The Beacon
J U N E
2 0 1 6
Ready Navy Pensacola
It’s Hurricane Season Once Again...Are You Ready?
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from Jun 1 to Nov 30, with the peak season from mid-August to late
October. Are you ready? If this is your first season here, you may feel intimated. Preparedness is the
key to surviving and protecting your family, your pets, your property, and yourself.
Sunday
June 19th
To fully prepare for an emergency, create one or more emergency kits, well in advance of a crisis, that
include enough supplies for at least three days. If you live in a disaster-prone area (like Pensacola),
consider extending capabilities to five days. The kits are designed to sustain you if you shelter in place
or if you evacuate. The main items to have in your kit include water, food, and first aid supplies. Be sure
to include copies of important personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, titles, and
bill, mortgage, and insurance information. (These can be electronic copies on durable storage media
such as a thumb drive which can be easily carried and updated.) You may also need to include
additional supplies to meet the needs of any children, pets, or special-needs family members. You may
not be at home when disaster strikes, so make smaller emergency kits to keep at work and in your car.
FFSC offers classes for adults and children of almost all ages. During Hurricane Season workshops
are offered two times a month, on Friday (This month will be 3 & 24 June). Or, if you prefer, we can
bring our expertise to you at your location. Call Shelia at 452-5609 for reservations for our classes or
Kathy at 452-4277 for us to bring our class to you.
Got kids who need to know more? We know that involving children in emergency preparedness is the
best for them and you. Children learn how to respond and this acquired expertise reduces anxiety and
instills confidence in situations even beyond the emergency. The NAS Pensacola Youth Center offers
a Safety Workshop for Kids each year, call 850-452-2417 for the date and information.
www.facebook.com/
pages/Fleet-and-FamilySupport-Center-Naval-Air—
Station-Pensacola/
10150095615740541
151 Ellyson Ave, Bldg. 625 * Pensacola, FL 32508
From the Director
Hello, friends,
Have you ever had a moment when you arrived at your destination and realized that you have absolutely no memory of how you got there, that the drive was
so routine it seemed to happen automatically? I looked at my calendar today and was taken aback that it is already June. June 2016. The past months have
been pleasantly busy but have passed in a blur. Rather than just blindly driving one commute, I feel as if I obliviously stumbled through a chunk of my life. Life
is passing me by, and it is far too precious for that.
Frankly, I’m a pretty happy and optimistic person. I stop to smell roses, I appreciate kindness in all its forms, and usually laugh loudly at least once per day. I
associate with fascinating people and try to be a good friend. I am blessed; my life is good. So why am I not appreciating or even noticing? My suspicion is
that I have fallen victim to routine, that is, I tend to do the same — albeit good — things the same way at around the same times. Rarely in my adult life have I
lived anywhere for this long and apparently three-and-a-half years was my “fall into a rut” threshold. I’m not willing to give up the activities that I value, so will
change just enough that I can embrace and capture moments so that I appreciate each day again. In my home, a stylist friend is rearranging my furniture and
I’m planting different flowers. At the office, I’m going to take more photos of our classes and events to try to “freeze frame” some of the good work we do.
Personally, I’m going to go to the beach in the rain, try a new wine and at least one new restaurant each month, and visit someone I love and haven’t seen
recently. My goal is to make memories. To do so, I will bask in the usual and wallow in the different with hopes that moments will be captured and appreciated
and life will feel fully lived.
So what was the point of my sharing these ruminations? Many times when we feel disconnected or anxious about life, a simple solution is available if we
reframe the question or change our situations only slightly. Sometimes we can recognize the situation and make the change ourselves and other times it helps
to talk to a counselor or trusted other. We at the FFSC want our families and friends to enjoy every minute of their time in Pensacola. We should all go make
some memories of this beautiful location and our beautiful lives. And if you see me at the beach in the rain? No laughing.
Until next time,
Kathleen
Fleet and Family Support Center Roster
452-5990, ext. 0
FFSC Administration
Kathleen Doherty
452-2676 - Director
Terri Stine
452-7780
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response
Lillie Johnson
452-5109 - SARC
Anne Ballensinger
452-9017 - SARC
Kristy Malone
452-5328 - Advocate
Work and Family Life
Terry Harris
452-5621 - Supervisor
Kathy Sims
452-4277
Kevin Shields
452-5755
Glen Colbert
452-8453
Paul Maxwell
452-5618
Shelia McNeely
452-5609
Stacy Gattis
452-5932
Front Desk/Information and Referral
Stephanie Wald
452-2633
Dave Schlagheck
452-2155
Personal Financial Management
Joe Henderson
452-5102
Towonia Donson
452-2631
Transition Assistance
Debra Sampson
452-5620
Lara Sabanosh
452-4369
Exceptional Family Member
Rita Lung
505-6822 at NHP
Jasmine Michaux
452-5136
Counseling and Advocacy Program
Counseling Division
Lauren Anzaldo
452-3303
Bryan Glazier
452-2869
Dory Walker
452-3473
Elvis Rivers
452-6131
Ericka Sam
452-3472
Mario Campa
452-5933
Mike Brady
452-5396
Patricia Parker
452-4772
Michelle Moody
452-2407
Suzanne Kelley
452-5118
- Supervisor
at Corry
– Children
- Children
New Parent Support Program
Kenisha Simmons
452-5665
Carla Stevenson
452-5602
Brittany Lemieux 452-5673
Family Advocacy Program
Celeste Mitchell 452-5617 - Supervisor
Alice Campis
452-5664
Alice Pearson
452-2364
Garland Hill
452-3776
Lori Landau
452-5114
Susan Rivazfar
452-5611
Call 452-5609 to register for a class
Join Us in June
Couples Communication
Workshop
June 15th & 22nd
1: p.m. – 2: 30 p.m.
Fleet and Family Support Center, Bldg. 625
This two session workshop will teach skills to help you connect more easily with
your partner and increase the chances of your relationship being successful.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Please call 850-452-5609 to reserve a seat
VA Claims, Stress Management,
Tricare, Happy Couples and
Healing the Angry Brain are
only a few classes we offer...just
give us a call at 850-452-5990
or check us out on Facebook.
Class Descriptions
Federal Resume Writing This workshop will focus on the federal
employment process. Attendees will review the many types of jobs available
through the federal government, preferences given to the military community,
and how to analyze a federal job vacancy announcement. It will also assist
attendees in learning how to locate and apply for government jobs.
Capstone- A workshop to measure a service member’s transition readiness
from a military to civilian career. If needed, service member will be connected
to external agencies that offer additional assistance to ensure a successful
transition to civilian life.
Couponing 102 – Learn to navigate the exciting world of couponing and
maximize your budget with couponing secrets and military discounts. Proven
techniques to find great coupons online, use free apps, and utilize printed
coupons.
Developing a budget/Spending Plan - Upon completion of this module,
learners should be able to establish financial goals and complete a spending
plan using the Financial Planning Worksheet.
Emergency Preparedness- Emergencies come in many forms and may
require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent
evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep you,
your family, and pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be
prepared.
Entrepreneurship (Opt. track) -Active duty military members (and their
partners/spouses) separating from service may elect to participate in the this
workshop of Boots to Business.
This includes: Transition GPS/
Entrepreneurship Track, Intro to Entrepreneurship and Foundations of
Entrepreneurship Course.
Family Employment Readiness Brief– This workshop is specifically
targeted to spouses and family members who are new to the area and are
seeking employment, education and volunteer information. We discuss the
dynamics of finding employment in the northwest Florida region to include
identifying the major employers (based on industry designation) and learning
where they post their career opportunities.
Infant Massage– If you have an infant ages 2-6 months old and would like to
learn about Infant Massage, then this class is for you. This course is
instructed by a Licensed Massage Therapist.
Resume Writing- Make sure your resume stands out...Get the latest tips
and techniques to wow employers with an organized, effective and winning
resume.
Smooth Move– Are you about to PCS? Learn how to apply for a travel
allowance, plan a relocation budget and get helpful hints on personal
property shipping and storage. Let us assist in making your move a smooth
one.
Sponsor Training- Everyone in the Military has to transfer sooner or later.
Commands should ensure 100% Sponsor assignment. FFSC conducts
Command Sponsorship Training monthly. After completing the required
training, Sponsors are prepared to provide reliable information to incoming
personnel and their families. Training is also available by individual request.
Stress Management– Stress can damage your health, both physical and
mental. Learn how to recognize stress and become more productive,
happier and healthier. This class explores different stress management tips
and techniques, and is held every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.
Survivors Benefit Plan- When a military retiree dies his or her retirement
pay stops. This means that the surviving spouse will be left without a
substantial income source unless SBP has been elected. If you are a retiree
you need to give serious thought to how you can protect your spouse from
hardships caused by the loss of your retirement pay.
Transition: Goals, Plan, Success (TGPS)- FFSC offers all TGPS sessions,
including the mandatory five-day course for separating personnel, optional
two-day electives and the capstone requirement. Contact your CCC to
register.
Tricare– FFSC would like to encourage you and your family to learn more
about your Tricare benefits.
AMVETS: Understanding your VA benefits- As one of America’s foremost
vet-erans service organizations, AMVETS (or American Veterans) has a
proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that
serve our country and its citizens.
Why is it important to leave if there is an evacuation?
This is a question I had on more than one occasion. I was born and raised where thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods and the
rare hail storms were a norm. You hunkered down or got to higher ground, but you stayed. I had friends who bragged about
being snowed in and thinking they would have to burn furniture to survive. I even made it through California wildfires and big
earthquakes, so I never understood why it was so critical to evacuate if it was mandatory during a hurricane. The “ah-ha”
moment came when it was explained to me that after the winds got to a certain speed they became dangerous for everyone and
during a hurricane they only intensified, and there was no help from 911 because they could not get out in the weather.
According to the Wind & Hurricane Impact Research Laboratory at the Florida Institute of Technology, Emergency vehicles such
as fire trucks, ambulances and SUV’s all have a “critical wind speed” where they have to slow down and have the potential to lose
control driving. There is a wind speed where they all must seek shelter and that is the wind speed at the low end of a Category 1
hurricane. Besides wind, we must remember the flooding, debris and tornadoes. With all of that said, while the hurricane is on
top of you, there is no help until after the storm passes. Local help may not be immediate, not to mention outside resources
getting to you. This makes the thought of packing up for a bit and taking a little trip a better choice than staying when authorities
tell you to evacuate.
SH2 Andrew J. Hanson of NASP
Not only are the state and local emergency agencies well versed in taking care of citizens and making sure everyone is prepared,
The Fleet and Family Support Center is armed with an Emergency Preparedness Specialist who holds classes both at the Center
and at your command should you need to make sure you have the proper tools and information in the event an emergency takes
place. Please feel free to call us at 850-452-5990 and sign up for our Emergency Preparedness class or stop by for lists of supplies.
Important Emergency Information:
Your local Commissary has supplies such as water and batteries on hand for you to stock up.
NOAA latest and updated information can be found at http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov/
activities/weather-ready-nation/newis/ or download the “NEWIS” app.
The FFSC has Emergency Preparedness classes and information for supplies you need.
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society has help available for service members and families in the
event of an evacuation.
Register now at the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS): https//
www.navyfamily.navy.mil before there is an emergency.