The Bugle Boy http://www2.southcom.mil/usag-miami/mwr.html
January/February 2012
SPOTLIGHT on
COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP 1
SPOTLIGHT on COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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WHAT’S UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA
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FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER NEWS
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WHAT’S UP IN FAMILY & MWR
11 GOING GREEN 13 PARENTS CORNER 15 SPOUSES’ CORNER / WHO’S WHO
According to the Army MWR Desk Reference, the mission of the Army MWR Commercial Sponsorship Program is to support vital military MWR events and programs by obtaining private sector funding, services, or supplies in exchange for advertising and promotional opportunities within the military community. Commercial sponsorship is an essential part of Family and MWR at U.S. Southern Command. U.S. Army Garrison-Miami, which provides Family and MWR events and programs for the U.S. Southern Command, partners with the civilian community to meet corporate needs and our program needs. By sponsoring our events, companies can showcase products and services to a potential market of more than 4000 military, civilian and family members.
16 FAMILY & MWR FUN BUS TRIPS
United States Army Garrison-Miami Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation 9301 NW 33rd Street Doral, Florida 33172 305.437.2665 Sign up for Family and MWR e-mail and Send Your Customer Comments to: Mwrcustomerservice@ hq.southcom.mil LIKE US ON FACEBOOK USAG-MIAMI FMWR
Sponsorship: • is an exchange of values for promotional opportunities; • is not a gift or donation; • defrays cost of events for military and family members; • promotes military and services image; • provides opportunity to host events that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. US Army Garrison-Miami is very fortunate to have many companies support our events through commercial sponsorship. SAIC and Terremark are annual sponsors; they are recognized for every Family and MWR event held within a full calendar year. Their sponsorship is a crucial component of our programs, allowing us to host events we otherwise would not be able to host, They support us with additional
sponsorship for golf tournaments and other events, including the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race and the Spartan Run.
Many businesses sponsored the US Army Garrison-Miami Open House held in January: Books & Books; Courtyard by Marriott/ TownePlace Suites Miami Airport West; Embassy Suites Miami International Airport; Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites Miami Airport West; Hilton Miami Downtown; Jungle Island, Miami Seaquarium, Mutiny Hotel, Rusty Pelican, Shula’s, TownPlace Suite by Marriott Airport West. This May, businesses hosted free coffee and refreshments for Military Appreciation Month: Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport; Courtyard by Marriott/TownePlace Suites Miami Airport West; Dadeland Marriott; Embassy Suites Miami International Airport; Don Pablo Coffee; Hampton Inn & Suites Miami-Doral/ Dolphin; Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Airport Blue/Lagoon; Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Airport West; The McDonald Team. Actor’s Playhouse and Miami Seaquarium sponsored with raffle items. General Dynamics, Tropic Oil and Inverrary sponsored the golf tournament, All of our sponsors are very important to us and we thank them for their participation. The Department of Defense does not endorse the sponsors
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY
Children with FCAT & Other School Exams, Monday, 12-130pm, ACS Classroom 14 - BJ’s Membership Drive, 1 - New Year’s Day, Tuesday, 10am-2pm, ITR Office, Sunday 15 - Military Emeregency 3 - Parenting Class, Relief (MER) Team Training, Tuesday, 11:30am-12:45pm, Wednesday, 1-3pm ACS Army Community Classroom Service (ACS) Classroom
(tentative - t)
16 - MER Team Training, Thursday, 1-3pm, ACS Classroom
9 - Miami Dade County Public Schools 101, Monday, 12-130pm, ACS Classroom
17 - MER Team Training, Friday, 1-3pm, ACS Classroom 21 - Newcomer Orientation, Tuesday, 8-11am, ACS Classroom
10 - Anger Management, Tuesday, 10-1130am, ACS Classroom TSP Pay Yourself First 1-2pm, ACS Classroom
Military Saves Week Pledge Drive, 11am-1pm, USAG-M – 22 - Military Saves Week Pledge Drive, Wednesday, 11am-1pm USAG-M
11 - Deadline to pay for SeaWorld trip, Wednesday, close of business (COB), Adult $80/Child $70
Personal Finance for Careerists 1-3pm, ACS Classroom 23 - Military Saves Week Pledge Drive, Thursday, 11am-1pm, USAG-M TSP Pay Yourself First, 1-2pm, ACS Classroom
14 - Trip to SeaWorld, Saturday 17 - Parenting Class, Tuesday, 11:30am-12:45pm, ACS Classroom (t) Your Ideal Retirement A Reality, 1-2pm, ACS Classroom 18 - Interviewing Techniques, Wednesday, 1-4pm, ACS Classroom Resume Workshop, 1-4pm, ACS Classroom 24 - Newcomer Orientation, Tuesday, 9-11:30am, ACS Classroom 27 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-3pm
FEBRUARY 2 - Marketing Yourself for a Second Career, Thursday, 8am-12:30pm, ACS Classroom 7 - Costco Membership Drive, Tuesday, ITR Office 8 - Deadline to pay for Disney’s Magic Kingdom Trip, Wednesday, COB, Adult $88/Child $78 11 - Trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Saturday 13 - Testing Prep: Building Academic Skills & Helping
24 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-3pm
MARCH 1-15 - Military Emergency Relief Campaign 2-4 - Basketball Tournament 12 - Transition Assistance Workshop, Monday, 8am4pm, ACS Classroom 14 - Deadline to pay for Legoland Trip, Wednesday, COB, Adult $52/Child $50 16 - Challenge Workouts, Friday 17 - Trip to Legoland, Saturday 20 - PCS and Entitlements Workshop, Tuesday, 9am-1:30pm, ACS Classroom 21 - First Term Finance, Wednesday, 8am-12pm, ACS Classroom 22 - Personal Finance for Careerists, Thursday, 9-11am, ACS Classroom 23 - St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Friday, Fitness Center, Times TBA 27 - Newcomer Orientation, Tuesday, 8-11am, ACS Classroom
Military Saves Week Pledge Drive, 11am-1pm, USAG-M 30 - Miami Tour, Friday, 9:30am-3pm Estate Plans, Everyone Needs to Know, 1-2pm, ACS Classroom
Interview Techniques, 1-3:30pm, ACS Classroom
27 - Individual Education Plan [IEP] Workshop, Monday, 12-2pm, ACS Classroom
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 - Installation Services Center, 9301 NW 33rd Street, Doral, 305.437.1595 To report suspected child abuse, neglect, or spouse abuse, contact Family Advocacy, 305.437.2734 After duty hours Spouse Abuse - 911 Child Abuse 1.800.96A.BUSE or 1.800.962.2873
WHAT’S UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA? WINTER IS ART FESTIVAL TIME IN SOUTH FLORIDA! BROWARD - www.sunny.org/visitors/events/ 24th Annual Las Olas Art Festival Part I January 7-8, Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 10am-5pm, 561.746.6615, free, www.artfestival. com/ Florida Renaissance Fe s t iva l , Feb r u a r y 11 - March 11, Quiet Waters Park, 401 South Powe rl i n e R o a d , Deerfield Beach, FL, 10am-Sunset. Journey back to the 16th century as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steelfighting, archery, and more. Feast on hearty food fit for a king while enjoying live performances on stage and in the lanes, including our thrice-daily jousting events. Weekends only, plus President’s Day, 2/20. www.broward.org/PARKS/QUIETWATERSPARK/ Pages/RenaissanceFestival.aspx. Music & Dancing Under The Stars, through 12/26/ 2012. Hollywood Beach Theatre, East of A1A at Johnson St. and the ocean. Hollywood, FL, 7:309pm, 954.921.3404, free., Every Mon., Tue. and Wed. Music & dancing from big band to country, rock and roll and soul. www.hollywoodfl.org/ parks_rec/concert.asp
Broadwalk Friday Fest, through 12/28/2012, Hollywood Beach Theatre, East of A1A at Johnson St. and the ocean, Hollywood, FL. 7-9pm, 954.924.2980, free. Every Friday of every month, live jazz, blues, pop and everything in between along Hollywood’s 2.5 mile Broadwalk. www. hollywoodfl.org/.
free entertainment, children’s art experiences, fabulous dining options, and free admission all weekend to the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami Campus, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33124, 305. 284.3535, www.beauxartsmiami. org/events/festival.html.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS www.miamidade.gov. Menu bar - Click on Calendar for all events. MONROE (Florida Keys) - www.flakeys.com/ calendarofevents/ Miami International Art Fair (MIA) 1/13-16/2012. MIA features contemporary, cutting-edge art of all media including photography, painting, mixedmedia, sculpture, installation and video. The fair is unique in the unparalleled support it provides to the local Miami art community, integrating innovative and educational art projects, linked to important local artists, museums and other artrelated organizations. This year MIA will be held aboard SeaFair. The opening night vernissage debuts January 12. www.mia-artfair.com.
Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival, 1/14/15/2012. The festival features a generous representation of the best artists and artisans in this area and beyond. Find the perfect piece of art, original jewelry, a great selection of delicious food, live music, and other activities for the entire family. 10am.-5pm. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL 33156, 305.669.6990, www.pinecrestgardens.org. Coconut Grove Arts Festival, 2/18-20/2012. The 48th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival will host more than 380 international artists exhibiting their finest work. This year’s entertainment will include live musical performances and worldfamous chefs. 10am-6pm. Along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, 305.447.0401, www.cgaf.com
Free, Family Fun Day at Historic Pigeon Key, Continuous ferry and catamaran rides to the island are available, in addition to any visitor wanting to walk or bicycle over the Old Seven Mile Bridge to see an unrivaled view of the island and waters surrounding it. Attendees can also come to the island in a personal boat, limited dock space is available. Tour Pigeon Key’s museum, historic buildings and grounds - snorkel, bring a chair or blanket for a picnic and relax for the day. Historical reenactments, period games and demonstrations for children of all ages - enjoy sing-alongs and square dancing! A touch tank for kids, live music and entertainment are scheduled all day, between 10am and 4pm. Regular fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs, in addition to 1900s-era foodie favorites are to be served. www.flaglerkeys100.com/free-admissionfamily-fun-day-at-historic-pigeon-key.
PALM BEACH - www.palmbeachfl.com South Florida Fair, 1/1329/2012, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9 0 6 7 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33421, www. southfloridafair.com/
DORAL - www.cityofdoral.com/ cityofdoral/
MIAMI-DADE - www.miamiandbeaches. com/visitors/calendar.aspx Beaux Arts Festival, 1/78/2012. Juried fine arts show features art, crafts and a variety of media from more than 300 exhibitors on the University of Miami campus. Live music and other
at 5:30pm.; concert begins at 7pm. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156, 305.667.1651, www. fairchildgarden.org. Fairchild Tropical Garden is free for Military.
Valentine’s Day Concert, 2/14, Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy Fairchild’s most romantic event of the year, with a special concert by jazz singer Nicole Henry. Gates open
Social Fridays in Doral, the Doral Trolley stops at various entertainment and culinary businesses of Doral, showcasing the nightlife of the city, free. The route includes stops at the city’s hotels, where trolley route maps are available listing other Social Friday points of interest. 8-11pm. Various locations throughout Doral, FL 33178, 305.593.6725, ext. 70, www.cityofdoral. com.
Once-A-Year Professional Development Presentation On Transition The USAGMiami, Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program is sponsoring a once-a-year lecture for officers and senior NCOs on transition. “Marketing Yourself for a Second Career” will be presented by The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and will be held on Thursday, February 2, at USAG-Miami, Army Community Service, Training Room E2008, 9am to 11:30am. This top-shelf presentation is a great professional development opportunity. Transition is of course ultimately a part of all military careers. Therefore, the lecture is perfect for those who are contemplating retirement in one to five years. However, it doesn’t stop there. Regardless of whether any particular officer or senior NCO has reached the point of their own transition, they should be educated about the process in order to mentor and counsel those who work for them and are contemplating or going through their transitions. Simply stated, it’s a great fit for any commander, or officer -from the most senior, to the most junior. The lecture will be given by Colonel Dan Koslov, USAF (Ret), Deputy Director of Transition Services for MOAA. The presentation, given annually at more than 165 military installations of all Services worldwide, is universally praised by audiences as, “up-to-date, hardhitting, and sharply focused–a must see." It includes comprehensive information on the retirement decision, employer perceptions, your competition, resumes, cover letters, job search, networking, career fairs, interview techniques, salary negotiation, benefits packages, the current job market and other relevant and important transition topics.
e-mail: joe.pagan@hq.southcom.mil.
2012 Transition Assistance Program (TAP) March 12-15, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm June 11-14, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm September 10-13, Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm Event: TAP Location for all scheduled TAPs: USAG-Miami, Army Community Service, Training Room E2008 9301 NW 33rd Street, Suite E2005, Doral, FL 33172. For additional information or to check out career/employment reference resources contact: Joe Pagan, CWDP, MCT, Employment Readiness Program Manager, Spouse Employment, Transition Assistance Program Coordinator joe.pagan@hq.southcom.mil, Tel: 305.437.2639, Fax: 305.437.2716.
100 Interview Questions You May Be Asked
Developing a resume is one facet in career development that is normally given the most attention. What many job seekers fail to excel in is the ability to prepare themselves for what potential questions they may be asked during an interview. Although you may not encounter all of these questions in an interview, it is possible The presentation is geared toward officers and that many could be asked. This short 100 senior NCOs. All who attend will receive a free question list is not all inclusive. The intent is to copy of the lecture’s companion book, also titled provide enough questions to broaden your ability “Marketing Yourself for a Second Career.” It is to respond to some of the most commonly an in-depth, all-in-one resource for the transition asked by interviewers. Will you face them all? Hopefully not. Will you face a few? Most likely. process. Will you be well-served by being ready even For further information or to register, contact if you’re not asked these exact questions? Mr. Joe Pagan, ERP Manager at 305 437-2639, or Absolutely.
1. Tell me about yourself. 2. What are your strengths? 3. What are your weaknesses? 4. Who was your favorite manager and why? 5. What kind of personality do you work best with and why? 6. Why do you want this job? 7. Where would you like to be in your career five years from now? 8. Tell me about your proudest achievement. 9. If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a rare steak and they brought it to you well done, what would you do? 10. If I were to give you this salary you requested but let you write your job description for the next year, what would it say? 11. Why is there fuzz on a tennis ball? 12. How would you go about establishing your credibility quickly with the team? 13. There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? 14. How would you feel about working for someone who knows less than you? 15. Was there a person in your career who really made a difference? 16. What’s your ideal company? 17. What attracted you to this company? 18. What are you most proud of? 19. What are you looking for in terms of career development? 20. What do you look for in terms of culture -structured or entrepreneurial? 21. What do you like to do? 22. Give examples of ideas you’ve had or implemented. 23. What are your lifelong dreams? 24. What do you ultimately want to become? 25. How would you describe your work style? 26. What kind of car do you drive? 27. Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict on the job. 28. What’s the last book you read? 29. What magazines do you subscribe to? 30. What would be your ideal working situation? 31. Why should we hire you? 32. What did you like least about your last job? 33. What do you think of your previous boss? 34. How do you think I rate as an interviewer? 35. Do you have any questions for me? 36. When were you most satisfied in your job? 37. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t? 38. What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? 39. What negative thing would your last boss say about you? 40. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? 41. What salary are you seeking?
FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER NEWS 42. What’s your salary history? 43. Do you have plans to have children in the near future? 44. What were the responsibilities of your last position? 45. What do you know about this industry? 46. What do you know about our company? 47. How long will it take for you to make a significant contribution? 48. Are you willing to relocate? 49. What was the last project you headed up, and what was its outcome? 50. What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job? 51. Give me an example of a time that you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty at work. 52. What would you do if you won the lottery? 53. Can you describe a time when your work was criticized? 54. Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it? 55. What is your personal mission statement? 56. Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it? 57. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it? 58. What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? 59. What is your greatest fear? 60. Who has impacted you most in your career, and how? 61. What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of this job? 62. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in school? 63. What three character traits would your friends use to describe you? 64. What will you miss about your present/last job? 65. If you were interviewing someone for this position, what traits would you look for?
66. List five words that describe your character. 67. What is your greatest achievement outside of work? 68. Sell me this pencil. 69. If I were your supervisor and asked you to do something that you disagreed with, what would you do? 70. Do you think a leader should be feared or liked? 71. What’s the most difficult decision you’ve made in the last two years? 72. What do you like to do for fun?
73. Why are you leaving your present job? 74. What do you do in your spare time? 75. How do you feel about taking no for an answer? 76. What was the most difficult period in your life, and how did you deal with it? 77. What is your favorite memory from childhood? 78. Give me an example of a time you did something wrong. How did you handle it? 79. Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn’t want me to know. 80. Tell me the difference between good and exceptional.
81. Why did your choose your major? 82. What are the qualities of a good leader? A bad leader? 83. What is your biggest regret, and why? 84. What are three positive character traits you don’t have? 85. What irritates you about other people, and how do you deal with it? 86. If you found out your company was doing something against the law, like fraud, what would you do? 87. How many times do a clock’s hands overlap in a day? 88. How would you weigh a plane without scales? 89. What assignment was too difficult for you, and how did you resolve the issue? 90. If I were to ask your last supervisor to provide you additional training or exposure, what would she suggest? 91. If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? 92. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the last year? 93. Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them. 94. What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized? 95. If you could get rid of any one of the US states, which one would you get rid of, and why? 96. With your eyes closed, tell me step-by-step how to tie my shoes. 97. If you had to choose one, would you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person? 98. If selected for this position, can you describe your strategy for the first 90 days? 99. Who are your heroes? 100. Tell me 10 ways to use a pencil other than writing.
Community Partnership for Military Families South Florida Military Access Portals for Supports and Services (SF MAPS) was created to assist military families. In 2009, TRICARE and the University of Miami joined forces creating a new network of more than 1,100 providers within South Florida. As we know, frequent moves and recurring deployments are difficult enough. Imagine, then having a child with a developmental disability and trying to continually locate community resources with each new move. The role of the SF MAPS program is to help bridge the gap between Military services and community services. SF MAPS is part of the Family Support 360 started by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). SF MAPS Project 360 for Military Families was established as a partnership between UM and USSOUTHCOM. Working in conjunction with the Mailman Center for Child Development, the project is designed to help military families
with local, state agencies and organizations specifically targeted to Military families in South Florida. Additionally, SF MAPS provides education and training to our partners and service providers to enhance our network’s awareness of these Military families, their needs, and challenges. USSOUTHCOM is responsible for all Military family support for local U.S. military services. The SF MAPS program works with the Family Support Division to help locate, educate and refer families who could benefit from SF MAPS services. The SF MAPS program works with the Family Support Division (FSD) to help locate, educate, and refer families who could benefit from the MAPS services. The Family Advocacy/ Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Manager, Joe N. Walker, ACSW, states, “To have someone in the community to help families with special needs and who understands the
“To have someone in the community to help families with special needs and who understands the environment is vital to helping with the access of services. with a developmentally disabled child locate and connect with the resources and services they need. Funded through a five-year Federal grant, all services are provided absolutely free to families. Using Navigators who move throughout the community, SF MAPS utilizes partnerships
environment is vital to helping with the access of services. As the EFMP Manager, it is difficult to find resources in the community, assist families in identifying services, ensure the needed services are appropriate and in place to where they are comfortable. Our goal at the Family Support Center is to ensure that all military families receive top notch services and assistance; with SF MAPS in place, we are given
a better opportunity in keeping with that goal.” In addition to connecting families with community resources, SF MAPS partners with the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technologies (FAAST). An Assistive Technology is any device that supplements the existing skill of the user. Any item, piece of equipment, or product can be modified and customized to improve the functions of the user. FAAST is dedicated to all Floridians with disabilities to increase access to tools and services to improve the quality of life. With an Assistive Technology Lab, families can visit, try out, and even check-out certain tools and technologies to allow families to see the potential benefit to their child. It is the ultimate goal of SF MAPS to ensure the needed services are in place to assist in making the child as comfortable as possible and to connect and support families who have children with disabilities with the support and services they deserve to remain healthy, happy, and resilient. For additional information on the SF MAPS or FAAST programs at the University of Miami, please contact the SF MAPS Navigators: Andrea McBride, amcbride@med.miami.edu, or Joline Davidson, jdavidson@med.miami.edu.
WHAT’S UP IN FAMILY AND MWR ? US Army Garrison-Miami Family and MWR Sports department sponsored a SOUTHCOM team to participate in the 4th annual Coast Guard Admirals Cup. 13 Thirteen Military teams participated in the tournament at Sunset Park in Plantation. Although team SOUTHCOM did not win the, tournament and the weather was great and everyone had a terrific time.
Many thanks to our Annual Sponsors, SAIC and Terremark Worldwide. for their invaluable support of Family and MWR events. The Department of Defense does not endorse the sponsors
LIKE us on Facebook FMWR USAG-MIAMI
Top left to righ: Horacio Gomezperez, Kevin Melendez, Marin Galvez, Alci Montero,, Marcus Gonzalez, Merlin Elliott. Bottom left to right: Mark Miller, JP Castro, David Smith, Felix Ocasio, Kevin Ruvalcaba. Photo by Jill Hauser.
130 USSOUTHCOM children, aged 6-17, their parents and guests were treated to the Miami HEAT Youth Basketball Clinic On November 11 in the USAG-Miami Fitness Center. The HEAT coordinated the clinic and entertained the audience with a HEAT entourage of Pat Riley, Tim Hardaway, Burnie the HEAT mascot and the HEAT dancers. The children learned different drills in each of seven groups. Not only did the participants learn basketball skills, they also discussed the importance of physical fitness and a healthy diet. The HEAT team also expressed their gratitude for our Service members here and around the world. The event was a great success.
Photos by Martin Galvez
GOING GREEN Water Bottle Pollution Facts by Suzanna Didier, Demand Media
In 1976 Americans drank an average of 1.6 gallons of bottled water every year. Roughly 30 years later consumption increased to 30 gallons per person, according to the Earth Policy Institute --- despite the fact that bottled water can cost anywhere from 240 to 10,000 times more than tap water, which is brought right to your home for pennies a gallon. Bottled water also creates its own share of pollution --- the production of plastic bottles requires millions of barrels of oil per year and the transportation of bottled water from its source to stores releases thousands of tons of carbon dioxide. (See References 1)
Oil Consumption According to “National Geographic,” Americans drink more bottled water than any other nation, purchasing an impressive 29 billion bottles every year. Making all the plastic for those bottles uses 17 million barrels of crude oil annually. That is equivalent to the fuel needed to keep 1 million vehicles on the road for 12 months. If you were to fill one quarter of a plastic water bottle with oil, you would be looking at roughly the amount used to produce that bottle. (See References 2) Recycling The recycling rate for those 29 billion bottles of water is low; only about 13 percent end up in the recycling stream where they are turned into products like fleece clothing, carpeting, decking, playground equipment and new containers and bottles. In 2005, that meant approximately 2 million tons of water bottles ended up in U.S. landfills, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (see References 3, Question 7). Plastic bottles take centuries to decompose and if they are incinerated, toxic byproducts, such as chlorine gas and ash containing heavy metals, are released into the atmosphere. Transportation Bottled water often takes a long journey to U.S. markets. In 2006, the equivalent of 2 billion half-liter bottles arrived in U.S. ports, according to the NRDC. Fiji shipped 18 million gallons of bottled water to California, releasing about 2,500 tons of transportation-related pollution. Western Europe’s shipment of bottled water to New York City that year released 3,800 tons of pollution. (See References 3, Question 7) The Earth Policy Institute estimates that the energy used to pump, process, transport and refrigerate bottled water is over 50 million barrels of oil annually (see References 4).
Earth Policy Institute: Food and Agriculture --- Bottled Water Consumption in the United States 1976-2007 “National Geographic”; Drinking Water: Bottled or From the Tap?; Catherine Clarke Fox; 2011 Natural Resources Defense Council; Bottled Water; 2008 Earth Policy Institute; Bottled Water: Pouring Resources Down the Drain; Emily Arnold and Janet Larsen; February 2006
Resources Worldwatch Institute: Bottled Water Pricey in More Ways than One (2011) About the Author Suzanna Didier’s work appears in various online publications, including the National Geographic website and Local.com. She lives on a hobby farm, direct-markets her organic produce to local restaurants and has taught at the preschool, elementary and college levels. Didier holds a Master of Arts in education from the University of Oregon. Photo Credits Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Can I Reuse a Plastic Water Bottle Over & Over? by Beth Berry, Demand Media
Many Americans view bottled water as a necessity -although the product was virtually nonexistent just a few decades ago. Consumers who reuse plastic water bottles are typically unaware of potential health risks associated with the high bacteria levels found on the bottles and the leaching of plastic compounds into the beverage. While the water and the packaging combine to create a consumer offering without significant benefits over what people can generally get for free, reuse of a plastic water bottle could have costs that go beyond the financial.
Contaminants Bottled water isn’t always as safe as tap water. The NRDC conducted a four-year study of the bottled water industry and concluded that while most bottled water is safe to drink, there are areas of concern. Roughly 22 percent of the water tested contained contaminant levels that exceeded strict state health limits. One study found that hormone-disrupting phthalates had leached into bottled water that had been stored for 10 weeks. (See References 3, Questions 2 & 3)
PET Plastics Most disposable water bottles sold in the United States are made from #1 plastics, also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This type of plastic is popular because it is durable and shatter-proof. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved PET plastic as a food-contact material, repeated use of water bottles made from PET has been shown to increase harmful bacteria levels. Bacteria from the user’s hands and mouth, for example, accumulate when the bottle isn’t washed between uses. In addition, repeated hot-water washing and handling of PET water bottles may break down the plastic, leaching toxic compounds, such as DEHA, into the beverage inside. (See References 2.)
References
BPA Plastics
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a compound used in many plastic containers, such as the durable, reusable plastic bottles sold in many sporting goods stores, as well as in baby bottles. Although studies support the safety of BPA exposure at low levels, such as those in normal water-bottle use, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Toxicology Program have expressed substantial concerns about the effects of BPA on the endocrine and cardiovascular systems; infants and children are at particular risk (see References 3). A 2009 study from the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that participants who drank for a week from bottles containing BPA showed a two-thirds increase of BPA in their urine (see References 4).
Alternatives to Reusing Bottles Safe alternatives to plastic water bottles include reusable bottles made of stainless steel, glass and some types of aluminum. Stainless steel is preferable, as it is durable and unbreakable; it does not leach and does not cause the contents to taste like metal. Glass, though safe, is easily broken. Aluminum is questionable, as most types of bottles have epoxy resin linings, also known to leach. (See References 6.) Disposing of Plastic Bottles Rather than reusing them, recycle any plastic bottles you have on hand. If you live in an area that does not provide curbside recycling, seek out a regional recycling center. Plastic bottles present substantial air pollution concerns when they are incinerated with regular trash, creating toxic smoke and fumes. These fumes are not only a health risk but they also create greenhouse gases (see References 5). In landfills, plastic bottles merely sit. References Natural Resources Defense Council: Bottled Water -- Pure Drink or Pure Hype? Canadian Journal of Public Health; Bacterial Water Quality in the Personal Water Bottles of Elementary Students; J.A. Oliphant et al.; September/October 2002 U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA’s Current Perspective on BPA; March 2010 Harvard School of Public Health; BPA, Chemical Used to Make Plastics, Found to Leach . . .; May 21, 2009 State of California Department of Conservation; Plastic Water Bottles Not Being Recycled; May 29, 2003 Labour Environmental Alliance Society: On the Trail of Water Bottle Toxins; 2005 About the Author Hailing from Austin, Texas, Beth Berry has been writing since 1995 about sustainable farming, fiber arts and parenting. She brings expertise in organic gardening, landscape design and domestic arts to her writing. Berry holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Abilene Christian University and is a master seamstress. Reprinted with permission from National Geographic’s Green Guide, www.thegreenguide.com.
PARENTS CORNER
Joyce
Our
Kennedy, our Community Base Manager, has joined our team from US Army Garrison-Stuttgart, Germany. She comes to US Army Garrison-Miami with more than 15 years of experience with Family and MWR Child and Youth School Services. The Community Base Program has 12 Army Child Care in Your Neighborhood (ACCYN) centers throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and one Family Child Care Home (FCC) in Homestead, Florida. Eligible patrons can receive subsidy through the National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral A ge n cy ( N AC C R R A ) w h i c h includes: Before and/or After School Care subsidy for Active Duty and DoD Civilians and summer camp program at selected locations.
School Support Services/School Liaison Office is always working to provide the best quality of support services for your children’s academic needs. One of the services currently available free of charge is online tutoring for students K-12 sponsored by the United States Army. This service is available to all Military dependents regardless of the Military service. Please visit http://cys-miami.webs.com/apps/links to hear a tutorial on how to get a free military account. Online tutoring services are provided 24/7 and all subject matters are covered..
The objective of this program is to ensure civilian child care programs that provide care to Army families are comparable in quality to Army-operated on-post spaces.
School Support Services/School Liaison Office will be providing the following parent workshops:
Meet Joyce Kennedy, the newest member of our team. Her office is located iin the Installation Services Center,
• Miami Dade County Public Schools 101 Learn how to navigate the system. Monday,
2nd floor, room E2110, or call her at 305.437.0148.
9 January, 12–1:30pm. • Testing Preparation: Building Academic Skills and Helping Children with the Florida Comprehensive Academic Test (FCAT). Tuesday, 14 February, 12-2pm. • Individual Education Plan (IEP). Monday, 27 February, 12-2pm. Location: Installation Services Center, Suite 2005, ACS Conference Room. Please contact Dr. Francisco Brizuela, School Liaison Officer, 305.437.2225, francisco.brizuela@ hq.southcom.mil, to register or for further information. Our office always welcomes your suggestions and input.
(855) 226-5543
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
SPOUSES CORNER WANT TO CONTRIBUTE to ACS? SPOUSE NEEDED to COORDINATE the HIALEAH ZIP CODE GROUP!
USSOUTHCOM Community Information Meeting (SCCIM) 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: 10am, 9301 NW 33rd Street, Installation Services Center ACS Conference Room. For more information, call 305.437.2665.
Zip Code Groups DORAL, CORAL GABLES, MIAMI LAKES, NORTH MIAMI, NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Mayra Marvil, mmarvil@earthlink.net, 305.593.2002; doralzipcode@yahoo.com HIALEAH, coordinator needed, please call 305.437.2665 KENDALL, HAMMOCKS, PINECREST, PALMETTO BAY, surrounding areas. Diana Pateras, 305.799.2624 BROWARD COUNTY, Sabrina Bowman, scott_bowman1969@yahoo. com; Nila Mistry, nilamistry1@yahoo.com HOMESTEAD & SOCSOUTH, Kris Rodriguez, sirkesojerdna@ hotmail.com; Fatima Bissonnette, fatimabissonnette@yahoo.com; socsouthfamily@yahoogroups.com
Coordinators disseminate information from the monthly S o u t h c o m 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 inprocessing 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.
WHO’S WHO
Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FAMILY and MWR)
Office of Administration: 305.437.2665 Director - Sheryl Byrd, sheryl.byrd@hq.southcom.mil Administration - Vilma Lesesne, vilma.lesesne@hq.southcom.mil Financial Management Officer - Marisol Archibold, marisol.archibold@hq.southcom.mil Marketing, Sponsorship and Advertising - Helen Colby, helen.colby@hq.southcom.mil E-mail: mwrcustomerservice@hq.southcom.mil Toll Free Hot Line: 1.877.291.1604 Recreation Services Office of Administration: 305.437.2665 Recreation, Better Opportunity for Single Service Members (BOSS) - Stephen Ondriezek, stephen.ondriezek@hq.southcom.mil Information, Tickets and Registration - Eric Ruiz, eric.ruiz@hq.southcom.mil Fitness Center, Jill Hauser, Recreation Specialist, jill.hauser@hq.southcom.mil Frank Same, Recreation Specialist, Francisco.same1@hq.southcom.mil Recreation Assistants: Erik Vidal, erik.vidal@hq.southcom.mil; Angelique Williams, angelique. williams@hq.southcom.mil; Elson Sanchez, elson.sanchez@hq.southcom.mil; Dolly Fernandez, dolores.fernandez@hq.southcom.mil; Jose Fernandez, jose.fernandez@hq.southcom.mil; Juan “John” Ayala, 305.437.0123
Alci Montero, alci.montero@hq.southcom.mil; Kevin Ruvalcaba, kevin.ruvalcaba@hq.southcom.mil; Joshua Corraliza, joshua.corraliza@hq.southcom.mil
Child, Youth & School Services (CYS Services)
Office of Administration : 305.437.2665 CYSS Director - Ileana Gonzalez-Posada, ileana.gonzalesposad@hq.southcom.mil Administration - Mary Gomez, mary.gomez@hq.southcom.mil Child Development Center Director - Denise Gonzalez, denise. gonzalez@hq.southcom.mil School Liaison Services - Francisco Brizuela, francisco.brizuela@hq.southcom.mil
Family Support Division (FSD)
Office of Administration: 305.437.2665 Army Community Service Director - Victoria DuBois, vickie.dubois@us.army.mil Administration - Lydia Sanchez, lydia.sanchez@hq.southcom.mil Consumer Affairs/Emergency Financial Assistance - Richard Zimmelman, richard.zimmelman@hq.southcom.mil Employment Readiness/Transition Assistance - Joe Pagan, joe.pagan@hq.southcom.mil Family Advocacy/Exceptional Family Member - Joe Walker, joe.walker@hq.southcom.mil Relocation Readiness - Roxana Acosta, roxanna.acosta@ hq.southcom.mil Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator - Maddie Husta, madhya.husta@hq.southcom.mil Survivor Outreach Services Financial Counselor - Rudy Tabares, rodolfo.h.tabares.ctr@us.army.mil Volunteer Coordinator - Mary Ortiz, mary.ortiz@hq.southcom.mil
Army Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP)
ADCO, Suicide Prevention and Employee Assistance Programs - Guy W. Drab, guy.drab@hq.southcom. mil 305.437.3078 ASAP Clinical Manager/Counselor - John Knoebel, john.knoebel@hq.southcom.mil 305.437.3072 Drug Testing Coordinator (DTC) - Connie Sova, connie.sova.ctr@hq.southcom.mil 305.437.2428 Prevention Education/Activities Coordinator (PC) Carmen Rivera, carmen.rivera.ctr@hq.southcom.mil USAG-M Public Affairs - Arthur McQueen, arthur.mcqueen@hq.southcom.mil 305.437.2685
USSOUTHCOM Clinic Office hours: 0730-1630
For appointments call Services TRICARE enrolled members TRICARE Service Centers Miramar or USCG Air Station Opa Locka Domestic Violence/Child Abuse Dr. Woodrow Wilson woodrow.wilson3@us.army.mil Family Counseling Center Housing Referral Education Service Carlson Wagonlit
305.437.3559 1.800.444.5445 305.437.0519 305.437.3086 305.437.2642 305.437.2287 1.800.579.6681
LEAVE THE DRIVING TO US - FAMILY & MWR TRIPS
January 14 SEA WORLD ORLANDO Adults $80, Children $70
February 11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO Adults $88/Children $78 March 17 LEGOLAND Adults $52/Children $50
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 Wednesday 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 ITRO, 305. 437.1595. 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 sponsor’s 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.
U.S. ARMY GARRISON-MIAMI Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation 9301 NW 33rd Street Doral, Florida 33172-1202