness, and mission focus. The plan of action is data-driven, results-focused, and partnership oriented. In essence, it allows the CO to see problem areas and make corrective adjustments to improve the quality of life for Marines and their families. Sincerely, GySgt Larry Leaver Family Readiness Officer
* Backpack Brigade will also be there with the free backpacks (E6 and below-must have pre-registered) ~ 269-2848 Welcome Aboard Brief
Fri, August 14 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Ramada Field
Wed, August 19 from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Sonoran Pueblo ~ Gonzales Room
Brief is for all newly arrived military and their families ~ 269-2425
Thurs & Fri, August 27 & 28 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sonoran Pueblo ~ Gonzalez Room
Specialized Training of Military Parents
STOMP works with military families to promote success for their children by providing parents with individual assistance and information about parents' rights and responsibilities in achieving special education for their children. Reservations are required by 18 Aug, call 269-2949
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Message from the Family Readiness Advisors
By Gloria Gonzalez/ Gabby Black
Hello Black Widows Family,
I hope you have all had a great summer but the time has come for summer vacation to slowly come to an end. For many of our families you may be preparing for your children to return to school. Whether it’s your child’s first school year in Yuma or you’ve been here awhile remember our School Liaison is here to help military families with questions regarding the schools in the local area. She can be reached at 269-5373. For more details about our School Liaison and services available please visit the MCCS Yuma website and click on School Liaison. I wish you and your children a great and successful school year. I’d like to welcome our newest members to the FRP team Hope Klesser and Gabby Black. I look forward in seeing you at our meetings and family events. Our MALS-13 volunteers include Maria Idibouo, Jennifer Martin, Betty Pancake, Delaina Morse, Anna Engblom and Stephanie Clarke. I want to thank these ladies for helping out with family readiness, assisting with family events and assembling goodie bags for returning and deploying Marines. Thanks for all you do! If you are interested in volunteering with MALS-13 please contact me at the email below. Sincerely, Gloria Gonzalez
Greetings Marines and Families, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join your Family Readiness Team. I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to meeting you at our future events. With the PCS season about, I want to welcome our new joins to MALS-13. Please stop by to see our Family Readiness Officer, GySgt Leaver, to say hello and hear the latest. Also, you can contact him via email or phone. His information is listed on the first page. Additionally, each department has a Deputy FRO and they are always there to help with any questions you might have. The Family Readiness Team is here to assist you with every stage in your military career. Please feel free to contact us any time. Take care and I hope to meet you soon. Sincerely, Gabby Black
MCCS…Did you know?
By Chris Hamel
SMP News
Single Marine Program
Are you and your wife expecting a child, new to being a parent or seeking help as a family care giver? We have a unique program here aboard the air station where you both can get some quality type training before your new bundle of joy arrives. This program is called the New Parent Support Program Services and Classes. The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) consists of 7 services or classes that can assist you with parenting skills and assistance. The 7 services and classes are Daddy’s Basic Boot Camp, Mom’s Basic Training, Skill Building Classes, YRMC Hospital Tour, Support Group, Command Functions and Home Visitations. Each of these services are here for you! Both you and your spouse can learn life skill lessons to help you care for your loved one. Daddy’s Basic Boot Camp, Mom’s Basic Training, YRMC Hospital Tour and the Support Groups are geared for parents of new born babies. These classes help parents with new babies deal with the everyday challenges that they’ll face over the coming years. There are several other classes that fall under the New Parent Support Program that also help parents become a basic caregiver. These classes assist the parents by providing them information on the various services available to help parents improve their quality of life. Additionally, the New Parent Support Program has a registered nurse who makes home visits. If you would like to sign up for one of these services or classes please contact NPSP at 269-2308. Chris Hamel MCCS Coordinator
Knott’s Soak City Trip
Trip includes ticket to water park, lodging and transportation. Meet at the SMP Rec. Center on Fri, Aug 28 $40 per person (tentative $) ~ 269-6556 SMP Recreation Center
Fri-Sun, Aug 28-30 Knott’s Soak City, San Diego
Hours of Operation ~ 269-5794 Monday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm Friday thru Sunday: 11am - Midnight Holiday Hours: 1:00pm - 11:00pm
What’s at the SMP Rec Center? Gaming Rooms - Movie Room Computers - Printers/Fax Direct TV - Wi-Fi Board Games - XBOX/Wii/PS3 Pool Tables - Poker tables Ping Pong Tables
MALS-13 SMP Rep: Sgt Zachary Withrow 269-3099
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MALS-13 Deployment Message
Greetings from BTT4222/PTT8/MMT8 in Al Anbar, This deployment has been one of the most rewarding things for me! Time went by fast and we actually took on three different missions all of which we enjoyed. Our time to rotate nears and I am looking forward to returning to the MALS. Say hello to the MALS on my behalf and we shall see you soon. R/S GySgt Gonzalez
MCFTB COURSES
LINKS for Couples August 8 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. LINKS for Kids August 13 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Understanding the Money August 12 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Combat Operational Stress Disorder August 19 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Family Readiness Assistant/Advisor August 20 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Casualty Assistance Calls Officer ~ The Process August 26 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. LINKS for Spouses (Part 1 & 2) September 8 & 9 4:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. Family Readiness Assistant/Advisor September 12 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Spouses Leadership Seminar September 17 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Welcome Home 13th MEU Marines!
MALS-13 welcomes back the Marines who deployed with the 13th MEU.
Marine Corps Family Team Building
What’s new at MCFTB?
Marine Corps Family Team Building introduces Bloom…
Bloom is a newsletter that provides Marines and families the latest information on what’s happening at MCFTB. Individuals can find out about upcoming classes, register online, and join their mailing list. To check out the latest edition of Bloom, please visit the following website and click on “Bloom”: http://mccsyuma.org/Webmodel/MCFTB/mcftbPage.html.
LINKS for Teens September 26 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. LINKS for Spouses October 1 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. LINKS for Marines October 5 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M
Come join Marine Corps Family Team Building for classes...
In August, MCFTB continues the "Beyond the Brief" series. classes go in-depth on topics relevant to military families. These
"Understanding the Money" addresses budgeting, financial planning, saving, and entitlements. "Combat Operational Stress Control" discusses stress your Marine may experience and how you can help. "Casualty Assistance Calls Officer" teaches you about the casualty assistance process and benefits and reassures you that you will be taken care of if the need arises. Remember, classes at MCFTB are always FREE. With timely registration, childcare is also available at no charge. Registration for classes is required. For more information, call MCFTB at 269-6550.
These courses are offered by Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB). All courses take place at the Community Center, Bldg. 1093 unless otherwise noted (times subject to change). Childcare services provided at no charge to participants. To sign up or for more information, call 269-6550.
__________________________________ MCFTB Newsletter: CLICK on "Bloom: Aug 2009" to view the newsletter. http://mccsyuma.org/Webmodel/MCFTB/mcf tbPage.html