NRC NEWPORT OMBUDSMAN NEWSLETTER JULY 2005
An Ombudsman is an officially appointed volunteer who plays two roles: liaison and communicator. The ombudsman serves as a liaison between the command and command families. Ombudsmen also are knowledgeable about resources for families and how the Navy operates: they communicate that knowledge to command families.
OMBUDSMAN (Jill Nedwick) NOTES: If you would like to get a hold of me you may do so by emailing me at
NRCNewportOmbudsman@msn.com. You can also reach me at (401) 849-8896 between the hours of 10am – 4pm. NOTES: The Navy Personnel Command has just updated the Navy Spouses web page. It provides a comprehensive resource for Navy spouses and their families to access information about the Navy communities in which they reside or to which they may be relocating. The site offers worldwide links to Navy communities and their resources. www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/Spouse Support/. Another site recently updated is the Commander, Navy Installations (CNI) Fleet and Family Support Programs. www.ffsp.navy.mil/. Please take note of the following web pages. They contain information on many valuable benefits (i.e. I.D. cards, child care locator, medical benefits, legal assistance, etc.: www.lifelines.navy.mil or www.navyonesource.com (User ID: NAVY; Password: Sailor; Unit/Location: Navy Reserves)
NEW INFO: AIRPORT INFO.: The Transportation Security Administration has issued a directive pertaining to military passengers at U.S. airports. According to Security Directive 1544-01-10w, families of military members may be granted access to sterile concourse areas to escort the military passenger to the gate or to meet a military passenger’s inbound arrival at the gate. The family member can go to the airline that the military member is flying on and receive a pass to go to the gate. They will be required to have a pass and a photo ID to get through the security checkpoint. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to stay with the departing military member longer before they depart, or to be able to greet them at the gate upon their arrival. Web Sites to Look Into: www.MilitaryStudent.org – This web site provides information for children, parents, and educators. There is information in regard to moving, deployed family members, military life, education tools, and much much more. There are separate sections for children (6-12), teens, parents, parents, Exceptional Family Members, and educators. You can also subscribe to their monthly newsletter. www.Militaryhomefront.dod: This web site Provides quality of Life Programs and Services for Military Troops and their families. It also has a lot of links to other valuable websites. Web Site Scam: Websites are not always what they appear to be. www.vaservices.org is one that leads browsers to believe they have reached an official website representing the Department of Veterans Affairs and it also gives the impression that each branch of the military services are onboard with their efforts. Don’t be misled – There’s nothing official about this website. This is a private company based in California that is conducting briefings for Guard and Reserve units in some areas. In addition to providing information about VA and other governmental benefits, their agents market private investments and financial products, for a profit (The VA in a non-profit organization). The web page has an imbedded disclaimer that they are not the VA, but they are creating confusion in the minds of some as to whether they are agents of VA or not. Their name and seal surely give the impression of linkage to the federal government. They also avoid saying on the Web page that they will be selling financial products. Things to Remember: Please remember to never give out any personal information. Personal information would include: an account numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. Personal information should never be placed in publicly accessible media or documents, i.e., newsletters, emails or websites. There have been reported scams involving military family members of deployed service members. If you fell you have been a victim of such a scam please contact the unit Family Readiness Officer or Reserve Training Center site support staff and local law enforcement officials.
Page 2 PREVIOUS INFO: Operation: Military Child Care (OMCC), is being administered by NACCRRA, by providing financial relief and
assistance locating quality child care for eligible military families who do not have access to the DoD’s on-base child care options. The program will service families and child guardians of National Guard and Reserve Service members mobilized or deployed for the Global War on Terrorism. The amount of financial assistance will vary for each family and will depend upon factors such as total family income, geographical location, military services childcare fee policies, available funding, as well as certain family circumstances. Eligible families can call the Child Care Aware hotline at 1-800-424-2246 or go online at www.childcareaware.org for help applying for the subsidy and location assistance.
Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund Charter: The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund is dedicated
to the general welfare of mobilized and deployed Rhode Island National Guard and Rhode Island Reserve Component military personnel and their families. The primary mission is to provide financial assistance for the needs of reserve members or family members in the form of loans and/or grants extended to the requesting individual. The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund is designed to help with, but is not limited to: Rent, mortgage payments, food and utilities, essential transportation and vehicle repair, emergency travel, funeral expenses, medical expenses, personal needs when pay is delayed or stolen, and initial child care start-up costs (registration fees) due to deployment. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If assistance in the form of a loan is approved, the loan is granted interest free. For more information on applying for the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund please contact me at 849-8896.
Rhode Island Salutes You: This is Rhode Island’s way of saying THANK YOU to Military personnel and families. The program is a local military discount program designed to offer discounts on a variety of goods, services, and products. Look for the RI Salutes decal in storefront’s or on doors.
Now On To the Fun Items:
Military Appreciation Day at Six Flags New England: Troops and their families to a family fun day at Six Flags
New England on Saturday, August 13, 2005. You will receive All Day Admission to New England’s Thrill Capital, FREE Parking plus an “All-You-Can-Eat Buffet: down in the River’s Edge Picnic Grove.” This is an all-inclusive package for the low price of $36.00/ person (adult or child). Children under 36” (3 feet) are free. Price includes: Parking (retail $10.00/car); Admission to the Theme Park and Hurricane Harbor Water Park (retail $41.99 adults and $25.99 for children 36-54”); Access to the River’s Edge Picnic Grove from 11AM -2 PM with and all-you-caneat luncheon from 11:30AM-1PM (retail $14.00+/person) If you are interested in attending you can purchase tickets at any ITT (Information, Tickets, & Tours), or call Ann Coleman at Newport ITT with questions. (401) 841-3116.
Salute to Summer Concert & Fireworks Show: This musical farewell to summer featuring a variety of fabulous musical performances by all units of the Navy Band Northeast is one you will not want to miss!!! The Salute to Summer Concert & Fireworks Show will be on Friday, 2 Sept. at 5 pm on Dewey Field (rain date: Saturday, 3 Sept.) A top-notch fireworks display will light up the sky and conclude with a breathtaking finale. Patrons with DOD Decals use Gate 4, Gate 10 or Gate 11. General public may enter through Gate 1. Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, & blankets. Coolers, backpacks, glass bottles and pets will NOT be allowed. Food concession will be available at 5 pm.
Page 3 Heroes Salute: Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc announced its "Heroes Salute" to honor the U.S. Armed Services by offering
free single-day admission to its Sea World and Busch Gardens parks to active duty military, active reservists, U.S. Coast Guard, National Guardsmen and as many as three direct dependents beginning Feb. 7 through Dec. 31, 2005. Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or National Guard is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission. Dependents may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
Vacation Club offers Resort Discount: All active duty and retired military personnel, reservists and Department of
Defense personnel are eligible to participate in the Armed Forces Vacation Club. The club provides one-week vacations on a space available basis at selected RCI Resorts located throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico and Australia. For complete information on how to book your dream vacation, visit the Armed Forces Vacation Club website at www.afvclub.com or call or stop by the MWR ITT Office. Phone#: 841-3116. ONLINE RESOURCE CENTER:
Chaplain's Corner www.chaplaincare.navy.mil Commissary News and Info www.commissaries.com Dental www.ucci.com Federal Employment www.usajobs.opm.gov Financial and Education www.gilillexprss.com Life Lines www.lifelines.navy.mil Measuring Rhode Island Schools www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu Military Pay www.dfas.mil Military Student www.militarystudent.org Military Wives www.militarywives.com Naval Ambulatory Care Center, Newport www.nhcne.med.navy.mil/newport.asp Naval Station Newport Housing www.nsnpt.navy.mil/Housing Navy Career Development www.staynavy.navy.mil Navy College https://www.navycollege.navy.mil Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society www.nmcrs.org Newport Naval Complex www.nsnpt.navy.mil Operation Support http://pages.prodigy.net/parris2002/ Rhode Island Job Bank www.ajb.org/ri SITES Home Page http://www.dmdc.osd.mil Spouse Information www.surfacespouse.navy.mil Tri-care for Reservist www.tricare.osd.mil/Reserve Transition Information www.dodtransportal.org U.S. Navy Home Page www.navy.mil
WORKSHOPS:
Mark Your Calendar for these Programs scheduled for July: Registration is required, and may be made by calling 841-2283. Active Duty, Family Members, Reserve, Retirees, and DOD Employees are welcomed. All programs are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center Conference Room. 12 July – Reading Your Credit Report – 11:30am-1pm.
Bring a copy of your credit report to the class and find out how to read the report and correct any errors you may find. 13 July – Effective Resumes – 11:30 am – 1 pm. Covers what to include on your resume, which format to use, and other resume writing tips. 14 July - Sponsor Training – 9am - 10:30 am. Designed for those w ho are or will be Sponsors. Help ease the difficulties and reduce the stress and uncertainties normally associated with P ermanent Change of Station move. 14 July – 11 August – Anger Management Workshop – 2:30 – 3:30 pm. Learn how to manage your anger and change you life for the better. Five Sessions. 8 -21 July – CONSEP (Career Options and Navy Skills Evaluation Program) – 8 am-4pm This four-day seminar is geared toward mid-career level service members (those with six to 12 years of service). Curriculum includes self-assessment, personal financial planning, Navy career options, and civilian career planning.
27 July – Homebuyer’s Workshop – 7 – 9 pm
Financial information will be provided on home-buying from a repres entative from the Navy Federal Credit Union.
Upcoming Programs for August 2005:
3 August, Identity Theft, 11:30am – 1pm. 10 August, Federal Job Applications, 11:30am – 1pm. 15-19 August, Welcome to Newport-Scavenger Hunt 17 August, Reading Your Credit Report, 11:30am – 1pm 18 August, Wome n’s Issues 12-1:30 pm (Two-week session) 22 & 24 August, Youth Money Management 8am-4pm
For additional information, suggestions, or concerns, please contact Jill Nedwick (NRC Newport Ombudsman) or interested in an email subscription to this monthly newsletter, send and email to :
NRCNewportOmbudsman@msn.com For Active Duty members: The Fleet and Family Support Center has a Relocation Assistance Program to assist with PCS moves. Contact Fran Christian at 841-2283.
TRICARE UPDADE: The period for newborn enrollment has been reduced. Effective Jan. 1, 2005, the TRICARE “deemed enrolled” period will be reduced from 120 days to 60 days from the date of birth and/ or official adoption date.