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Connections Count When Healing From Sexual Assault
/news/connections-count-when-healing-from-sexual-assaultSocial fitness is an important aspect of everyday life, where building cohesion, belonging, and trust in relationships in one’s personal and professional life is essential. Experiencing sexual assault understandably can impact someone’s mental and social fitness and their relationships with others. Building, maintaining, and sustaining social connections and relationships not only helps rebuild a person’s social fitness but also helps in the heali...
Social-Emotional Skills and School Readiness
/news/social-emotional-skills-and-school-readinessParents often worry and question whether their child is ready for school. When thinking about school readiness, knowing letters and numbers are usually the first items that come to mind. But it's important for kids to not only be good at school stuff, but also have strong social and emotional skills. Many years of research have shown that how kids feel and how they get along with others are connected to how well they do in school. The Child Development Centers of the Uni...
Boys & Girl Clubs of America Names 2023 National Military Youth of the Year
/news/boys-girl-clubs-of-america-names-2023-national-military-youth-of-the-yearSelected among five regional finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated military Youth Centers worldwide, Xavier B. of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Campbell Children and Youth Services took home Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 National Military Youth of the Year title, along with an additional scholarship to support his future plans. Emceed by ESPN sports broadcaster, Lewis Johnson for the fifth year in a row, Xavier was honored during the annual National Military You...
10 Ways YOU Can Build a Healthy Relationship
/news/10-ways-you-can-build-a-healthy-relationshipA healthy relationship is based on equality and respect, not power and control. You've heard the experts say that maintaining a healthy relationship takes work. That's true. But with a little extra effort, you can set the stage for a healthy, functional, intimate relationship with your partner. Here are some tips to get you on the right track: 1. Take responsibility for your own happiness. It's not up to someone else to make you happy. In a healthy relationship, your partner will t...
5 Reasons Why Your Child Should Be Playing Sports
/news/5-reasons-why-your-child-should-be-playing-sportsThe National Alliance for Youth Sports believes that participation in sports and activities develops important character traits and lifelong values in children which can create a positive impact in their lives. Youth Sports programs at your installation seek to make the sports experience for all children safe, fun and healthy. Programs promote the value and importance of sports and physical activities in the emotional, physical, social, and mental development of children. Here are five rea...
Entrepreneurship: Military-Friendly Resources to Support Growing a Business
/news/entrepreneurship-military-friendly-resources-to-support-growing-a-businessAs Marines and their families separate or retire from the Marine Corps, the prospect of owning their own business is often the next step, they look to pursue. Did you know that Veterans own about 9.1 percent (2.5 million) of the small businesses in the U.S. and employ more than 5 million Americans? Boots-to-Business, commonly known as B2B, is an introduction to entrepreneurship course presented by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners as an additional tr...
Marine Corps Birthday Ball: Etiquette Do's & Dont's
/news/marine-corps-birthday-ball-etiquette-dos-dontsThe Birthday Ball is one of the biggest events on the Marine Corps calendar. It is a chance to get dressed to the nines, enjoy an evening of tradition, and celebrate the history of the Corps. As the Ball is a formal affair both Marines and guests are expected to behave appropriately and follow rules of proper etiquette. If you are attending the Marine Corps Ball for the first time you are sure to have many questions running through your mind. What should you wear? How should you behave? W...
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Honored for Suicide Prevention
/news/marine-corps-air-station-mcas-cherry-point-honored-for-suicide-preventionU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffrey Barnes, the installation executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point posed for a group photo with installation stakeholders whose hard work and dedication contributed to winning the Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Recognition Award during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, held April 18, 2024. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jack Labrador) Each year, the United States Marine Corps (US...
Tutoring Resources For Your Student
/news/tutoring-resources-for-your-studentThe new school year is in full swing. This means a little additional support may be needed in certain academic areas for some students. Many resources available to assist your child in mastering specific skills and subjects. Tutor.com/military --- Tutor.com is free for active military members’ dependents looking to receive one-on-one support from an expert tutor via text/chat or audio. Learners are able to add tutors to their “Favorites,” so they can use them in future s...
What's Your Back-to-School Budget Spending Plan?
/news/whats-your-back-to-school-budget-spending-planSchool is out for summer, and many of us are looking forward to relaxing. Planning for the 2024-25 school year may be in the far reaches of our minds; however, let’s not push it too far back. If you do, you could risk the potential of spending more money than intended. Here are some helpful tips for back to school on a budget: Take inventory. Identify what your child already has and recycle their gently used clothing. Children constantly are growing, so instead of replacing...
Play as Burnout Prevention
/news/play-as-burnout-preventionChildren are always encouraged to have fun, play games, and be creative. In adulthood, it becomes more difficult to relax and plan leisure activities due to work and personal responsibilities. Burnout develops when the impact of workload and organizational stressors becomes overwhelming. Burnout affects mood, motivation, energy, and self-care. Finding ways to recharge through self-care, play, and recreation maintains well-being and reduces stress. Self-care involves prioritizing mental an...
11 Reasons to Do AMP-IT Right Now
/news/11-reasons-to-do-amp-it-right-nowYou’ve heard about High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT), but what about Aquatics Maximum Power Intensity Training (AMP-IT)? AMP-IT is a water-based workout suitable for all fitness levels. AMP-IT isn’t like the water aerobics classes you’ve seen before. It’s a high intensity fitness class that will increase muscle endurance, improve cardiovascular-respiratory function, and aid in injury rehabilitation. Not convinced yet? Here are 11 reasons why you should add AMP-IT i...
Be a Mentor or Find a Mentor
/news/be-a-mentor-or-find-a-mentorMentorships can provide numerous benefits for mentors and their mentees. Developing this relationship can help both learn new things, build networks, and grow as professionals. Understanding these benefits can help you decide whether to find a mentor or become one. Great resources are available to assist transitioning Marines and their family members connect to education resources, employment opportunities, and other veteran services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military s...
Set Goals to Build Healthy Relationships
/news/set-goals-to-build-healthy-relationshipsRelationships are crucial in determining quality of life. Family, platonic, and intimate relationships all impact one's well-being and overall health. A healthy relationship provides emotional support, enhances resilience, and strengthens the sense of identity and belonging. Like any worthwhile endeavor, building a thriving relationship takes work, patience, and understanding. For Marines, the ability to build solid relationships determines their capacity to lead, mentor, and influence thei...
September Is National Recovery Month
/news/september-is-national-recovery-month-1September is National Recovery Month, and the theme is “Hope is Real. Recovery is Real.” The road to recovery is not easy, but there is help to getting there. The Marine Corps offers prevention and support services for mild to moderate substance use at the Substance Abuse Program (SAP). SAP non-medical counseling centers are located on all major Marine Corps installations. While some substance abuse services or treatment options are very expensive, there are some affordable or...
Resources to Support Emotional Health
/news/resources-to-support-emotional-healthMarines and families can access a variety of resources to help them navigate life’s challenges, build skills, and develop coping strategies. Chaplains offer 100 percent confidentiality. Community Counseling Program Free counseling services for active-duty service members and their dependents. CCP provides short-term solution focused non-medical counseling over the course of 8-10 sessions. No referral needed. The Family Advocacy Program addresses child and domestic abuse through p...
Marine Lands Post-Transition Career in Environmental Consulting
/news/marine-lands-post-transition-career-in-environmental-consultingMaj. Vincent Stigall, Deputy Branch Head, Personal and Professional Readiness Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps, completed an 80-day SkillBridge program with Hiring Our Heroes (HoH) that led to a job in environmental consulting with Metropolitan Solutions located in Portsmouth, Va. Not only did Maj. Stigall receive on-the-job training with an industry leading employer, but he was also able to take advantage of the many benefits that go along with participating in a HoH Corporate Fellowship co...
Call of Duty C.O.D.E. Bowl Set for December 16
/news/call-of-duty-c-o-d-e-bowl-set-for-december-16The 2022 Call of Duty Endowment Bowl is set for 16 December 2022. Each branch of service is invited to enter two teams comprised of two military service members who are paired with an esports professional. This year’s competition includes service teams from the US and the UK. Winners take home the championship trophy and bragging rights. The Call of Duty Endowment helps veterans prepare for and find high quality careers and has placed over one-hundred thousand veterans in jobs since its cr...
10 Interview Questions You Must Be Prepared to Answer
/news/10-interview-questions-you-must-be-prepared-to-answerAre you preparing for your next job interview? If you want to impress the interviewer there are some crucial questions that you must be ready to answer. Tell me about yourself. This is not an opportunity to tell your entire life story. This is a chance to give a two minute pitch to your interviewer on why you are the right person for the job. Some good points to address are what brought you to the interview today, some past experiences related to the job, and where you see yourself...
Family Conversations Around Grade School Transitions
/news/family-conversations-around-grade-school-transitionsTransitions between grade schools are pivotal moments in a child’s educational journey, marking shifts in academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal growth. For Marine Corps families, these transitions can be both exciting and scary. Families benefit significantly from intentional conversations and resources like the School Liaison Program to support them during these crucial times. Moving from elementary to middle school introduces increased academic demands with a structured s...
Leadership Scholar Program Success Story: Admission Accomplished
/news/leadership-scholar-program-success-story-admission-accomplishedThe mission of the Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) is to provide academically and professionally qualified Marines with assistance in academic preparation and the application process to highly selective colleges and universities. The LSP can help Marines attend the college of their dreams, just as it did for Sergeant (Sgt) Keith Buckholz. Sgt Buckholz applied to the LSP spearheaded by the Base Education Center – Camp Pendleton in November 2021. He ma...
Maintaining Your Current Professional License After PCS’ing
/news/maintaining-your-current-professional-license-after-pcs-ingThe Defense Department supports the well-being and economic security of our military community and taking care of our people remains a priority. There is a means to take care of military spouses who desire to keep their already earned licensures up to date through the Spouse Relicensing Reimbursement Program. The Defense Department recognizes the importance of professional licenses of military spouses and supports the transfer of licenses when making a military move. The Marine Corps actively p...
Long Term Assistance Program 3rd Quarter Newsletter 2024
/news/ltap-q3-2024Honoring Our Heroes: The Veteran Affairs Legacy Memorial The Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), the nation’s first digital memorial, stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of nearly 10 million of our nation’s heroes. The VLM is a place of reflection and gratitude for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom. The VLM aims to preserve the history and memory of those who served using an interactive feature that allows family, friends, and the...
Finding Strength After Domestic Abuse
/news/finding-strength-after-domestic-abuseThis article was written by a civilian staff member at Headquarters Marine Corps. Experiencing domestic abuse can have lifelong implications. Individuals impacted by abuse may feel weak or shame, and often feel alone. However, the fact that you survived or perhaps are currently surviving in an abusive relationship shows that you have more strength than you might feel. While the path to healing is different for everyone, we do know that fitness...
The Power of Act - Listen - Support
/news/the-power-of-act-listen-supportIt can be hard to think of the words to say when someone appears to be struggling or talks about wanting to end their life. Taking action and having the tough conversation can save a person’s life. We must let the people we are connected to know that we care and are here to support them. Showing empathy and listening to others, conveys that they are valued. Knowing where to start the conversation can help communicate in a helpful manner. The following are some strategies to use when ap...
Why Additional Health Insurance Might be Right for Some Military Families
/news/why-additional-health-insurance-might-be-right-for-some-military-familiesDo you have a dependent with special needs who may be facing loss in Tricare coverage due to aging out? Or perhaps you are caring for an elderly dependent, not eligible for Tricare and unsure of options available. This article will provide insight into Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare with links to further explore what is best for you and your dependent. Health Insurance Marketplace The Health Insurance Marketplace is available for individuals and families who need health i...
Staying Safe in the Heat: Alcohol vs. Water
/news/staying-safe-in-the-heat-alcohol-vs-waterIt’s a really hot summer day, and you’re enjoying the weather with friends and family. You reach in your cooler and pull out an ice-cold beer to help cool you down. How does this impact you? Unfortunately, the effects of sizzling summer heat can be magnified when you drink alcohol. Below are some potential dangers to be on the lookout for: Dehydration If you’re out in the heat for long periods — maybe an afternoon at the beach or having...
Preparing for Natural Disasters as a Marine Corps Family
/news/preparing-for-natural-disasters-as-a-marine-corps-familyCreating a plan to manage natural disasters is an essential element of your Marine Corps family’s readiness. While it may feel like a daunting task, there are numerous resources available to assist you. There are three essential steps in being prepared for an emergency: Stay informed, make a plan, and build a kit. But where do you begin? Resources to help you get started: Ready, Set, Prepare is a workshop provided by Marine Corps Family Team Building...
Keep Children Safe: A Home Alone Guide
/news/keep-children-safe-a-home-alone-guideGiving children more independence without parental or guardian supervision is a difficult decision. With school breaks and summer approaching, children are often left at home while the adults go to work or tend to other matters. Keep in mind that the responsibility of care and control for any dependent under the age of 18 is that of the parent and other adults with legal oversight of the child. It can also vary by age as children develop self-care skills at different stages. ...
Domestic Abuse is Never OK
/news/domestic-abuse-is-never-okDomestic violence is a serious and preventable public health issue. Domestic violence isn’t something that happens only to people on television or on the news. No one deserves to be abused and anyone can be a victim. Your co-worker, your neighbor, or your loved one could be in an unsafe relationship. Everyone should take a stand to stop domestic violence and keep our communities safe. Even the simplest of actions can help protect those experiencing abu...
Keeping Safe on Social Media
/news/keeping-safe-on-social-mediaFor Marines and families who frequently move across the country or across the globe, social media sites and apps are great ways to stay connected and share information with family and friends. Nowadays, when we are all so very busy, it provides an easy way to share our day-to-day activities. We can interact with new people who have similar interests, get involved with our community, or get support when feeling sad or anxious. Our kids can learn about their new surroun...
Ten Reasons to Pursue a Career in Childcare
/news/ten-reasons-to-pursue-a-career-in-childcareLove working with children and want a fulfilling career? A job in childcare could be the perfect fit! There are numerous benefits to working in the childcare field. Top 10 reasons to work in childcare: 1. Childcare is a stable field. Having a stable career is important and working in childcare provides stability. Childcare will always be needed for working families. Additionally, early childhood education is widely recognized as essential to the growth and development of young children. This...
So...What is a Mentor, Exactly?
/news/so-what-is-a-mentor-exactly-1The word “mentor” has a lot of meanings, whether looking it up in the dictionary or asking what it might mean personally. So, how do you settle on one term? Let’s look at the different types of mentoring and how they could apply to Marines or Marine spouses. Formal Mentoring Formal mentoring is a one-on-one relationship where a senior or more experienced person (the mentor), provides guidance to the junior or less experienced person (the protégé or mentee). S...
EFMP: Supporting Marines and their Families with Special Needs
/news/efmp-supporting-marines-and-their-families-with-special-needsYou may have heard of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) before, but do you know all that it does and how many Marine Families it touches? The EFMP staff provide information and referral, non-clinical case management, and assistance before, during, and after a PCS. EFMP conducts Needs Assessments and develops Service Plans in coordination with families to identify strengths and address ways to achieve desired goals. Ultimately, they provide assistance to families to help them be...
Connectedness Through Nature
/news/connectedness-through-natureDid you know time and nature can improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being? The link between health and connectedness to nature includes better attention spans, lower stress, and reduced risk for psychiatric disorders. Access to recreational activities occurs in green spaces and blue spaces. Those who participate in outdoor recreational activities also have lower levels of stress, better conflict resolution skills, and improved anger management skills. Green...
What is the Blended Retirement System?
/news/what-is-the-blended-retirement-systemMilitary retirement is changing and many Marines will have a choice to make in 2018. Included among the thousands of items in the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act were significant changes in the military retirement system. The changes, based upon recommendations from the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission, are intended to provide Service members with a portable retirement benefit whether serving four years or forty years, while also providing cost savings. W...
UPDATE: Marine Corps Spouse Professional Relicensing Reimbursement Rises to $1000
/news/update-marine-corps-spouse-professional-relicensing-reimbursement-rises-to-1000Professional licensing expenses can be a financial burden to Marine families with each permanent change of station (PCS) move. The Marine Corps aims to ease this cost and assist spouses in this transition by updating policy for reimbursement of licensure expenses resulting from a PCS move, increasing the allowable amount for reimbursement to $1,000. During the past year, 140 Marine Corps families have received nearly $50,000 in fee reimbursements via the Spouse Relicensing Reimbursement Program...
M4L Network Success Story: Marine Veteran Lands New Career with The Catalyst Program
/news/m4l-network-success-story-marine-veteran-lands-new-career-with-the-catalyst-programMarine for Life (M4L) Representatives are Marine reservists embedded in communities throughout the United States. These representatives help to create a bridge between the military and civilian communities across the nation, connecting Marines, veterans, and their families to military-friendly resources and opportunities. Here is a success story about a Marine Veteran who reached out to his M4L Representative for network resources to support his new career goals. ...
Get to Know Your TEO
/news/get-to-know-your-teoHave you ever attended a training or event hosted by the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)? Perhaps participated in a craft, walked your local community, or sipped coffee over conversation? All of these events are likely planned and hosted by your local EFMP Training, Education, and Outreach Specialist, otherwise known as a TEO. TEO Specialists are EFMP personnel designed to create educational and outreach events that enhance family skills, knowledge, and experience during your time aboa...
Spouses Making Connections during a PCS
/news/spouses-making-connections-during-a-pcsSearching for a job? Don’t know which installation is the next destination? It’s not impossible to learn the location of your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, but it’s certainly not easy. Check out four strategies to connect in advance: 1. Network online. The internet is the easiest way to stay connected and find relevant information on jobs and employment. Update profiles on Indeed or USAjobs and fill out their resume bui...
Plan For a Successful Transition This Summer For Your Child
/news/plan-for-a-successful-transition-this-summer-for-your-childWhile many children are excited to enjoy a break from school, summertime can bring significant changes for military kids, especially if they are moving to a new location. Children are saying goodbye to friends who are moving to other installations, students are transitioning from one school to another, and some are preparing to go to school for the first time. Each Marine Corps installation offers Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Workshops. The workshops are offered through the Informatio...
Tips on Going Back to School as a Military Spouse?
/news/tips-on-going-back-to-school-as-a-military-spouseIn a September 2022 memo titled, Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III laid out specific actions to improve and enhance support to military members and their families. Helping military spouses meet their educational goals is one way the services are supporting the “taking care of people” effort. Military spouses may be eligible to sign-up for My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship program? Recently e...
Whole-Hearted Hand-offs Make PCS Better for EFMP Families
/news/whole-hearted-hand-offs-make-pcs-better-for-efmp-familiesThe installation Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) team is a great resource and support for families with PCS orders. One of the primary responsibilities of EFMP is to help families think through, plan, and access specific resources that will help to make the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move less challenging. As part of our standardized PCS Warm Hand-Off process, families can expect the following support: • Contact from their Family Case Worker following receipt of orde...
Staycations - To Go or Not To Go?
/news/staycations-to-go-or-not-to-goIt’s SUMMER! Time to enjoy the sun, scenes, and sensations of these months. You may be thinking it’s time to take for a few days off….and dare we say it? Take a vacation? While vacations are often associated with relaxation and rejuvenation, it's important to be aware of the possible drawbacks and the potential for increased stress. There are financial considerations, the planning, packing for the family, airport delays and cancellations, and hotel or other accom...
Dangers of Limited Sleep
/news/dangers-of-limited-sleepMany factors could be causing you to lose sleep. Luckily, there are things you can do about it to turn those bad habits into good ones. Service members and shift workers are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, which can lead to: Weight gain. Sleeping too little may prompt you to eat bigger portions and/or crave junk food. Impaired memory. Lack of sleep can affect your ability to think, remember, and process information. Impaired reaction time. Lack of sleep puts you a...
Summer is the Perfect Time to Volunteer
/news/summer-is-the-perfect-time-to-volunteer-1Now that you may be settled at your Permanent Change of Station, the kids are in summer activities, and the days are much longer, it may be a good time to dive into volunteering. July is a great time of year to volunteer. MCCS seeks volunteers for the summer months for programs such as Youth Sports and LINKS, as well as community opportunities such as food banks and community festivals. There are some benefits of including volunteer time in your summer schedule. Make new friends &ndas...