Csadd jan newsletter

MONTHLY CSADD TALK Issue #1

http://www.21stcentury.navy.mil January 2014

JANUARY 2014 IN THIS ISSUE

1. NH CSADD News

a. Cosmic Bowling b. R.A.W.L.S. c. Tutoring NC&Y d. JEA Social Event

2. CNO’s ’14 Message 3. Resume Writing 4. Mental Health 5. Planning a Family 6. Car Buying 7. House Buying 8. Career Counseling

a. MOVSM 9. R.A.W.L.

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NH-‐Rota-‐Spain-‐CSADD

Commanding Officer: CAPT Warrington Executive Officer: CAPT Myhre Coalition Sponsor; HMCM Manlapaz Coalition Advisor: HM1 Preston Coalition President: HM2 McIntosh Coalition Vice President: HM2 Sandoval Coalition Public Affairs: HM2 Lianoz Coalition Secretary: HM3 Hargraves

1. Elections: 16JAN2014 at1600 o All positions OPEN

2. JEA, FCPOA, CSADD Social Event o 31JAN201, All Enlisted Invited

3. Jerez: Laser Tag/Go-Kart o TBD

4. Navy Child & Youth Programs o 2 volunteer positions open

NEXT MONTH

1. February’s Topic o Responsible use of Alcohol

Naval Hospital Coalition of

Sailors

Against

Destructive

Decisions (NH CSADD)

MONTHLY CSADD TALK | Issue #1 2

Happy New Year, Shipmates! 2013 was a year of challenges, but it was a year of a lot of successes and you made those successes possible. And that’s why I’m looking forward to 2014. We’re going to be just fine. Now, our Navigation Plan is going to be our guide for 2014. And my resolution is stay on course. Our three tenets will guide us through the year. Warfighting First. We will bring you the capability and technology to get the job done. Operate Forward. We’re going to continue that Asia-Pacific rebalance,

but we’ll maintain the course and speed – if you will – in the Middle East. And Be Ready. We’ll bring you the training that you need while at the same time getting away from those degraders from our readiness such as sexual assault or substance abuse. Throughout it all though, you are our asymmetric advantage. I need you to take care of each other. Look out for each other. And be safe. I want you back at work after the holiday period. And be fit – physically, mentally and morally. In this 2014, we’re going to be where it matters, when it matters. You will be the difference. I’ll see you out there in the Fleet. Happy New Year! What is your New Year’s resolution?

NAVY LIFE

For more information visit: http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/12/31/cnos-‐2014-‐message-‐to-‐the-‐fleet/

Creating a federal resume that brings your qualifications to life and shows that you are a perfect fit for the job can be a challenge. The federal resume can either open doors or eliminate you from the running. Be sure to demonstrate how your skills, experience, training and education match the employer's needs. Avoid misspelled words and bad grammar. Few of us like to write and even fewer enjoy writing about themselves, but it is something you have to do if you want to succeed. Following are a few ways to make this easier.

Problem #1: Big Block Paragraphs

THE FIX: Instead of one big paragraph, create 5 to 7 paragraphs that are 5 to 10 lines long

Problem # 2: Weak Presentation of Your Accomplishments

Problem # 3: Lack of Proof

Problem # 4: Resumes That Are Too Long

Problem # 5: The USAJOBS Upload Resume Feature

Problem # 6: Too Many Words Spent on Irrelevant Jobs

Problem # 7: Including Non-relevant Data

Problem # 8: Using Casual Language

Problem # 9: Spelling or Grammatical Errors

Problem # 10: Incorrect Verb Tense

Problem # 11: Redundancy of Data

CNO’s Message to the Fleet by U.S. Navy

12 Common Resume Pitfalls to Avoid by Kathryn Troutman, the Resume Place. Military.com Problem # 11: Too Many Words Spent

on Irrelevant Jobs

Problem # 12: Not Getting Selected for an Interview It’s okay. Don’t worry. Many current federal employees can get Best Qualified and even Referred, but they don’t get selected for an interview. If you have personally experienced this, then take it to be an indicator that there IS something in your resume that could use adjusting.

THE FIX: Get to the bottom of it! Carefully review your resume again. If you still cannot determine where your resume needs strengthening, consider getting some professional eyes to help you look over your resume for its weaknesses.

For more information about car buying strategies visit https://www.dhs.gov/tips-‐writing-‐federal-‐resume


HEADING 4

FAST FACTS

56% Veterans sought treatment of PTSD from 2002-‐2012

20% Returning War veterans turn to heavy drinking or drugs

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.dosomething.org

www.militarymentalhealth.org

Throughout childhood, you likely were told to “Mind your manners” or “Mind your own business.” In other words, pay attention to yourself or what you’re doing for your own good whether that’s avoiding a reprimand or a fist fight. Now we’re starting to realize that having the mental discipline to pay attention to what we’re doing has benefits well beyond saving face. In recent years, mental discipline has taken on new meaning in the context of “mindfulness,” a meditative practice gaining ground with mental health advocates. It involves exercises for the brain to encourage focusing on the task and not letting the mind wander. Service members practicing mindfulness may find it also helps reduce stress and anxiety and suppress distressing or distracting thoughts, which can lead to better performance on and off the battlefield and improve overall mental health. Meditation alone is said to change the structure and function of the brain to encourage concentration and lower stress. Practitioners of mindfulness use varying techniques but seem to agree that breathing and concentration are keys. By being more attentive to your breathing and concentrating on the present, experts say you’re not allowing emotionally upsetting memories such as unpleasant flashbacks of combat to cause a reaction. The practice helps you gain control of your emotions.

According to the American Psychological Association, possible benefits of mindfulness are:

▪ Self-control ▪ Objectivity ▪ Enhanced flexibility ▪ Mental composure ▪ Improved concentration and mental

clarity ▪ Memory function ▪ Emotional intelligence ▪ The ability to relate to yourself and

others with kindness, acceptance and compassion

In the past decade, the practice has gained increased attention from within the military and a more formal place in rehabilitation centers.

Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Melvin Spiese embraced the technique during his command as a way to help Marines wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder. He found that it improved the Marines’ ability to stay focused during mundane but potentially dangerous tasks such as walking patrol and manage adrenaline spikes from sudden events like an ambush or explosion.

Benefits of Mindfulness: Push-ups for the brain

by Diana Moon. Defense Center of Excellence of Psychological Health

MONTHLY CSADD TALK Issue #1

http://www.21stcentury.navy.mil January 2014

“Being able to remain focused helps with post-traumatic stress disorder because the disorder is characterized by anxiety and intrusive thoughts,” said Dr. James Bender, a clinical psychologist at the Deployment Health Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md. “Any technique that decreases these two symptoms will greatly aid in addressing an individual’s PTSD.” Until recently mindfulness, meditation and yoga, were fringe practices in the mental health field, according to Bender. Now after more study, researchers understand that mindfulness can decrease the anxiety often associated with PTSD. “Mindfulness helps you process emotions, which is the first step towards changing or addressing them,” said Bender. One influential researcher with five research grants with the Army, Dr. Amishi Jha, explains the slow start to accepting mindfulness techniques.

“We know that exercise keeps the body healthy … but we have not come to the cultural understanding that the mind, just like the body, needs regular exercise to be operating at its full healthfulness,” said Jha. Find further information on complementary and alternative medicine therapies on the website of the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury, and check out these articles on mindfulness: ▪ The Role of Mindfulness, Meditation,

and Prayer After Brain Injury ▪ Mindfulness Could Help Ease War-

Related PTSD Symptoms, Study Finds

▪ Reduce Stress and Improve Your Health in 6 Easy Steps

▪ Mindfulness Therapy May Help Veterans With PTSD

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CSADD Encourages Family Planning During your Navy Career

by Ensign Daniel, Navy Public Affairs

Www.health.mil

Www.militaryonesource.mil

www.militarymentalhealth.org

NH Rota Behavioral Health

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 0730-‐1630

Thu 0730-‐1200

727-‐3408 (on-‐base) 956-‐82-‐3408 (off-‐base)

Fleet and Family Service Center: x3232

Chaplain’s Office (wrk hours): x2161

Chaplain’s Office (after hours) 639-‐101-‐864

LifeLine Network: 1-‐800-‐273-‐8255

CSADD, whose motto is "Shipmates Helping Shipmates," will provide information and training across the fleet on resources available to Sailors considering parenthood, as well as information for Sailors who are already parents. "We want you to continue your career in the Navy, and we want to make sure that child is cared for as well," said Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief (SW/AW/SCW) Scott Benning. "It's a holistic view of the whole situation, it is not about trying to tell someone not to have a family. Our leadership is focused on making sure that our Sailors and their families have the very best in resources. You can see that in housing, in medical facilities, and in the compensation that we have for our families." While a woman could become pregnant at any time, pregnancy can cause less disruption during shore duty. Unplanned pregnancy on sea duty can disqualify a female Sailor from her current duty position, and possibly create a manning loss for her operational command. Ensuring Sailors understand the seriousness of becoming a parent can potentially make a big difference to overall Navy mission readiness.

"Many times we are taught to separate our personal life from our professional life, but in reality the decisions we make can affect both," said Chief Operations Specialist Jessica Myers, senior enlisted advisor to the Navy's Office of Women's Policy. "It is important that male and female service members, to the best of their ability, plan a pregnancy in order to successfully balance the demands of family responsibilities with their military obligations." Of the naval service members who took the 2010 Pregnancy and Parenthood Survey, 63 percent of enlisted servicewomen self-reported that their pregnancy was not planned, which puts the Navy's rate of enlisted unplanned pregnancies 2 percent lower than the military average. In the same survey, 30 percent of officers self-reported that their pregnancy was not planned. In the Navy, single parents make up 7.6 percent of the total number of service members with children. Additionally, there are approximately 84,000 dual military couples in our Navy, of which 36,000 have children. While some Sailors may intend to be single parents and thrive in that role, January's CSADD topic promotes discussion among men and women about the benefits of planning a family.

Unintended pregnancies can jeopardize operational mission readiness for both male and female service members, and can disrupt a naval career by causing unexpected financial hardship - from the high cost of daycare to possible child support garnishment. In some cases, parenthood can also cause an unexpected and undesired increase in personal responsibilities. Benning, who helped spearhead the initial creation of CSADD, believes the peer-to-peer education emphasis of CSADD will help ensure Sailors succeed in their family planning goals, whenever they decide to take on the responsibility of having a child. "Life happens, and we understand that," said Benning. "It is all about educating Sailors on family planning."

(May 23, 2012) Chief of Naval Personnel and Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning, left, presents the 2011 CSADD

award to the CSADD chapter. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Office of Women's Policy, visit http://www.npc.navy.mil/AboutUs/BUPERS/WomensPolicy.


The Bottom Line: Buying a car is a major investment. To get the best deal, military service members and their families need to be well prepared buyers, learn how to avoid scams and shady sales practices, and take advantage of the special offers and protections available to military buyers. Make a Budget Getting a new car is exciting. Sometimes, the desire to get your dream car can lead you into paying more for a car than you should. Be sure that a car expense fits into your household budget. Account for all the costs that go into buying a car, including what you'll pay for maintenance, insurance, gas, and registration. When negotiating the price of a car – don't focus just on the monthly payment. Of course you need to commit a monthly payment you can afford, but using that number as your negotiating point will get you into trouble. A dealer will simply extend the terms of the loan to lower the monthly, effectively keeping the total cost of the car the same or higher. In the worst-case scenario, you could be stuck making payments on a car that no longer runs. Pay Attention to Credit Most vehicle purchases are financed. The most important factor affecting your ability to secure a low interest rate on this loan is your credit score. Don't wait until you're ready to buy a car to pay attention to your credit. Check your credit regularly so you can take the right steps to improve your credit score. If you have bad credit, it may be wise to put off buying a car, or buying a cheap, used car as a stop gap. Don't commit to a high-interest loan, such as the ones offered by "buy here, pay here" car lots. Shop for Financing Decide on your vehicle-financing plan before you visit the dealer. Shop around for financing options before you arrive at the car lot so you can compare what the dealer offers with other offers you have received. Be sure to check with a local credit union or a lender that specializes in military car financing. And don't just get a quoted rate – you should also ask to see your credit score from anyone who pulls

your credit. When you know your credit score before you visit the dealer, it helps you negotiate the best financing terms. Dealers confronted with a knowledgeable buyer will be less likely to take advantage of them. Price Shop in Advance There is so much information available online today that there is no excuse for being ill prepared when you first visit the car lot. You can find specific pricing information, including the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and the dealer's invoice price, listed online at sites like http://www.kbb.com. It is immediately obvious to a car salesperson if you are an informed buyer or not. The more up-to-date you are on prices, the harder it is for a salesperson to overcharge you. Shop for Insurance It is not only the price of the car and the car loan interest rate that you need to shop for. Make sure to comparison shop for your car insurance, too. There can be a wide price difference between one insurer and the next. Also, pay attention to the amount of coverage you obtain - don't buy more than you need. Inquire about any discount that could lower your premiums. Insurance companies commonly have discounts for drivers with clean accident records and for current customers for other types of insurance with the company. Military service members may be eligible for discounts, too. Read Reviews Be sure to read consumer reviews available online. Reviews can help you:

o Find the right car. You can read about the features of cars that interest you and see satisfaction ratings from car owners.

o Find the right car dealer. Check out the reputation of any car dealer you're considering at sites like the Better Business Bureau. You can also do a search for the name of the dealer and the word "complaint."

Special Factors for Military Car Buyers Military car-buyers must be extra cautious when securing an auto loan. Their special

circumstances make them a prime target for both good and predatory lenders. Fortunately, there are also special resources for military service members and their families. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently opened the Office of Service members Affairs (OSA). The OSA is an important tool to help you stay informed about your financial rights and to protect you from abusive practices. When buying a car, the OSA says it is important to understand that:

o Lenders realize that your military service requires you to keep your finances in order.

o You're easy to locate, so it is easy to collect from you.

o You have steady, reliable income that can be garnished if you don't pay as agreed.

o Many military car-buyers are first time buyers with little experience making big financial decisions.

Further, the OSA recommends that you consider the unique risks that you face as military personnel when taking on a car loan:

o An overseas deployments or a change of duty stations can create financial stress and unique financial difficulties when you may lack the adequate resources to resolve them.

o Your loyalty to your service can make you a target for predatory lenders that emphasize their ties to the military.

Action Plan

o Check your credit. Improve it, if needed. Use your knowledge to show you're an educated borrower.

o Comparison shop, not only for the car itself but also for the other products you'll need, including insurance and car financing.

o Read reviews so you find the right car at the right price and to avoid dealers with a bad reputation.

For more information about car buying strategies visit militaryonesource.mil

Car Buying Tips for Military Personnel by Ethan Ewing, Military.com


Contrary to what many Americans think, it's a very good time for service members to refinance or purchase a home. With mortgage rates continuing to hover at all-time lows and many homes selling at significantly discounted prices, it's possible for those with good credit and income to purchase a great home. One of the unique benefits afforded to military personnel is access to the Veterans Affairs Home Mortgage Loan program. This program offers tremendous mortgage benefits to active-duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. A VA home loan can be used for a number of purposes, including purchasing or building a new home, refinancing a current mortgage, repairing or improving your existing home, or installing home efficiency measures. While a conventional loan might seem like a great bargain because of an advertised lower rate, keep in mind that you often need a high credit score of 720 or above to qualify for these best rates. VA home loans are backed by the government, meaning banks can assume less risk with the loan and possibly price it lower than a rate you would qualify for from a bank. But even without a lower rate, there are a number of other compelling benefits that make the VA home loan program a better overall alternative.

Program Benefits

o The VA program won't deny a loan based solely on a low credit score, and most lenders don't tier interest rates for better scores. The VA program usually looks at only the previous 12 months of credit history, unless bankruptcy, a tax lien or a collections situation factors into your situation.

o The VA home mortgage loan doesn't require a down payment. This can save consumers up to 20 percent of the loan value when compared to a conventional loan.

o Borrowers can often refinance to a lower rate within the VA program without re-qualifying for the program through the VA Streamline Refinance Loan.

o If the borrower has a service-related disability, they may qualify for the lender to waive the

funding fee, further reducing closing costs.

Starting the Process

You can begin the application process at any lender that offers a VA home loan. At some point, you'll be required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This document will verify that you're qualified for the program and outline your benefits level. Potential borrowers can go online to https://vip.vba.va.gov to apply for the program and obtain their COE. Once you have determined your eligibility, you can move forward with the home buying process. This generally involves finding a VA-approved lender (if you haven't already), pre-qualifying for a loan, choosing a home, having it appraised, and then closing on the loan and property.

Mortgage Tips

o Be sure to review your credit report before you begin the process to correct any errors. Your lender will use this to make a decision about your eligibility and interest rate, so be sure that you put your best foot forward. You can request a free copy at www.annualcreditreport.com.

o With interest rates at all-time lows, it makes sense to consider all your options. Those service members who will be in a home for a short period of time might want to consider an adjustable rate mortgage to keep payments as low as possible. For those who have extra disposable income, plan to stay in their home for a long time, and can afford a slightly higher monthly payment; it makes sense to look at a 15-year fixed term loan. This will

help you pay off your loan faster and save money on total interest paid on the loan.

o It also makes sense to get pre-approved on your loan amount so that you know what range of house you can afford. This will save an immeasurable amount of time and stress in your home search. It will also provide you with credibility when dealing with sellers who know you are pre-approved at that dollar amount.

FAQ: Why get a VA loan over other types? Simply put, a VA Home Loan allows qualified buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with no down payment. There are also no monthly mortgage insurance premiums to pay, limitations on buyer's closing costs, and an appraisal that informs the buyer of the property value. For most loans on new houses, construction is inspected at appropriate stages and a 1-year warranty is required from the builder. VA also performs personal loan servicing and offers financial counseling to help veterans having temporary financial difficulties. What service is not eligible for a VA Home Loan? You are not eligible for VA financing solely based upon service in World War I, Active Duty Training in the Reserves, or Active Duty Training in the National Guard. Note: Guard and Reservists are eligible if they were "activated" under the authority of title 10 U.S. Code as was the case for the Iraq/Afghanistan. What is the maximum VA loan? Although there is no maximum VA loan (limited only by the reasonable value or the purchase price), lenders generally limit the maximum VA loan to $417,000. Can I build a home with a VA Home Loan? Yes. But there are several clauses that may make this difficult to accomplish. Many veterans use their VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility to negotiate in good faith a private home construction loan and then refinance the completed home using VA Home Loans.

Benefits of a VA Loan In Today’s Market By Ethan Ewing, Military.com

For more information visit: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ http://www.militaryonesource.mil


Rota Animal Welfare League (RAWL) Finding Forever Homes

The Rota Animal Welfare (RAWL) is an independent animal care facility which is fully funded by donations and staffed by volunteer workers. Our purpose is to take in and care for stray, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats until caring homes can be found for them. RAWL needs volunteers to walk dogs, visit with cats, work in the office, and participate in other RAWL activities and fundraisers. Volunteer. There are three types of volunteer shifts:

o Dog shifts o Cat shifts o Office shifts

Tues & Thurs 5 to 7 p.m.

Sat 1 to 4 p.m.

For more info e-mail at

[email protected]

or visit

http://www.rawlpets.org

Guidelines: No specific time period to qualify for MOVSM.DON views the sustained time period to be 3 years. The MOVSM is intended to recognized exceptional community support over time, not a single act or achievement. An example is manning a community crisis action telephone line for a sustained period of time. Service shall be of a voluntary nature, NOT detailed or tasked, nor performed as part of a military mission (for example, a unit project) Not qualifying service includes attending membership meetings or social events of a community service group. Qualifying Service Examples

o Youth programs (Boy/Girl Scouts; YMCA or YWCA; 4H; Big Brothers/Sisters)

o Sports Programs (Little League and Special Olympics)

o Abuse/Rape/Suicide hot line volunteers o Hospital/blood drive volunteers o Education programs (volunteer teachers,

D.A.R.E., DEFY o Literacy programs o CFC Organizations (March of Dimes,

Make-A-Wish Foundation, Salvation Army

o Volunteer Fire Dept/Rescue squad o Community Centers o Neighborhood watch o Meals-on-Wheels o Homeless shelters o Senior Citizens programs o Working with hearing impaired o Fund Drives o Telethon support o Public Library story hour o Museum Guide o Local beautification projects (Adopt-A-

Park or Highway o Military affiliates (USO, Navy and

Marine Corps Relief Society o Navy League Sea Cadet Programs

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Eligibility Requirements: The MOVSM may be awarder to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who perform outstanding volunteer community service. To be eligible, an individual’s service must:

1. Civilian community, including the military family community

2. Be significant in nature and produce tangible results

3. Reflect favorably on Military Service and DOD

4. Be of a sustained and direct nature.

Thank you for coming out and showing some love to the dogs.

o HM2 Sandoval o HM3 Hargraves o HN Boyd o HN Christensen o HN Frederick o HN Kinard

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