FRG Newsletter

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Ha p p y New Year! 2011 is here and I look fo r w a r d to supporting the Fa m i l y Readiness G r o u p (FRG) as they continue to serve our USSOCOM service members, government civilians, and their families. As we move into 2011, I want to highlight the superb efforts of the FRG and our former coordinator, Ms. Barbara Moody. Under Barb’s leadership last year, the FRG sponsored the National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (over 100 kids registered) and the Military Spouse Appreciation Day (which included a sponsored luncheon and a hurricane briefing by Lt Gen Fiel). Your FRG also worked with various community organizations throughout the year to provide phone cards to deploying personnel, back to school backpacks w/supplies, and restaurant gift cards to military families. In the summer of 2010, Ms. Moody departed the position of FRG -Cont, page 2 UPCOMING (LOCAL) EVENTS) Jump Team Calendar Fishhawk Baseball Opening Ceremonies 16120 Fishhawk Blvd. Lithia, FL 2/26/2011, 10:00 AM Phillies Spring Training Opening Day vs Yankees Brighthouse Field Clearwater 2/27/2011 Greetings from the Chief of Staff February 10th -21st The Annual Florida State Fair March 9 - The 2011 Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City March 26 - Paws for Patriots Quaker State & Lube www.RollingThunderFL11.com INSIDE: OPSEC, Safety while on Social Networks, USSOCOM - Ragnar Florida Keys Race, Spouses Networking Groups Jan/Feb/Mar 2011

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First Quarter FRG Newsletter

Transcript of FRG Newsletter

Page 1: FRG Newsletter

Ha p p y N e wYear! 2011 ishere and I lookfo r w a r d t osupporting theF a m i l yR e a d i n e s sG r o u p (FRG)

as they continue to serve ourUSSOCOM service members,government civilians, and theirfamilies. As we move into 2011,I want to highlight the superb effortsof the FRG and our formercoordinator, Ms. Barbara Moody.Under Barb’s leadership last year,the FRG sponsored the National TakeOur Daughters and Sons to WorkDay (over 100 kids registered) and theMilitary Spouse Appreciation Day(which included a sponsored luncheonand a hurr icane br ie f ing byLt Gen Fie l ) . Your FRG alsoworked with various communityorganizations throughout the year toprovide phone cards to deployingpersonnel, back to school backpacksw/supplies, and restaurant gift cards tomilitary families.

In the summer of 2010, Ms.Moody departed the position of FRG

-Cont, page 2

UPCOMING(LOCAL) EVENTS)

JumpTeamCalendarFishhawkBaseballOpening Ceremonies16120 Fishhawk Blvd.Lithia, FL2/26/2011, 10:00 AM

Phillies Spring TrainingOpening Day vs YankeesBrighthouse Field Clearwater2/27/2011

Greetings from the Chief of Staff

February 10th -21stThe Annual Florida State Fair

March 9 - The 2011 FloridaStrawberry Festival, Plant CityMarch 26 - Paws for PatriotsQuaker State & Lubewww.RollingThunderFL11.com

INSIDE:OPSEC, Safety while on Social Networks,USSOCOM - Ragnar Florida Keys Race,

S p ou s e s Ne two r k i n g G r oup s

Jan/Feb/Mar

2011

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January 23, 2011Military.com| by Bryant Jordan

The White House andPentagon are scheduled today toroll out an ambitious, administra-tion-wide policy to improve thelives of military families bytackling everything from child-care and financial problems toveteran homelessness and jobopportunities for spouses.

President Obama directed hisNational Security staff toorganize an interagency policygroup early last year. Theresultant plan is detailed inStrengthening Our MilitaryFamilies: Meeting America’sCommitment, a policy reportapproved by Obama in December.The report is the culmination ofmeetings by representatives from

all federal government agenciesand cabinet departments, saidRobert L. Gordon III, deputyassistant secretary of defense formilitary community and familypolicy.

The goals in the draft 25-pagereport are defined broadly infour areas – enhance familypsychological health, children’seduca t ion , spouse careeropportunities and development,and improve child-care services.

The report calls for enhancingmilitary family mental health byhaving the Defense Departmentand Department of VeteransAffairs implement a multi-yearprogram to help family membersrecognize mental health problemsand get the proper care andtreatment.

At the same time theDepartment of Health and HumanServices will assist states inapplying for federal blockgrants for mental health servicesand drug abuse preventionprograms, which they candirect toward helping returningservicemembers, veterans andtheir families.

The report considers veteranhomelessness a factor affectingmilitary and veteran familiesand so incorporates the VA’salready-announced pledge to endveteran homelessness.

-Cont, page 3

White House toUnveilMilitary Family Plan

coordinator and Maj Karen Reifftook on the role of temporaryFRG coordinator in addition toher normal duties.

Even as the search began for anew FRG coordinator, Karen’soutstanding leadership allowedthe FRG to plan and executethe Command Brief /FamilyReadiness Information Education& Needs Day. I was able toprovide an informative briefingabout SOCOM to familymembers after which everyonehad the opportunity to browseinformation booths from15 agencies including MilitaryONESo u r c e , O p e r a t i o nHomefront, SOCOM BoosterClub , Care Coal i t ion , and

OPSEC, all while enjoying freechildcare! A Defense BiometricIdentification station was also setup to regis te r dependentID cards to meet new MacDillAFB entry requirements. Karen’sefforts during this interim periodensured a smooth transition as thenew FRG coordinator, Ms. TeresaTorelli, took over in October of2010. Teresa hit the groundrunning in her first few days byassisting the preparation ofnumerous Care Packages for ourdeployed SOCOM personnel.

The FRG finished up a busy2010 by hosting the OpenHouse/Tree Lighting Ceremonywhich included a visit from SantaClaus and the singing of several

uplifting Christmas carols.Throughout the coming year, itwill be my distinct honor tosupport the FRG in helping HQUSSOCOM personnel and theirfamilies enhance their quality oflife and well-being by developingope r a t i n g s y s t em s t h a tprovide information, offersupport and outreach, promoteinvolvement , and preventisolation. When your spouse isdeployed, the FRGwill work withyou to identify your needs andprovide information and referralassistance.

MG Joseph VotelUSSOCOM Chief of Staff

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The VA plans to fund non-profitgroups that work to keep at-riskveterans in family situations orhelp homeless vets find housing.

The Pentagon and theDepartment of the Interior willexpand opportunities for militaryfamilies to use the country’s 500million acres of public lands forrecreation as part of regainingtheir psychological health. Areasand trails will be modified toaccommodate military families,especially wounded troops andveterans, and Interior Departmentstaff will be trained on militaryculture.

A commitment to protectagainst unfair financial practicescould make Obama’s controver-sial new Consumer FinancialProtection Bureau an ally tomilitary families. According tothe report, the CFPB will have anOffice of Service MemberAffairsand will work with the DoD toaddress three areas: education onfinancial readiness; complaintmonitoring and response; andcoordination among federal andstate consumer protection agen-cies on behalf of military families.

Gordon said the Departmentof Education will get involved toimprove education for militarychildren. For the first time theDoE will make military familiesa priority for its discretionarygrant programs, which will favorfunding programs to meet theneeds of military-connectedstudents, the report states.

“The Department of Educa-tion wants to work with our statesto better identify our military kidsin schools so we can focus onthem and outreach to them,”Gordon said.

The Educate to InnovateCampaign, a White House-launched business, academic, andnon-profit consortium that worksto bolster high school math andscience education, has beendirected to give special attentionto schools catering to militaryfamilies. Another group, theNational Math and ScienceInitiative, will work with theWhite House Office ofScience and Technology and DoDto expand access to advanceplacement science and technologycourses to children of militaryfamilies.

The policy report states thatthis initiative will begin inSeptember at four schools servingFort Campbell, Ky., and FortHood, Texas. Another threeschools also will get additionalsupport, but the report doesn’t saywhere they are located.

The Department of theInterior, meanwhile, will focus onemployment opportunities innational parks for military kids.The Department of Agriculturewill work with DoD to enhancetheir ongoing partnership tosupport 4-H clubs and activitiesfor military children and youth.

The Department of Labor willopen the Transition AssistanceProgram – the career guidancecounseling and workshopprogram long available toseparating and retiring service-members – to military spouses.DoL will also promote priorityhiring of military spouses in itsworkforce.

Gordon said DoD also plansto expand a successful Armyprogram for spouse employmentto all the branches. The Army

Spouse Employment Partnershiphas a support program with morethan 40 Fortune 500 companiesthat, since 2003, have hired morethan 90,000 Army spouses. DoDwill also provide job counselingand educational stipends to helpspouses get the training andeducation they need to get into theworkforce.

“We have roughly over700,000 spouses” across DoD, hesaid, of which more than77 percent want to work. “Wewant to create opportunities forthem.”

The report also promisesimmediate child care relief withnew “Child Care Liaison”positions established in pilotprograms in 13 states -- Alaska,California, Colorado, Delaware,Flor ida , Indiana , Kansas,Kentucky, North Carolina,Texas, Vermont, Virginia, andWashington.

According to Gordon, DoDhas more than 200,000 children inits system in need of child care.Currently, there is a shortfall ofabout 30,000 child-care seats, hesaid, adding that the pilotprograms should result in anincrease of approximately 8,300child care spaces availablethroughout the country. Thespaces may be moved to wherethey’re most needed, however, asneeds change.

“We care about [militaryfamilies],” Gordon said in sum.“I think you’ll find [in thisreport] those sorts of commit-ments that focus on you as acommunity that will empoweryou, that will support you, thatwill care for you.”

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Many agencies, organizationsand individuals across the UnitedStates are using Social Network-ing Sites (SNS) like Facebook asa means to communicate tothe general populace, customersand acquaintances. While theseagencies are using these pages,they are tak ing var iouspreventative measures to ensurethat pieces of critical informationare being adequately protected.With that in mind...here aresome reminders about somevulnerabilities associated withSNS and some tips to safeguardyour own personal account.Proper use of SNS security

settings limit what site visitors areallowed to see. Facebook alonehas over 124 security settings.Have you gone through theavailable settings and adjustedthem for the various groups,friends, and family members whohave access to your page? There’sinformation you should keep toyourself or within a trusted circleof family and friends. Allowspecific group access for familyand those trusted friends by usingthe SNS security settings. Thenmake a more restricted accessgroup for those “friends” who aremore like associates and thenfurther limit the personalinformation they can see. Thiswill help prevent others from“accidentally” seeing something

you don’t want them to see.You should also be wary of

what you post on an SNS. Youshouldn’t post things that youwouldn’t want a stranger, orsomeone who would do youharm, to see. Doing so couldcause you to lose your identity,your money, or even your life.There may be information onyour SNS that you don’t want justanyone to access. Most peopledon’t walk up to completestrangers as they leave theirhomes and announce their houseis unoccupied and they’ll be gonefor a few days. So why wouldanyone want to do so on an SNS,allowing strangers to know theirhouse is unprotected.If you use Facebook’s “Places”feature, you could give on-lineviewers exact information ofwhere you are or where you’vebeen and when. You don’t needto advertise when and whereyou’re going or where you are. Itcould help an adversary toestablish a pattern of life for youand thereby put you or yourfamily at an increased risk ofexploitation.If you don’t want people to knowwhat your home or house lookslike or what kind of car you own,then maybe you shouldn’t postany photos of your home or car onan SNS. Some digital photos youpost can have hidden data in

them. This data is called Geotags.Geotags can tell people where andwhen the photo was taken.Additionally, you may not want tolet certain people know whereyou live, so be aware of all theinformation a photo shows (suchas street signs, house numbers,and the like.)Unlike a face to face

encounter with someone, youmay not really know who you’recontacting on-line. You shouldn’tnecessarily trust that someoneon-line is who they claim to be.If you get a friend request and youdon’t recognize the namedon’t openly accept the request.Granting access could give anunknown person information thatyou may not want them to have.Verify who they are through aseparate means. Email a friendwho you might have in commonwith the requestor. Ask otherfriends if they know thisindividual. Ultimately it’s up toyou to accept or decline.Using Social Networking

Sites can be an enjoyable pastime,but we all have to remain vigilantwhere our families are concerned.Protecting yourself and yourfamily is also protectingSOCOM’s most va luableresource…our people. If youhave questions, please feel free tocontact the SOCOM OperationsSecurity (OPSEC) element.

OOPPSSEECCSafety while on Social NetworksOOPPSSEECC

[email protected].

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The New Year has come. Formany this is a time for setting newpriorities and goals for the year.C.S. Lewis wrote: “You are nevertoo old to set another goal or todream a new dream.” The newyear is a great time to dream andset some new goals for yourself.Many focus on the physical

when it comes to goals. Peoplewant to lose weight or begin anew physical training regimen.These are good goals, but makesure the goals are realistic and cutyourself some slack if you don'tmeet every goal. Better to missthat work out or splurge on thatdessert, and then refocus and keepmoving forward as opposed togiving up because you can't keepup with the schedule you have setfor yourself.

Focus on other areas of yourlife as well. Robert Schuller wrote"Goals are not only absolutelynecessary to motivate us. Theyare essential to really keep usalive." Here are some differentareas that you might want to

consider with regard to goals forthe new year.

Finances: Think about how youare going to get out of debt, putmore in savings or long term in-vestments, or give more tocharity.

Intellectual: Consider takingclasses, learning a new language,limit the amount of TV that youwatch and read a classic book.

Relationships: Spend more timewith friends, your spouse, andchildren. Think about setting up aregular date night with yourspouse, plan family game nights,or as a family explore the manyattractions that the Tampa areaoffers. (This doesn't necessarilytake much money, most ofthe beaches and parks are free orhave very inexpensive entrance or

parking fees.)

Spiritual: The New Year is agreat time for people of faith toreturn to places of worship thatthey may have neglected. Look atsome of the spiritual disciplinesof prayer, fasting, and study ormeditation and set some specificgoals for yourself. Order yourspiritual lives in a more consciousway. Se t forward- focusedspiritual goals, and be deliveredfrom the boredom of a waywardand aimless spiritual life.

Goals: are important to give usdirection and help us live out ourpriorities on a daily basis. MayGod grant you discernment andwisdom as you set your goals andremember what Yogi Berra said,"You’ve got to be very careful ifyou don’t know where you aregoing, because you might not getthere.

V/rChaplain Jim Edwards

Deputy Command Chaplain

Chaplain’s Corner

“You are never too old to setanother goal or to dream a newdream.”

- C.S. Lewis

Spouses Networking Groups:Happy New Year from your Fam-ily Readiness Group (FRG)… As2011 sets off at racing pace,I would like to take just a fewminutes to focus on our SOCOMSpouses Networking Group.

The Bay Area covers hun-dreds of miles and our SOCOMFamilies are spread from Clear-

water to FishHawk creating theperfect opportunity for spousesto become isolated. Stayingconnected when geographicallyseparated enhances your sense ofbelonging and offers support dur-ing times of deployment . TheSOCOM Spouses NetworkingGroups are perfect for meetingother spouses in an informal set-

ting. For easy access to a groupnear you, the network is dividedinto five geographical locations,FishHawk, North Tampa, Valrico,Riverview/Apollo, and SouthTampa. For information on the(FRG) Spouses Networking Groupnear you, email your contact infor-mation and geographical locationto: [email protected]

Spouses Networking Group

Command Run and ChildcareDid you know the MacDill Child Development Center (CDC) will open early to support SOCOM’s

monthly Command runs? If you would like to take advantage of this service, reservations must be made by close of business on the Wednesday before the run.

To reserve your spot call 813-828-5011

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“People ask me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tellyou what I do I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

— Rogers Hornsby "The Rajah"

Spring Training Begins:

Yankees vs Phillies, 26 Feb Steinbrenner Field, Tampa

Phillies vs Yankees 27 Feb Bright House Field, Clearwater

USSOCOM Para-Commandoswill jump in to kick off the season

Baseball Spring Training Schedule

February 10th -21st The Annual

Florida State Fairis a salute to the state'sbest in the agriculture andequestrian industry includ-ing an abundance ofshows, music , r ides,food and shopping for12 consecutive days.Excitement is in the air allover the fairgrounds withplenty of free entertain-ment included with admis-sion. Make sure to planyour day in advance toenjoy all the sights,sounds, and tastes thestate fair has to offer.Parking is free during theFair. For more informationvisit their website;http://www.floridastate-fair.com/

Para-CommandosShedule

Cont from front page...

5th Annual TampaClean City Day EventRaymond James Stadium3/12/2011

April 16 - Sun 'n FunIn t e r n a t i o n a l F l y - I n -Max Pa r t i c i p a t i o n o nWeekend Lakeland LinderRegional Airport 3/29/2011

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USSOCOM andthe Ragnar Florida Keys Race

By TSgt Larry Carpenter, SOPAEighteen members from

U.S. Special OperationsCommand participated in theinaugural Ra g n a r F l o r i d aK e y s endurance relay raceJan. 7-8.

The Ragnar Florida Keysrelay race is a 191-mile coursethat took racers from CrandonPark in Miami Fl., located on thebarrier island of Key Biscayne,all the way to the famous DuvalStreet in Key West, Fla.

The command was repre-sented by two teams: a 12-manregular relay (SOCOM 12) anda six-man “ultra” relay team(SOCOM 6) who ran aroundthe clock for more than 24hours honoring fallen Special

Operations warriors and theirfamilies. In support of the SpecialOperations Warrior Foundation,the team raised nearly $4300($4279 to be exact) for collegescholarships and providing familysupport to members of the SpecialOperations Forces communityaffected by combat and trainingcasualties.

SOCOM 12’s lead-off runnerbroke his ankle the night beforethe race and could not compete.In true SOF warrior fashion, theteam decided to run with elevenmembers. The team finished thirdin their division with an overalltime of 28:58:50.

Battling injuries sustainedduring the race, SOCOM6 mem-bers missed their goal of finishingthe race in less than 24 hours;

their time was 24:03:58, whichwas enough for them to win firstplace in the ultra division by twoand half hours, finishing in sixthplace overall.

SOCOM6 members were Col.Frank Donovan, Col. Lex Brown,Cmdr. Todd Gagnon, Lt. Col.(AUS) Stuart Davies, Maj. RobBailey and Lt. Cmdr. BrianO’Lavin.

The members of SOCOM12were Mr. Donovan Haggas,Col. Christopher Leyda, Col.Stephen Goto, Lt. Col. ThomasHancock, Lt. Col. CynthiaHazel, Lt. Col. James Higgins,Maj. Matthew Razvillas, Maj.Billy Moore, Maj. Eric Young,Capt. Trevor Nolan, MasterSgt. Brian Burns and Mr.William Lengner, SOCC-SC.

Colonel Donovan handing off the baton to Major Bailey

Left to right: startingline--Davies, Bailey, Gagnon,Brown, Donovan, O'lavin

Left to right:Team at thefinish line with their medals--Gagnon, O'lavin, Brown,Bailey, Davies, Donovan

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Federal Retirement ThriftInvestment Board membersannounced the 2011 electivedeferral limit for regular ThriftSavings Plan contributions willremain $16,500, and TSPcatch-up plan contribution limitswill remain at $5,500.

TSP options include stocks,government securities or lifecyclefunds.

Regular TSP contributionsstop when contributions reach theannual maximum limit andautomatically resume the nextcalendar year.

Catch-up contributions aread d i t i o n a l t a x - d e f e r r e dcontributions, separate fromregular TSP contributions. To beeligible for catch-up contribu-tions, investors must be age 50 orolder the year the first deductionfrom pay occurs. Contributorsmust also be in a pay status andable to certify they will make, orhave made, the maximum regularcontributions by the end ofthe year. Catch-up contributionsautomatically stop with the lastpay date in the calendar year

or when the maximum catch-updollar limit is reached. Eligibleemployees must submit a newelection each year.

For more information about TSP,go to: www.tsp.gov

visit the Air Force personnelervices website or call theTotal Force Service Center at800-525-0102.

2011 Thrift Savings Plan Contribution Limits

Tax Assistance The MacDill Family

Resource Center in

Brandon (A&FRC satellite

office) is offering a free

tax assistance service by

appointment from 0900-

1600, Monday through

Saturday. For more

information call:

813-655-9281.

They are located at

710 Oakfield Dr, Suite 153,

Brandon FL

TAX ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Tax assistance will beprovided at MacDill’s RetireeActivities Office (RAO) from1 February to 18 April 2011.

This service is free forretirees, spouses and active dutyfamilies.

Walk-in service or appoint-ments are available Mondaythrough Friday from 0900-1500,active duty members who walk inbetween 0900 and 1100in uniform, will have priority.The RAO are now takingappointments by calling; 813-828-0248.

ELECTRONIC FILINGStarting 1 February the

RAO will have five computersavailable for electronic filing.Using the e-filing service youcan receive your return inapproximately two weeks

If the RAO did not prepareyour 2009 Tax return, pleasebring a copy with you.

The program is sponsored bythe Staff Judge Advocate and isoperated under the supervision ofthe RAO. Tax preparers aretrained under the VITA (VolunteerIncome Tax Assistance) programand are certified by the IRSfor performance at a levelcommensurate with most retirees'incomes.

TSP is a long-term retirement savings plan that gives investors

an opportunity to lower their taxes each year they contribute,

because taxes are deferred until the employee withdraws from

the account after retirement.

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By MatthewStork, CPMEach year,d i s a s t e r sdisrupt count-le s s l i v e saro u n d t h eWorld. It is norevelation that a

disaster can have lasting impact,to both people and property.Unfortunately, many of thesepeople are military servicemembers and their families whosuffer the wrath from a widevariety of events. Examplesmay include wi l d f i r e s ,hurricanes, earthquakes, floods,tornados, etc. However, having aplan and being prepared canreduce fear, anxiety, and the lossthat accompanies disasters.For this reason, it's importanteveryone be prepared andready…as best we can.

To meet the challenge ofpreparedness and readiness forall hazards, each installationCommander has an emergencymanagement planning elementthat provides guidance, oversight,support, and when necessary,action to help mitigate, respondto, and recover from a disaster.The emergency managementelement ensures plans, resources,and procedures are in place whenfaced with any situation, be it alittle or no warning situation.

At MacDill AFB, the Emer-gency Planning Element is theresponsibility of the 6th AirMo b i l i t y Wi n g (AMW)Commander, who providessupport to all on-base Commandsand their personnel. In support ofthe 6th AMW Emergency

Management element, HQUSSOCOM developed asupporting program calledthe Command Cont inui tyManagement Office (CPMO).One key responsibility ofthe CPMO is developmentand maintenance of the HQUSSOCOM Disaster Prepared-ness Plan (DP). Key emergencymanagement responsibilitiesand procedures are outlined in theDP Plan, which focuses on ourPersonnel. In short, the DPplan prepares the Command forthe possibility of a natural ormanmade disaster with little or nowarning.

The HQ USSOCOM DP planseeks to ensure the safety of ourpersonnel and their dependents byproviding guidance on roles andresponsibilities, and is directlysupportive to the installationemergency management plan.

The USSOCOM DP Planoutlines policy and procedures toeducate command personnel andtheir families on how we willrespond to any threat any hazardthat could or would impact ourSOCOM family. The plan strivesto ensure each member andtheir dependents are informed,prepared, and ready when facedwith a disaster event.

In the next quarterly newslet-ter, we will outline familydisaster planning responsibilities,procedures, and recommenda-tions on how to prepare for and beready for the upcoming hurricaneseason. We will also discussspecific programs and services inplace at MacDill each familymember should know whenpreparing to develop their family

disaster plan.About the Author: Mr.

Matthew J. Stork is theUSSOCOM Continuity ProgramManager. He is responsible fordevelopment and maintenance ofthe HQ Continuity of OperationsPlan, the Disaster PreparednessPlan, and the Survivability,Recovery, and ReconstitutionPlan. Matt is also an AssistantProfessor at American MilitaryUniversity, and teaches GraduateCourses within the Schoolof Public Safety and Health.Matt’s Emergency managementbackground includes Nationalcertification as an EMT and FireFighter, is FEMA certified as aContinuity and EmergencyPlanner, and is a Lt Col in theAFR, assigned to the 927 ARWAerospace Medicine Flight,MacDill AFB. He can becontacted at:[email protected] [email protected]

Emergency Management Corner

Health andWellness Center

MacD i l l ’s H e a l t h a n dWel lness Center (HAWC)bo a s t s a s t a t e - o r - t h e a r tfacility providing programsand preventive wellbeingservices which increasereadiness, reduces health risk,striving to improve the qualityof life for active duty, familymembers, retirees and DODcivilians. The HAWC is openMonday-Friday 0730-1630closed during lunch from1130-1230. Call today for moreinformation 813-828-4739 orvisit us on line at:

w w w . m a c d i l l a f b . b e -stofhealth.com

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INFLUENZA (OR “THE FLU”)Influenza virus is spread fromperson to person via the respiratorysystem (coughing/sneezing). Flu mayalso spread by touching something thathas been contaminated with the virus.A person can infect another person a daybefore they notice symptoms. Affectedpersons are infectious for a week afterbecoming ill; young children may beinfectious for 10 days or more.

Influenza Frequent Signs andSymptoms:

-Stuffy or runny nose-Nasal discharge -Throat scratchy and sore-Coughing and sneezing-Loss of voice-Fever (> 100.5 F)-Mild headache

Cold symptoms start slowlyand symptoms are mild. Flusymptoms are more sudden andinclude higher fevers, severe body aches,chills, sweats, weakness, severe sorethroat, cough, and chest discomfort.

MEDICATION and TREATMENTTry treatment on your own for 3 daysbefore seeking medical attention.Increase fluid intake and get amplesleep. Use nonprescription drugs such asTylenol, cold and sinus medicine, nosedrops or spray, cough remedies andthroat lozenges to reduce symptoms anddiscomfort.

DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TOCHILDREN LESS THAN 12YEARS OF AGE; it can cause Reye’s Syndrome.For more information about Reye’ssyndrome, visit:

h t t p : / /www.n i nds . n i h . gov /disorders/reyes_syndrome/reyes_syndrome.htm.

Antibiotics will NOT cure influenza orcolds, which are caused by viruses. An-tibiotics are only useful in combatingbacterial infections. Only time and yourimmune system can cure influenza andcold viruses.

Make an appt to see your healthcare provider if:

-cough lasts more than 10 days

-fever lasts several days or is over 101 F

-painful earache or severe headache

-chills, chest pain, shortness of breath

-skin rash or unexplained bruised skin

-pain in sinuses or teeth

-severe throat pain or white/yellow spots on the tonsils or other parts of the throat

-enlarged, tender glands in the neck

Emergency Warning SignsIn children, seek emergencymedical attention for:-Fast breathing or trouble breathing

- Bluish or gray skin

- Not drinking enough fluids

-Severe or persistent vomiting

-Not waking up or not interacting

-Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

-Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, seek emergencymedical attention for:

-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

-Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

-Sudden dizziness or confusion

-Severe or persistent vomiting

-Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Flu Prevention Measures-Avoid contact during thecontagious stage (first 2-4 days)

-Wash hands often, especially after blowing nose or before handling food

-Cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve (not your hands)

-Eat a well balanced diet andincrease fluids

-Avoid touching hands to face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth)

-Avoid unnecessary personal contact especially with persons who are obviously ill

-Stay home and away from others when not feeling well

-Increase sleep

-Get vaccinated

Whether you see a health careprovider or not, stay home untilyou have no fever or othersymptoms for at least 24 hours.Flu may take 5 to 10 days tocompletely resolve.

Influenza (or “the Flu”)

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ to get the most up to date information on the flu/H1N1.

Page 12: FRG Newsletter

New Year Healthy Pet…Design a diet and exercise

plan to meet your pet’s specificneeds

Obesity leads to serious dogand cat health problems suchas heart disease. Exercise isimportant, but a pet will only ex-ercise if there is an incentive to doso . Your ve te r inar ian wi llconsider what stage of life yourpet is in, the amount of activityyour pet enjoys, and the time ofyear before outlining a specificplan. The right kind of food andphysical activity can add to thequality of your pet’s life.

Following are five general petcare tips:

1. Mmm... All that choco-late! None for your pets please!Chocolate contains a toxicsubstance, theobromine, which isharmful to pets. So, just say NO!

2. Is it an emergency? Apet exposed to bitter cold thatbecomes lethargic, depressed, and

weak, could be hypothermic. Callyour veterinarian immediately.

3. Before traveling withyour pets, make sure they haveall required vaccinations andhealth papers. If they are onmedications, have enough to lastthrough the trip.

4. Remember that even themost gentle and trusting pet maybite when in pain. If you mustmuzzle, use a soft towel or clothstrips and remove it as soon aspossible so the pet can breathemore easily.

5. If you must transport aninjured or ill animal, a blanket,vinyl mat, and even a door makeexcellent stretchers. The trick is toimmobilize the animal to avoidfurther stress.

The American AnimalHospital Association asks you toprovide a safe environment, qual-ity diet, exercise, and adequateveterinary care for your pet.Consult your veterinarian if youhave any questions regarding

your pet’s health care.MacD i l l ’s Ve t e r i n a r y

Treatment Facility hours ofoperation are Monday throughFriday from 0800-1600, closed onall federal holidays and the lastworking day of the month forinventory. Patients are seen byappointment only scheduled oneweek in advance.Services provided:

• Vaccinations • Microchipping• Health Certificates • Treatment and

prevention of Zoonotic diseases

• Prescription heartwormprevention and flea control

Appointments can be madein p e r s o n o r b y c a l l i n g828-3558/3559 If you havequestions or concerns call or stopby the clinic during normal dutyhours.

MacDill’s Veterinary Treatment Facility

USSOCOMChaplain 826-5080 Care Coalition 826-3099 Command Post 826-5300

Emergency Information Line 866-686-3653

FRG Coordinator 826-3742 HQ Commandant 826-3722 First Sergeant 826-4869 Medical Clinic 827-9870 Security Police 826-2888

OPSEC Family Representative 826-5383

MacDill AFBAir Force Aid Society 828-2721

Airman & Family ReadinessCenter 828-0145

American Red Cross 1-877-272-7337 Base Command Post 828-4361

Family Advocacy 827-9172

Housing Harbor Bay at MacDill 828-3166

840-2600

ID Card Office 828-2276Legal Office 828-4421Lodging 828-4259

MacDill Family Resource Center (Brandon) 655-9281

Medical Clinic–6th Med Group 828-5393

Pharmacy 827-9300TRICARE 827-9900

Military One Source 800-342-9647

Quick Reference Numbers