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478 HR Co. Family Readiness Group

NEWSLETTER
Volume 3, Issue 7 Won't be Home for Christmas
Copyright Joe Pielmeier Sr.

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December 2011
They wont be home for Christmas, And well miss them round the hearth. Pray that they return, home soon. And PEACE returns to earth. Dear GOD I never ask for much, But now I come to YOU. Please bless all those who love their flag, Blood RED, Pure WHITE, True BLUE!

He wont be home for Christmas, Cause hes far across the sea. He wont be home for Christmas, For hes there to keep us free. He didnt ask to fight this war, His country made the call. He answered and not questioned why For he saw the Towers fall. He wont be home for New Years, Cause he has a job to do. He wont be home for New Years, Cause he gives his all for you. He proudly wears the uniform, Like his father had before. And he heard of how his grandpa, Went marching off to war. He may not be here for Easter, Who knows how long hell be. This battle will go on and on, Well have to wait and see. You cant put a price on freedom, The cost you pay is high. Some men pay with only scars, While others have to die. But those who fight to keep us free, Are heroes, one and all. Theyll proudly serve and not complain, Till all the terrorists fall. When you see that uniform, Worn by men and women too. Step up and show how proud you are, For what theyve done for you.

Don't Abuse the 911 System

By. SGT Keith Kippen There has been a recent increase of 911 calls for things that don't constitute an emergency. Law enforcement asks that you call 911 for a crime (especially one in progress), a medical emergency, a vehicle crash (especially if there are injuries) or a fire. You are also to encouraged to call 911 if you see an impaired or wreckless driver or downed power lines. It is not acceptable to call 911 for things like barking dogs, rowdy neighborhood parties, power outages or similar things like that. You are still encouraged to call law enforcement, but call the business number for your local law enforcement or local police dispatch. You can find those numbers either in the government section of the phone book or on the web site for your local government. Don't be afraid to call 911 in a true emergency, but if it isn't urgent, take the time to look for the local police numbers. They will appreciate that you did.

Inside This Issue

Won't be home for Christmas Job Security Guard and Reserve Deployment: Job Security Emergency Care Update Recipe Corner Message from Rachelle Kippen Kids Corner 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Military.com

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a DoD agency that promotes promote public and private understanding of the National Guard and Reserve in order to gain employer and community support. ESGR is comprised of a community-based volunteer network of over 4,500 members, who serve on 54 committees (in every state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), implementing employer support programs within their local communities. Today, in both manpower and force capability, the Reserve Components comprise nearly half of the total armed forces. As a result, employers are being asked to sustain a much greater level of employee absence and related consequences. The complications this "contract" create for employers are compounded by low unemployment rates, an anticipated reduction in the national workforce of nearly 15 percent over to next 10-15 years, and a growing reliance by both military and civilian employers on small segments of the workforce with specific job skills that are in high demand. It is also estimated that Reserve Forces will spend more time away from the workplace defending the nation, supporting a demanding operations tempo and training to maintain their mission readiness. ESGR programs and services include: Mission One: This program provides direct assistance to members of the Reserve Components at their units during inactive duty training, and during mobilization and demobilization processing. This outreach informs the service member of his or her rights and responsibilities under USERRA. It also addresses questions and concerns that the Reservist may have about mobilization and its impact on their civilian employment. Bosslifts: Bosslifts transport employers and supervisors to military training sites where they observe National Guard and Reserve members on duty as part of the Total Force. This provides the employer a better understanding of what their Reservists do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their military units. Briefings with the Boss: This provides an informal forum in which employers, unit commanders, ESGR members, and community leaders meet to network and discuss issues that may arise from employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. Ombudsman Services: The Ombudsman Services Program provides information, informal mediation, and referral service to resolve employer conflicts. ESGR volunteers and the Ombudsmen of the national

staff are available to promptly respond to inquiries and conflicts presented by employees or employers. They can be reached tollfree at 1-800-336-4590. ESGR is not an enforcement agency and does not offer legal counsel or advice. However, many employeremployee conflicts can be resolved without referral to the Department of Labor for formal investigation. For more information: ESGR Website ESGR maintains a web page of information concerning all of its programs and activities at http://www.esgr.org. The national website contains information of interest to employers, Reservists, and committee members about ESGR programs and activities and USERRA. It lists points of contact for each ESGR Committee and for the national staff. Reserve Component members are able to nominate their employers for recognition through the on-line "My Boss is a Patriot" nomination form. The website also lists ESGR fact sheets, the Federal statute (USERRA), the current ESGR public service advertisement, and various links to other web sites, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, the Department of Labor, the Reserve Components, and other National Guard and Reserve associations.

Guard and Reserve Deployment: Job Security

One of the biggest stresses of being called up to active duty is wondering whether your job will be waiting for you when you return. What can you do to ensure that you pick up your life smoothly after you serve your country? Remember these tips: 1. Know Your Rights: There are many federal (and also state) laws in place to protect you, first and foremost being the Uniformed Services Employment And Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Be sure to familiarize yourself with this Act, and check with state offices to see what other benefits and protection you qualify for. 2. Avoid Job Conflicts: Don't take your employer's support for granted, and be sure to work with him or her to make your transition in and out of the military as smooth as possible. Our Guide to Avoiding Job Conflicts should help. National Committee For Employer Support Of The Guard And Reserve (ESGR), which will help both you and your employer. Visit the official ESGR Website, and you will find resources, guides, useful services and much more.

3. Use Your Support Services: Be sure to check out the

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Healthy Smiles For Your Children

Practicing proper dental habits with your children at a young age will reinforce healthy habits into adulthood. Children need healthy teeth to help chew food and speak clearly. When permanent teeth appear, children should begin flossing each night before bed. The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months. Proper brushing and flossing and limiting sugary foods will keep teeth clean and help prevent cavities. Encourage your children to wear a protective mouthguard while playing sports; athletic mouthguards are covered by the TRICARE Dental Program (TDP), but are limited to one per consecutive 12month period. Teach your child what to do if he or she breaks or loses a tooth. If action is taken quickly, broken or damaged teeth can often be saved. Information on what to do in emergency dental situations is available in the dental health center on the TDP Web site at www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com. Take time to talk about a healthy oral care routine with your children. Promoting good oral care habitsbrushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentistwhile children are young can help them have healthy teeth for life. Children enrolled in the TDP are covered for two routine dental examinations per consecutive 12-month period. In certain circumstances a third routine examination is also covered if provided by a different office. Visit www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com for more information about the TDP and childrens dental care or to find a dentist.

Important Emergency Care Update

Dear TRICARE West Region Beneficiary: As the Regional Director for the 21-state TRICARE West Region, I, along with leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medical Systems, am working to ensure our 2.9 million Service members, Retirees and their families receive the absolute best care. I would like to enlist your support in a crucial education initiative currently affecting America and the military community. Emergency Care Crisis Our country is in the midst of a growing crisis in emergency care. Emergency rooms (ER) everywhere are experiencing overcrowding, primarily due to visits for conditions that may be better treated by primary care physicians or an urgent care center. The Military Healthcare System is not exempt from this ER crisis. The military community uses ERs at a rate 16 percent higher than the civilian rate (40 percent higher among children; 30 percent higher among women). ER Costs and Your Health The average cost for an ER visit is over 10 times more than an urgent care or primary care visit: ER visit (national average): $1,265 Urgent care visit (national average): $103 Primary care physician visit (national average): $100 Primary care physicians and medical leaders agree using an ER instead of your primary care provider for non-emergency care is not an effective way to ensure you or your family's good health. How You Can Help I recognize there are situations where seeing your primary care provider for same-day, non-emergency care can be challenging. TRICARE and military medical leaders are working diligently to resolve these issues. I understand you may not know how to best utilize or access urgent care. To become more informed, please learn when to use urgent care and how to use the West Region Provider Directory in order to find an urgent care center near you. Also, we encourage you to visit your primary care provider for routine care. As always, if you think you have having a medical emergency, call 911. We are all responsible for ensuring our nation's emergency medical services (military and civilian) are readily available for those who truly need them. To that end, I am enlisting your support to arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions for you and your family. I am confident that with your support, we can achieve these goals. Sincerely, Colin G. Chinn RDML, MC, USN Regional Director, TRICARE Regional Office-West

Did you know?

Toothbrushes have been around for nearly 5,000 years! Ancient civilizations used a chew stick, a thin twig with a frayed end, against their teeth to remove food. In the past 500 years, people used bone, wood or ivory to make toothbrush handles and used the stiff bristles of hogs, boars or other animals to make the brush. The nylon-bristled toothbrush as we know it today was invented in 1938.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

What is Seasonal Depression?

If you find yourself having recurrent symptoms of depression during certain times of the year, you may have seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The typical SAD symptoms begin in October or November and can last until March or April and come and go about the same time each year. It is believed that people with SAD may be affected by the change in the amount of natural sunlight. Symptoms may include: Depression Lack of energy or fatigue Increased need for sleep or trouble awakening in the morning Increased appetite, often craving carbohydrates Weight gain Reduced work productivity Increased desire to be alone If your symptoms are mild and dont interfere with daily living, focus on self-care. Get plenty of rest, avoid caffeine which can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle, and watch those extra calories, especially from carbohydrates. Get in a workout every day, preferably under bright lights, and find fun activities that help you relax and have a good time. Just because the weather may be miserable, doesnt mean that you have to be miserable!. Remember being around people you enjoy is a way to improve your mood. This causes a release in endorphins, our bodies natural painkilling hormonea release that leads to a happier, healthier you. If you have more serious symptoms of depression, see your doctor. Sometimes physical problems can cause depression. A health professional should be the person to determine the level of depression and recommend the right form of treatment. Call TriWests Behavioral Health Contact Center 24/7, 1-888TRIWEST, for provider information. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency care facility. You can also call TriWests Crisis Line at 1-866-284-3743. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing depression, consider using this assessment and share the results with your doctor.

say adults should do muscle-strengthening exercises (like lifting weights) at least two days a week. So, to get you through the fall and winter months, here are five at-home exercises from two of our expert Health Coaches at TriWest, Tiffany Anderson and Meghean Cook: 1. Pushups: Either do them standing up and pressing your hands against the wall, or do them on the ground, on your knees. 2. Squats: Using a chair, sit down, and then stand back up. You can either keep your arms crossed at your chest, or use weights to add more resistance. 3. Overhead shoulder press: You can do these using household items, like water bottles or canned goods. 4. Opposite arm/leg raise: Get on all fours so your knees and your palms are on the ground, supporting you. Lift your right arm, and at the same time, lift your left leg. Repeat on the opposite side (left arm, right leg). Complete about 15-20 reps. 5. Join a community yoga or belly dancing class: OK, so it doesnt have to be one of those activities. The key is: pick something you like. Cant find anything available or affordable? Check your local library and see what DVDs they may have. You can have your own class in your living room!

Military Family Insider Tips

by Sarah Smiley, Navy spouse http://www.milspouse.com

Just like becoming a parent for the first time, there are some things people wont tell you about life as a military family. This is partly because they want you to become a military wife (wouldnt want to scare you off!), but also because often these things are so complicated and unique to military life, they are difficult to put into words. Here are a few: 1. Your children will randomly hug men and women in uniform. To a child, everyone in a flight suit, camis, khakis, etc., is Daddy or Mommy. This can be very upsetting the first time it happens. Youre walking through the supermarket, assuming your child is trailing behind, when suddenly you hear someone say, Im sorry little fellow, did you think that I was your dad? You look up and find your child clinging to the leg of a stranger in uniform. My advice: Act calm. Dont overreact. And whatever you do, dont try to explain to passersby, Hes not really her Daddy. I mean, Im not even married to him. I mean, I don't even know this person.

5 Ways to Keep Active During Cooler Months

Maybe you took daily walks after dinner during the summer, or even swam at the community pool. Now that cooler temps are here, how do you stay active? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderateintense exercise every week (such as brisk walking). They also

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

2. Time will suddenly include a lot of zeros, and maybe even a few letter Os. All your life, you thought 9:00 at night was just that: 9:00 p.m., time for The Bachelor. Now suddenly you catch yourself agreeing that it is 21 hundred. Who knew there was a 21 oclock? (Dont say this to your spouse.) You might be thinking, I never saw that on the clock! Once you know that military time includes 24 hours, you begin to worry: How will I keep up? Will I have to learn how to tell time all over again? Answer: kind of. A tip: After noon, add 12 to every hour and you get military time. 9 + 12 = 21. Another tip: This one is for your spouse. No matter what you call it zero-whatever we nonmilitary types will still usually be late. 3. Holidays and special dates happen ahead of schedule. If this is your first deployment, by the time you realize that it is almost your spouses birthday, your anniversary or Valentines Day, it is already too late to send a care package. For military mail (which has not, as far as I know, heard of rain, sleet or snow), you have to be at least one month ahead of special dates. Insiders note: Dont be alarmed when your package still doesnt arrive on time or if your spouse gets his birthday card on Easter and his Christmas presents in July. As long as the pictures you took for him dont accidentally arrive in someone elses mailbox, consider yourself lucky.

Recipe Corner
White Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil 2 medium onions , chopped 4 garlic cloves , minced 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped mild green chilies 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano , crumbled 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 (16 ounce) cans great northern beans , undrained 6 cups chicken stock or 6 cups canned chicken broth 4 cups chopped cooked chicken , to taste 3 cups grated Monterey jack cheese (about 12 oz.) Directions: 1. Heat oil in large pot over medium high heat. Add onions and saut until translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, then chilies, cumin, oregano, and cayenne and saut 2 minutes. 2. Add undrained beans and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add chicken and cheese to chili and stir until cheese melts. Season to taste with salt and pepper and ladle into bowls. FOR FREEZING: Pour soup into a rigid container (or freezer bag), label and freeze. To reheat, thaw in refrigerator overnight or simply put frozen soup into a large pot and gently heat, with lid on and stirring often, till heated through.

3.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Thank You!
Below are pictures of the December 3, 2011 holiday party in Sandy, Utah. I want to personally thank Heather Peterson who couldn't join us that day for her hard work in finding and reserving the venue. I would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Knight for their generous donation to our Family Readiness, and Mrs. Lucas and her daughter and friends for making the Santa treats. They put in a lot of hard work. The little snowmen where very cute. I also want to thank Mr. Kunzi who reserved a Santa for our event. Thank you to everyone who helped and participated that day. You made the Family Holiday party a blast. I want to wish everyone a Happy St. Nicholas Day, Fiesta of our Lady of Guadalupe, Sveti Nikola, Las Posadas, Yule, Soyaluna, DongZhi, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Omisoka, Honukkah, Winter Solstice, Constitution Day, Eid El Haj, Day of Goodwill, Day of Reconciliation, Dhu alHijjah, Las Posadas, Festivas, Wintereenmas, Halcyon Day, and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Sincerely and Respectfully, Rachelle Kippen 478th HR Co. Family Readiness Leader

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

*Kids Corner*

*Merry Christmas*
Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families