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Author: kristen

Child hugging military father

Children & Deployment – How to Help Them Cope

The effects of deployment on children can vary depending upon their age. Even children that have gone through a deployment before can react differently to the next one.

Here are some typical behaviors that occur:

  • Sadness, anger and anxiety
  • Problems sleeping and/or eating
  • Acting out
  • Sucking their thumb again
  • Being clingy and requiring lots of reassurance and encouragement

Remember to give your child the same patience and emotional support you give yourself. Even little babies know that the household has changed.

How do you help them cope?

  • Talk about the deployment before it happens. Have a family meeting!
  • Assure them they are loved and will still be taken care of
  • Don’t relax discipline
  • Don’t hide your emotions
  • Give plenty of hugs, kisses and reassurances
  • Answer their questions

There are also LOTS of activities you can do with your children. Like writing letters to the deployed parent, communicating through email and/or video (if available), looking at videos that are pre-recorded and looking through pictures.

Visit your local Fleet and Family Resource Center for information and resources to help your family through deployment.

Our Virtual COMPASS Session will also provide you with a wealth of knowledge and power to help you succeed. Sign up today!!

SIGN UP FOR COMPASS
a collection of smaller hearts creating one large heart with tiny hearts straying out of its edges

Valentine’s Day – Tips to Thrive While Your Loved One Is Away

For many military spouses, Valentine’s Day can be one of those tough deployment moments. You are sailing through like a champ and then suddenly your social media feed feels full of happy couples sharing romantic moments that make Hallmark Movies seem amateur and the reality that you are “alone” hits hard. So what is a military spouse to do? Thankfully the internet doesn’t just provide us with moments to envy but ideas to embrace! Naval Services FamilyLine has gathered a few ideas to help you cruise through the heart holiday moments with grace!

Remember the Reunion!! Keep your eyes on the prize – homecoming will arrive, so plan a romantic dinner or another special way to celebrate once your special someone gets home.

Celebrate with other loved ones! Children love Valentine’s Day – anything celebrated with sweets and a craft makes children happy. If you don’t have children, set up a virtual gathering with family or friends – put on something red and let them know they are loved.

Send a care package! Even if it won’t arrive on time, your service member will surely enjoy getting a package or even a letter filled with LOVE from home!

Indulge yourself with something you love! A long hot bath with bubbles, a decadent dessert, or a movie marathon of romantic comedies or action-adventure! Doing anything that rejuvenates your soul is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day!

A quick internet search or visit to Pinterest is a great way to find more ideas and specific ways you can make Valentine’s Day special even during deployment!

However you choose to celebrate, we hope you feel loved and know that Naval Services FamilyLine has the resources you need to live this best life!

Credo & ePrep written in pink next to pink roses and the NS FamilyLIne logo

CREDO & ePREP

CREDO and ePREP know that “love takes learning” and with this program you can learn from the failures and successes of thousands of people.

You will learn the communication and conflict management skills to talk without fighting about your key relationship issues, you will learn how to protect and preserve fun and friendship and you will enhance your commitment and love for each other.

WHAT IS ePREP?

PREP (Preventiontion and Relationship Education Program)

Over 40% of married couples will divorce, and 31% of married people report being unhappy in their marriages.

  • Couples can learn how to talk without fighting
  • Keep friendship and fun alive
  • Beat the odds of relationship difficulties.

To learn more about the ePrep program, visit: https://www.lovetakeslearning.com/

What is CREDO?

(CREDO), a Chief of Navy Chaplains sponsored relationship enrichment program, was established in 1971 to help improve job performance and enhance quality of life for active-duty service members and their families.

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/cnic/cnic_hq/regions/cnrma/om/religious_programs.html

A Donate Pile & Keep Pile of Clothhing for the PCS Purge

PCS Purge Benefits & Tips

What are the benefits of purging some items before you PCS?

The biggest one….it reduces your weight limit! Every service member has a certain weight allowance and if your HHGs are over that limit, you have to pay the difference.

Another benefit of purging is it helps you to downsize and free up some space. Every duty station has different BAH and home sizes and by getting rid of some extra stuff, you free up some space (in case your home may be smaller).

If you are selling or renting your home before you move, purging helps to declutter and stage the home for pictures. It creates a great opportunity for potential buyers/renters to see your beautiful home!

Some helpful tips for the “PCS Purge”:

  1. Find a good balance–don’t look at your whole home and think “everything must go!” Pinpoint certain areas that have more clutter than others and start there. Then move onto other areas that may need some decluttering.
  2. Look at your items and give a good think on if it’s something you really need or use. Does it make you happy?
  3. If you have multiples, get rid of one!
  4. Go through closets (of everyone in the home) and get rid of clothes that don’t fit, you never wear and ones that need to be updated.

Learn more tips and tricks like these in one of our Virtual COMPASS Sessions!

https://nsfamilyline.org/compass-registration

Historical-Photo

Letters from Sailors

Have you visited the Naval History and Heritage Command website? It is FULL of history and pictures! We found some neat letters from James Wright and Charles W. “Bill” Cooper. Check it out!

“The Archives Branch maintains the personal papers of James Wright and Charles W. “Bill” Cooper, two Sailors who served in the Pacific during World War II. Both men wrote frequently to their families back home. The letters published here capture their thoughts and feelings about the end of the war, their activities following the cessation of hostilities, and their eagerness to return home. Some of the letters also describe the activities of their families on the homefront.”

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/archives/digital-exhibits-highlights/vj-day/letters.html

Here are a few more photos of Sailors reading their letters from home!

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-122000/NH-122893.html

https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-43000/NH-43384.html

CPO Selectee Spouse Conference

Hampton Roads CORE is once again hosting their CPO Selectee Spouse event! For the last 11 years Hampton Roads CORE has hosted a conference for the CPO Selectee spouses at a local hotel, this year they have not let COVID stand in the way of hosting this wonderful and informative event – they are going virtual! CPO Selectee Spouses worldwide will have the opportunity to participate and learn about the next stage of their spouse’s career. In partnership with the Navy League of the United States and US Fleet Forces Command the Hampton Roads CORE team will be presenting information on the many aspects of the CPO Selectee Season. Topics will include: pay briefs, uniform information, development of leadership traits, and CPO Spouse pride and professionalism.

January 9, 2021; 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST

To register click on the link below and make sure to mark your calendars!

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9089912627378803979
QUESTIONS? ANSWERS! painted in contrasting colors on a brick wall

Common Questions & Answers

Do you have a question about something you heard or read about? Here are some common questions asked with answers!

Q: What is scuttlebutt?
A: Slang for gossip or rumors.

Q: Why is a ship referred to as “she”?
A: Early seafarers spoke of their ships in the feminine gender for the close dependence they had on their ships for life and sustenance.

Q: What is a ditty bag?
A: A ditty bag contains a Sailor’s personal items. (It was originally called a ditto bag because it contained at least two of everything–two needles, two spools of thread, two buttons, etc.)

Q: What is a Shellback and a Pollywog?
A: A Sailor who has crossed the equator on a Navy vessel and has been initiated is called a Shellback. A Sailor who has not crossed the equator is a Pollywog.

Q: What is a wardroom?
A: The wardroom aboard a ship is where officers take their meals, relax, and socialize.

Q: What is Geedunk?
A: To most Sailors the word geedunk means ice cream, candy, potato chips and other assorted snacks, or even the place where they can be purchased.

If you have more questions, please join us for one of our virtual COMPASS sessions to learn more from fellow spouses and get those questions answered!

https://nsfamilyline.org/compass-registration

Navy Wife Reaching For PCS Folder Box of Important Documents

How to Make a PCS Binder

Every PCS move is different for each military family. There are lots of variables that come into play-CONUS to OCONUS, movers vs DITY. How do you stay organized? A great way is to create a PCS Binder and you will have everything you need right at your fingertips!

First things you’ll need:

  1. 3 Ring Binder (with a zipper) or an accordion style file folder
  2. Sheet protectors
  3. Zipper Pouch
  4. Dividers with tabs
  5. Extras ie: binder clips, paper clips, pens/highlighters, calculator

Ideas to organize your binder:

  • Important documents (Birth/marriage certificates, SS cards, passports, etc
  • Military orders (have multiple copies!)
  • Auto/home information (insurance, shipping info, etc)
  • Checklists (check out https://planmymove.militaryonesource.mil to make a personalized one)
  • Medical records (for your pets too!)
  • School Records
  • Moving documents (high value sheet, inventory sheets, etc)
  • Travel documents

This is a great list to get you started and on your way to being organized. Moving can be stressful, but if you take the time to prepare and make checklists, the process will be much smoother!

Sign up today to take a Virtual COMPASS class and you will get ALL the tips, tricks and information to help set you up for a successful move!

https://nsfamilyline.org/compass-registration

CORE and Partners in PROMISE goes Virtual with EFMP Special Education Webinar

With COVID-19 keeping us at home and socially distanced Naval Services FamilyLine’s Continuum of Resources and Education (CORE) program has stepped up into the virtual world and hosted its first CORE Webinar. In conjunction with Partners in PROMISE and The Navy League of the United States, the Naval Services FamilyLine CORE team was able to deliver an informative webinar for Exceptional Family Member Program enrollees who are advocating for their child’s special education needs. The webinar also provided key resources and information for command leadership spouses and ombudsman to be better able to assist families as they look to ensure children receive the education they are entitled to under the law.

For those unable to attend live, a link to the recording of the session is available, see below, as well as the handouts and other material included in the session. If you have any additional questions regarding advocating for your child’s special education needs Partners in Promise is available via email at info@thepromiseact.org or their website thepromiseact.org

Download EFMP Presentation Handouts PDF

For more information on CORE or Naval Services FamilyLine please check out our web and social media pages.

https://www.facebook.com/nsflcore

https://www.facebook.com/nsfamilyline

happy movers helping you with hhg

PPM/DITY vs HHG

A Personally Procured Move (PPM or DITY-Do It Yourself) is when the member decides to personally move their household items instead of using a government provided mover. All of the packing, wrapping, loading & shipping is done by you. This is only for a CONUS move! You still need to set the move up in DPS so you can receive your calculated estimated incentive payment.

A HHG (Household Goods) move is when the government schedules a mover to pack/unpack and ship all of your items. This is done through local moving companies as well as larger contracts. You may not have a choice in the company the government chooses. Other than setting up the move in DPS, everything is done for you.

You can do both a Partial PPM and a HHG type move. Typically, this occurs when you want to use your personal vehicle to ship household items as you move from one duty station to the next. This type of move will require full/empty weight tickets of the vehicle. Be sure to contact your local personal property office to understand your entitlements.

Please visit move.mil to learn more about moving and what you need to do to be prepared!

The ultimate source of information is found in the JTR (Joint Travel Regulations). Here is where you will find ALL of your entitlements. This is the policy and law on travel and transportation allowances.

https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm

A collection of historical Navy Wifeline magazines and an ancor platelet arranged nostalgically on a table

Throwback Thursday – NSFL History

History of Naval Services FamilyLine

In 1965, a group of Navy wives wanted to establish an organization that would reach and support Navy spouses in remote locations. From that initiative, the Navy WifeLine Association was born. Working out of a small office on the Washington Navy yard, this dedicated group of women began publishing a quarterly newspaper and providing vital information and assistance to spouses relocating overseas. From this small vision, they built the groundwork for what would develop into a worldwide family support network. Despite only being 5 years old when the Ombudsman program was established in 1970, the Chairman of Navy WifeLine was appointed to serve as the Navy-wide Family Ombudsman-at-Large by the Chief of Naval Operations and continued to serve in that position until 2007. The Association and its mission continued to expand and develop and in September of 1999, the name was changed to Naval Services FamilyLine to reflect the changes in today’s sea services. With the support of Navy leadership, along with the financial support of the Navy League, military spouses’ clubs worldwide, and other organizations, Naval Services FamilyLine has continued to grow and flourish.

We currently have 8 Guideline Series Publications, COMPASS and CORE programs, NSLEC (Naval Spouse Leadership and Ethics Course), in addition to Anchors Aweigh, an online resource for new spouses. As we follow the legacy of those Navy spouses 55 years ago, Naval Services FamilyLine seeks to embrace the rapidly changing world we live in and to accomplish our mission to “empower sea service families to meet the challenges of a military lifestyle with information, resources, and mentoring”. This mission continues to drive a dedicated group of volunteers around the world to deliver high quality publications and courses to the sea service spouse community.

Please visit our website to download our Publications, explore our Courses, and connect with Naval Services FamilyLine Volunteers. Don’t forget to download the MyNavy Family App for even more great resources!

United States Navy Chaplain Corps Seal

Spotlight: Navy Chaplains

The Navy Chaplain Corps is made up of over 800 Navy Chaplains. Chaplains confirm more than 100 different faith groups currently represented (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and many others). Each Chaplain is also a Navy Officer – meaning each holds an important leadership role.

Navy Chaplains offer everything from faith leadership to personal advice to much-needed solace. They are a source of information within the Navy system and can offer privileged communications and speak to individuals without fear of information having to be reported up the chain of command or to legal authorities. Navy Chaplains are a great source of support when you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. They even can provide information on retreats, seminars and events designed for individual and family resiliency.

The Chaplain Mission:

  • Provide religious ministry and support to those of their own faith
  • Facilitate the religious requirements of those from all faiths
  • Care for all servicemembers and their families, including those subscribing to no specific faith
  • Advise the command to ensure the free exercise of religion

Visit the Navy Chaplain Corps website for more info!

http://chaplaincorps.navylive.dodlive.mil/