1. Image description. MC&FP seal End of image description.
Image description. MC&FP End of image description.
January 2010
MC&FP eMagazine
http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/mcfp/emag
The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) is directly
responsible for programs and policies that support community quality of life for service members and their families
worldwide.
Image description. MilitaryHOMEFRONT button End of image description.
Message from the DUSD...
Image description. Photo of Mr. Thomas End of image description.
Image description. Plan My Move button End of image description.
Image description. MilitaryINSTALLATIONS button End of image description.
Image description. HOMEFRONTConnections button End of image description.
Image description. Military OneSource button End of image description.
January is a time for reflection, resolutions and renewed energy. From my
Image description. Military Youth on the Move button End of image description.
vantage point, it appears that 2010 is going to be another busy year – for all
the right reasons. Support for service members and their families is strong.
In the days to come, you can be sure that we’ll be actively engaged; your high
energy will be very important.
Image description. USA4 button End of image description.
Our recipe for success will include planning – and then executing – our
performance strategy. We'll need stakeholder collaboration, responsible
resourcing and accountability. Our efforts must be transparent. To that end,
Image description. Voluntary Education button End of image description.
we'll need to use terminology the public understands. We'll need to plan for
effective communication. We'll also need to pay close attention to the current
climate and stay focused on our many customers. In the business model, the
goal is to support the 'bottom line.' In MC&FP, our bottom line is taking care
Image description. dodea button End of image description.
of our people.
In addition to working hard, I encourage you to take care of yourselves.
Maintain a healthy attitude and take time off to avoid burnout. Work will
Image description. deca button End of image description. always be there, so I encourage you to prioritize and include time for personal
and professional pursuits. You'll feel better and be more productive.
In this issue, we shine the spotlight on Janis White, Director of our Resale
office. Commissary and exchange privileges are among the most prized
Image description. AAFES button End of image description.
benefits. With 225 commissaries and 550 exchanges worldwide, the two
programs ensure a safe, economical, and secure shopping environment. They
also bring a touch of home to those who serve around the globe.
Image description. MCX button End of image description.
Tommy T. Thomas
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Military Community & Family Policy
Image description. NEX button End of image description.
In This Issue ...
Page 1 of 19

2. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Image description. Armed Forces Retirement Home button End of image description.
» Principal Director's Message » Director's Spotlight
» Highlights » Headlines
» MilitaryHOMEFRONT » Military OneSource
» Good News Story » Chaplain's Corner
» DoD Child Development Conference » EFMP Conference
» Find Us on Facebook and Twitter » Moving with a Family
» NG&R Task Force Update » Tax Help is on the Way
» Working Quality of Life Issues
» Submit a question or comment about this issue of the eMagazine
Page 2 of 19

3. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
From the Principal Director...
Image description. Photo of Mr. Myers End of image description.
Each week I am impressed by the high level of productivity and energy of
everyone at MC&FP. This, in concert with the work done by the military
services and at the installation level, demonstrates unparalleled support and
services. Special thanks to the military departments, the Senate Armed
Services Committee, and House Armed Services Committee, and particularly
their staffers for the outstanding support and assistance being provided. They
have been the key ingredient in our effort to support and enhance the
programs available to our military and civilian members and their families.
While we have many programs in place, we are not complacent and continue
to look for better and more efficient methods to enhance our programs and
support our service members and their families. Thanks for all you do! Big
advances are in store in the months ahead and another great adventure in
2010!
Arthur J. Myers
Principal Director, Military Community & Family Policy
Page 3 of 19

4. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Director's Spotlight - Janis White, Resale Activities
This issue focuses on the Office of Resale Activities and Nonappropriated Fund
Policy. Like its director, Janis White, this office isn’t very big, but it is very
high energy. With a staff of five program analysts, the Office of Resale
Activities and Nonappropriated Fund Policy covers a lot of territory in its
portfolio: commissary and exchange benefits and programs; commissary,
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), lodging, and exchange construction;
nonappropriated fund resource management; and nonappropriated fund
procurement. In a typical week, this talented group juggles matters as wide-
ranging as where to establish commissaries, what items can be sold in
exchanges, who is allowed to shop in resale activities, the cost of telephone
services in combat areas, the effect of joint basing on resale programs,
benchmarking resale performance, and making certain that nonappropriated
fund activities follow new credit card law.
With many responsibilities that parallel other DoD, public, and private sector
organizations, “Keeping vitality in these programs is a collaborative effort – as
a policy office, sometimes we lead, other times we follow, and occasionally we
just need to get out of the way of the program operators.” Known for strong
working relationships within and outside the Department, Janis and her staff
are always game for a new challenge and look for opportunities to improve
these important benefits. One ongoing initiative is expanding outreach to
better inform service members and their families about the income effect of
the savings available in the commissary (over thirty percent) and exchange
(over twenty percent). Efforts are also under way for more cross-promotion of
the military community and family programs at the installation level.
With a B.S. in Finance and Insurance from Virginia Tech and a MPA from
American University, Janis joined the Headquarters Marine Corps staff in 1978
as a financial analyst for the MWR programs. After the Marine Corps merger of
MWR and exchanges in 1988, she was selected as the chief financial officer for
the consolidated organization. Following a two-year fellowship in the Office
of the Secretary of Defense (1993-1995), Janis joined the Office of Resale
Activities and was selected as the director in 1998.
Page 4 of 19

5. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Highlights
November
National Leadership Summit on Military Families
By Cathann Kress
As part of a larger family readiness planning process, Military Community and
Family Policy (MC&FP) co-hosted a National Leadership Summit on Military
Families with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
University of Maryland in Hyattsville. On November 9-10, 2009, more than 200
leaders, who provide support or determine policy impacting military families,
convened at the University of Maryland to discuss the current status and future
of military family support programs and to develop an action plan for the way
ahead.
Critical issues identified included:
• access to services, e.g., right service at the right time; challenges for
the geographically dispersed, etc.
• consistency of services
• communication
• health care for special needs groups; TRICARE accessibility for
Guard/Reserve
• psychological health and the stigma of seeking and obtaining
assistance
• effects of military life/deployments on children
• operations tempo
• broader relocation issues
The National Leadership Summit on Military Families was one part of an
extensive strategic plan, culminating a process of assessing military family
readiness programs in various venues throughout the year.
Page 5 of 19

6. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Headlines
Respite Child Care Expands to All 50 States
It's a few hours a month, but the break the Armed Services YMCA Respite
Child Care program provides parents with a deployed spouse always is
welcome. And since the program's nationwide expansion, many more parents
will benefit.
Official Calls Military Child Care 'Model for Nation'
The Military Child Care Act of 1989 has made the military child care system the
one to emulate.
"We have come a long way," said Tommy T. Thomas, Deputy Under Secretary
of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, during the opening
remarks of the department's annual child development conference. "The
Department of Defense Child Development System is … a model for this
nation."
Thomas' statement echoes what President Bill Clinton said about the military's
child development programs in 1997.
Page 6 of 19

7. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
MilitaryHOMEFRONT
Leadership Section Updated!
MilitaryHOMEFRONT is pleased to announce the launch of our new Leadership
section, designed especially to fit the needs of the leader throughout the
Services. Users will find many improvements including a standardized
taxonomy, making it easier to locate and access the information and resources
contained in each topic area.
• Policy and Legislation
◦ Legislation
◦ DoD Policies
◦ Service Regulations and Orders
• Resources
◦ Support Services
◦ Additional Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
In addition, understanding the demanding requirements placed on leadership,
the information on each main topic homepage is written in the form of an
information or point paper. This approach ensures leaders are provided with
the most important information pertaining to a topic area in a clear, concise
format.
Finally, each homepage has a “Submit a Question” button at the bottom of
each page. This feature allows leaders to obtain more information on a
particular program from the Department of Defense Program Managers
managing them.
Page 7 of 19

8. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Military OneSource
By Aggie Byers
On December 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) signed a new Military
OneSource (MOS) contract to continue MOS services for the next five years.
MOS provides members of the United States armed forces and their families,
some 6 million persons worldwide, with a broad array of information, referral,
and counseling services. These services are available through the Internet
(http://www.militaryonesource.com/), by telephone (toll free 1-800-342-
9647), and via email, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
US Navy user comment: “Well, I was stressed and I needed immediate
results and I received it…Thank you and I am telling everyone I can about this
service.”
Telephones are answered by consultants with a Master's degree in Social
Services (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.). Consultants are trained
on military life-style issues and can provide help with parenting and child care,
pre/post deployment and reunion issues, referrals to local counselors, crisis
support, education, relocation, financial and legal concerns, emotional well-
being, health and fitness, adult or child special needs, elder care, or obtaining
local resources.
US Marine Corps user comment: “I was VERY satisfied with the counselor that
I was set up with. He was very knowledgeable and consistent in his concern
with helping me through my issues. I feel much better now after going
through counseling.”
US Army user comment: “I spoke to a representative and she immediately
gave me a contact for a counselor. The contact was done in about a day; I
had an appointment within two days, which was on my timeframe, so that was
very good.”
MOS services address everything from common, everyday difficulties that a
military family might face to life's most complicated situations. MOS also
provides translation services in more than 140 languages, conversationally via
telephone and through the translation of paperwork (i.e., rental agreements or
utility bills from German or Italian into English).
US Air Force user comment: “The staff was courteous, eager to help, returned
my calls when they said they would, and helped me take care of everything I
needed to take care of.”
Highlights of MOS services provided during October 2009:
NUMBER OF TELEPHONE CALLS IN OCTOBER 2009 – 75,212
HIGHEST NUMBER OF CALL ON A SINGLE DAY – 3,671
Top Five Caller Presenting Issues:
• career planning
• couples' relationships
• stress management
• financial aid and scholarships
• applying to college
NUMBER OF WEBSITE PAGE VIEWS IN OCTOBER 2009 - 2,597,485
Top Five Categories Visited:
• college
• parenting and child care
• money management
• careers
• deployment
Page 8 of 19

9. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
NUMBER OF IN-PERSON COUNSELING SESSIONS HELD IN OCTOBER
2009 – 19,301
NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS REFERRED TO IN-PERSON COUNSELING IN
OCTOBER 2009 – 6,884
Top Five Counseling Issues:
• couples' relationships
• stress management
• family relationships
• depression/sadness
• personal growth
NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ORDERED – 101,280
Top Five Educational Topics Accessed Online:
• deployment and return
• colleges and universities
• staying healthy
• military benefits
• military relocation
Top Five Educational Articles Read Online:
• Going Back to School When You Are a Military Spouse
• What Military OneSource Can Do for You
• Counseling Services Available Through Military OneSource
• Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Program
• Communicating as a Couple
New Educational Materials Posted on the MOS Website in October 2009:
• Coping with Compassion Fatigue as You Help in the Military
Community
• Homeschooling Resources for Military Families (English and Spanish)
• Adopting a Child with Special Needs as a Military Family
• Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA)
SOCIAL MEDIA
• Military OneSource Facebook - 10,375 Friends
• TroopTube Views – 322,951
• TroopTube Videos Posted – 2,029
Page 9 of 19

10. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Good News Story
A Joint Family Support Assistance Program Military and Family Life Consultant
(MFLC) recently received a request from a command for a consultation and
recommendation for services. The Rear Commander of a deployed National
Guard unit was working with his Commander in Iraq to address the needs of a
service member who was on leave to manage some personal issues. The
service member's spouse had also arranged for a family meeting with the local
rotational MFLC on the installation.
The MFLC worked closely with the service member and his spouse, the
installation-based MFLC, the Rear Commander, his Commander in Iraq, the
State Director of Psychological Health, and the service member's medical
team. Together, they established a family plan to address the needs of both
the service member and his spouse.
As a direct result of this enormous collaborative effort, everyone is now
confident that the service member will make a full recovery and will likely
continue serving his country.
Page 10 of 19

11. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Chaplain's Corner
Lessons from Dave
Image description. Chaplain Image End of image description.
Getting through the holidays with a positive and warm outlook is important!
And starting a New Year with a fresh start is also important. As we embark on
2010, may I encourage you to cherish every day … even the tough and difficult
ones. Living with the thought that each day matters can make a huge
difference. Just ask someone who is near the end of his or her life.
I urge all of us to make every day count. To live life to the fullest … to spend
our lives wisely. Make sure to do this in 2010.
A friend of mine has taught me much about this over the past year. Dave was
diagnosed with one form of cancer in December 2008, only to receive a second
diagnosis for an additional, more severe, form of cancer the following month.
In June, he had his stomach removed and has been able to live off a special
diet, only eating or drinking out of custom, not a necessity.
Dave and his wife, Sherie, have four children. The children and grandchildren
have been a large part of his life this past year. Ball games, hikes, trips to the
coast, weekends away, have each made it special. Each day mattered. This
became clear when my wife, Shelley, and I visited Dave and Sherie last April
in their little apartment.
As I write this, my friend Dave is nearing death. He is absolutely certain of his
eternal state and shows no fear. His family has lovingly made arrangements
for a funeral, to include a casket hand made by one of his sons. It's heart
wrenching. But it's also hopeful.
Why is it hopeful? Because Dave, for one, is showing us not only how to die,
but how to live. He has lived a life in service to others as a missionary in
Indonesia and in Russia. He has cherished his family. He has cultivated
friendships.
I don't want to see my friend die … but it's very probable that he will very
soon. Instead of only dreading his death (which for Dave and me will be the
ultimate healing, an eternity in heaven) I choose to learn from him how to
live!
The website that allows friends and colleagues to track Dave's health issues
shows hundreds of posts from all over the world, from Asia to Europe, to his
corner of the Pacific Northwest. His life has touched these people and they are
letting him know.
Let me challenge all of us to cherish each moment of 2010, embracing the bad
and the good, and making a difference to others. For some of us, that is done
out of service to God; for others, perhaps not. Make your time count.
Dave has!
Page 11 of 19

12. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
DoD Child Development Conference 2009
By Zuleika Hernandez
The Department of Defense (DoD) hosted the Child Development Conference
2009 on November 16-18, 2009. Approximately 500 military child
development professionals attended the event held in Arlington, Virginia.
Highlights of the Conference included presentations from Nancy Duff Campbell,
the co-president of the National Women's Law Center, and Dr. Joan Lombardi,
the Deputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-Departmental Liaison for Early
Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families for the
Department of Health and Human Services; a surprise visit from Sesame
Street's Elmo and Rosita; a raffle with over seventy prizes from commercial
sponsors; a Town Hall; and a Tribute Dinner.
The Town Hall featured the Children and Youth Program Managers from the
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the DoD Director of the
Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth. After the panel's initial comments,
conference attendees posed questions regarding the effect of multiple
deployments on military families, child care expansion, turnover rates, and
financial aid.
The Tribute Dinner was a memorable event, honoring thirty-seven individuals
who made significant contributions to the implementation of the Military Child
Care Act (MCCA). The original member of Congress who sponsored the MCCA,
Retired Congresswoman Beverly Byron, provided remarks prior to the
recognition of the honorees.
Ten breakout speakers presented on broad subjects, such as how Military
OneSource can help military families and supporting young children through
challenging times, and more specific topics, including conducting tours in child
development centers and family care homes and supporting the inclusion of
children with disabilities in military child care settings.
The DoD Child Development Conference preceded the National Association for
the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Annual Conference and Expo. At
the NAEYC Conference, DoD and Service representatives had an exhibitor
booth to provide attendees with information regarding working for military
child care programs at installations around the world.
Page 12 of 19

13. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Joint Services Conference: Improving the Quality of
Life for Military Families with Special Needs
Over 275 family support providers attended the three-day DoD Joint Service
Conference: Improving the Quality of Life for Military Families with Special
Needs in Jacksonville, FL, November 16-18, 2009. The Conference was held in
conjunction with the World Congress on Disabilities.
Image description. BJ Camano End of image description.
B.J. Camano, son of Lieutenant Commander
Santiago Camano, opened the Conference with the national anthem.
Dr. Rebecca Posante launched the Conference with a review of the history of
legislation protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. Her brief ended
with information about the recently signed FY10 National Defense
Authorization Act establishing a DoD Office of Community Support for Military
Families with Special Needs, and expanding the Exceptional Family Member
Program (EFMP) to include family support across all Services to military
families with special needs. A copy of the legislation can be found on
MilitaryHOMERONT.
A wide range of topics were addressed through both plenary and breakout
sessions:
• A panel of military families with special needs described the
challenges they face and the services that were most helpful to them,
and provided advice on how to best support military families with
special needs.
• Kelly Hruska, the Government Relations Deputy Director for the
National Military Family Association, reviewed current legislation and
discussed the way ahead.
• Attendees were introduced to the new EFMP
Image description. EFMP Logo End of image description.
logo and were encouraged to use it
to raise awareness of EFMP services.
• Military OneSource announced a new partnership with the EFMP to
support families with special needs. Specialized consultants, who
have a background in, and are trained to address issues related to,
special needs, can provide up to twelve consultations to military
families who request this support by calling Military OneSource at 1-
800-342-9647. Following the Conference, more than 150 families
accessed this service within the first month.
Page 13 of 19

14. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
• Participants were introduced to two resources provided by the Office
of the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Family Member Program and
available through Military OneSource: The Special Needs Parent
Toolkit (for families with children who have a disability) and the
Special Care Organizational Record (an organizer for families dealing
with a complex medical condition).
A post-Conference newsletter provided valuable information and resources,
and is only the first of many to come. Please visit MilitaryHOMEFRONT to sign
up for future newsletters.
Family Matters Blog
The American Forces Press Service publishes the Family Matters Blog to
provide information and resources to military families. MC&FP Special Needs
Family Support Program Manager, military spouse, and mother of an eighteen-
year-old son with Autism, Isabel Hodge, is now a regular guest blogger.
Isabel’s first Family Matters blog entry was published on December 24, 2009
and focused on deployments during the holidays. Her upcoming blogs will
focus on being geographically separated and emergency preparedness.
Page 14 of 19

15. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Find Us on Facebook and Twitter
We are pleased to announce that Military Community and Family Policy
(MC&FP) has established a presence on both Facebook and Twitter. MC&FP
understands that its audiences use a variety of communication channels
including websites like MilitaryHOMEFRONT and Military OneSource, online
newsletters and eMagazines and even print products. However, social media
applications have become extremely popular vehicles for sharing information
and resources. Social media platforms enable users to disseminate information
quickly and widely, and many applications can be accessed not only by
computer but also by many mobile devices.
MC&FP's presence on both Facebook and Twitter allows the organization to
communicate with its audiences in a whole new way, providing the latest
Department of Defense initiatives, policy and program information. Instead of
"pushing" information through traditional channels, social media allows
participants to share their thoughts and ideas. This feedback provides valuable
insight into what audiences are thinking about the array of Quality of Life
programs offered through MC&FP.
Image description. Facebook End of image
description.
Image description. Twitter End of image
description.
Page 15 of 19

16. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
A Few Tips for Moving with a Family
Now that the holiday season is behind us, the military begins gearing up for
the moving season. About one third of the force will receive permanent
change of station (PCS) orders during 2010. For those service members with
families, this means coming home and announcing it is time to say good bye
and look forward to a new adventure. Here are some tips on how to prepare
for a move and how to acknowledge your family’s needs and feelings during
this potentially stressful time.
Take charge of your move: Being fully prepared for a move is the best way
to reduce relocation stress. As soon as you have orders, get a notebook/palm
pilot or other small planning device, call it your "moving book," and start
planning. Assess your financial situation, determine what you'll need, make
inventories, establish a timetable, get information on the new location, and set
aside some time to deal with your feelings. You can accomplish all of these
tasks using Plan My Move's online moving tools.
Let everybody plan: Let children be involved in the planning process for the
new home so they will feel less helpless about the move.
Talk it out: Sit down as a family and discuss your feelings about the move.
Allow and encourage everyone to express their honest feelings, good and bad.
Give plenty of tender loving care (TLC): Stress can negatively affect the
body and the mind and make you more vulnerable to illness. Families need to
give themselves a little extra "tender loving care" at moving time by eating the
right foods and getting enough sleep.
Give yourself a break: Each family member will handle stress differently.
Don't ignore signals of stress (depression, anger, fatigue), but don't dwell on
them either. Just be aware, be patient, and be willing to look for help if it is
needed.
Say your good-byes: It's important to deal with good-byes and express
feelings of sadness so you can move on emotionally as well as physically.
Keep familiar patterns: As much as possible, try to stick to the old routine
such as mealtimes and bedtimes. Familiarity provides security.
Explore the new environment: Get up, get out, and get involved. The best
medicine for loneliness is people and the best way to overcome the feeling of
being uprooted is to put down roots in the new location. Spending time
exploring your new location using MilitaryINSTALLATIONS will help.
Accentuate the positive: Make a list of things you're looking forward to
about the new location and a list of good memories from the old. Take time to
have some fun. Laughter can heal a lot of hurt.
Keep an eye on the kids: Since moving can be traumatic for kids, staying in
touch with new teachers is very important. Help your kids find ways to meet
new friends but don't push. Even though most kids do adjust, it's essential for
parents to watch for possible danger signals such as a child spending too much
time alone, loss of interest in favorite things, loss of energy or appetite, or
other behavior pattern changes.
Be optimistic but stay flexible: Things rarely turn out just the way we
imagine. An open mind and a determination to make your move a positive
experience is your best insurance that you'll adjust well wherever you go.
Change can mean opportunity if you reach out and take hold of it.
Don't go it alone: Moving isn't easy and although you'll probably manage it
well, there may be a time when you'll need some special support and
assistance. You can find that support through your family center relocation
personnel, Military OneSource counselors, your minister or rabbi, your
neighbors, or the social services in your community.
Page 16 of 19

17. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
National Guard and Reserve Task Force Update
By Eva Shinka
On May 19-20, 2009, the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
(ODUSD) for Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) and Reserve
Affairs (RA) sponsored a Guard and Reserve Task Force meeting to identify
needs and make recommendations related to Guard and Reserve family
programs and Yellow Ribbon Reintegration programs (YRRP). Task Force
participants identified priority needs as well as recommended solutions. The
following three initiatives are intended to aid in the development of consistent,
high quality youth programs and services.
The first initiative involves the development and distribution of Recreation Kits.
MC&FP Morale, Welfare, and Recreation and Family Policy/Children and Youth
Directorates collaborated with the National Guard, Reserve Family Program,
and YRRP managers on an initiative that will provide all-age Recreation Kits to
the National Guard State Family Program Directors (SFPDs)/Joint Family
Support Assistance Programs (JFSAPs) in each state and territory, and as
requested by Reserve points of contact. The kits will enhance recreation and
social activities during deployment and family program events, including
Operation Military Kids (OMK) activities. Six types of kits will be or have been
sent to each state/territory in varying numbers based on National Guard and
Reserve population, respective ages of children/youth, and geographic
dispersion within the state/territory.
The second initiative provides a deployment curriculum for use by volunteers.
OMK teams and their partners support children and youth from all branches of
Service during deployments. State OMK teams provide a cadre of volunteers
to lead quality experiential learning experiences for youth that are keyed to life
skill development. OMK has recently published a YRRP Curriculum for children
and youth to be used during deployment events. The curriculum, developed
by a group of military and civilian youth professionals, will enhance the life
skills needed by youth to successfully navigate each stage of the deployment
cycle. The OMK curriculum contains activities, designed for specific ages, to be
used during four critical points in the deployment cycle: pre-deployment,
during mobilization, and at thirty and sixty days after reintegration. The
curriculum can be used by OMK volunteers, military Child and Youth
professionals, and others.
The third initiative provides added support through youth and resiliency
programming. Project Y.E.S. college students will be used to support the
needs of military families facing deployment. Specifically, Project Y.E.S. will
expand the resources of the JFSAP and YRRPs and provide opportunities for
students to give back to their communities and country with a year of service
assisting youth during YRRP events. Project Y.E.S. (Youth Extension Service)
will engage twenty collegiate 4-H members across the country for a year of
voluntary service supporting military families. Collegiate youth trained on
relevant curricula and activities will be deployed to different states and events
to support Yellow Ribbon; OMK Ready, Set, Go!; and other training and
events. These students will also be used to train collegiate 4-H groups to
augment volunteer efforts in local communities.
MC&FP will continue to work the After Actions from the Task Force meeting in
order to provide increased support and quality programs to the National Guard
and Reserve components and their families.
Page 17 of 19

18. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
Tax Help is on the Way At No Cost to Military Families
Starting January 18, 2010, Military OneSource brings military families our
customized H&R Block At Home® online tax filing (formerly TaxCut), plus tax
consultations by phone — completely free. On that date, the Military
OneSource site will provide a link to the customized H&R Block At Home®
product. Please wait until this link is posted on Military OneSource and use that
link to access the customized product and create your account.
A simple interview process quickly walks users through the return process,
allowing complete electronic filing of federal and up to three state tax filings
electronically.
The H&R Block At Home® online filing process protects the security and
confidentiality of personal information by using industry-recognized security
safeguards, including firewalls coupled with security procedures to protect your
information from loss, misuse, or unauthorized alteration. Whenever sensitive
information is asked for, such as credit card numbers, it is encrypted as it is
transmitted to the site.
In addition to online tax filing, Military OneSource provides tax education and
financial consulting phone at 1-800-342-9647. They also provide expertly
prepared articles, like Filing Taxes When a Service Member is Deployed, and
Quick Tips for Using Your Tax Refund, booklets, articles, and CDs on budgeting
and personal finance; and online calculators that help with critical financial
decisions. Go to http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and click on "Find
information," then on"Money Management."
Want to know more? Go to the "Tax Help is on the Way" outlet at
http://www.militaryonesource.com/ and click on "Find out more."
Page 18 of 19

19. MC&FP eMagazine (January,2010) 1/20/2010
WorkingQuality of Life Issues for Military Families
Most military members don’t realize that many issues surrounding their quality
of life and the well-being of their family can only be addressed by states. In
2004, the Department of Defense (DoD) started the USA4 Military Families
initiative, worked through the DoD-State Liaison Office (DSLO), to engage
state leaders about the issues impacting military members and their families.
By developing state/military partnerships, the DoD seeks to work with states
to remove unnecessary barriers and significantly improve the quality of life for
military families.
The USA4 Military Families initiative has been very successful and much
progress has been made. A few of the more notable successes include the
following:
• The states have recognized the demands being placed on their
citizens and have significantly increased their level of support for
Guard and Reserve members and their families. In 2009, states
report 1,470 separate items of support (such as licensure protection
during deployment), an increase of 948 from their initial report in
2004.
• In 2004, only eleven states considered a military move as an
involuntary reason to leave employment thus allowing working
military spouses to be eligible for unemployment compensation.
Thirty-five states, impacting seventy-nine percent of military
spouses, now offer this eligibility as military spouses leave their
states.
• In only two years, twenty-six states, positively impacting eighty-one
percent of school-aged, military children, have now adopted the
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children
and become part of the Interstate Commission. This will minimize
school disruption for military children as they move from one school
district to another when their parents transfer between assignments.
• Twenty-eight states can now fully enforce the DoD Regulation (32 CFR
Part 232) which places a thirty-six percent APR limit on payday,
vehicle title, and refund anticipation loans.
The DSLO will continue the successful 2009 strategy into 2010, focusing on the
ten key issues. For detailed information on any of these issues or to chart the
progress being made throughout the year, visit USA4MilitaryFamilies.
Image description. Link to Personnel and
Readiness website End of image
description.
Image description. 508
compliance logo End of image
description.
Image description. Link to FirstGov Website End of image description.
About MC&FP / MC&FP Websites / Privacy & Security / Disclaimer
Release 09.25.09.01
Page 19 of 19