Historically, April has been designated as

the ,
focusing our nation’s attention on the
character, strength and sacrifice of these
pint-sized troopers and the role they play
in our Armed Forces community. There
are an estimated 1.7 million American
children and youth under 18-years-old
with a parent serving in the military and
approximately 900,000 children and
youth with one or both parents deployed multiple times. The ability of these future
heroes to overcome staggering odds and formidable circumstances to take their
places as contributing members of society reaches fathoms many will never
experience or understand. Many of these children have lost one or both parents to
the call of duty or have had a parent or loved one return from combat injured and
unable to provide the family as they once could. Yet the unwavering resilience with
which these little citizens respond to such circumstances is a testimony of the courage
and character instilled by parents who live and lead by example.

Many of the freedoms we enjoy as a

Fleet and Family Support
Center
nation are a direct result of the men and
101 Vernon Avenue – Bldg women who have fought for those
304/Room 121 freedoms when others could not fight for
850.235.5800/DSN 436.5800
Hours of Operation: them themselves. Some little one’s
Monday – Friday father or mother stood in the gap when
8:00 am to 3:30 pm others could not and sacrificed for the
greater good. This month, let us take time to count our many blessings, enjoy
the freedoms we have because of someone else’s sacrifice, and reflect on the
costs to these children who adapt and adjust to the demands of military life
exhibiting extraordinary heroism, character, courage, and sacrifice.

Child Community
Also Information Corner
Abuse SAPR &
In this Issue: Awareness Program Referral Naval Trivia
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 & 5 Page 6 & 7 Page 8
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 2

April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

We All Can Play a Part in Strengthening Families

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month, and throughout the year, Fleet and
Family Support Center’s Family Advocacy Program encourages all individuals and organizations to play
a role in making Naval Support Activity Panama City a better place for families. By ensuring that
parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help
prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.
Research shows that five important factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors
is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:

• Nurturing and attachment

• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth

development

• Parental resilience

• Social connections

• Concrete supports for parents

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said
Kandis Bainter, Family Advocacy Program Manager. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on
ways to promote the five protective factors in every interaction with families, is the best thing our
community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.”

NSA Panama City and the Family Advocacy Program are holding the following events in April to
recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month:

*4 April @ 1000: Blue Ribbon Tree Event, to be held in front of FFSC and the Medical Clinic
*8 April @ 1500: Blue Ribbon Tree Event, to be held in front of Child and Youth Programs
15 April 0900-11: Parenting Seminar (call 636-6105 to register)
27 April @ 0700: Child Abuse Prevention Walk/Run, meet in front of the Gym

*What is the Blue Ribbon Campaign? In the spring of 1989, a Virginia grandmother began the Blue
Ribbon Campaign as a tribute to her grandson. The 3-year-old died at the hands of his mother’s abusive
boyfriend. The Blue Ribbon Campaign is a memorial to children who have been touched by abuse and
neglect, and a reminder that everyone has a job to do to prevent the maltreatment of children.

Kandis Bainter is a licensed Clinical Counselor and she is
involved in all Domestic Violence cases reported on board
the installation. She is available to counsel all Active Duty
Military, Retirees, and their Families free of charge. For
more information or to schedule counseling for yourself or
one of your subordinates, contact Kandis at 636.6105 or
email kandis.bainter.ctr@navy.mil.
A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
Almost five children die everyday as a result of child
abuse. More than three out of four are under the
age of 4.
Abused children are 25% more likely to experience
teen pregnancy.
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 3

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The month of April has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the United
States. The goal is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate people
how to prevent sexual violence. The Department of Defense has also established
policy committed to maintaining sexual assault –free work environment and reinforce a
culture of prevention, response and accountability.
In 2004, a task force was assembled to review the DoD process for treatment and care
of victims of sexual assault in the Military Services. The committee recommended “the
need to establish a single point of accountability for sexual assault policy.” A comprehensive
policy on prevention and response to sexual assault was established in January 2005 and this policy provides a
foundation for the Department of Defense to improve prevention of sexual assault, significantly enhance support
to victims, and increase reporting and accountability.
The Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, SAPR, reflects the mission of the program, underlining the
importance of both prevention and response. Current policy requires all installation commanders to designate a
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and implement a highly responsive Victim Advocate program
to provide immediate support to victims of sexual assault. The program consists of the following components:
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, SARC
The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is responsible for coordinating response efforts for victims of sexual
assault. The SARC is the single installation POC for sexual assault victim response care management from initial
report to final disposition or until victim no longer needs services.
The Victim Advocate
The SAPR Victim Advocate is a trained volunteer who provides effective and appropriate support and guidance
for victims of sexual assault. The purpose of Victim Advocacy is to provide victims of sexual assault with a
volunteer advocate who can provide information and emotional support, and help guide them through the various
medical, legal, and investigative processes with a goal of minimizing the “re-victimization” of sexual assault
victims.
The Command Liaison Nearly 1 in 4 girls and
The Command Liaison works for the Commander on behalf of the approximately 1 in 6 boys
victim in a sexual assault case. Command Liaisons are appointed
to specific sexual assault cases as they rise. The Command Liaison will be sexually assaulted by
May also be the Command representative at the Sexual Assault the age of 18.
Case Management Group. Additionally, the Command Liaison
should coordinate the case with the responsible Naval Criminal Investigative Services representative and the
installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.
The Data Collection Coordinator, DCC
The DCC is responsible for gathering information and reporting incidents of sexual assault within 24 hours of the
report. The DCC is responsible for obtaining data on sexual assault incidents involving
victims/offenders/sponsors assigned to the installation through a coordinated effort with all agencies involved in
the reporting, investigation, or prosecution of sexual assault.
The SAPR POC
The SAPR POC provides information about the SAPR program and sexual assault prevention and education to
the Command. This is the person who ensures that all service members are trained in Sexual assault prevention
and education.

Michael Jordy is the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator for NSA PC and its tenant commands. If you want more
information or would like to volunteer as a Victim Advocate, contact Michael at 235.5459 or email at
michael.jordy.ctr@navy.mil.
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 4

2011 Annual
Military Spouse Appreciation Event
FREE MANICURES & PEDICURES Date: 13 May 2011
from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm provided by Haney Technical Location: Long Glass, Bldg. 308
Center Cosmetology Department for all who attend. Time: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

For more information call the Fleet and Family Support Center, call 235-5587

Navigating
The Exceptional Family Member Program!
This is the million-dollar question that is DO YOU KNOW THE RIGHT PATH IN THE MAZE
commonly asked by individuals who come OF SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS?
into the Personal Financial Management
(PFM) office at FFSC. The answer isn't Too often programs and services go unused because we don't know
always so simple. In most cases it requires they exist or don't know how to access them; And often there are so
an analysis of possible savings strategies many services available, it’s hard to know which is the right one to
and the types/amounts of debt being use. The Exceptional Family Member Program wants to provide you
carried. So before you follow what your with the proper tools.
favorite TV/Radio/Website personality tells
ATTEND A ONE HOUR BRIEF TO LEARN MORE ABOUT:
his/her listeners to do with their finances -
develop a plan that reflects your unique •What is the Exceptional Family Member Program?
household financial picture (not what •Who needs to enroll and why?
someone hypothecates through the media •What are the benefits?
channels). •How do I complete the forms? Where do I submit them?
What you will discover is that the factors •What is the TRICARE ECHO Program?
mentioned above could sway you to focus •Are there additional resources?
primarily on paying down your debts, OR •Where can I go for support?
you could realize that your debt load is
This brief is open to all Navy
being managed efficiently enough to focus Service Members and their
more on savings strategies. In many families, Civilians, and unit
cases, however, you may be encouraged personnel who are interested
to develop a plan addressing both. How in learning more about the
will you know? Simple - make it a priority EFM Program and the services
today to sit down with a professional and and resources available to
discuss important topics like this. those with an Exceptional
Individual appointments can be made with Family Member.
Mark Kinkade, Personal Financial Manager Date: Tue, 5 April 2011
Registration is required. Please
at FFSC, by calling (850) 235-5611, or call 234.4898 to find out more
Time: 1000-1100
mark.a.kinkade.ctr@navy.mil

LIGHT IT UP BLUE
On the evenings of April 1 and 2, 2011, prominent buildings across North America and the world
— including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada —
will turn their lights blue to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2.
We’re aiming to light the world blue all throughout April — city by city, town by town — by taking
action to raise autism awareness in our communities. Visit http://www.lightitupblue.org/ for more
information on how you can help raise awareness.
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER
The School Liaison Officer is the focal point of contact
between the military installation and the local school
administration. The primary responsibilities of the School
Liaison Officer, or SLO, include advising installation command
on matters concerning student education and school
operations, fostering a cooperative relationship between
school representatives and the military community, and
assisting military families with school transitions.
The goal of the School Liaison Officer is
to empower parents to be their child’s
Best advocate in the education process
allowing children of military families the
opportunity to achieve their highest
potential. For questions or concerns
regarding K-12 education matters, contact
Lynda Kent at 850.774.7976 or email at lynda.kent@navy.mil.
Florida Operation Military Kids and Florida National
Guard are planning another exciting summer of residential
camps. There are three separate camps for children 8 to 12
years old (must be 8 by June 1, 2011) and another camp for
teens 13 to 18 years old (must be 13 by September 1, 2010).
For registration and additional information visit our blog
(http://floridaomk.blogspot.com/).
Child Care Assistance Available:
Contact the following with your child care concerns
- Early Education and Care @ www.elcofnwflorida.org or call
1.866269.5400
- Early Learning Coalition by calling 1.866.357.3239
Kid’s Corner:
The Junior Museum of Bay County offers learning adventures
for kids of all ages, “from 1 to 92.” Exciting exhibits await you,
along with hands-on workshops, special events, regularly
scheduled children’s activities, programs and Adventure
Camps. The mission of the museum is to inspire and educate
children through interactive exhibits and programs focusing on
science, history, cultural studies and the environment.
308 Airport Road
Panama City, FL 32405
Ph: 850-769-6128/Fax: 850-769-6129
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed Sundays and Major Holidays
Page 5
New Parent Support is available for
Military Families. Rosemary Cunningham is a
RN and directs the New Parent Support
Program at Tyndall Air Force Base. She is able
to assist all military beneficiaries with questions
or concerns for expectant parents or parents of
children up to three years old. Primarily, she
offers education on the care and discipline of
children, self-care, and counseling (marital and
individual) as a preventative measure to
domestic violence. The program is voluntary
which means the family doesn't have to accept
the services and can discontinue those services
when they choose. Ms. Cunningham and her
staff are mandatory reporters, so if any family
violence is observed or suspected, they will be
obligated to report it. Additionally, there are
two social workers (Jae Pate and Lynne
Schneider, both LCSW), an administrative
assistant (Kathi Teagarden), and an Outreach
Manager (Michelle Lasater, LSW) on staff.
Parenthood can be a daunting endeavor. Don’t
wait until you are overwhelmed to ask for help.
You can contact Rosemary by using the
following information:
ROSEMARY B. CUNNINGHAM, RN
NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM
325 MDOS/SGOHSF
340 MAGNOLIA CIRCLE
TYNDALL AFB, FL 32404
STOP 46
COMM PH: 850-283-7083
DSN: 523-7083
FAX: 850-283-7721 (com) 523-7721 (dsn)
rosemary.cunningham@tyndall.af.mil
Famous Quotes:
Children are educated by what the
grown-up is and not by his talk.
Carl Jung
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 6

April Calendar of FFSC Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Navigating the EFM Basic Resume
Program 1000-1100
100-1200

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Starting Your Own VA Pre-sep Medical Parenting Seminar

Business Claims 0900-1100
1500-1600 0830-1500

17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Emergency Family Home Buying
Preparedness Strategies IA Discussion Group
1300-1400 1500-1600 1000-1100

24 25 26 27 28 29 30
TSP
SBP & Insurance VA Pre-sep Medical 1000-1100
1100-1200 Claims Children’s
0830-1500 Deployment
Activity Hour
1500-1600
Dates and times of programs are subject to change. Please call the number listed for each program for
confirmation. Registration is required for all events. Events will be cancelled if no participation.

Kandis Bainter Michael Jordy Mark Kinkade

Clinical Counselor/Life Skills Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Personal Financial Manager
Contact at 636.6105 or email Contact at 235.5459 or email Contact at 235.5611 or email
kandis.bainter.ctr@navy.mil michael.jordy.ctr@navy.mil mark.a.kinkade.ctr@navy.mil

Tim Bowers Debra Forand

Work and Family Life Consultant Deployment Specialist/Disaster Coordinator/
Transition Assistance/Employment/Ombudsman Exceptional Family Member POC
Contact at 235.5587 or email Contact at 234.4898 or email
timothy.t.bowers.ctr@navy.mil debra.forand.ctr@navy.mil

The training offered at the Fleet And Family Support
Center has been color coordinated in an attempt to
save space in the newsletter. If you are interested in
any of the classes featured in the calendar, simply
contact the Program Manager whose name
corresponds with the color of the class on the calendar.
We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this
may cause our readers.
Being a kid means being free-spirited. Kids are basically kind, generous, and
loving to those around them! It means having the freedom to laugh, play,
joke, and just have (tons of) fun! It is too easy in this fast-paced world we live
in to stifle a child’s natural behavior and want them to conform to more grown
up standards. As we celebrate the military child this month, let’s all try to curb
our tendency to overlook the important things in life, like letting kids be kids.
Your child will grow up soon enough. Don’t look back on their childhood with
more regret than promise.
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 7

Special this Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and
create strong communities to support children and families. The Department of Health and Human Services
website details the information and resources available to help understand child abuse prevention and what to
do when children are at risk. To learn more, visit www.childwelfare.gov.

The month of April has also been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the United States. The
goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on
how to prevent sexual violence. The 2011 national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign explores
common, everyday behaviors and offers individuals viable, responsible ways to intervene. This primary
prevention approach helps to create environments where people are safe in their relationships, families,
neighborhoods, schools, work places and communities. Visit www.nsvrc.org for more information.

In order to commemorate these two very significant social issues, the FFSC will participate in the following
events:

1 April @ 0800 Proclamation Signing at NSA Galley for both Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault
Prevention

4 April @ 1000 Blue Ribbon Tree Event in front of the FFSC and the Medical Clinic

8 April @ 1500 Blue Ribbon Tree Event in front of Child and Youth Programs

15 April @ 0900 Parenting Seminar

27 April @ 0700 Fun Run/Walk for both Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Prevention
commencing in front of the gym

27 April is also a day designated for civilians to wear jeans, as part of Denim Day USA, and Active Duty
Military to wear teal ribbons in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

History of Denim Day

In early 1990, an 18-year old Italian girl is picked up by her married, 45-year old driving instructor for her very
first lesson. He takes her to an isolated road, pulls her out of the car, wrestles her out of one leg of her jeans
and forcefully rapes her. He threatened to kill her if she tells anyone and he makes her drive the car home.
Later that night she tells her parents, and they help and support her to press charges. The perpetrator gets
arrested and is prosecuted. He is convicted of rape and sentenced to jail.
He appeals the sentence. The case makes it’s all the way to the Italian Supreme Court. Within a matter of days
the case against the driving instructor is overturned, dismissed, and the perpetrator released. In a statement by
the Chief Judge, he argued, “because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them,
and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape but consensual sex.”
Enraged by the verdict, within a matter of hours the women in the Italian Parliament launched into immediate
action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated and emboldened the California
Senate and Assembly to do the same. In 1999, Patricia Giggans, Executive Director of Peace over Violence,
initiated the first Denim Day in LA and the practice has continued every year since.
 Fleet and Family Support Center
April 2011 NEWSLETTER Page 8

What’s Happening in and Around Panama City

4/1- 4/3 Annual Cajun Fest at Schooners featuring Cajun cooking and music beginning at 11:00am on Friday.
4/10 1st Annual RED RUN 5K @ Aaron Bessant Park benefiting the American Heart Association. Call 850) 630-9623
for more information.
4/13-4/17 2011 Seabreeze Jazz Festival @ Pier Park featuring various musicians. Visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.net to
find out more.
4/15-4/17 6th Annual Parrot Head Rendezvous benefiting Children’s Home Society. Call (850) 819-4775 for more information.
4/16 18th Annual KIDFEST @ the Bay County Fairgrounds with doors opening at 10:00 am. Admission is $1 for kids and $2 for adults.
4/23 Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Frank Brown Park
4/24 Easter Sunrise Service at Pier Park beach front For more
4/27-4/30 13th Annual Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival @ Frank Brown Park information
4/27-5/1 13th Annual Thunder Beach Rally featuring a variety of venues. For a complete listing of entertainment and on upcoming
activities, visit http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
events,
Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida has ongoing exhibits to engage all the senses. The purpose call 235.5800
of the Visual Arts Center is to foster excellence, diversity and vitality of the visual arts, to broaden availability
and appreciation of those arts through education and exhibitions, and to serve as a source of information
about cultural events in Northwest Florida. Call 850.769.4451 to learn more.

Girl Scouts need You!

Preparing for
If you are interested in being a Girl
M Hurricane Season
Scout leader or volunteer, contact
a Rosanne Kelly - - - Girl Scouts of
Military Spouse
y Appreciation the Florida Panhandle @ 850-873-
3999.

Join us on Facebook for the latest Fleet and Family news and
J Single information. Be part of the conversation! Search
for "FFSC Panama City“ on Facebook or use this link to stay
u Sailors connected - http://www.facebook.com/pages/FFSC-Panama-
n City/187350194633211#!/pages/FFSC-Panama-
e City/187350194633211

Naval History:
Born in Newport, RI, on April 10, 1794, Matthew Calbraith Perry was the son of a Gangway: either of the sides
Naval officer and prepared for a similar career, receiving a warrant as midshipman of the upper deck of a ship
on January 16, 1809. Promoted to lieutenant on July 24, 1813, he served aboard
various vessels until awarded his first command, the USS Shark. Serving as the vessel's captain for four
years, Perry was assigned to suppress piracy and the slave trade in the West Indies. He was promoted to
master commandant on March 21, 1826, after which he moved through a series of shore assignments,
served on the committee that advised the Secretary of the Navy regarding the US Exploring Expedition, and
founded the first Naval Engineer Corps. Commodore Perry served in the Mexican-American War before
being commissioned to negotiate a treaty with Japan to open at least one Japanese port to trade and secure
the protection of American seamen and property in that country. After a long and distinguished naval
career, Commodore Matthew Perry died on March 4, 1858 at his home in New York.