Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast
By JBCMFR
We know military life presents some unique challenges, and it can be overwhelming at times, but we're here to help. We discuss topics that directly impact your lives as military families.
Some past guests include EFMP coordinator, School liaison, health promotions team, Chaplain, Financial educators, as well as leaders from across the Air Force.
Subscribe and spread the word!
Team Charleston Family Readiness PodcastMar 03, 2021
A Sit Down With General Van Ovost & CMSgt Kruzelnick
This is a special episode of the Podcast; we have a couple of guests who directly impact members' and families' lives across the Air Force.
I sit down with the Commander of Air Mobility Command, General Jacqueline Van Ovost, and the Command Chief of Air mobility Command, CMSgt Biran Kruslneck.
Today we discover that family is inseparable from a unit. We have a culture in the military of taking care of each other, and every one of us is part of a connected family, including our spouses and children.
Check out past episodes where we talk to various helping professionals across Joint Base Charleston.
Chaplain Law-Gordon's Resilience Story
We sit down with the Joint Base Charleston Deputy Chaplain, Chaplain Law-Gordon, and talk about the adversity she has faced and how she overcame unbelievably difficult challenges to ultimately thrive and help others through the use of the four resilience domains.
Follow the links below for resiliency resources:
Joint Base Charleton Chapel: 843-963-4673
Military Family Life Counselors:
Air Base: 843-940-0133
Weapons Statio: 843-597-0721
Joint Base Charleston Mental Health: 843-963-6852
1. TRICARE offers Telemental Health Services as part of the Telemedicine benefit. As with any behavioral health care received from TRICARE provider, active-duty members will need a referral before getting care under this benefit.
https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/TelementalHealth
2. Military OneSource released the attached COVID Resource pdf that provides info on contacting a Military OneSource MH provider and other MH tools. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/coronavirus
3. The Military Crisis Line, online chat, and text-messaging service are free to all Service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if you are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care. Hundreds of men and women in the military call us every day, and start to get back on track.
Col Greene, 628th Air Base Wing Commander Talks Families
How does a culture of respect and caring for people impact the mission?
Today, we discover how important family is and how vital it is that you, the Joint Base Charleston community is well cared for, but it doesn't stop here at Charleston; what we talk about today impacts the entire military as a whole.
We specifically focus on two programs that directly impact families both well before they arrive at the base and long after they get here. These programs are essential to what we refer to today as a "winning culture."
Everyone has been impacted by these programs in one way or another.
We're talking about Key Spouse and Sponsorship with the 628th Air Base Wing Commander, Col Marc Greene!
For more information on the Key Spouse or Sponsorship Programs check out:
Air Force Personnel Center Airman and Family Readiness Page:
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Airman-and-Family-Readiness/
JBCMFR Facebook Key Spouse Group:
Joint Base Charleston Key Spouse Network
Joint Base Charleston Website:
A Conversation With The Command Chief - CMSgt Jason Colon
Today, we have a conversation with the 628th Air Base Wing Command Chief, CMSgt Colon about how the Air Force and Joint Base Charleston enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote diversity among our team members and families. We hear about how diversity and inclusion have impacted the Chief's Air Force career and why the Department of Defense has special observances such as Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th through October 15 and will consist of a variety of events to include:
2 October/7:30pm/Air Base - Drive-in Movie: Coco & Candy Bags
3 October/7:30pm/Weapons Station - Drive-in Movie: Coco & Candy Bags
7 October/9:00am/Air Base Theater - 11:00am & 1:00pm - 3:00pm - Hispanic Airman Stores w/ CMSgt Colon
15 October/9:00am/Air Base Gym - Fun Run (or walk) with Live DJ
15 October/11:00am - 1:00pm/Location TBD - 11:00am - 1:00pm
JBCARES About Your Resilience - Michelle McMeekin
A 2017 survey measured individual's levels of stress, burnout, sleep problems, the likelihood of depression. It also measured work characteristics: job demands, job influence, and social support.
It turns out that High strain work environments have an unfavorable effect on all outcomes. BUT this is where today's guest comes into play...and essentially every one of the guests we've had....This research discovered that
Resilience has a protective effect on all outcomes. For stress, burnout, and sleep, higher resilience has a more protective effect under low-strain conditions. For depression, anxiety, and productivity, resilience has a more protective effect when job strain is high.
Workers with high resilience have better outcomes in challenging work environments (Shatte et al., 2017).
Lucky for us, today, we talk resilience and community support with the Joint Base Charleston Community Support Coordinator, who is all things resilient and in addition to their role as the chair of the Community Action Team, responsible for the enhancement of the military community's quality of life.
JB Cares Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JB.CHS.CARES
Sign up for AMC Virtual Spouse Resilience Courses held every Tuesday @10am, Wednesday @3pm, Thursday @6pm.
Spouse Resiliency Toolkit: http://spousert.wpengine.com/
Shatte, A., Perlman, A., Smith, B., & Lynch, W. (2017). The Positive Effect of Resilience on Stress and Business Outcomes in Difficult Work Environments. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 59(2). DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000914
5 Money Tips Before Your E-5 (Or O-3)
The National Financial Educators Council states that 63% of military respondents experience stress due to their current financial situation, and 37% of respondents are unsure about their financial futures.* That's why today we're going to help secure those futures.
We've got five money tips before your e-5 (or an O-3). Truth be told, though, these are for everyone, it's just better if you start early.
Today we cover TSP, Emergency Funds, Credit Scores, Financial Documents, and Home Buying for military families.
Resources
*https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/military-financial-statistics/#:~:text=Statistics%20Demonstrate%20Military%20Financial%20Hardships,and%20fewer%20assets%20than%20civilians.
Sign up for Military & Family Readiness financial workshops at:
https://jbcmfr.com/workshops-appointments/
Plan for a lifetime with the TSP at https://www.tsp.gov/
Ways to help build an emergency fund: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/personal-finance/budgeting-and-saving/building-a-solid-emergency-fund-and-creating-financial-readiness
Find out your credit score: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action.
Joint Base Charleston Legal Office:
Air Base: 843.963.5502
Weapons Station: 843.794.7500
How to safeguard a vital document: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_safeguard-critical-documents-and-valuables_0.pdf
Military One Source home buying tips: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/housing/specialized-housing/buying-a-home-off-military-installation
Spouse Employment - Scott Bowermaster
Nearly 400,000 service members PCS every year, and if you haven't experienced a Permeant Change of Station yet, odds are you will find one day.
On top of making preparations for your departure, which include getting the movers scheduled, packing up your household, and researching your child's next school, you probably think about what you or your civilian spouse may do for work at this new unknown location.
This may seem daunting, and you may not know where to start...but that's ok! Your Military and Family Readiness Center team is here to help.
Call the M&FRC at 843.963.8883 to sign up for workshops or speak to an employment team member.
Sign up for workshops: https://jbcmfr.com/workshops-appointments/
For a list of employment programs: https://jbcmfr.com/our-programs/employment-readiness/
MyCAA: https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/
Spouse licenser and reimbursement program: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/8576
The Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)
The MSEP program offers spouses professional employment opportunities and “portable” careers. For more information, visit https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/.
The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)
The SECO initiative seeks to strengthen the education and career opportunities of military spouses by providing career exploration tools to help them understand their skills, interests, and goals. Visit https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/ for more information.
The Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
MyCAA provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing a license, certification, or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. Visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa to create an account.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) For Military Spouses
If you’re a military spouse, you may be eligible to apply a non-competitive process designed to help you get a job in the federal government. Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/ for more information. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit OPM’s Questions and Answers for Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/veterans-authorities/#url=Appointment-of-Military-Spouses.
The eMentor Program
eMentor is a cutting-edge online mentoring program for military personnel, veterans, and military spouses. eMentor connects individuals for dynamic mentoring experiences that powerfully move them forward in their personal and professional lives. Designed to bridge the gap between organizations and job seekers, the eMentor Program offers support, trusted networking, and success. Visit https://www.ementorprogram.org/ for more information.
Get Your Next Career Started Now! Jackie Ford/Sel Stephens
What if I told you that you or your loved one could start their next career while still on active duty? Or maybe you want to start using your GI bill for a certification or licensure full time while even on active duty? The Skill Bridge program allows you to do just that.
You or your active duty spouse can start their apprenticeship, internship, or certification while on active duty, six months before they separate or retire!
Maybe you want to become a chef, electrician, computer programmer, or underwater welder; the skill bridge program can make those dreams a reality.
Find out how you can do this today on the podcast.
Joint Base Charleston Education Office: 628mss.dpe@us.af.mil
Ms. Ford's Email: jacqueline.ford.3.ctr@us.af.mil
Military & Family Readiness Center - Weapons STation: 843-863-8883
SkillBridge Website: https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/index.htm
SkillBridge Locations: https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/locations.htm
Military Guidance Covering Skillbridge: DODI 1322.29, NAVADMIN 222/15
Hurricane Preparedness Bonus
This is a bonus episode this week on the Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast.
It is in response to the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from our hurricane season installment last month.
Essentially you are about to hear the audio version of a hurricane preparedness video we produced last year. Let me stress that this information is still applicable today. You may remember we talked about the Limited Evacuation order, also known as the LEO a few weeks ago. Today We hear from the person who writes it!
We discover hurricane tips from Weather, Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator, Legal, Finance, and Emergency Management team members.
We get to the bottom of your entitlements and what you could be reimbursed for in the event of an evacuation.
Resources
Air Force Claims Service Center: https://aflsa.jag.af.mil/af/claims
Armed Forces LEgal ASsistance Locator: http://legalassistance.law.af.mil
National Disaster Education Coalition (NDEC): www.disastereducation.org
National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov
National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://www.fema.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency: http//www.fema.gov/areyouready
The Weather Channel: www.weather.com
Ready.gov: www.ready.gov
Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov
Local Base Home Page: www.charleston.af.mil
Military and Family Readiness: www.jbcmfr.com
Charleston County Emergency Preparedness Guide: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/files/hurricane-guides/Emergency-Preparedness-Disabilites-Guide-Color-Full-Size.pdf?v=619
South Carolina Hurricane Guide: http://scemd.cdn.missc.net/media/1487/hurricaneguide2020-85x11_english.pdf
Plan For Your Family's Future - Casualty Assistance - Brian Harriman
Do you know what a VRED is? How about SOES? Or what about this? An SBP? Whether you and your family have been in the Military for months, years, or perhaps you've already retired, something we talk about today will directly impact you and your family.
The Casualty Assitance Rep helps guide families through challenging times by assisting them in navigating the administration process, answers questions, and also ensures vital documents get to the appropriate agencies so families can receive the benefits they are eligible for.
We do a deep dive into many aspects of this program, and it's a content dense episode today.
Important Numbers and Websites:
Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan Questions
Call 800-321-1080
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/
Defense Finance and Accounting Service Retiree Newsletter
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/newsevents/newsletter/
My Air Force Benefits Calculator
https://www.myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil/
Military Onesource Estate Planning
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/legal/estate-planning/estate-planning-the-essentials
Brian's Office Number
843-963-6334
It's Hurricane Season! SSgt Williamson/SSgt Sherwood
What is a LEO? What zone do you live in? When is hurricane season? Don't know where to start?
We find out today on the Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast. Today we talk to SSgt Ashley Williamson and SSgt Robert Sherwood from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron's Ememercy management office about getting prepared for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season starts 1 June and runs through 30 November and NOAA has predicted an above-average year for hurricane activity in 2020.
Maybe its collecting medication, putting up storm shudders, loading up the family pet, or maybe finding the medication for the family pet, the time to start thinking bout how you're going to do it is now.
Refer to the below links for helpful tips, tools, and ways to keep your family safe during this season. South Carolina Department of Emergency Management Hurricane Readiness: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/hurricanes/
Tips on how to make a plan: https://www.ready.gov/ FEMA Hurricane Guide PDF: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1494007144395-b0e215ae1ba6ac1b556f084e190e5862/FEMA_2017_Hurricane_HTP_FINAL.pdf
NOAA 2020 Hurrican Season Press Release: https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/busy-atlantic-hurricane-season-predicted-for-2020
Military and Family Readiness Hurricane Preparedness video: https://www.facebook.com/JBCMFR/videos/2520526341508913/
*Editor's Note* The HURCON times in the episode were incorrect. The correct times are below:
HURCON 5: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) could arrive within 96 hours.
HURCON 4: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph (50 knots) could arrive within 72 hours.
HURCON 3: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 48 hours.
HURCON 2: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 24 hours.
HURCON 1: Indicates surface winds in excess of 58 mph could arrive within 12 hours.
HURCON 1C - Caution: Winds of 40-57 mph/35-49 knots sustained are occurring.
HURCON 1E - Emergency: Winds of 58 mph/50 knots sustained and/or gusts of 69 mph/60 kts or greater are occurring. All outside activity is strictly prohibited.
HURCON 1R - Recovery: Destructive winds have subsided and are no longer forecast to occur; survey and work crews are permitted to determine the extent of the damage and to establish safe zones around hazards (e.g. downed power lines, unstable structures). Non-essential personnel are asked to remain indoors.
What's Under the Family Advocacy Umbrella?
This week on the Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast, I learn the ins and outs of the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) and discovered there is more to it then just responding to abuse. They have an entire catalog of classes, workshops, counseling, and support programs to help grow both healthy families and relationships.
The Family Advocacy Program works to prevent abuse by offering programs to stop domestic violence before it starts.
Today is a little different and a first because we have not one, not two, but six guests today, so we're able to get a clear picture of the various aspects of the Family Advocacy Program.
Reach the team at:
Air Base: 843.963.6852
Weapons Station: 843.794.7421
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate: 843.310.1884
Get the workshop calendar from their Facebook page @CharlestonFAP.
The EFMP Facilitator - Queen Pringle
Today's guest was actually our very first guest when all of this started, the Coronavirus had just sent everyone home and Charleston's helping professionals were just trying to get their feet under them in response to what the new Abnormal was going to be. Queen Pringle takes us through all the ways she is helping out families as the Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator. She has workshops and virtual support groups every week. Just head to her Facebook page @jbcharlestonEFMP for more information.
Her Wednesday EFMP support group is held on the Zoom platform at 0800. The meeting ID is 559 494 652.
Welcome to episode 10 of the podcast and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen and spread the word about both the podcast as well as what Joint Base Charleston Helping Agencies are out there.
Ms. Pringles Contact Info:
E-mail: queen-ella.pringle@us.af.mil
Phone: 843-963-8883
Addtonal Resources:
**Military OneSource - http://www.militaryonesource.mil - 800-342-9647
**Vroom: Brain-building tips for early development www.vroom.org
**Aha! Parenting Strategies: www.ahaparenting.com
**Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS) https://focusproject.org/
**TRICARE - www.tricare.mil
**TRICARE ECHO - www.tricare.mil/plans/specialprograms/ECHO
**Self-Care Recommendations- https://www.cdc.gov/family/specialneeds/index.htm
** MUSC Social & Emotional Wellbeing - https://musckids.org/our-services/boeing-center/school-wellness-checklist-resources/social-emotional-wellbeing
South Carolina State and Local Resources
** Family Resources Center for Disabilities and Special Needs Resource Directory- www.frcdsn.org
Meet Your Shirt - MSgt Salamone
Have you ever run into a roadblock in your life or your career and have exhausted all of your options...and you've gotten the point where you just can't figure out a way through or around?
Don't worry; there is someone in your unit who is here to break through those roadblocks and provide you options you may have never thought possible.
Who is that someone? It's your First Sergeant.
Today we sit down with MSgt Scott Salamone, the 628th Force Support Squadron First Sergeant where we discuss everything the "Shirt" does, what resources are available during this unprecedented time, as well as how the Key Spouse is a vital part of your unit's leadership team.
Military OneSource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Joint Base Charleston Facebook page: https://www.jbcharleston.jb.mil/
Facebook Spouse Page: Search Military and Family Joint Base Charleston Spouses
Military and Family Readiness Center: https://jbcmfr.com/
Military and Family Life Counselor:
Air Base: 843.940.0133
Weapons Station: 843.597.0721
School Is Still In Session - Chris Gerry
Did you know that registration for the next school year may have already started?
Have you ever needed help with navigating your child's education? Need help with registration requirements? Or how to enroll?
What immunizations are required...what is the military interstate compact, and how can that help a military family?
On today's installment, we chat with Chris Gerry of the School Liasion office, whose job is to answer questions like these and help put you in a position to get your child a quality education during this challenging time and well beyond.
Get all the info you need for your children's education by visiting:
School Information Packet: https://www.jbcharleston.jb.mil/Portals/44/Documents/School%20Information%20Packet%20JB%20CHS%202019.pdf?ver=2019-10-08-131038-023
Facebook School Liasion Office Page: @jbcharleston.SLO
Charleston Home School Facebook Page: JB Charleston Homeschool families
Joint Base Charleston Military and Family Readiness SLO Page: https://jbcmfr.com/our-programs/school-liaison-officer-slo/
Make Your Health A Priority! Nikki Conley/Alaine Mills
Join us as we do a deep dive into what the HAWC can do for you during COVID! And it turns out we barely scratch the service.
Today our gets provide us with practical ways to take care of ourselves with nutrition, relaxation techniques, and we even get let in on what is called the 20/20/20 rule that'll change the way you work from home!
You can find information on their programs and activities on FACEBOOK:
@628MedicalGroup
@JB.CHS.CARES
Call: 843.963.4087 and leave a message to get in touch with the team or leave your Email to get on their mailing list.
Email nikki.conley.3@us.af.mil or alaine.mlls.ctr@us.af.mil for further information on programs and classes.
6 Tips To Sanitize Your Finances
It is a special edition of the Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast today!
We're now on APPLE PODCAST!!!!
That isn't the only thing that makes this episode a special edition, we have our first returning guest! He knocked it out of the park when he gave us some details about our stimulus checks, now he's back, and he's got some more financial information us. We're not reinventing the wheel here; we're going to provide some practical ways to help you and your family and save you money. Many of these only take a few minutes to do...you'll have to listen to find out.
The Joint Base Charleston Military And Family Readiness Center is on all the socials, just search for JBCMFR.
www.JBCMFR.com
Can I Still Retire? Mick Mahon
Just because we're in the midst of a global pandemic, life is still happening, and the life event we talk about today is massive...separation and retirement. Mick Mahon is the Transition Assistance Program manger for Joint Base Charleston, and he and his team directly impacts our military members and their families before and long after they have hung up the uniform. DoD TAP is an outcome-based program that bolsters opportunities, services, and training for transitioning service members in their preparation to meet post-military goals. Military & Family Readiness TAP resources: https://jbcmfr.com/our-programs/transition-assistance-program-tap/ U.S. Department of Labor employment services: https://www.veterans.gov/ For the Transition Assistance Curriculum on Joint Knowledge Online and other transition services: https://www.dodtap.mil/ for a multitude of your military documents visit: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ Cal 843.963.8883 for more information on TAP or to sign up for one on one consultations. Contact Mick at milton.mahon.1@us.af.mil.
Whats Happening At The Chapel - Ch James
We sit down with Chaplain James from the Joint Base Charleston Chapel where we discuss the Sunday services on Facebook Live, the library of motivational and insightful videos shared on their social media as well as how we can better ourselves while we are "alone together". The Chapel team can be reached at:
Weapons Station (NWS): 843-794-7222
Air Base (AB): 843-963-4673
And on Facebook for the Air Base Chapel (https://facebook.com/jointbasecharlestonchapel/) and for the NWS All Saints Chapel (https://facebook.com/jbcharleston/)
Worship Service every Sunday on Facebook at 1000am for the NWS and 1100am for the Air Base Chapel.
Check out the Military & Family Readiness Center on all the Social Media Platforms, just search JBCMFR.
Find us on our website: www.jbcmfr.com
Stimulus Checks? - Matt Sharman
Coping with COVID - Stress Reduction Tips - Robert McMillian
Everyone is a little stressed out right now. Chronic stress includes headaches, insomnia, muscle tension, stomach distress such as heartburn and acid reflux, and joint pain. Demands of physical distancing may mean that your usual stress management strategies, such as going to the gym or hanging out with loved ones, are no longer accessible to you. Robert gives us 10 tips on how to reduce our stress and anxiety as well as some apps to help us out in this new environment.
Robert McMillian is a Community Readiness Consultant at Joint Base Charleston's Military & Family Readiness Center and is a certified Mindfulness instructor. Koru Mindfulness instructor which is an evidence-based program developed by Duke University which has been shown to reduce anxiety.*
If you would like to get ahold of Robert, call the M&FRC at 842.963.8883 or check us out on the socials: JBCMFR on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Head to jbcmfr.com for workshops, one on one appointments and other Team Charleston Resources.
Roberts Five Favorite Apps
HEADSPACE
CALM
AURA
STOP, BREATHE & THINK
INSIGHT TIMER
Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator - Queen Pringle
Queen can be reached at her office number 843.963.5782 or via e-mail at queen-ella.pringle@us.af.mil if you have any further questions about the EFMP.
Military and Family Readiness is social! @JBCMFR on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Queen's Coffee Time can be found on the Zoom App by searching for meeting ID: 559 494 652.