bugle boy september/october 2010

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United States Army Garrison-Miami Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation 3511 NW 91 st Avenue Doral, Florida 33172 305 437-2642 Sign up for FMWR E-mail and Send Your Customer Comments to: Mwrcustomerservice@ hq.southcom.mil Friend us on Facebook Fmwr Usag-Miami 1 2 3 4 7 8 11 12 15 16 www.southcom.mil/usag-miami/mwr.html September/October 2010 SPOTLIGHT: FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER COVENANT CALENDAR OF EVENTS WHAT’S UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER NEWS EFMP, Employment Readiness VOLUNTEERS WHAT’S UP IN FMWR GOING GREEN RELOCATION READINESS SPOUSES’ CORNER / WHO’S WHO FMWR FUN BUS TRIPS The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC) recently developed a comprehensive, holistic Customer Service Program for Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to create and sustain a customer service culture. We are committed to providing quality through service excellence to our Soldiers and Families commensurate with the quality of their service to our Nation. We understand that we create value for our customers through predictable, consistent, efficient and customer-focused service. On July 14 th and 15 th , the US Army Garrison-Miami (USAG-M) Family and MWR Directorate hosted its first series of Operation Excellence Customer Service training courses, aimed at improving customer service throughout the directorate. Eight principles of CUSTOMER service were covered during the training, using real life scenarios and experience. Operation Excellence emphasizes fulfilling the promises Family and MWR made through the Customer Covenant to Soldiers and their Family Members. This training was also made available to Garrison staff in order to foster improved customer service between the different components of USAG-M. USAG-M Family and MWR promises our customers they will: Always be respected and treated as individuals who are valued; Receive a prompt and friendly greeting in a professional and courteous manner; Experience aesthetically-pleasing facilities; Receive timely, accurate and helpful information; Be offered high quality products and services; Have an opportunity to provide feedback. THE CUSTOMER COVENANT

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September/October 2010 issue of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation newsletter of US Army Garrison-Miami.

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  • United States Army Garrison-MiamiDirectorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation3511 NW 91st AvenueDoral, Florida 33172305 437-2642

    Sign up for FMWR E-mail and Send Your Customer Comments to: [email protected]

    Friend us on Facebook Fmwr Usag-Miami

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    The Bugle Boy www.southcom.mil/usag-miami/mwr.html September/October 2010

    SPOTLIGHT: FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER COVENANT

    CALENDAR OF EVENTS

    WHATS UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA

    FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER NEWSEFMP, Employment Readiness

    VOLUNTEERS

    WHATS UP IN FMWR

    GOING GREEN

    RELOCATION READINESS

    SPOUSES CORNER / WHOS WHO

    FMWR FUN BUS TRIPS

    The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC) recently developed

    a comprehensive, holistic Customer Service Program for Army Family and Morale, Welfare

    and Recreation (MWR) to create and sustain a customer service culture.

    We are committed to providing

    quality through service

    excellence to our Soldiers and

    Families commensurate with the

    quality of their service to our

    Nation. We understand that we

    create value for our customers

    through predictable, consistent,

    efficient and customer-focused

    service.

    On July 14th and 15th, the US Army

    Garrison-Miami (USAG-M) Family

    and MWR Directorate hosted its first series of Operation Excellence Customer Service

    training courses, aimed at improving customer service throughout the directorate.

    Eight principles of CUSTOMER service were covered during the training, using real life

    scenarios and experience. Operation Excellence emphasizes fulfilling the promises Family

    and MWR made through the Customer Covenant to Soldiers and their Family Members.

    This training was also made available to Garrison staff in order to foster improved

    customer service between the different components of USAG-M.

    USAG-M Family and MWR promises our customers they will: Always be respected and

    treated as individuals who are valued; Receive a prompt and friendly greeting in a

    professional and courteous manner; Experience aesthetically-pleasing facilities; Receive

    timely, accurate and helpful information; Be offered high quality products and services;

    Have an opportunity to provide feedback.

    THE CUSTOMER COVENANT

  • www.southcom.mil/usag%2Dmiami/sites/calendar/calendar.htmCALENDAR OF EVENTS

    Classes and Events For more information or to register, call the Family Support Center, 305 437-2665 Trips - Reserve and pay for trips at the

    Information Tickets and Registration (ITR) Office - Headquarters, #1303A, 305 437-1595 The *Molina Building, (MB) formerly known as the Codina Building, is located at 8300 NW 33rd Street, Doral, Florida

    SEPTEMBER1 - Budgeting and Saving, Wednesday, 11am-12pm, MB, Suite 180

    3 - Training Holiday, Friday

    6 - Labor Day, Monday

    8 - Resume Workshop, Wednesday, 1-3:30pm, MB, Suite 180

    21 - Newcomer Orientation, 9:30am-2pm, MB, Suite180

    22 - Deadline to pay for trip to Disneys Magic Kingdom, Wednesday, close of business (COB.) Adult $85, Child $69,

    23 - Interview Techniques, Thursday, 1-3:30pm, MB, Suite 180

    24 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-3pm, Meet at MB, Suite 180

    25 - Trip to Magic Kingdom, Saturday

    NOVEMBER16 - Newcomer Orientation, Tuesday, 9:30am-3pm, MB, Suite180

    17 - Deadline to pay for Hollywood Studios trip, Wednesday, COB. Adult: $85, Child: $75

    19 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-2pm, Meet at

    MB, Suite 180

    20 - Trip to Disneys Hollywood Studios, Saturday

    OCTOBER7 - Civilian Resume for Spouses, Thursday, 9am-12pm, MB, Suite 180, Conference Room

    13 - Interview Techniques for

    Spouses, Wednesday, 9am-12pm, MB, Suite 180, Conference Room

    13 - Deadline to pay for Halloween Horror Nights, Wednesday, COB. Prices to be announced.

    16 - Halloween Horror Nights Trip, Saturday, departure from HQ: 1300, departure from park: 0215 (17 Oct)

    19 - Newcomer Orientation, Tuesday, 9:30am-2pm, MB, Suite180

    22 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-3pm, Meet at MB, Suite 180

    To report suspected child abuse,

    neglect, or spouse abuse, contact Family Advocacy

    305 437-3086

    After duty hours 305 437-4900

  • MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/calendar.asp

    MONROE (Florida Keys) - www.fla-keys.com/calendarofevents/

    H I S T O R Y OF DIVING MUSEUM FREE S E M I N A R S E R I E S , September 15, This months free seminar is to be given by Eric Smith, Adventures in Underwater Exploration. Starts at 7 p.m. at Diving Museum, mile marker 83 in Islamorada. 305-664-9737, E-mail: [email protected], http://www.divingmuseum.org/.

    FLORIDA KEYS BIRDING & W I L D L I F E F E S T I V A L , September 22 - 26. The peak of the fall birding season, this event includes an opening r e c e p t i o n ,

    dinner, presentations, Keys-wide field trips focusing on education and conservation as they relate to Keys birds and wildlife and an environmental fair. 305 872-0774, http://www.keysbirdingfest.org/.

    PALM BEACH - www.palmbeachfl.com/events/

    DORAL - www.cityofdoral.com/cityofdoral/

    Alasdair Neale, conductor. Free, ticket required. 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 541 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, 33139, 305 673-3331, http://www.nws.edu.

    B L U E G R A S S FESTIVAL AT G R E Y N O L D S PARK. October 3. 1st Sunday of the month festival featuring a variety of talented Bluegrass artists. Bring a lawn chair. Food and cold drinks available. 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Greynolds Park, Miami Gardens Drive and NE 22nd Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

    NEW WORLD SYMPHONY: INSIDE THE MUSIC, October 5. Join the Fellows on stage for an intimate glimpse into their craft with these mini behind-t h e - s c e n e s presentations on topics

    ranging from music appreciation to the historic contexts of composers and more. Free, no ticket required. 7 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 33139, 305 673-3331, http://www.nws.edu.

    NEW WORLD SYMPHONY: MUSICAL XCHANGE, October 8. New World Symphony concert. Program TBA. Free, ticket required. 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 33139, 305 673-3331 http://www.nws.edu.

    BROWARD - www.sunny.org/calendar/

    17th ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD BEACH LATIN FESTIVAL, September 19, Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, 12-8pm, 954-961-6386, Free. Showcasing Latin culture with both traditional and folkloric music by internationally renowned performers and local musicians on two stages, dancing, food vendors, arts and crafts and childrens activities. http://www.hollywoodlatinfestival.com/.

    MIAMI-DADE - www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/calendar.aspx

    JAZZ AT MOCA, September24. The popular Jazz at MOCA series presents free outdoor concerts on the last Friday of every month. Music starts at 8 p.m. The museum is open from 7 to 10 p.m., by donation. Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th

    St., Miami, FL 33161, 305 893-6211, http://www.mocanomi.org.

    NEW WORLD S Y M P H O N Y: PRE-SEASON C O N C E R T , S e p t e m b e r 25. Pre-season concert f e a t u r i n g New World S y m p h o n y .

    WHATS UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA?

  • FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER NEWS

    New to USSOUTHCOM? Take the Free Miami Tour

    Join us for a whirlwind tour of Bayside, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne,

    South Beach and more

    Service Members, Family Members, Civilians, Call the Family Support Center to reserve your space

    305 437-2665

    Exceptional Family Member Program

    The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to Families with special needs. Service Members on active duty enroll in the program when they have a Family member with a physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder requiring specialized services so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process.

    Family members must be screened and enrolled, if eligible, when the Service Member is on assignment instructions to an OCONUS area for which command sponsorship/Family member travel is authorized, and the Soldier elects to serve the accompanied tour. This screening consists of medical records review for all Family members, and developmental screening for all children 72 months of age and younger.

    Service Members are responsible for keeping their EFMP enrollment current as exceptional Family member (EFM) conditions change or at least every three years, whichever comes first.

    For more information about EFMP, contact your installation EFMP manager, Joe Walker, at the Family Support Center at (305) 437-2734.

    Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides respite care provider training

    For Active Army and Active Guard and

    Reserve Families who are responsible for

    regular care of persons with disabilities,

    the Exceptional Family Members Program

    Respite Care Program provides a temporary

    rest period. Care may be provided in the

    Familys home or other settings such as

    special needs camps and enrichment

    programs.

    The Army EFMP put respite care in place to

    give eligible Families, especially now with

    multiple deployments, the opportunity

    to receive respite care when its needed.

    Families apply for the Respite Care Program

    at the U.S. Army Garrison-Miami Family

    Support Center. Eligibility for Respite Care

    Program is based on EFMP enrollment and

    the medical or educational condition of the

    Family member requiring care.

    Qualifying Families are eligible to receive

    up to 40 hours of funded EFMP respite care

    monthly for each certified Family member

    and can receive up to $45 per hour for

    care. The Army Exceptional Family Member

    Program (EFMP) Respite Care now offers

    Provider Training online. This series will

    provide a solid foundation as your provider

    prepares to deliver temporary caregiver

    relief services. This training and information

    provides thorough coordinated resources

    which will assist you in receiving the very

    best in respite services for your families

    with exceptional needs. All new non-family

    member providers are required to complete

    training before they can provide care.

    There are two ways to access the site:

    Direct access:

    http://www.armyefmprespitecaretraining.

    org

    Through Army OneSource:

    http://www.my ArmyOneSource.com

  • Employment Readiness Program at 304 437-2639, or e-mail: [email protected].

    Ten cover-letter strategies

    1. Make it easy for someone to understand who you are. Are you a sales representative, nurse, college professor, chemical engineer, restaurant manager, customer service agent or architect? Be sure to clearly communicate that information at the beginning of your cover letter. Dont make someone read three paragraphs to find this critical information. No one is going to take the time and energy to figure it out.

    2. Use a unique and professional format when writing and typing your cover letters. Make your letters visually attractive and distinctive. Tap into your inner self to see how creative and professional you can be in writing the text and designing the presentation.

    3. Emphasize your most relevant qualifications. Use your cover letters to highlight your skills, experiences, qualifications, honors and credentials that are directly relevant to the companys needs and type of position and/or career path you are pursuing.

    4. Shine a spotlight on your most relevant achievements. Be certain to highlight your career successes, results and

    accomplishments that will be most meaningful to the intended audience of each specific letter.

    5. Include information that you know about the company or the position for which you are applying. If you know any particulars about the company to which you are writing (for example, core issues, challenges, market opportunities, services or management changes), be sure to address those items in your cover letter. Relate specifically how your experience can meet the companys needs and provide solutions to its challenges.

    6. Explain why you want to work for this company in particular. Do you want to work for the company because of its reputation, financial standing, products, services, location or market potential? Everyone likes a good pat on the back for a job well done. Company management is no different. Tell them what theyre doing right that caught your attention.

    7. Be sure your cover letters are neat, clean and well presented. Remember, cover letters are business documents, not advertising materials. They should be attractive and relatively conservative, not over-designed.

    8. Double-check, triple-check, and then have someone else check your letter to be sure that it is error-free. Remember, people dont meet you; they meet a piece of paper. And that piece of paper your cover letter reflects the quality and caliber of the work you will do on their behalf. Even the smallest of errors is unacceptable.

    9. Keep your cover letters short. Cover letters are not essays. We recommend a one-page letter in nearly all circumstances.

    10. Always remind yourself why you are writing each cover letter, and be sure to ask for the interview. Remember, securing an interview is your primary objective for each letter you write.

    For additional information on employment concerns contact the Employment Readiness Program at 305 437-2639, or e-mail: [email protected].

    EMPLOYMENT READINESS: Writing winning cover letters

    A great cover letter can make a difference in whether you get noticed or passed over for a job. It is a great tool that:

    Positions you above the competition. Sells your qualifications and your successes. Demonstrates your knowledge, experience, and expertise. Creates excitement, enthusiasm, and action (an interview).

    How can one letter do all of this? Is it the words you write? Is it the style or the tone of your letter? Is it the visual presentation? Is it the color of paper and the type style you use? Is it the specific achievements you highlight? Is it the years of experience you have? Is it your educational credentials? The answer is all of the above.

    Your cover letter can have a tremendous impact on the quality and success of your search campaign. It is designed as a personal introduction to who you are, custom-made for that specific opportunity, and allows you the opportunity to communicate a great deal of information about yourself both personal and professional. In theory, you are taking excerpts from your resume as they relate to a specific position and rewording them to communicate the same concepts, qualifications, experiences and accomplishments, just in different words. It is not a good idea to type word-for-word the exact language youve already used in your resume.

    Cover letters can be fun to write, although you may not think so. But with the right perspective and a positive attitude, you will find that writing cover letters affords you great flexibility. There are virtually no rules for writing cover letters. This allows you to positively present just those skills, qualifications, achievements and credentials you want to bring to a specific readers attention. Another advantage is that you can be creative in both content and presentation.

    For additional information pertaining to employment concerns contact the

  • Register as a volunteer

    WHY REGISTER? Once you register online

    you never have register again NO MATTER

    where you are stationed next. This registration

    travels with you wherever you go!

    WHY VOLUNTEER? Support your

    community; resume building; meet

    new people; learn something

    new; recognition; experience for

    employment.

    STOP BY! Volunteer Corps, Suite 180,

    8300 NW 33rd Street, Miami, FL 33122,

    305 437-2665/2667.

    STEP 1: Register. Log on to www.

    myarmyonesource.com. Click on Not

    a Member? Join Nowat the top of

    the page. Select Join Army One Source

    Now! (List your military community

    affiliation, found under IMCOM SE as USAG-

    SOUTHCOM.) Complete registration and

    click Continue. You will return to the

    Home page.

    STEP 2: Finding Opportunities. Under the

    Public heading, select Opportunity Locator.

    Select by Military Community (USAG-

    SOUTHCOM), keyword or organization.

    STEP 3: Whats Next? Once youve found

    the volunteer opportunity youre interested

    in, APPLY and e-mail will be sent to the

    Organizational Point of Contact (OPOC),

    who will then contact you.

    HOW TO ADD VOLUNTEER HOURS: (for

    registered volunteers) Go to www.

    myarmyonesource.com and Login. Select

    MY AOS Page at the top, right side of the

    screen. After the page loads you will see

    the volunteer information in a box on the left

    side the screen. Select Service History. If

    you have more than one volunteer position,

    select the position for which you would

    like to add hours.

    Select how you would like to add the

    hours: by day or by period. Add for open

    dates will bring up the calendar for the

    month. For this selection, you need to

    add hours by 15th of the month for the

    previous month hours.

    Add by period will let you add for the

    month, quarter or year Add yours and

    select Save.

    NOTE: You can also access the Volunteer

    Management Information System (VMIS)

    by logging in and then selecting Become a

    Volunteer then AVC Volunteer.

    POC: Mary Ortiz, [email protected].

    mil.

    SOLDIERS. MARINES. SAILORS. AIRMEN.ALL MILITARY. ALL MEMBERS.

    SERVING ARMY MARINE CORPS NAVY AIR FORCE DoD Use of released Department of Defense imagery does not constitute product or organizational endorsement of any kind by the Department of Defense.

    Department of Defense photo. Federally insured by NCUA. Copyright 2010 Navy Federal NFCU 11417 (4-10)

    The benefits of Navy Federal membership are here for you and your family. With great rates, 24/7 member support, over 180 worldwidebranches, free mobile banking, Active Duty Checking and special military loan discounts, Navy Federal is, literally, made for those whoserve. For more information, visit navyfederal.org or call 1-888-842-6328.

    909 S.E. First Avenue, Room 100, Miami, FL

  • WHATS UP IN FMWR ?

    Friend us on

    Facebook

    Fmwr Usag-

    Miami

    MEET Erik Vidal, recreation assistant at the FMWR Fitness Center. Erik is a Certified Level 1 CrossFit

    Coach, a Certified Fitness Trainer, an active CrossFitter, a Miami Dade College student majoring in

    Exercise Science and currently an Officer Candidate in the Florida National Guard. Previously, he served

    as an Active Duty Soldier in the U.S. Army with the 3rd Brigade, 3rd I.D., Ft. Benning, Ga. He deployed to

    Iraq during March 2007 - May 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 5. While serving overseas,

    Erik discovered a passion for fitness and health. He first heard about CrossFit when he came home

    to Miami and discovered CrossFit at IAMCROSSFIT in Doral in August 2009. He was curious about this

    underground method of working out and performing unorthodox workouts while competing against

    other athletes. The formula is simple: constantly varied, functional movements, executed at high

    intensity = CrossFit. His first CrossFit workout was a benchmark, a workout by the name of Fran. His

    performance spoke for itself and Erik has been an avid CrossFitter ever since. CrossFit is his strength

    and conditioning program. Erik has competed at the March 2010 Florida CrossFit Sectionals placing top

    70 in the state out of 150+ competitors. The weekend of 24 July, he competed in the Swamp Monster,

    an event hosted by CrossFit 305 in Miami, and placed in the top 10 out of 70 competitors.

    Erik truly believes that exercise and diet are the means by which to achieve optimum health. To Erik, the most important thing

    is being fit, above all, overall health is wealth. 1 CrossFit because the results are real, my performance is real and the outcome

    is real.

    CROSSFIT

    August 30 - October 14, Monday - Thursday, 600, 0630, 1130, 1200, 1230, 1500,1530. 2 week break, then classes resume November 1 - December 23, Monday - Thursday, 0600, 0630, 1200, 1230, 1500, 1530

    Erik at CrossFit

    Erik and Frank Same

  • The BOSS program provides opportunities for single all Single Service Members, geographical bachelors and single parents. The mission of BOSS is based on three pillars:

    Community involvement, quality of life and recreational activities. BOSS plans a variety of activities throughout the

    year to support these pillars such as the angel tree program, mentorship for elementary students, focus group in the Military Family

    Action Plan, trips to local events and attractions, comedy clubs and fashion shows. BOSS conducts revenue generating programs to raise funds

    to offset the participation fees for all recreation activities.

    For more information, go to http://www.southcom.mil/usag-miami/sites/mwr/mwr-boss.htm, or contact Mr. Steve Ondriezek,

    BOSS FMWR advisor, 305 437-2726.

    Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS)

    OPEN TO ALL SINGLE SERVICE MEMBERS!

    TRX suspension training starting August 30

    TRX is a revolutionary method of leveraged bodyweight exercise with the use of special straps.

    You can safely perform hundreds of exercises that build power, strength, flexibility, balance,

    mobility and prevent injuries, all at the intensity you choose. The straps weigh less than 2two

    pounds. This workout will deliver greater performance and functionality than large exercise

    machines. For more information or to sign up, call Frank Same at 305-437-1152

    Many thanks to our Annual Sponsors for their continued support of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

    The Department of Defense does not endorse the sponsors..

  • When planning your next meeting, think of the EmbassySuites Hotel Miami - Airport, where renovations have beencompleted, with you in mind. Our 12,202 square feet ofstate-of-the-art meeting facilities accommodate groups of upto 400 people. Along with newly renovated guest rooms and public areas, you'll appreciate the convenience of ournew, complimentary business center and fitness center. Our overnight guests enjoy a spacious two-room suite,complimentary, full cooked-to-order breakfast and nightlyManager's Reception.

    Subject to State and Local Laws. Must be of legal drinking age. Rates subject to availabilty at time of booking. Hilton HHonors member-ship, earning of Points & Miles, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. 2005 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

    Miami Ai rpor t

    3974 N.W. South River Drive, Miami FL 33142-4957Tel: 305-634-5000

    www.miamiairport.embassysuites.com1-800-EMBASSY www.embassysuites.com

    G O V E R N M E N T P E R D I E M R A T E S A V A I L A B L E .

    Meetings have a Fresh New Look in Miami

    EEMAF 08-0325 Bugle boy 11/17/08 12:46 AM Page 1

    20 quick tips for successful networking

    1. Always be specific about what you need. 2. Know your strengths. 3. Network even when you think you dont need to. 4.Dont wait for people to come to you. Be proactive. 5. Be more persistent than you think you need to be. 6. Dont internalize rejection. 7. Dont speak negatively about anyone. 8. Be friendly and down-to-earth. 9. Be helpful to others even if theres no obvious direct benefit to you. 10. Stay in touch with people regularly.

    11. Never leave home without business cards (or resumes). 12. Occasionally call people just to say hello. 13. Get known as an information clearinghouse, and thus a valuable resource for others. 14. Sit next to strangers at events, not alone or just with people you know. 15. Focus on names when you meet people. 16. Learn and follow basic rules of business and social etiquette. 17. Dont be afraid to ask others for help. 18. Keep your goals in sight. 19. Take a break occasionallydont get overexposed. 20. Keep a positive attitude.

    For additional information regarding employment concerns, contact the Employment Readiness Program at 305 437-2639, or e-mail: [email protected].

  • GOING GREENFood DisclosureAfter four years of delays driven by intense industry opposition Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is finally being implemented in the United States. The law adds labels to meats, fruits, vegetables, and some nuts, giving shoppers a view of the long supply chains that now stock our shelves.

    Unfortunately the COOL law does not cover processed foods. Cooked meats such as bacon, cured ham, and almost any products with more than one ingredient are exempt from disclosing their country of origin. So a bag of frozen carrots has to disclose its origin, but a bag of mixed carrots and peas does not. Apparently it just too complicated to write Peas from Chile. Carrots from Mexico. on the package!

    Restaurants and food service facilities also are exempt from informing customers where the food theyre eating originates. So you will only see country of origin information in large grocery stores.

    Where is your food from?

    As COOL labels show up in our grocery stores, we are learning that approximately 80% of our seafood, 90% of lamb and mutton, 30% of fresh fruits and nuts, and 13% of vegetables are imported from elsewhere in the world. The top 10 countries exporting food and beverages to the U.S. include: Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia, Chile, New Zealand, Colombia and the European Union.

    It is not surprising to learn that processed foods often travel further than fresh foods. 80% of our wheat gluten which is an important ingredient in many processed foods is now imported. Developing countries such as Mexico and China are increasingly important in our food supply.

    Food imports from China into the U.S. have quadrupled over the last decade. China is now our number one country for importing prepared/preserved fruits, number two for prepared/preserved vegetables, and number four for fresh or frozen vegetables. China also is the number one producer of farmed fish and shellfish in the world, and the number one supplier of apple juice.

    China supplies 80 percent of the worlds ascorbic acid vitamin C one-third of the worlds vitamin A, much of the supply of vitamin B-12, and many health-food supplements, such as lysine. Perhaps most surprising, a growing percentage of imported

    80 percent of the food in the US is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ironically, it is the US Dept. of Agriculture which regulates meat, poultry, and eggs that has more advanced regulatory tools.

    One such tool is called Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP pronounced Hassup). This is essentially a food safety program. The USDA requires food companies producing meat, poultry, seafood, and juice to implement self-monitoring programs that first identify all of the critical control points in their production process where pathogens and contaminants are likely to enter the food supply chain; detail how they will reduce these risks; and then verify through

    testing, their success in eliminating these contaminants. The HACCP plan must be complemented by a Standard Sanitation Operations Plan detailing the plants housekeeping measures.

    The FDA has never required this of the manufacturers that produce the other 80 percent of the food we eat (like the ones producing the spinach, tomatoes, and peanuts that have caused recent outbreaks.)

    Shoppers should know or be able to ask these firms whether they have implemented a HACCP-like program that goes all the way from the farm to the processing plant to the grocery store to your table. These programs should logically

    also cover all of the steps in food production that occur outside of the US as well.

    In this model, the role of government shifts from direct examination of every food product, to verification of the food processors hazard reduction systems, and then spot verification of contaminant reduction efforts. All this information should then made be public so that individuals and organizations such as GoodGuide can use it to evaluate different food manufacturers.

    References: * http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL34080.pdf * http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/February08/DataFeature/ * http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10410111 * www.cspinet.org/new/pdf/fswhitepaper.pdf

    Reprinted with permission from the GoodGuidewww.goodguide.com

    organic foods are now coming from China as well.

    My daughters lunch of fish sticks, crackers, a fruit snack, apple juice, and a vitamin could all be from China. Is it safe?

    Chinese food-safety scandals also are skyrocketing. Just in the last two years, China has been hit with several major controversies. Melamine was found in baby formula and other products containing milk powder. Adulterated pet food ingredients killed dogs and cats across the United States. Farm-raised seafood was contaminated with unapproved drug residues. Diethylene glycol, which is related to a chemical found in anti-freeze, was found in toothpaste.

    Problems with food safety are not restricted to imports. There also have been several product scandals and recalls associated with U.S. food production in the last year. A recent scandal involving salmonella contamination of processed peanuts led to 700 illnesses and 9 deaths, and resulted in more than 2,800 products being voluntarily recalled.

    Prior to that, the U.S. experienced a major E. coli outbreak in bagged spinach, Salmonella in tomatoes, and E. coli in Iceberg lettuce.

    All of this has led Americans to ask: Is my food safe?

    Unfortunately, that is a very difficult question to answer. There is a growing consensus that the U.S. governments system for guaranteeing food safety is broken. There is a clear need, and growing political alignment, toward reforming food safety regulation. Ill get into this in more detail in a future blog post.

    But in the meantime, what is a shopper to do?

  • RELOCATION READINESS

    Culture shock

    Moving is a way of life in the military. Overseas locations bring excitement, a chance to learn and diversified perspectives to the service member and the family. Returning from an overseas location can bring about a new set of trials and tribulations that are sometimes unforeseen. Just like when you moved to your new duty location, the military member and the family took the time to research, plan and prepare for the upcoming cultural adaptation; returning to the States requires the same family preparation and to readapt and readjust.

    Many psychologists define culture shock as the result of being overwhelmed by major life changes to established patterns without usual support systems. What is meant by changes to the established patterns and support systems? It means: new installation, new schools, neighborhood, house playground and maybe the donut shop?

    As a military family, you could have culture shock every time you move no matter if it was from overseas of within CONUS. There are five stages to the culture shock: a. Excitement or honeymoon;b. Withdrawal or emptiness;c. Adjustment or adaptation;d. Readjustment ;e. Enthusiasm or feeling at home.

    Some of the re-entry challenges are:a. Language;b. Rules of politeness;c. Native sense of humor;d. Not knowing your way around;e. Not having a network of family and friends;f. Unfamiliar work culture;g. Different pace of life;h. Lack of previously utilized service and activities.

    All of these challenges seem odd to many. After all, I am returning to my own country. But after living abroad, you may experience

    a disconnect to your own country and culture. This is normal. You may experience impatience, irritability, frustration, anger, sadness, anxiety, home sickness, lack of confidence and exhaustion or fatigue. This is normal.

    COPING STRATEGIES:These are some of the coping strategies that you can you to deal with the emotional turmoil that relocating can produce:1. Use the Military Homefront web site (www.militaryhomefront.com) to learn everything about your new duty station.2. Use your sponsor to fill in the blanks for specific information that you might need. (Example: a piano teacher for your child.)3. Ask questions: of your sponsor, your unit, your commander.4. Have a positive attitude.5. Use your skills and talents to engage in activities in the new duty station.6. Keep In touch with your old friends.7. Balance socializing.8. Try new experiences.9. Share your concerns.10. Set reasonable goals.11. Build a community of old and new.12. Attend a re-entry workshop.

    Come and check out your ACS Relocation Readiness Program Manager for more information and resources: Roxanna Acosta, 305-437-1958, [email protected].

    The lending closet

    Are you new to SOUTHCOM? Are your household good somewhere in transit? Are you leaving us and going to another duty station? Permanent Change of Station may brings some expenses that you did not count on and as most military families, you end up with two coffee pots, three sets of pot and pans and so on.

    Your Family Support Center has a lending closet full of household items to borrow. We have vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, irons and ironing boards, and even playpens, air mattresses and high chairs. They are lent for 30 days extendable to 45 days. Most items are brand new and all you have to do is return them in a clean, serviceable manner.

    So, dont go out and spend your hard earned money. Let us help you. If you are a sponsor,

    please, inform your sponsoree of our services.

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    Plan your next stay at the Hilton Miami Downtown

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    Certain restrictions apply. Availble for rooms booked after May 1, 2009 though December23,2009. 2009 Hilton Hotels Corporation.

  • WHOS WHO

    SPOUSES CORNER

    DORAL, CORAL GABLES, MIAMI LAKES, NORTH MIAMI, NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Eva Raquel Cool, 786 877-0150, [email protected]; www. doralzipcode.webs.com, [email protected]

    HIALEAH, coordinator needed, please call 305 437-2665

    KENDALL, HAMMOCKS, PINECREST, PALMETTO BAY, surrounding areas. Coordinator needed, please call 305 437-2665

    BROWARD COUNTY, Sabrina Bowman, [email protected]; Nila Mistry, [email protected] HOMESTEAD & SOCSOUTH, Kris Rodriguez, [email protected], Fatima Bissonnette, [email protected], [email protected]

    USSOUTHCOM Community Information Meeting (SCCIM)

    SCCIM is held the last Thursday of each month. Zip Code Group Coordinators disseminate information from the SCCIM to the zip code groups. All spouses are encouraged to submit concerns/issues to your area zip code coordinator. The purpose is to share

    ideas and make living in South Florida an enriching experience.

    Meetings: 10 am, 8300 NW 33rd Street,(Molina Building,) Family and MWR Conference Room.

    For more information, call 305 437-2665.

    Zip Code Groups

    Coordinators disseminate information from the monthly SouthCom Community Information Meeting (SCCIM) to spouses

    in their zip code area and present ideas, issues or concerns to the SCCIM. Zip code groups can organize and meet in a

    variety of ways, from monthly information socials to web groups, depending on the desires of the members. Programs such as music play group, 9/11 GI Bill briefing and the recent Evening

    with TRICARE are examples of recent collaborations between Army Community Service and zip code groups. New spouses

    are identified during Service Member in-processing but if you are interested in becoming involved in a group in your area, starting

    a group, or interested in coordinating, please call Vickie DuBois at 305 437-2644.

    SPOUSES NEEDED TO COORDINATE

    the HIALEAH and KENDALL

    ZIP CODE GROUPS!

    Army Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP)

    ADCO, Suicide Prevention and Employee Assistance Programs - Guy W. Drab, [email protected]. mil, 305 437-3078Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC) - Connie Sova, [email protected], 305 437-2428Prevention Education/Activities Coordinator (PC) Carmen Rivera, [email protected]

    USAG-M Public Affairs - Arthur McQueen, 305 437-2685 [email protected]

    USSOUTHCOM

    Clinic Office hours: 0730-1630 For appointments call 305 437-3559 Services TRICARE enrolled membersTRICARE Service Centers 1 800 444-5445 Miramar or USCG Air Station Opa LockaDomestic Violence/Child Abuse John Knoebel 305 437-3072 [email protected] Counseling Center 305 437-3086Housing Referral 305 437-2642Education Service 305 437-2287Carlson Wagonlit 1 800 579-6681

    Di rectorate o f Fami ly and Mora le, We l fa re and Recreat ion ( FMWR)

    One Stop Phone Number: 305 437-2642

    Director - Sheryl Byrd, [email protected] Administration - Vilma Lesesne, [email protected] Management Officer - Marisol Archibold, [email protected] Marketing, Sponsorship and Advertising - Helen Colby, [email protected]: [email protected] Toll Free Hot Line: 1 877 291-1604

    Recreation Services One Stop Phone Number: 305 437-2642

    Recreation, Better Opportunity for Single Service Members (BOSS) - Stephen Ondriezek, [email protected] Information, Tickets and Registration - Eric Ruiz, [email protected] Macarena Schmidt, [email protected] Fitness Center Jill Hauser, [email protected] Frank Same, [email protected] Erik Vidal, [email protected] Angelique Williams, [email protected]

    Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS Services) One Stop Phone Number: 305 437-2642

    CYSS Director - Ileana Gonzalez-Posada, [email protected] - Mary Gomez, [email protected] Liaison Services - Ileana Gonzalez-Posada, [email protected]

    Family Support Division (FSD)One Stop Phone Number: 305 437-2642

    Army Community Service Director - Victoria DuBois, [email protected] - Lydia Sanchez, [email protected] Affairs/Emergency Financial Assistance - vacantEmployment Readiness/Transition Assistance - Joe Pagan, [email protected] Family Advocacy/Exceptional Family Member - Joe Walker, [email protected] Information & Referral - vacantRelocation Readiness - [email protected] Relocation and Employment Readiness SOCSOUTH - Gerald Havens, [email protected] Coordinator - Mary Ortiz, [email protected]

  • LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US - FMWR TRIPS

    U.S. ARMY GARRISON-MIAMIDirectorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation3511 NW 91st AvenueDoral, Florida 33172

    The Bugle Boy is a bimonthly publication of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, U.S. Army Garrison-Miami, and is published for members of the United States Southern Command. Contents of The Bugle Boy are not necessarily the official views of, or are endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Southern Command. The distribution, mention or use of any sponsors products, services, or funds by the U.S. Southern Command does not express or imply an endorsement of the sponsor. All submissions are subject to editing. The appearance of advertising in this newsletter does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army, the U. S. Southern Command or the U.S. Army Garrison-Miami Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by the advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. To submit story ideas, articles, or purchase advertising, call the editor at 305 437-3149.

    All trips depart from the East parking lot at Headquarters at 6 a.m. and depart from each attraction at 7 p.m. (unless noted otherwise.) Deadline to sign up for trips is close of business the Thursday before each trip. All prices include transportation, parking, tolls and entrance

    to the attraction. Prices and times are subject to change. Tickets are available in the ITR, HQ. # 1303A. Phone: 305 437-1595.

    September 25Trip to DISNEYS MAGIC KINGDOMAdult $85, Child $69

    October 16 HALLOWEEN

    HORROR NIGHTSPrices TBA

    Bus Departs Southcom 1pm

    Bus Departs Attraction 2:15am

    November 20DISNEYS HOLLYWOOD STUDIOSAdult $82, Child $72