Nimitz Five Star Report - February 2012

The Nimitz Five Star Report Volume 2, February 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1–2 3 4-5 6–7 8

“It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to

From the Captain’s Cabin; Chaplain’s Corner

the enemy so that it will not be fought on U.S.

From the Judge’s Bench; Tricare Update; Mailing Address Ombudsman Info; FRG; Useful information; Contact Information; Wings Over America Scholarships; “Get the Word Out” IRS Tax Tips; H&R Block scams

soil.”

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Deployment Readiness

From the Captain’s Cabin A Message from the CO

Captain Paul Monger Commanding Officer, USS Nimitz

Greetings NIMITZ families and friends:

First off I want to thank you for your support for our Sailors. We all recognize that we could not do it without your help and support so what you do for our Sailors is critically

Capt. Paul Monger Commanding Officer

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important.

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Chaplain’s Corner CDR Brent Johnson, CHC, USN

Secondly I want to thank you for your patience.

Our schedule has been flexible to say the least, and we are making every effort to get through this maintenance availability and on to our new homeport as soon as we can. Things don’t always turn out as planned and this has added an element of uncertainty to our schedule. We will continue to keep our Sailors updated as changes to the timeline become reality. We know this puts a significant burden on you, the families, as you try to plan your lives around when your Sailors will be changing ports. Again, we thank you for your patience and understanding as we make every effort to finish our time in Bremerton as soon as possible.

Unusual or Abnormal I had this friend in High School who was a little different from the rest of my class. He was a big kid, and acted like he was as dumb as a rock. He always sat in the back of the class, resembling a troll who had been switched at birth and raised by humans. He came in handy on the front line of our football team because he was so huge. No one took him very seriously in the classroom, which is too bad since it turns out he is brilliant. He just didn’t know how to express himself back in the 70’s.

Now I read his posts on Facebook and I am amazed at the things he thinks about or the short, concise stories from his farm he can tell. I look forward to his postings and often come away with a fresh outlook on life, the universe, and everything because of him. He was unusual at the time we were in school, but he was not abnormal. It is important to keep that distinction in mind whenever we deal with God’s special people – and all of us are special to God. There is a story about Jesus and an abnormal man found in the Fifth chapter of Mark, which is found in the New Testament portion of most Bibles. Jesus was travelling in an area named after the inhabitants, the Gerasenes.

There was a man there who was so violent the locals chained him out in the graveyard. The man wore no clothing and howled like a wild animal. I myself would have probably given that man and his home amongst the tombstones wide berth if I was passing by but Jesus didn’t do that.

As Jesus walked by the man ran up to him and shouted at him. I’ve had crazy street people do that to me in the past and I usually flinch. According to Mark, Jesus simply asked the man his name. Then he stayed and took care of the man and healed him. When some locals came around later in the day to check on him they found the man dressed and having sane conversation with Jesus. They didn’t expect this and were afraid.

Isn’t that like most people? Someone makes some progress or experiences change but those who know that person best try and hold him or her back.

There are so many people out in the world around us who are simply unusual. They are not abnormal, but they still need someone to ask some simple questions like, “What is your name?” February 12th is Autism

I want to thank you for your support for the families of the shipmates we have lost in the last couple of weeks. It has been a difficult time for them, as well as the crew, and we ask that you continue to keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

Your Sailors have done a tremendous job getting themselves ready to go to sea again and they were able to demonstrate that readiness during our recent certification exercise. The effort they put in to get the training and to practice critical skill sets needed for us to operate at sea has paid off well. Our recent assessment graded us as ready to get underway and that is no small accomplishment after 14 months in the yards. Our only hurdle now is to finish up the required tests and repairs to ensure the ship is as well prepared as your Sailors.

Please continue to check out our website, Facebook page, and to participate in the Family Readiness Group meetings to stay up to speed on the latest happenings around NIMITZ. All the best,

CAPT Paul O. Monger Commanding Officer

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From Nimitz’s Tricare Representative Lt. Andrew Weiss

Unusual or Abnormal

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Sunday. There are a lot of people with Autism spectrum issues who could use a prayer and somebody to sit with them and ask a few simple questions and wait for the unusual answers they will give, and still love them for who they are.

They are not abnormal. They are people. If Jesus can meet with the abnormal people he encountered in Palestine we should aim to care for the unusual we encounter in our midst.

On May 1, 2012, MetLife will become the dental carrier for the TRICARE Dental Program. All current TRICARE Dental Program enrollees will be notified about the transition to MetLife through a mailing and welcome packet with a new TRICARE Dental Program Benefits Booklet beginning in late March. This mailing will guide you through the transition from United Concordia to MetLife.

Anytime our insurance coverage changes there are bound to be many questions and likely a few concerns. Here's what we know about the transition: * MetLife's dental network has over 161,000 dental providers. If you would like to check if your dentist is already part of the MetLife network, please visit www.metlife.com/tricare and click "Find a Dentist" on the right and search for a provider. If the dentist is not a member, dentists can easily request an application via the MetLife website for dentists, http://www.metdental.com/. * All your claims will continue to be processed as they are now and changes in the mailing address, claims processing, etc. will be provided in early 2012. * Changes to the TDP will include enhanced dental coverage at a lower premium share than before. MetLife will distribute program information, provider network details beginning in first quarter 2012. Highlights to the benefits and enhancements are listed below:

If you ever want to ask more about the spiritual life or how to receive pastoral care from our team of chaplains on NIMITZ you can call 360-476-4110 or email us at chaplain@cvn68.navy.mil.

From the Judge’s Bench LCDR Brewen All NIMITZ Sailors are encouraged to execute a last Will and Testament. A will benefits the Sailor and his/her family because it is an opportunity to convey last wishes, provide for specific bequests of property, and share your funeral desires. While this topic is generally avoided by many, a will can actually relieve a lot of stress from a grieving spouse and family because it provides clear guidance to an Executor how the property should be passed. In addition, a healthcare power of attorney can be prepared for inclusion in the service member’s medical record naming an agent to make healthcare decisions if the Sailor is incapacitated. This is a free service provided to all active-duty and their dependents. NIMITZ will be conducting more will workshops onboard in March/April. A Sailor only has to prepare a will worksheet (which I will email to All Hands) and schedule an appointment in NIMITZ Legal. Dependents will be able to go to their local NLSO to execute their respective wills. This is a great service and all are encouraged to take advantage.

* Coverage of posterior resin (tooth colored/white) fillings * Increase in the annual maximum to $1,300 per enrollee (formerly this was $1,200) * Increase in the lifetime orthodontic maximum to $1,750 * $1,200 per year for services related to dental treatment due to an accident as defined in the TDP handbook * No cost shares for scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) for diabetics * Coverage of an additional (3rd) cleaning for women during pregnancy * Expansion of the survivor benefits to surviving spouse and child(ren).

I am still waiting to hear about program rates and how enrollment will be coordinated and reflected on the Sailor's LES (through the automatic deduction). Once I have that information I will send it out via the Ombudsman and FRG. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Andrew.Weiss@cvn68.navy.mil.

USS NIMITZ MAILING ADDRESS: YOUR SAILOR’S RATE AND NAME SAILOR’S DEPT/DIVISION USS NIMITZ (CVN68) FPO AP 96620-2820

Lastly, NIMITZ dental will continue to care for the Sailors onboard the ship. The changes I have mentioned above apply only to spouses and dependants enrolled in the dental plan.

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Your Nimitz Ombudsman Team

With the ship’s schedule this year being anything but certain, your ombudsman is an important re-

source to have. But who are these people and what exactly do they do?

Currently, the Nimitz has a team of four ombudsmen; Jeanine Neiman, Kristin Crow, Amy Cleghon and Lindsay Baldwin. We have been appointed by the Commanding Officer and are volunteer spouses of active duty sailors

of the USS Nimitz. We are part of the chain of command and have the job of supporting the command mission by taking care of its families so the service members can focus on their jobs.

Our actions are guided by Navy Instruction (OPNAVINST 1750.1G) and a strict Code of Ethics. We are

the information link between the Command and its families. A large part of our job is to disseminate official Department of the Navy and Command information up and down the chain of command. We are continually training to stay abreast of current issues affecting our families and resources we can use to help.

The ombudsman team has a close relationship with Fleet and Family Support Center and other Navy

and local community agencies in order to provide families with information and appropriate resource referrals.

The referrals we provide are in an effort to empower families to resolve issues on their own before they re-

quire command intervention. We cannot provide counseling, child care, transportation or money, but we refer

to those who can.

To contact us, you may call 360-340-7040 or email us at ussnimitzombudsman@yahoo.com. When

you contact us, you will be treated courteously and professionally and your call will remain confidential (unless

you are reporting domestic violence, child abuse, a homicide or suicide). We do our best to answer calls as they come in, but, if we are unable to answer your call and you would like a return call, you must leave a voicemail. We will return your call as soon as possible.

As always, it is our pleasure to serve the USS Nimitz!

USS Nimitz Family Readiness Group (FRG) Being an active part of your FRG is a great way to make friends, support our sailors and their families, and have Fun!

The FRG is all about CONNECTING - connecting with other Nimitz families and discovering that while our Sailors are ON the same boat, we are all IN the same boat! Some family members love to volunteer, others like to attend; some like to craft, others to read; some have children, others don’t or they are all grown up; some attend school, others have advance degrees; some stay at home (choose domestic pursuits), others have outside careers - although we are all different, we all have one thing in common: WE ARE THE FAMILIES OF THE USS NIMITZ! Have Children? That’s what “Family” is all about! Bring them along; many times the children make “life-long” friends as well!

Don’t have children? That’s great, too! Please come help encourage “grown-up” discussions for those who have been limited to conversations with the “under 5” crowd.

If child attendance is discouraged during any formal event or meeting, The FRG Executive board makes the effort to locate group childcare.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? To subscribe to their Monthly Newsletter please email: teamnimitz@yahoo.com Or request to join the official Nimitz Family Readiness Group Page on Facebook: USS NIMITZ FAMILY CONNECTIONS GROUP

Look for the “LADIES IN PINK” at Command activities to find out how YOU can be part of the action!

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Important Contact Information Naval Hospital Bremerton

USEFUL INFORMATION NAVAL BASE KITSAP FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER (NBK FFSC): 1.866.854.0638

Tricare Regional Appointment Center: 1-800-404-4506

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS): www.nmcrs.org

Hospital Information Desk: 360-475-4000 Pharmacy Refills: 360-475-4217

NAVY LEGAL SERVICE (NLSO): www.jag.navy.mil

Primary Care Clinics: Family Medicine: 360-475-4379 Internal Medicine: 360-475-4206 Pediatrics: 360-475-4216 Link to Website or Visit NHB's Official Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NavalHospital-Bremerton/163929576969000

MILITARY ONE SOURCE: www.militaryonesource.com AMERICAN RED CROSS – NATIONAL: (877)272-7337 AMERICAN RED CROSS – BREMERTON :( 360)377-3761 SAFE RIDE TAXI - BDCC BREMERTON :( 360)782-2378 SAFE RIDE TAXI - YELLOW CAB: (206)622-6500

Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation is now accepting pre-qualification forms for its scholarships. WOASF, a 501(c) (3) non-profit foundation, annually sponsors more than forty scholarships ranging from $2000- $10,000 to students who have chosen to pursue their undergraduate college education. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic merit, community service and extracurricular activities. Last year WOASF awarded over $85,000 and this year hopes to award $100,000. WOASF is a world-wide organization and has scholars from throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Our mission is to provide college scholarships to dependent children and spouses of US Navy personnel having service in Naval Aviation commands (Carriers, Wings, Squadrons); Officer and Enlisted, active duty, retired, honorably discharged or deceased.

The Foundation has proudly awarded over $530,000 to outstanding students since 1987. The foundation is funded solely through the generous contributions of private and corporate sources.

For more information on eligibility and application process, please visit www.wingsoveramerica.us or call 757-671-3200 x 2 Pre-qualification deadline - March 1st Full application deadline - April 1st

SPOUSES & FAMILIES: PLEASE HELP US “GET THE WORD OUT!” IF YOU KNOW A NIMITZ FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS NOT RECEIVING THE NIMITZ FIVE STAR REPORT MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS COPY WITH THEM. PLEASE REMIND THEM TO CONTACT US VIA EMAIL AT USSNIMITZOMBUDSMAN@YAHOO.COM AND ASK TO BE ADDED TO OUR DISTRIBUTION LIST! THIS EMAIL TREE IS ALSO HOW WE IMMEDIATELY DISTRIBUTE IMPORTANT UPDATES FROM THE CO TO OUR NIMITZ FAMILIES. PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE SAILOR’S NAME & RATE SO WE CAN VERIFY ELIGIBILITY.

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10 Tips to Ease Tax Time for Military Military personnel have some unique duties, expenses and transitions.

Some special tax benefits may apply when moving to a new base, traveling to a duty station, returning from active duty and more. These tips may put military members a bit “at ease” when it comes to their taxes.

1.

Moving Expenses If you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty and you move because of a permanent change of station, you can deduct the reasonable unreimbursed expenses of moving you and members of your household.

2.

Combat Pay If you serve in a combat zone as an enlisted person or as a warrant officer for any part of a month, all your military pay received for military service that month is not taxable. For officers, the monthly exclusion is capped at the highest enlisted pay, plus any hostile fire or imminent danger pay received.

3.

Extension of Deadlines The time for taking care of certain tax matters can be postponed. The deadline for filing tax returns, paying taxes, filing claims for refund, and taking other actions with the IRS is automatically extended for qualifying members of the military.

4.

Uniform Cost and Upkeep If military regulations prohibit you from wearing certain uniforms when off duty, you can deduct the cost and upkeep of those uniforms, but you must reduce your expenses by any allowance or reimbursement you receive.

5.

Joint Returns Generally, joint returns must be signed by both spouses. However, when one spouse may not be available due to military duty, a power of attorney may be used to file a joint return.

6.

Travel to Reserve Duty If you are a member of the US Armed Forces Reserves, you can deduct unreimbursed travel expenses for traveling more than 100 miles away from home to perform your reserve duties.

7.

ROTC Students Subsistence allowances paid to ROTC students participating in advanced training are not taxable. However, active duty pay – such as pay received during summer advanced camp – is taxable.

8.

Transitioning Back to Civilian Life You may be able to deduct some costs you incur while looking for a new job. Expenses may include travel, resume preparation fees, and outplacement agency fees. Moving expenses may be deductible if your move is closely related to the start of work at a new job location, and you meet certain tests.

9.

Tax Help Most military installations offer free tax filing and preparation assistance during the filing season.

10. Tax Information IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, summarizes many important military-related tax topics. Publication 3 can be downloaded from www.irs.gov or may be ordered by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Links: Tax Information for Members of the U.S. Armed Forces IRS Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide ( PDF) From IRS.gov

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Warning from H&R Block About Scams Special alert: H&R Block does not send urgent or time sensitive text messages or emails asking clients to provide, update or confirm sensitive data. These text messages are scams and are not information requests from H&R Block.

Several scams have been identified that are targeting the general public. People have received what appear to be phone calls, emails or text messages from H&R Block and/or H&R Block Bank regarding their accounts; the communications then ask the person to contact the Bank and provide their Card information. The communications are not coming from H&R Block.

Below are examples of the scams: • •

•

Prerecorded calls: Asks the person to press 1 and provide their card information or asks the person to contact H&R Block about their account Emails: Instructs the person their account is subject to deactivation and/or contains outdated information. The person is asked to click on a link and provide their account information Text message: Asks the person to call H&R Block and provide their account number Please know that H&R Block does not send urgent or time sensitive text messages or emails asking clients to provide, update or confirm sensitive data. These text messages are scams and are not information requests from H&R Block.

Please take the following steps to protect your personal information:

• • • •

DO NOT respond to these text messages.

DO NOT call a telephone number if one is provided.

DO NOT click on the links in emails or texts.

DO NOT under any circumstances provide any personal information such as your Emerald Card number, Social Security Number, date of birth or even your name in response to these texts, emails or prerecorded calls.

If you need more information about these scams, please call H&R Block at 1-800HRBLOCK (472-5625). If you have an H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard and you have any questions or concerns regarding your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard, call the toll-free number on the back of the card, or call 1-866-353-1266.

From: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/pfm

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Deployment Readiness Part One: The Emotional “Spiral” of Deployment—Stage 1

Over the next few months, we will be providing information about the “Spiral of Deployment”. These are the emotional stages that family members of deployed sailors can expect to experience. Not everyone experiences these stages in exactly the same way, or even in the same order. However, there are some generalities. Our goal as your Ombudsman Team is to help you understand that these emotions are normal and that there are resources available to help you thrive during them.

Cycle vs. Spiral The emotional cycle of deployment was introduced in the mid-1980s as a tool for understanding the emotional ups and downs of deployment. After analyzing results from a 2005 National Military Family Association cycle of deployment survey, it was concluded that the issues families face in the different stages of deployment indicate a spiral rather than a cycle, as families never come back to the same place they started. Families can carry unresolved issues (anxiety and expectations) from previous deployments into current ones. But they will also carry with them skills gained from prior deployments.

Today: * Deployments are often much longer and more frequent. * Definite homecoming dates are a rarity. * The "cycle" itself may overlap as families anticipate the loss of the next deployment (Stage 1) before they have a time to reintegrate, and stabilize (Stage 7) from the last one.

Stage 1: Anticipation of Departure Time Frame: This stage occurs four to six weeks before a planned deployment. It is a time of tension and confusing emotions.

Emotion/behaviors: *Couples: Partners may alternately feel denial and anticipation of loss. They also may be angry and resentful about the increased hours the service member spends preparing for the deployment. As reality sinks in, tempers may flare as couples attempt to take care of all the items on a family pre-deployment checklist while striving to make time for each other. Service members feel guilty about leaving their families. Arguments and bickering are common. Although irritating, it can be a useful way for a couple to distance themselves emotionally in preparation for the separation. *Children: Parents must be sure to tell their child about the upcoming deployment and reassure children that they will be cared for in the deployer's absence. *Single Sailors: Single Sailors may eagerly anticipate the opportunity to put their training into action. They may also be concerned about the unknown aspects of the deployment.

Where to Get Help There are resources available if you feel that you are having a particularly hard time during any of the stages in the spiral. The Fleet and Family Support Center offers counseling and classes to eligible family members. They can be reached at 1-800-562-3301 for class information and 1-866-854-0638 to schedule an individual consultation. As always, you can reach out to the Ombudsman Team at 360-340-7040 for more resources or to have questions answered.

Spiral of Deployment information is from the 2010 Ombudsman Manual

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