1. Family
JANUARY 2014
Contents
connection
STEM Summer
Program at the USNA
“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.”
Did You Say Something?
Expiration of the AHRN Contract
Parole in Place for Military Family
Members
Everyone Serves
Anchor Program Provides Valuable
Mentorship to Wounded Warriors
Employment and Transition Corner
Naval District Washington
Ombudsmen Appreciation Coffee
New Year, New You
Family Connection is a publication of the Fleet
and Family Support Program.
The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program
promotes the self-reliance and resilience of
Sailors and their families. We provide information
that can help you meet the unique challenges of
the military lifestyle.
The appearance of external links in this newsletter
does not constitute official endorsement on behalf
of the U.S. Navy or Department of Defense.
TSP Investments:
Making Retirement
Dollars Work for
Your Future
The New Year is always a great time to examine
your tax situation, analyze your investments and
set goals for the future. While you may already be
familiar with the tax advantages of the traditional
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), now there is a new tool
that offers a different way to save for retirement:
the Roth TSP. To understand whether the Roth
TSP is a good fit for you, you need to know how it
works, how it differs from a traditional TSP contribution and the Roth TSP’s potential benefits.
The TSP is a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the military similar to the 401(k) plans offered
by many private employers. In the traditional TSP, individuals invest pre-tax dollars
into their accounts, deferring the taxes until the funds are withdrawn at a later date. With Roth
TSP contributions, you make after-tax contributions to your TSP account. When you withdraw
funds from your Roth balance, you receive payments tax-free since you already paid taxes on the
contributions.
If you have questions or comments, contact
Timothy McGough at timothy.mcgough@navy.mil.
Because taxes on Roth contributions are paid up front, contributions to the Roth TSP will take
more money out of your paycheck than traditional TSP contributions. Even though you will have
a little less take-home pay today, switching to Roth contributions can provide greater benefits
later. For example, you may benefit from making Roth contributions instead of traditional TSP
contributions if any of the following apply:
Visit us online at:
NNYou expect to be in a higher tax bracket at retirement.
NNYou expect the tax rate to increase.
NNYou are serving in a tax-exempt zone.
The
Center
Fleet & Family Support
Contribution limits apply and all decisions about investments and retirement options should be
made carefully and as part of a long-term financial plan. To learn more about Roth TSP, visit the
TSP website. You can also meet with a Personal Financial Manager at your local installation or
access confidential financial counseling services through Military OneSource.
“Your success and happiness lies in you.
Resolve to keep happy, and your joy
and you shall form an invincible host
against difficulties.”
Helen Keller

2. JANUARY 2014
STEM Summer
Program at the USNA
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are the four focus areas
of the United States Naval Academy’s Summer STEM Program. The program is designed to
encourage rising 8th-11th graders to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology
throughout high school and college. Applications can be submitted starting January 6 through
April 15, 2014.
“Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It.”
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact
or any other course of conduct directed
at a specific person that would cause a
reasonable person to feel fear.
Stalking can include, but is not limited to:
NNRepeated, unwanted, intrusive and
frightening communications from
the perpetrator by phone, mail and/
or email.
NNRepeatedly leaving or sending victim
unwanted items, presents or flowers.
NNFollowing or lying in wait for the victim at places such as home, school,
work or recreation spots.
NNMaking direct or indirect threats to
harm the victim, the victim’s children,
relatives, friends or pets.
NNDamaging or threatening to damage
the victim’s property.
NNHarassing victim through the internet.
NNPosting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet,
in a public place or by word of mouth.
NNObtaining personal information
about the victim by accessing
public records, using internet search
services, hiring private investigators,
going through the victim’s garbage,
following the victim, contacting
the victim’s friends, family, work or
neighbors, etc.
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a
time to focus on a crime that affect­ d 6.6 million
e
victims in one recent year. The theme — “Stalking:
Know It. Name It. Stop It.” — challenges the nation
to fight this dangerous crime by learning more
about it.
Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, the U.S. Territories
and the District of Columbia, yet many victims
and criminal justice professionals underestimate
its seriousness and impact. In one of five cases,
stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims
and stalking is one of the significant risk factors for
homicide in abusive relationships. Victims suffer
anxiety, social dysfunction and severe depression
at much higher rates than the general population,
and many lose time from work or have to move as
a result of their victimization.
Stalking is difficult to recognize, investigate and
prosecute. Unlike other crimes, stalking is not a single, easily identifiable crime but a series of acts. It is a
course of conduct directed at a specific person that
would cause that person to feel fear. Stalking may
take many forms, such as assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary or animal abuse, as well as unwanted
cards, calls, gifts or visits. One in four victims reports
that the stalker uses technology, such as computers,
global positioning system devices or hidden camer­
as to track the victim’s daily activities. Stalkers fit no
standard psychological profile, and many stalk­ rs
e
follow their victims from one jurisdiction to another,
making it difficult for authorities to investigate and
prosecute their crimes.
If you or someone you know is a victim of stalking by an intimate partner or spouse, contact
your local Family Advocacy Program at the Fleet and Family Support Center. To find local assistance visit the National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center.
For additional resources to help promote National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit
http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and
http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov.
iPhone, iPad User…
Download JSS
at the App Store
Add JSS to your
Mobile Network
www.jointservicessupport.org/
jss/Mobile.aspx
JSS Dial-in Access 24/7?
1- 8 7 7- J S S - N O W1
(577-6691)
Document Translation Services
from Military OneSource
Through its
document
translation
services, Military
OneSource
provides
translation of
many legal
documents
such as leases, marriage licenses,
adoption paperwork and school
transcripts for service members and
their families.
New Spouse Orientation
New Spouse Orientation is offered
as an on-demand course designed
to support new Navy spouses. It
provides information on benefits,
support services, military culture and
resources to help spouses adapt to
the military lifestyle.
2

3. JANUARY 2014
Did You Say
Something?
Listening is an action word for understanding a spoken message, therefore just hearing the words does not mean that
you are listening to the message. On the other hand, if you
ever thought that you were not listened to, you know that
it can be annoying and hurtful. If it happens too often, you
might feel ignored or unimportant. This, in turn, damages
healthy relationships, thus, it makes sense that healthy
military families listen to each other daily.
So, how do we show that we are indeed listening? Show that
you are attentive by demonstrating active listening techniques, such as responding
with nonverbal cues, positive body language and verbal cues. During a natural break in
the conversation, say what you thought you understood (don’t repeat – use your own
words). If you are wrong with your interpretation, the other person will surely clarify.
Once confirmed that you understood the message, you can respond if needed. You
may realize that this slows the conversation down; you’re absolutely correct! But, in doing so, you avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings and future arguments.
Now, here is a valuable tip: If you can clarify what you heard by guessing the other’s
feelings, you are a skilled listener. For example, Becky says, “This soup tastes bland.” Ben
replies, “You worked hard preparing this soup and are disappointed with the flavor.”
Assuming Ben was correct that she was disappointed, Becky will feel understood and
connected. This is exactly what you want to happen. So, LISTENING matters, it is a great
New Year’s resolution and will definitely bring your family closer. Give it a try, practice
and see the results. For more assistance in developing healthy listening skills, contact
your local Fleet and Family Support Center or go to the following links for examples of
active listening: http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/65759.htm or http://www.taft.cc.ca.us/lrc/
class/assignments/actlisten.html.
Expiration of the AHRN Contract
As of 31 December 2013, the Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN) contract will
expire and will not be renewed. AHRN will continue to operate as a commercial resource
but will no longer be sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD).
While the Navy Housing Referral Services program uses AHRN as one of many tools to
provide high-quality services to our Sailors and families, this change will not interrupt
their commitment to helping Sailors and their families. Navy Housing Referral Services
will continue all of the services currently provided via AHRN through existing and commercially available resources.
Your Navy Housing Service Center (HSC) is available to provide counseling and needs
assessments to assist you in the home-finding process. The HSCs will continue to offer
government-approved listings for homes available at your installation. They will work
with local property managers, ensuring the continuity of available listings.
Service members can contact their HSCs at any time and for any reason through a
variety of means, including visiting our website, HEAT, social media (Facebook, Twitter,
Pinterest and YouTube), and via email.
Parole in Place for
Military Family
Members
President Obama has issued a policy
memorandum to the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) that would
allow certain members of military families
to remain in the United States during
the immigration process. Under these
new guidelines, family members who
meet certain qualifications may be issued
“parole in place” status for a period of one
year, meaning that they could remain in
the U.S. while working toward permanent
residency. The new guidelines grant
special parole consideration to spouses,
children and parents of all active-duty
service members of the armed forces,
reservists including the National Guard
and veterans.
Everyone Serves
Everyone Serves: A
Handbook for Family
& Friends of Service
Members During
EVERYONE SERVES
Pre-Deployment,
Deployment and
Reintegration is the
second edition of the
handbook, originally
titled “A Handbook
for Family & Friends
of Service Members Before, During and
After Deployment.” This handbook,
available free online, serves as a guide for
family and friends of service members
who are somewhere in the deployment
cycle. In addition to advice and information, the book has worksheets, videos
featuring real military family members and
their experiences, links to organizations
and more. Everyone Serves is viewable
in the following formats: e-book, Webviewable and PDF format. Download your
copy today.
A Handbook for Family & Friends of Service Members
During Pre-Deployment, Deployment, and Reintegration
3

4. JANUARY 2014
Anchor Program
Provides Valuable Mentorship
to Wounded Warriors
“The anchor stabilizes a ship when it’s
dropped,” said Navy Wounded Warrior
(NWW) – Safe Harbor Anchor Program
mentor Ken Rummel. “Likewise, the Anchor
Program can help stabilize our wounded
warriors during their separation from service
and as they recover from a medical condition that has changed their lives and the lives
of their families.”
The Anchor Program helps NWW carry out
its promise to provide transition assistance to
seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and
Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families. It
provides them with an invaluable network of
support during a critical chapter of their lives;
the conclusion of their military careers.
Rummel, a retired command master chief
who now lives in Carlisle, Pa., with his wife,
currently serves as a mentor to retired Master
Chief Eugene Mason. Mason, a Coast Guard
veteran, previously suffered a stroke that
left his right side paralyzed and significantly
impaired his speech.
Anchor Program mentors offer a wide
range of support, including serving as social
contacts, providing personal referrals — recommending anything from the best nearby
restaurant to the most reliable plumber
— and establishing connections with local
employers.
ideal companions for a wounded warrior.
NWW’s Anchor Program also provides respite
to family members and caregivers, who often
devote much of their time to assisting their
wounded warrior in daily activities. “It helps
in freeing up time for me so I can tend to my
kids, do work around the house or just relax
a bit and read a book or watch a movie,” said
Mason’s wife, Jasmina.
Rummel, for his part, insisted that serving as
an Anchor Program mentor is its own reward.
“The joy I see in Gene’s face is doubled in mine.
The relief I see in Jasmina’s smile is doubled in
my life. I have a more fulfilled life in helping our
wounded warriors,” he said.
But, perhaps most importantly, the mentors are available to lend an ear — and a
hand — to an enrollee as they grapple with
the challenges associated with returning to
To learn more about NWW’s Anchor Program
civilian life. Their experiences with the military,
visit the NWW-Safe Harbor website or call
on active duty and in retirement, make them
855-NAVY WWP.
Employment and Transition Corner
If continuing your education is one of your
New Year’s resolutions, make sure to sign up
for the latest offering from Transition GPS:
Accessing Higher Education.
The Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC)
routinely offer the two-day Accessing Higher
Education (AHE) workshop as an additional
career training opportunity associated with
Transition GPS. Often referred to as a career
“track,” AHE assists Sailors interested in fulfilling the educational requirements needed
U.S. Navy Individual
Augmentees
Like us on Facebook.
for success in their post-military careers.
And since choosing and paying for a school
are decisions involving the whole family,
spouses of these transitioning Sailors are
encouraged to attend.
With the AHE counselor’s help, Sailors
compare academic institutions to find the
undergraduate or graduate programs that
best fit their personal requirements and
professional criteria. Sailors also learn how to
use tuition assistance options (including the
GI Bill, Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA), and work-study programs) to
avoid graduating with a great deal of debt.
The training also includes finding outside
scholarship opportunities and avoiding
financial aid scams. Finally, the AHE workshop
prepares Sailors for success outside the classroom by providing them with network tips
and contact information for veterans’ support
groups and communities at the campus of
their choice. Contact your local FFSC for more
information about the AHE workshop.
Returning Warrior Workshops (RWW)
Returning Warrior Workshop Schedule and IA Family Events — www.ia.navy.mil.
Click “Links and Resources.”
IA Discussion Group Schedule
View the Fleet-wide list of classes, support
groups and events.
4

5. JANUARY 2014
Naval District Washington
Ombudsmen Appreciation Coffee
On December 5th, Mrs. Darleen Greenert, spouse of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)
Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, hosted an Ombudsman Appreciation Coffee for Naval District Washington ombudsmen.
New Year, New You
Need motivation to jump-start your New Year’s Resolutions? Are your 2014 goals to find a new career, get in shape or learn a new hobby?
Your command ombudsman can assist you in finding the types of resources you need to accomplish your goals, in addition to providing
numerous other sources of information. To locate your ombudsman visit the ombudsman registry and click on the link “Contact Your
Ombudsman.”
5