Thursday, April 26, 2012

Closing of the Blog

The stats show that our blog isn't being used very much anymore and that a majority of you are on our Facebook group.

Based on this, we will be closing the blog down by the end of May, and moving all documents and information over to the Private Facebook group.

If you haven't done so already, please go and our Facebook group and request to be added.
http://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=238191627282&refid=0

Feel free to email me directly if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks
Stepheni Norton
Ombudsman
msst91103@gmail.com

Thursday, February 9, 2012

BREAKING NEWS!!! FY12 CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM EXPANSION

R 071609Z FEB 12
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS //N01754//
ALCOAST 054/12
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: FY12 CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM EXPANSION
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC R 111853Z JAN 07/ALCOAST 115/07
1. FOR THE DURATION OF FY 2012, THE CG CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
WILL BE EXPANDED IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO ADDITIONAL
ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS, AND RESERVE MEMBERS ON ACTIVE DUTY ORDERS FOR
180 CONSECUTIVE DAYS, WITH CHILDREN UP TO 12 YEARS OLD. OUR PRIMARY
FOCUS REMAINS ON PROVIDING ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS WITH
LOWER TOTAL FAMILY INCOME (TFI). THE CG CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM IS
CONTINGENT ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND ENROLLMENT WILL BE CLOSED
WHEN THE PROGRAM REACHES ITS FUNDING CEILING.
2. BEGINNING IMMEDIATELY, THROUGH 30 SEPTEMBER 2012, THE TFI
ELIGIBILITY THRESHOLD (CURRENT MAXIMUM OF 75,000 DOLLARS PER YEAR)
WILL BE RAISED AND THE SUBSIDY PROGRAM WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL
ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS WITH TFI UNDER 100,000 DOLLARS. APPLICATIONS FOR
FAMILIES WITH TFI OVER 100,000 DOLLARS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND
PROCESSED, AND SUBSIDY WILL BE PROVIDED SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY
OF FUNDS.
3. TO QUALIFY FOR THE CHILD CARE SUBSIDY, EITHER A SINGLE ACTIVE DUTY
PARENT OR AN ACTIVE DUTY PARENT AND SPOUSE MUST BE EMPLOYED FULL
TIME, OR THE SPOUSE OF THE CG MEMBER MUST WORK AT LEAST 20 HOURS PER
WEEK, OR BE A FULL TIME STUDENT. VERIFICATION PROCEDURES INCLUDE THE
SUBMISSION OF A SUBSIDY APPLICATION, COPY OF ID OR ACTIVE DUTY
ORDERS, A COPY OF THE MOST CURRENT FEDERAL TAX RETURN, A COPY OF THE
MOST RECENT LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENT (LES), A COPY OF SPOUSES PAY
STATEMENT AND/OR STUDENT SCHOOL SCHEDULE, PROVIDER APPLICATION AND A
COPY OF THE CHILD CARE CENTER/HOME LICENSE.
4. THE SIXTY DAY EXCEPTION PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO A NINETY-DAY
EXCEPTION FOR FAMILIES WHERE THE SPOUSE IS PURSUING EMPLOYMENT OR
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT, HOWEVER, THE REQUEST FOR AN EXCEPTION TO THE
POLICY MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE FAMILY ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION TO
GSA IN ORDER TO QUALIFY.
5. THE AMOUNT OF CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROVIDED TO MEMBERS WILL DEPEND
ON TFI. EACH SUBSIDY WILL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE CHILD CARE
PROVIDER ON BEHALF OF THE CG MEMBER. THE AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY WILL BE
LIMITED TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACTUAL TUITION RATE AND AN OUT
OF POCKET RATE COMPARABLE TO THOSE ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT
OF DEFENSE (DOD) AT ITS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (CDC) FOR FY 2012
FOR MOST INCOME LEVELS.
6. THE AVERAGE OUT OF POCKET TUITION COST IN EACH TFI CATEGORY FOR
CG MEMBERS WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
A. 0 - 29,400 DOLLARS 55.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
B. 29,401 - 35,700 70.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
C. 35,701 - 46,200 90.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
D. 46,201 - 57,750 100.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
E. 57,751 - 73,500 115.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
F. 73,501 - 85,000 130.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
G. 85,001 - 100,000 145.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
H. 100,001 - 125,000 160.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
I. 125,001 OR MORE 175.00 DOLLARS PER WEEK
7. UNDER THE EXPANDED STRUCTURE, THE AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM SUBSIDY FOR
EACH INCOME CATEGORY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
A. BELOW 29,400 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 7,400 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 6,400 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD, AND 6,400 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
B. BETWEEN 29,401 AND 35,700 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 6,630 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 5,630 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD, AND 5,630 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
C. BETWEEN 35,701 AND 46,200 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 5,320 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 4,320 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 4,320 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
D. BETWEEN 46,201 AND 57,750 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 4,800 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 3,800 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 3,800 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
E. BETWEEN 57,751 AND 73,500 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 4,020 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 3,020 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 3,020 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
F. BETWEEN 73,501 AND 85,000 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 3,240 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 2,240 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 2,240 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
G. BETWEEN 85,001 AND 100,000 DOLLARS A YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 2,560 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 1,560 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 1,560 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
H. BETWEEN 100,001 AND 125,000 DOLLARS PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM YEARLY
SUBSIDY WILL BE 1,680 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, 680 DOLLARS FOR
THE SECOND CHILD AND 680 DOLLARS FOR THE THIRD CHILD,
I. 125,001 DOLLARS OR MORE PER YEAR: THE MAXIMUM SUBSIDY WILL BE
900 DOLLARS FOR THE FIRST CHILD, AND NO SUBSIDIES FOR ADDITIONAL
CHILDREN.
8. ALL FAMILIES CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN THE CHILD CARE SUBSIDY
PROGRAM WILL BE NOTIFIED BY GSA IN THE MONTHS OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH
2012 OF ANY SUBSIDY ADJUSTMENT TO ALIGN WITH THE NEW TFI CATEGORIES
AND SUBSIDY AMOUNTS.
9. FOR ENROLLMENT FORMS AND MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CHILD CARE
SUBSIDY PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT MS. JUDY GONZALES AT 1-866-508-0371
OR BY EMAIL AT USCOASTGUARDCHILDCARE@GSA.GOV.
10. COMMANDING OFFICERS AND OFFICERS-IN-CHARGE ARE ENCOURAGED TO
DISSEMINATE THIS INFORMATION TO ALL UNIT FAMILIES THROUGH THEIR
OMBUDSMAN AND OTHER LOCAL MEANS AVAILABLE.
11. THE COAST GUARD POC FOR THIS MATTER IS MR. KEN OMEARA, DEPENDENT
CARE PROGRAM MANAGER, AT 202-475-5160, OR EMAIL:
KENNETH.R.OMEARA@USCG.MIL.
12. RADM M. K. DOLLYMORE, DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, SAFETY AND WORK-LIFE
SENDS.
13. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.
BT
NNNN

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) is only six months old, but has made tremendous progress in that short time. To date, over 10,400 spouses have found employment through the MSEP program.

Work has recently begun on the next generation of the MSEP website and DOD would like your ideas and your input! Please share this information with your command families and command leadership. Click on the link below for more information about MSEP and how to provide your feedback.

http://www.dodlive.mil/index.php/2011/12/voice-your-feedback-on-the-new-msep-website/

"We are planning to launch the new MSEP site in early 2012. Our number-one goal is to support you and your family. We can do that most effectively when you are involved with us in building tools for your use. Please join us in making sure our military spouses have all the support and assistance they need when it comes to finding meaningful employment." Robert L. Gordon, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.

Military Child of The Year.

Military Child of The Year.

Any military child between the ages of 8 - 18 years old that has a valid military ID or currently enrolled in DEERS may be nominated. Nominations can be made at http://www.operationhomefront.net/MCOY. Nominations are being accepted between now and January 15, 2012.

The award will be given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012.

Scholarships


A comprehensive .pdf document published by the Coast Guard's Office of Health, Safety, and Work-Life that lists a TON of scholarships. If you cannot open the attachment, you can find the document here: http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/docs/Additional%20Scholarship%20Resources%20as%20of%20Dec%202011.pdf

***NOTE*** The Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships will open the first week of January! Check the website for details and updates! http://coastguardfoundation.org/how/scholarships

***REMINDER*** The Joann Holbrook Patton Scholarship is open til January 31! Details here: http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/military-spouse-scholarships/

***STAY TUNED!*** The FINRA Investor Education Foundation and National Military Family Association military spouse fellowship should be opening sometime after the first of the year. Last year, the application period closed in mid-April. Check here for info, details, and updates: http://www.saveandinvest.org/MilitaryCenter/MilitarySpouseFellowships/

2012 WAVES NATIONAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP:

This year's scholarship is named for YNCM Anna Der-Vartanian, the first female in any service to be promoted to E-9, the highest enlisted pay grade. Master Chief passed away 4 August 2011. One $1,500 scholarship will be available to a relative, male or female, of a sea service woman. The essay topic is "How My Service Changed My Life".

PLEASE FOLLOW THE RULES: In the past, several entrants have been disqualified because they did not follow the rules.

1. Eligibility is open to any female or male relative of a SEA SERVICE WOMAN who has served or is currently serving in the Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps or their reserve components. The relative may be by birth, legal adoption or marriage. Documented proof of eligibility of the sea service woman's honorable discharge OR her present status in the military must be included with the application. Documented proof of eligibility is a legible copy of her form DD214 discharge certificate or a copy of her current military ID card. Applications will not be considered if this PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY is not submitted.

2. Applicants: Mark out all references to social security or service numbers on DD214 and high school transcripts.

3. The essay competition is open to high school seniors or college students.

4. The essay must be written on the 2012 topic and shall include documented evidence of research and an interview with a female veteran. Applicants may contact one of the veterans' organizations, i.e., DAV, VFW, AL, etc., to interview a woman veteran.


5. Each essay must be the applicant's own work and shall consist of 1,000 to 1,500 words.

6. Entries must be postmarked by March 9, 2012, with no exception.

Mail OR email your application along with required documents to:

Scholarship Contest Chairperson, Betty Hand
5128 Sammy Street
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Hand.craftylady@gmail.com
You may download an application at: www.womenofthewaves.com <http://www.womenofthewaves.com/>
Attached documents via email will be accepted.


http://www.uscg.mil/hq/capemay/Education/doc/WAVES-scholarship.pdf

Monday, December 5, 2011

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2012 MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR AWARD

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2012
MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

Deserving Young Patriots Will Win $5,000

 

SAN ANTONIO – Operation Homefront today announced the opening of the 2012 Military Child of the Year Award nomination period.  The award will be given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.  The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 5, 2012.  Nominations are being accepted online until January 15, 2012 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.   

 

Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life.  They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.

 

“The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, chief executive officer, Operation Homefront.  “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service.  This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”

 

Nominees must:

·         Must have valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS

·         Must be between the ages of 8-18

·         Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on April 5, 2012

 

Finalists must have a background check to confirm the information provided in the nomination and must provide references. 

 

Recipients of the 2011 awards are profiled in the book “Our Youngest Heroes,” available through Amazon.com.

 

# # #

About Operation Homefront:  A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 5000 volunteers across 25 chapters and has met more than 430,000 needs since 2002.  A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs.  More information is available at www.OperationHomefront.net.