Corps ConneCtions - Marine Corps Community Services

Corps 

Connections 

Serving Marines and their Families in the National Capital Region 

issue 11 • JULY – SePTEMBER 2010

2 Corps Connections • JULY – SEPTEMBER 2010

Cover photo by Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer 

August 12, 2008 

CORPS CONNECTIONS 

DIRECTOR 

Roger Weger 

DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

Susan M. Lindquist 

MARKETING OFFICER 

Doriann Geller 

ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP SPECIALIST 

Julie A. Shourds 

GRAPHIC ARTIST/WEBMASTER 

J. Felix Gonzalez 

Special Events/ 

Commercial Enterprises coordinator 

Holly Lane 

For advertising 

Call 703-309-7581 

or email: shourdsj@usmc-mccs.org 

Advertising rates at www.mccsHH.com. 

Corps Connections is published quarterly by 

Marine Corps Community Services Henderson 

Hall, P. O. Box 4009, Arlington, Virginia 22204- 

0009. Content is intended for military members 

in the National Capital Region. Copyright ©2010 

by MCCS. All rights reserved. No part of this 

publication may be reproduced, stored in a 

retrieval system, or transferred in any form, by 

any means—electronic, photocopying, recording, 

or otherwise—without written consent of the 

copyright holder. The appearance of advertising 

and sponsors’ logos does not constitute federal 

or Marine Corps endorsement. For copies, please 

phone 703-693-5351. 

[contents] 

Serving Those Who Serve.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Marine Corps Community Services enhances Marines’ quality of life 

NEWS & NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

L.I.N.K.S. Mentors: An Opportunity to Serve by Trish Sowell 

HELP IS HERE .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

U.S.M.C. Victim Advocacy Program information by Anna Brown 

Exceptional support for exceptional families .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

IEP and support functions are explained by Jen Wong 

101 days of summer safety .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

How to keep your family safe this summer by Diane Waters 

smp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Upcoming events for single or unaccompanied Marines and sailors 

Upcoming events.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Mark your calendar and plan to attend these MCCS events 

Telephone List and Hours of Operation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

[WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO] 

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2010 

Corps Connections brings information on MCCS programs and services 

to Marines and their family members in the National Capital Region. 

Please visit us online at www.mccsHH.com. 

JULY – SEPTEMBER • Corps Connections 3

[FROM THE EDITOR] 

Serving Those Who Serve 

What better place is there for fireworks on 

Independence Day than Washington 

D.C.? We who are so fortunate to serve those 

who serve in the National Capital Region have 

one of the best Fourth of July fireworks shows 

lighting up the skies right outside our offices at 

Henderson Hall. 

This year MCCS has planned an event on 

Sunday, July 4: It’s “A Semper Fi Salute” to 

celebrating 234 years of our nation’s freedom. 

All military families and their guests are 

welcome to come aboard Henderson Hall for 

free activities in front of the Marine Corps 

Exchange and at the pool. Bring a picnic lunch 

or purchase hotdogs, hamburgers, and an array 

of side dishes at the Marine Club’s Marine 

Landing Deck. Prices are family-friendly to 

help make your Fourth spectacular. We’ll have a 

deejay to make things even more festive, and, to 

cap off the evening with a bang, we’re providing 

free shuttle transportation to Fort Myer’s 

Whipple Field, a prime fireworks viewing area. 

Another local event that makes living in 

the D.C. area so exciting is, among others, 

the Sunset Parade, held Tuesday evenings 

through August 17 at the Marine Corps War 

Memorial. This free, one-hour performance 

features “The Commandant’s Own,” The 

United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, 

and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. For 

details, check the website, www.mbw.usmc. 

mil/parade_sunsetdefault.asp. 

Enjoy summer here or wherever you are. If 

you’re here, be sure to take advantage of all that 

Washington D.C. has to offer. 

Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall reaches 

Marines and their family members in the National Capital 

Region Command. Structured similarly throughout the Marine 

Corps, MCCS Henderson Hall comprises Semper Fit, Retail 

Operations, Marine and Family Services incorporating Marine Corps 

Family Team Building, and Support. Together, we provide qualityof-life 

enhancing goods, services, and programs to service members 

and their families. 

Want to know more about MCCS? Find out about what we offer 

to those whom we serve by visiting www.mccsHH.com for more 

comprehensive and continually updated information. 

[FOLLOW US] 

Follow us on twitter.com/mccsHH. 

[LET US KNOW] 

We welcome your comments and value your opinion. Interactive 

Customer Evaluation (ICE) provides information on 

our services and on online comment card system. Let 

us know how we’re doing at http://ice.disa.mil. 

Military OneSource stands ready to assist you with helpful counselors available 

by e-mail and by phone. View discussion boards and gain answers to your 

questions through the site’s comprehensive resources for military families. It’s 

all free! Log on to www.militaryonesource.com. 

Marketing Officer 

MCCS Henderson Hall 

Nearly 100 spouses enjoyed a Marine Spouse Appreciation “Beauty Boot Camp” 

featuring information and services. The event was held in Smith Gym to mark 

Military Spouse Appreciation month. 



[MARINE CORPS FAMILY TEAM BUILDING] 

News & Notes 

L.I.N.K.S. Mentors: An Opportunity to Serve 

by Trish Sowell 

Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, 

and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.), has been Marine 

Corps Family Team Building’s foundational 

education program since 1997. For over 12 

years, countless volunteers have dedicated 

themselves to the L.I.N.K.S. program as mentors, 

educating spouses, Marines, children of Marines, and 

extended family members on the unique aspects of the 

Marine Corps lifestyle. Some topics that L.I.N.KS. covers 

are Marine Corps history and traditions, benefits, services, 

tips for successful moves, managing finances, and surviving 

deployments. 

For today’s military spouse, especially when multiple 

deployments are a reality, having support from other spouses 

is important. Networking 

with like-minded people 

and developing new 

friendships are also 

a significant part of 

L.I.N.K.S. 

Every Marine spouse 

has a unique experience 

and something valuable 

to add and share at 

L.I.N.K.S. sessions. 

Mentors have always been the driving force behind 

L.I.N.K.S.: sharing their knowledge and unique Marine 

Corps experiences allows them to have a direct impact 

on military family members, enabling families to better 

understand, embrace, and make the most of their life in 

the Corps. L.I.N.K.S. mentors assist in a variety of ways 

in their facilitation of day, evening, and weekend classes, as 

their schedule permits. 

What are the benefits to being a L.I.N.K.S. mentor? 

Aside from being recognized during the annual Volunteer 

Appreciation Event in April, mentors gain professional 

experience and develop portable skills they take with them 

to future duty stations. L.I.N.K.S. mentorship provides a 

fulfilling and rewarding way to give back and support your 

fellow Marine spouses. 

If the terms PCS, TAD, and MOS seem to roll off your 

tongue, if you have lost count of how many moves you have 

made, or if you have been through a deployment or duty 

separation with your Marine, L.I.N.K.S. needs you! Come 

and share your valuable experience and information with 

new Marines, spouses, teens, and kids. 

Want more information on how you can become 

a L.I.N.K.S. mentor? Contact the Henderson Hall 

L.I.N.K.S. Trainer at 703-693-1457. 

Ms. Sowell is the Marine Corps Family Team Building 

L.I.N.K.S. Trainer at MCCS Henderson Hall 

UPCOMING L.I.N.K.S. WORKSHOPS 

July 2 L.I.N.K.S. for Kids! 

9 AM – Noon 

Indian Head Youth Center 

July 13 L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses 

5 – 9 PM 

Henderson Hall, Bldg. 12 

July 14 L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses 

5 – 9 PM 


July 21 L.I.N.K.S. for Marines 

9 AM – Noon 



[MARINE & FAMILY SERVICES] 

Help Is Here 

U.S.M.C. Victim Advocacy Program 

by Anna Barton, Victim Advocate 

If you or someone you know or care about is a victim 

of domestic violence or sexual assault, please be 

assured that support is available. The MCCS 

Henderson Hall Victim Advocacy Program has 

Victim Advocates available to provide support by 

giving information and referral to victims of both domestic 

violence and sexual assault. 

The Victim Advocacy Program is part of the Family 

Advocacy Program, one of the many programs offered 

through Marine and Family Services. Victim Advocates are 

available to respond 24/7 and may also be contacted during 

business hours with any questions or concerns regarding 

advocacy services. 

Victim Advocates provide information about domestic 

violence and sexual assault, suggest safe and confidential 

ways to seek assistance, and discuss the rights of military 

service members or spouses. 

Victim Advocates also are available to provide immediate 

emotional support, assist in safety planning, advise victims 

of their rights, explain victim reporting options, and explore 

available resources. Additionally, they may accompany and 

support victims during medical, legal and investigative 

proceedings. 

The Department of Defense has established two reporting 

options available to victims of domestic violence and sexual 

assault: restricted and unrestricted reporting. For more 

information on the reporting options available to military 

service members and spouses, please contact a Victim 

Advocate. 

Victim Advocates are located at Marine and Family 

Services at Henderson Hall and are able to serve Marines 

and spouses or intimate partners in the National Capital 

Region. To reach a Victim Advocate during business hours 

Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM- 4:30 PM, call 703- 

614-7204 and ask to speak with an advocate. For afterhours 

victim assistance, please contact Ft. Myer PMO at 

703-696-3525 and ask to be connected to a Marine Corps 

Victim Advocate. 

Ms. Barton is a Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocate 


To reach a Victim Advocate during business hours 

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 

call 703-614-7204 and ask to speak with an 

advocate. For after-hours victim assistance, please 

contact Fort Myer PMO at 703-696-3525 and ask to 

be connected to a Marine Corps Victim Advocate. 


[marine & family services] 

Exceptional Support 

for exceptional families 

by Jen Wong 

All parents want to see their 

children lead a healthy, happy 

life and excel at achieving their 

goals; this includes in the classroom. 

Parents can collaborate with educators 

to play an important role in making sure 

that their children are receiving quality 

services and are given every opportunity 

to reach their goals. When a child has a 

medical, emotional or mental condition 

and may require additional services at 

school, it is even more critical that the 

parents become actively involved in the 

school’s Individualized Education Plan 

(IEP) or Individualized Family Service 

Plan (IFSP) process. 

IEP Explained 

The IEP is a written document that lists 

the additional services and resources 

necessary to enable a child with a 

disability to excel in the classroom. It 

also acts as an evaluation tool in order 

to objectively determine the child’s 

progress toward meeting goals. 

Parents often assume that the 

educator is the most qualified individual 

to play a role in the IEP process. 

Sometimes parents feel intimidated 

by the process or feel they are not the 

most knowledgeable about educational 

services and legal terminology. Or 

maybe the parents logistically can’t 

find childcare, transportation or time 

off from work in order to attend IEP 

meetings. Be cautious: schools often 

misinterpret this lack of parental 

involvement. They may think that the 

parents’ silence in fact means that the 

parents are comfortable with how their 

child’s educational goals are being met, 

or don’t particularly care what services 

their child does or does not receive. 

Know that parents are equal members 

of the IEP team and should advocate 

for the best education possible for their 

child. Some could say that the parents 

offer the best input regarding the child’s 

best interests because they know their 

child best. They know their child’s 

strengths and weaknesses, how the 

child learns, whether the child’s skills 

used at school are also being used at 

home, the child’s interests and overall 

what works for the child. When parents 

are actively involved in the IEP process, 

there is improved communication 

between the school and parent and 

there is a united understanding about 

what the child’s goals are and how they 

can be best attained. Know that the 

parents are not merely invited as a guest 

to the IEP meeting, but are rather an 

active member of the IEP team. 

EFMP Support Functions 

The Marine Corps Exceptional Family 

Member Program (EFMP) offers many 

support functions to its families. One 

is in the school system for children 

who may require additional services. 

Some conditions that would qualify 

a dependent for enrollment into the 

EFMP are: asthma, autism spectrum 

disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, 

dyslexia, cancer, cerebral palsy, multiple 

sclerosis, ADD, ADHD, oppositional 

defiant disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, 

developmental delays, hearing or visual 

impairments, speech therapy, physical 

therapy and pervasive development 

disorder. 

When a child has a diagnosed 

condition it is even more important to 

make sure that he or she is receiving 

quality services in order to receive the 

best education possible. Whether the 

child is just reaching school age or has 

had an IEP for quite some time, now 

is the time to re-evaluate and truly 

understand the IEP. 

Perhaps it would be helpful to speak 

with the EFMP Case Worker or invite 

the Case Worker to an IEP meeting. 

The Case Worker can assist parents in 

understanding the IEP process, asking 

questions, reviewing all available 

resources and acting as an advocate 

and supporter of the family. Or perhaps 

EFMP could come to the installation 

to run a workshop. The Education, 

Training and Outreach Specialist 

offers educational training classes and 

seminars regarding a variety of topics, 

including IEPs. For more information 

please call the EFMP Office at 703- 

693-5353. 

Ms. Wong is the EFMP Training, 

Education, and Outreach specialist, 






101 Days of Summer Safety 

by Diane Waters, LCSW 

“ 

Summertime and the living is 

easy…..fish are jumping and the 

cotton is high” This song from 

the 1935 Porgy & Bess musical brings 

memories of sipping iced tea as we 

swing on the front porch relaxing and 

soaking up the sound and smells of 

summer. We look forward to it all year: 

vacations to the beach, family reunions, 

camping with the kids, swimming, and 

bike riding. 

During the summer, families spend 

more time outdoors than any other 

season. For that reason, parents should 

keep in mind the extra ways to keep 

children safe when the weather is hot. 

With adequate preparation you and 

your children can have a fun and safe 

summer season. Keep the following 

points in mind this summer: 

Keep children hydrated. Offer kids 

plenty of water – especially when 

children are playing or exercising. Soft 

drinks with caffeine act as diuretics and 

are not a means of hydrating. Parents 

should limit outdoor activities when the 

heat and humidity are at critical levels. 

Avoid sun exposure by dressing infants 

in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved 

shirts and brimmed hats. For children 

6 months of age and older make sure to 

apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 

higher at least 30 minutes prior to going 

outdoors and apply every two hours 

thereafter more often when sweating 

or swimming. Combination sunscreen/ 

insect repellents should be avoided, as 

sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 

two hours but most insect repellents 

should not be reapplied. Please consult 

with your pediatrician if you have any 

questions regarding your child’s use of 

these products. 

Supervise children in and around 

the pool areas. According to the 

U.S. Consumer and Products Safety 

Commission, an estimated 260 children 

under five years of age drown each year 

in residential swimming pools and 

spas. Nationwide, drowning is the 4th 

leading cause of death to children under 

five years of age. Avoid use of inflatable 

swimming aids such as “floaties.” 

Swimming lessons can be a great 

idea for children over 4 years of age. 

Learning CPR and first aid is a good 

idea for adults and teenagers. Check 

with your local pool for lessons/courses 

for you and your child. Remember 

whenever infants are in or around the 

water, an adult should be within arm’s 

length, providing supervision and able 

to touch them. 

Bike safety is another area of concern 

during the summer. Children’s bike 

riding accidents increase during the 

summer. Buy a bike that is the right 

size for your child - not one that he/she 

has to grow into as oversized bicycles are 

especially dangerous. When purchasing 

a helmet, make sure that the label or 

sticker indicates that the helmet meets 

CPSC safety standards. Wearing a 

helmet will protect your children from 

serious injury and will help them wear a 

helmet in the future as adults. 

Never leave your child or pet alone 

in a car. Temperatures can rise quickly 

inside a vehicle with or without windows 

open. It takes only 10 minutes for a car 

to heat up by 19 degrees and children’s 

bodies’ heat up 3 to 5 times faster than 

adults. Between 1998-2009, more than 

445 children died from hyperthermia 

or heat stroke when left unattended in 

a vehicle. 1 

Another summer time challenge for 

families is traveling long distances in 

the car with small children. Remember 

to keep realistic expectations for the 

age of your child just as you do at 

home. Children as young as 2 years old 

can be taught acceptable and expected 

behaviors. One class that is offered by 

the New Parent Support Program is 

“1-2-3 Magic!” This class is helpful in 

setting healthy boundaries for parents 

and children. 

Visit the Henderson Hall Marine 

Corps Community Services website 

at www.mcchh.com and search New 

Parent Support Program to learn about 

the next “1-2-3 Magic!” class and other 

program services. 

1 

http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/ 

safety/news/2010/forgotten_child_031710.jsp 

Ms. Waters is the 

New Parent Support Program manager 



GOLF WITH US 

April – September 2010 

Monthly scrambles include: 

• 18 Holes, Green Fees, Cart 

• Post Event Awards Luncheon 

• Awards and giveaways 

• Prizes at each tournament and the chance to win 

a one-night stay for two at Lansdowne Resort 

Date, Time Place Active Others Register 

July 16, 8:30 AM Meadows Farms, Locust Grove VA $25 $50 July 2 

August 20, 9 AM Lee’s Hill, Fredericksburg VA $28 $56 August 6 

September 10, 8 AM MCB Quantico, Quantico VA $24 $47 August 27 

[SEMPER FIT] 

STAR WARS iN CoNCERT 

Saturday, July 17, 2 PM & 7 PM 

Verizon Center 

Don’t miss this chance to see your favorite 

Star Wars characters on the big screen 

to the accompaniment of 

live concert music. 

Tickets available for sale at 

Henderson Hall’s 

Information, Tickets and Tours Offi ce 

703-979-8420 ext. 116 

Join us for a day on the golf course— 

open to DOD ID card holders and their guests. 

sponsored by 

Register by calling 

703-697-2706 

Insuring Marines and their families 

for 130 years. 

Life insurance created specifically for you 

without limitations, without hassles, 

without added cost. Covering you when 

and where you need it most. 

Find out how to protect your family— 

Call 800-628-6011 or visit navymutual.org. 

Henderson Hall | 29 Carpenter Road | Arlington, VA 22212 

800-628-6011 | www.navymutual.org 


[SINGLE MARINE PROGRAM] 


Single 

Marine 

Program 

July 

8 Monster Movie Night, 8 PM, MDCXXX Lounge 

13 Council Meeting, 3 PM, MDCXXX Lounge 



29 Volunteer Opportunity, 6 PM, Arlington Food Assistance Center 


August 



6–8 Joint SMP White Water Rafting, TBA, Lansing WV 




27–29 Trip to the Beach, 6 AM, Virginia Beach, VA 

September 


13–17 Trip to the Caribbean, TBA 


14 Pizza Night & Birthday Celebration, 5 PM, MDCXXX Lounge 



30 Barracks Bash, 7:30 PM, MDCXXX Lounge 

30 Volunteer Opportunity, 6 PM, Arlington Food Assistance Center 

Single Marine Program 

sponsored throughout the year by 


[PLAN AHEAD] 

Upcoming Events 

July 

July 1 Pre-Independence Day Battalion Picnic, 11 AM – 2 PM, Marine Club 

July 4 

July 13 

July 16 

“A Semper Fi Salute”, 3 – 8 PM, Zembiec Pool, Marine Club 

Welcome Aboard Orientation, 8 AM, Marine Club 

Golf with Us, 9 AM, Meadows Farms 

July 17 “July Justice” Amateur Boxing, 3 PM, Smith Gym 

August 

August 10 Welcome Aboard Orientation, 8 AM, Marine Club 

August 20 Golf with Us, 8:30 AM, Lee’s Hill 

Golf with Us 

April – September 

Join us at these 

upcoming events! 

Pre-Holiday 

Battalion Picnics 

September 

September 2 Pre-Labor Day Battalion Picnic, 11 AM – 2 PM, Marine Club 

September 10 Golf with Us, 8 AM, MCB Quantico 

September 14 Welcome Aboard Orientation, 8 AM, Marine Club 

September 15 Devil Dog Run, 6:35 AM, Smith Gym 

September 18 Tailgating with Your MCX, 10 AM – 3 PM, MCX 

Devil Dog Run 

September 15 

Tailgating with your MCX 

September 18 


[TELEPHONE NUMBERS & HOURS OF OPERATION] 


Administrative Offices 

703-979-8420 ext. 323 

Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Barber Shop 

703-271-8177 


Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Sunday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Career Resource Management Center 

703-614-6828 


Gear Issue 

703-693-4731 

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Gym 

703-614-7214 



Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Information, Tickets & Tours 

703-979-8420 ext. 116 

Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 


Marine and Family Services 

703-614-7200 


Marine Club 

703-614-2125/5830 

Monday – Friday Lunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Monday – Thursday Bar Menu 4 – 8 p.m. 

Friday Bar Menu 4 – 11 p.m. 

Marine Corps Exchange 

703-979-8420 


Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 


Marine Corps Family Team Building 

703-693-4840 


Marine Mart at Eighth & I 

202-433-2848 


Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Military Clothing Sales 

703-979-8420 ext. 104 



Pool 

703-693-7351 

Hours vary by season 

Semper Fit Administration 

703-614-4447 

Monday – Friday 7:30 – 4:30 PM 

Single Marine Program 

SMP MDCXXX Lounge 

703-614-4947 

Daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

The Vineyard 

703-979-8420 ext. 105 




Visit us Online 

• photo gallery 

• news 

• hours of operation 

• locations 

• weekly e-mail newsletter 

• sales 

• in-depth information 

www.mccsHH.com 

Coming in Summer 2010...a new way of looking at mccsHH.com 


15% 

off 

on qualifying 

monthly 

recurring 

charges. 

Sign up today! 

T-Mobile Premier Discounts available to Federal Government, Military 

Service Members, Family, Retirees & Civilian Personnel 

• 15% discount on monthly recurring charges for 

new and existing customers 

• Discounts on the latest devices for new customers 

• Waived activation fee 

Only available by calling T-Mobile at 1-877-426-2024, option 3 

Use promotional code: 14758TMOFAV 

Limited time offer; subject to change. Qualifying postpaid individual-liable plan required; FlexPay, Even More Plus, and certain other plans (e.g., plans no longer marketed by T-Mobile) excluded. Credit 

approval and two-year service agreement is required; up to $200/line early cancellation fee applies to 2-year agreements. Monthly discount is applied to recurring charges and does not apply to overage, 

long distance, roaming, taxes and fees, or other charges. Offer may not be combined with any other discounts. Proof of eligibility may be required. See brochures and T-Mobile’s Terms and Conditions 

(including arbitration provisions) at www.T-Mobile.com, for rate plan information, charges for features and services, and restrictions and details. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks 

of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2010 T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Corps ConneCtions - Marine Corps Community Services

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?