Military OneSource: FREE H&R Block Basic Online Tax Preparation Service

Military OneSource is pleased to announce the availability of the Military OneSource version of the H&R Block Basic online tax preparation service. If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save and file your 2013 Federal and up to three State returns online at no charge to you with the H&R Block Basic tool.

What can YOU do to prevent the FLU? CDC shares 3 Actions!

CDC Says “Take 3” Actions To Fight The Flu

Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death.
CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from influenza (the flu):

Take time to get a flu vaccine.

• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. (See upcoming season’s Vaccine Virus Selection for this season’s vaccine composition.)
• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the current season's vaccines are available.
• Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
• People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
• Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

• If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.
• Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter.
• Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For people with high risk factors [702 KB, 2 pages], treatment with an antiviral drug can mean the difference between having a milder illness versus a very serious illness that could result in a hospital stay.
• Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health or is very sick from the flu. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking this drug.
• Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

1 Take time to get a flu vaccine.

• CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common.
• The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic.
• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as the 2011-2012 vaccines are available.
• Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.
• People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.
• Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

2 Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

3 Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

• If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.
• Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. They are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) and are not available over-the-counter.
• Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
• It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early (within the first 2 days of symptoms) to treat people who are very sick (such as those who are hospitalized) or people who are sick with flu symptoms and who are at increased risk of severe flu illness, such as pregnant women, young children, people 65 and older and people with certain chronic health conditions.
• Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Visit CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu

'Salute Our Troops' Roo Cup to Support GA National Guard Support Foundation

H&R Block at Home® Free Tax Filing Service

H&R Block at Home® Free Tax Filing Service
Military OneSource is once again offering a free, electronic tax filing service. If you are eligible under the Military OneSource program, you can complete, save, and file your 2011 federal and up to three state returns online free with the H&R Block At Home® tool.

To access this free version of H&R Block At Home®, you must start your return from the Military OneSource H&R Block At Home® link. Once you click the link you will be required to log in to Military OneSource. From the login page you will be directed to a site containing additional information on tax preparation, including the link to the Military OneSource free H&R Block At Home® service.

If you have questions about this tax service or about preparing your own tax returns, please call 1-800-342-9647 and ask to speak with a Military OneSource tax consultant. Trained tax consultants are available 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., EST. For online assistance with questions about deductions, exemptions, and filing deadlines, send inquiries to TaxQuestions@militaryonesource.com.

Save the Date! OCT 19, 2011 ***HELP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES*** WAYS TO SAVE YOUR HOME***

OCT. 19, 2011-The Georgia Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (GISFAC)Presents...

***HELP FOR MILITARY FAMILIES*** WAYS TO SAVE YOUR HOME***

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Learn Valuable Information From: CCCS ATLANTA ,Credability.org
Speak One on One With: Bank of America, Wells Fargo,Chase,GMAC,Supreme Lending

Take Advantage of:
New Low Interest Rates for Existing VA LOANS

Know Where You Stand:
GET YOUR CREDIT REPORT FOR FREE

Location: DOBBINS AFB
Finch Building
Auditorium 1388 First Street
Marietta, GA

For more info Contact:
Lynda M. Smith
Phone: 770-883-7430
Fax: 678-653-9174
E-mail: lynda.m.smith@healthnet.com

REGISTER:
http://www.jointservicessupport.org/
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GISFAC

Save the Date! Career Expo!!! August 17, 2011

Career Expo! August 17, 2011 from 9am to 3pm American Legion Post #135 1108 Bull Street Savannah, GA COMPANIES LOOKING TO HIRE: Gulf Stream Aerospace Corp, Delta Metals, Metro Ports, International Paper Company, East Coast Terminal Co, Target, Blue Force Gear, 24 Seven Family Fitness & Tanning Centers, Country Inn & Suites and more! Resume Help? Military One Source CW2 James Pawlick 770.845.5619 and more info? facebook.com/yellowribbonga

April is the Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child

Check the flyer below to find an event near you!

Georgia National Guard State Youth Council

Youth Council consists of volunteer members between the ages of 13-17 years old. Meetings are held four times yearly to train, brainstorm, and plan activities that serve to enhance the quality of life for our Guard Youth.

The goal of the Georgia National Guard State Youth Council is for Guard Youth to work together in order to identify and define issues that specifically affects them. Our goal is to actively engage Guard Youth in addressing and implementing ways to foster personal growth and enhance the lives of military youth.


Please answer and complete all items in this application. For consideration, this application packet is due by February 28, 2011. After review of all returned application packets, you will be notified by mail or email of the decision. Please be sure you complete and return all items in order for your application to be processed. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Child & Youth Director.


Qualifications


• Must be between the ages of 13-17


• Maintain high academic standing at school (3.0 GPA or higher)*


• Ability to attend quarterly meetings, Webinars, and/or conference calls


• Must be willing to serve at least one year


• Willingness and desire to work with other military youth


• Must represent GANG Youth Council at statewide and community events in a professional and positive manner


• Strong written and oral communication skills


• Ability to work as a team player and actively participate


• Must be a positive role model


*If your GPA is slightly lower than a 3.0, please fill out application, and we will assist you with raising it.



Military Benefits and Services Expo January 22, 2011

Deployed Military Families

On Saturday Jan 22nd 2011 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the American Legion in Conyers Georgia we are conducting a Yellow Ribbon Event for the families of  deployed service members.

This event focuses on solving problems and issues families of deployed service members may be having. There will not be any briefings.  The service support personnel at this event will be there to find a solution to your issue or at the least be able provide accurate information as it relates to the issue.

There will not be child care provided for this event. However, children are most welcome. We will have counselors on site if any child or parent wants to discuss the effects of deployed parents or spouses, may be having upon their daily routine and life.

Below you will find a list of the support agencies projected to be on site to assist you.

EXPECTED SERVICES AND BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

* AMERICAN LEGION

* AMERICAN VETERANS

* BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

* CHAPLAIN CORP

* CREDIT UNION/FOUNDATION

* DEERS/RAPIDS

* EDUCATION

* ESGR

* FINANCE

* GA DEPT. OF LABOR

* HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

* KIDS CORNER

* MILITARY ONE SOURCE

* OPERATION HOME FRONT

* TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ADVISORS

* TRICARE

* VETERANS AFFAIRS

* VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

With the 2010 Holiday season rapidly approaching us, comes Black Friday and the much anticipated holiday shopping season.Changes are constantly occurring in electronic technology producing faster computers, smarter cell phones, and better cars. However, along with these improvements come new methods from the criminal element to steal our identities, our hard earned money and our holiday gifts that we all have worked so hard for. We all can make this it a lot more difficult for the common thief’s by following a few easy precautions; we have provided you with a list for some of these for your consideration for this upcoming season.

The Physical Security Section folks for the Georgia National Guard Provost Marshal Office would like to take this opportunity to share some very important security precautions with our Georgia National Guard Families.

Black Friday-Holiday Shopping-


Before going out on that much anticipated day clean out that cluttered trunk or back of your van allowing room for all of your packages that you plan to purchase. Avoid leaving packages out in plain view, such as on front seat etc.

CLEAN THE GARAGE and use it to park your vehicle in, it’s much safer to get in and out of and besides it will warm up faster on those cold mornings.

SHOP WITH A FRIEND this is a great opportunity to catch up on the latest with a close friend and have lunch, try to never shop alone. However if you do wind up shopping alone and you get ready to leave the mall/store and you feel uncomfortable going to your vehicle alone especially when it’s dark or late, request mall/store security for a escort, that's what they are for.

Try OBTAINING CREDIT CARDS WITH YOUR PHOTO ON THEM, avoid using debit cards and your pin in crowded stores; most debit cards can be used as credit cards, use that option. Change pin codes at least semi annually.

If your SSN or drivers license number are on your checks HAVE THEM REMOVED, you can always write them in as you need to, besides all you need is your driver's license number avoid giving your SSN to anyone.

DON’T CARRY LARGE AMMOUNTS OF CASH-even if you don't have a debit or credit card you can buy a loadable debit/credit card, the minimum cost is worth it, if you lose it you can get it replaced almost instantly

DON’T CARRY LARGE HANDBAGS, purses etc, consider hip bags-harder to steal, men button your pocket carrying your wallet making harder for pick pockets.

ATM usage-AVOID USING MALL ATM’S AND WALK-UP KIOSKS where there a lot of people around. Thief’s use cell phone cameras and recorders to record you entering your pin for your card, than attempt to steal your purse and or wallet later on.

PARK IN A WELL LIT AREA and whatever you do never lock/unlock your vehicle using your remote door lock, use the actual key. Thief's now have electronic devices that can pick up the code for your car lock. If you open your trunk/vehicle with the remote the thief has your code and when you go back in the mall or other store he can access your vehicle and steal your purchases.

REMOVE AND SECURE PERSONAL ITEMS FROM YOUR VEHICLE -remove items such as gifts, electronics, GPS, XM radio from your vehicle or secure them before going into the mall/store. 
SAVE LARGE PURCHASES FOR LAST If you plan on making a purchase of a large item like a TV, save that for your very last purchase of the day, you don't want to buy that item first and leave it in your vehicle the rest of the day while you continue shopping.

After going home secure your packages in a secure location. Remember to lock the door behind you every time no matter how many trips it takes to unload your vehicle.

INTERNET SHOPPING TIPS

Here are a few tips on internet shopping, first make sure your computer is safe and secure, is your spyware up to date?

We have listed some advice from a company that offers online safe shopping options.

-- GO WITH YOUR GUT. If a price seems too good to be true, be wary. Always check to see if a website or company is reputable. When a website seems unsafe, it might be a good idea to think twice about using it. Check around to see if there's a more secure site selling the same product.

-- MAKE SAFE TRANSACTIONS. When making payments on a website, check to see if its connections are secure. Secure websites will display some sort of security icon, such as a locked padlock or key, and should also have an "s" after "http" in the website address.

--SAVE ALL RECEIPTS. It's smart to save or print out copies of confirmation e-mails, terms and conditions, and warranty information. Be sure to read and understand the company's privacy policy before buying as well. If a site doesn't have a privacy policy posted, consider shopping elsewhere.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

If you receive a suspicious package in the mail or otherwise don’t open it and report it to the local authorities immediately.

--Buy a lockable mailbox.

--Buy a good shredder and shred all of your disregarded mail such as billing information, credit card bills, and utility bills etc.

By putting these simple practices to use you can enjoy a secure and safe Holiday Shopping season and in closing….REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED YOUR VEHICLE.

Our Military Kids

Dear National Guard Family Member,


Our Military Kids http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/  wants to help
your family through the deployment of your loved one. If you have a child or
children between the ages 3 to 18, and your spouse is currently deployed
overseas with the National Guard or Reserves, your child is eligible for a
grant. The grants, which can be up to $500, will pay for up to six months of
an extracurricular activity at a location of your choice in your geographic
area.

The grant application process is simple. Visit our website at
http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/ and select the appropriate one-page application
http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/how-to-apply/  Onceyou download and
complete one application per child, send it to us via fax or
regular mail, along with a copy of three supporting documents:

1) A copy of the Title 10 deployment orders;
2) A form of ID for your child - we accept a Military ID, birth
certificate(if Service Member is shown as a parent), or 1172 Deers form
(printout showing dependents from DEERS website is acceptable);
3) Attach a flyer, brochure, registration form or website printout showing
contact information and program costs (be sure to include documentation
showing monthly or weekly fees, equipment fees, registration fees, etc.

Once we receive your application and documents, a check is sent within ten
days directly to the service provider of the activity. We will match the cost
of six months fees plus registration fees, equipment fees, etc. An exciting
notification packet will be sent to each child informing them that the
grant was approved.

If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page
http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/how-to-apply/faqs.php .
If you don't see an answer to your question, call our office at (703) 734-6654.
Keep in mind - we can only provide grants to children with a parent who is
currently deployed - if your service member has yet to deploy, you may apply
for a grant no earlier than 30 days prior to the report date on the title 10 Mob
orders.

The most difficult part of this process is deciding which type of activity
you would like your children to participate!

We look forward to awarding grants to your children.

-The Our Military Kids Staff

September is National Preparedness Month...Are You Ready?

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer.

Get A Kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

 

• Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:  
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation  
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers
• Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

 

Families with Special Needs Survey

The National Guard Bureau (NGB) Seeks Feedback on Families with Special Needs

NGB is actively working with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and all Parent Service Organizations (Army, AF, Navy, and Marines) to add additional support services for Families with Special Needs (Exceptional Family Member Program-EFMP). NGB needs your feedback to determine the scope of the needs and the most important issues impacting these families. Your survey feedback will directly affect proper allocation of resources to support our Families with Special Needs. All Soldiers, Airmen, Family members of service members, and ARNG/ANG Family Program staff are encouraged to participate. The Guard Family Special Needs Survey assessment WILL ONLY TAKE APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES OR LESS, and will be available until 31 Aug. To complete the survey, please click on the following link to the Joint Services Support (JSS) webpage: . Thank you!

Please Login to https://www.jointservicessupport.org/Survey/SurveyList.aspx to take the survey.

Welcome message from the Chief!

On behalf of MG Terry Nesbitt, The Adjutant General of Georgia, I would like to welcome you to The Georgia National Guard Family Program Website. It is our goal to provide you an easy to navigate and responsive experience. We will further provide you with timely, pertinent and revel ant information to effectively serve your needs. If you have suggestions for improvements please contact us utilizing the Contact the Director tab on the main page; “We are listening”.

In your service I remain,

Darrell Partee