ICE – They will hear you! Tell them!

ICE is a web-based tool that collects feedback on services provided by various organizations throughout DoD. It is designed to improve customer service by allowing managers to monitor satisfaction levels through reports and customer comments. ICE provides the following benefits:

Allows DoD customers to quickly and easily provide feedback to service provider managers

Customers can make submissions anonymously or can include contact information

Gives leadership timely data on service quality

Allows managers to benchmark the performance of their service providers against other DoD
& organizations

Encourages communication across organizations by comparing best practices to increase
performance results

Saves money

This is the official description and I am sure you have seen the ICE logo like the one above, or one similar to it ,on your DoD web searches. The ICE is an attempt to get feedback from customers (us) and then improve services according to the feedback. Recently, I had a very nice conversation with Deborah Hooten the Administrative Support Assistant at the JPPSO on JB Lewis-McChord. She receives the JPPSO ICE comment cards and answers them.

“I have only 7 days to respond to the comments that are coming in through the system. Each comment is taken seriously and is followed up. I try to answer within 3 days. If this does not happen, then a notice will go to the Garrison Commander. I have to have a reason why I didn’t contact the customer, most of the time it’s because I have no contact information.”

You can leave your comments anonymously but Deborah’s greatest wish would be that folks leave their contact information so that she can help them or rectify a situation. Mistakes happen but pretty everything can be fixed in regards to the moving procedure. On the other hand-the office is very understaffed at the moment which makes it difficult to always provide top customer service. Sometimes it’s just easier to come in and talk to someone personally.

Oh, and on a final note: Please no profanity – but I really shouldn’t have to mention that.

Superbowl Sunday for our soldiers overseas

Super Bowl 2010: Battle of the Giants: Colts vs. Saints

The  Super Bowl belongs as much to America as the 4th of July! Football is an American game and, dare I say it?, we are pretty much the best at it.  It is only a given that the Superbowl is being  broadcast via AFN to all our overseas soldiers. There will be barbeques and tailgate parties -some with alcohol and some without- all over the world. It is a chance to focus on something fun and exciting, something that brings America together, or at least in front of one screen. It is a peaceful and jovial – but not less intense- rivalry among the opposing teams’ fans.

Our overseas soldiers will be able to watch or listen to the pre-game show and the main “Super Bowl battle” -game, live or at 3 more additional airings during prime time in about 175 countries. The talented Carrie Underwood will perform the national anthem, followed by a flyover of four Florida Air National Guard F-15 fighter jets, as well as The Who’s halftime performance.

Unfortunately, the Superbowl commercials have been replaced by -the American Forces Press Service call it- ’shout outs’ by the president. Yeah, hm…ok. On the more exciting side: the 22 players (11 Colts and 11 Saints) will express their thanks and encourage ment to the troops overseas.

Showtimes -Game starts EST: 6.30 pm ;  Soldiers in…..

• Germany can watch at 12.30am Monday morning 2/8/2010
• Iraq will see the kick off at 2.30am Monday morning 2/8/2010
• Afghanistan ’s schedule : 4am morning 2/8/2010
• Japan and Korea will enjoy the start @ a decent 8.30 am Monday morning 2/8/2010

Programming information, including times and channels, is posted on the AFN Web Site at http://www.myafn.net.

MicroFit Assessment and Gait/Motion Analysis ALL FOR FREE

Services offered at the Base Gym

Sometimes it can be surprising to find out which services and programs are available to military service members and their families. Yesterday, for example, I went to Jensen Gym on JB Lewis-McChord (still feels odd to write this). I hadn’t been there in at least 6 months. I noticed that the staff had changed and workout stations had been rearranged. Everything looked clean and inviting for my little sweat session.

On my way out I picked up a few flyers and I saw that the following services are provided:

• Parents are allowed 2hours of FREE child care at the gym. (pretty sweet)
• Personal Trainers are available by appointment
• Free MicroFit fitness assessment available (body fat, flexibility, strength, aerobic fitness, and blood pressure).
• Free Gait Analysis to improve proper running techniques and assist with exercises to decrease running injuries.
• State of the art weight, plyo and aerobic equipment. No, really! I have a local gym membership because I can’t always make it up to JBLM but the gyms there are better equipped than my local gym.
• Other services provided are: unit health promotion classes, a shoe clinic, kinesio taping to decrease injuries/decrease swelliing due to pre existing injuries and working with the Civilian Fitness Program.
• Almost forgot that they also offer at least 10 different group fitness classes during the week.

These services are similar to other installations. It really pays to go by and see what they have available, sometimes you might have to ask what is available. Important for the service and family members is to use these offered programs.  Most of the time if a service is NOT used sufficiently the service will cut from the program.

My teen says: You know you are a military brat when….

via Pugetsoundblogs.com Military Kids

I asked my 15 year old son to comment on the statement “You know you are a military family when” – but he wanted to use the expression “military brat”.”Go for it,” I said “It’s your post!” .I find the expression “military brat” a little dated and the expression carries a negative ring, though some might consider it a term of endearment. One thing is for sure the challenges that military families are dealing with are different than the ones from civilian families. Some are positive and some are negative. Either way, military culture creates a special environment to grow up in that is usually unmatched by any non-military family experience. Here it comes, uncensored:

You know your a military brat when….

• …among your friends you are the only one who actually knows the pledge of allegiance.
• …you consider yourself lucky that you haven’t moved in the past four years.
• …your dad takes your family including your baby sister six o’clock on a Saturday morning to run the special-ops obstacle course….. twice…
• … and it takes you only twenty minutes.
• …your dad finally comes home after a year in Iraq and whenever you want to ask your dad you involuntarily pick up the phone.
• …your morning routine includes checking Skype or email to see if your parent in Iraq is online.
• …you are the only person in the entire school with a buzz-cut.
• …you know home is not only where the heart is, but also wherever the rest of the family hangs their hat.
• …the military has become your most reliable source of entertainment.
• …half of your wardrobe has military-related insignias printed on it.

There will be a few more blog entries by my son Tyler, as we are scheduled to move again this summer. There are not many military teen bloggers out there (at least that I am aware of) so this is going to be a great point of view.

For resources about military kids go to: Military Youth On The Move and Our Military Kids,

Wednesday Hero-not only on a Wednesday!

 

Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard’s 123rd Contingency Response Group help to offload wounded Haitian refugees and medics from Puerto Rico National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at the air hub Jan. 25, 2010, in Barahona, Dominican Republic.

Photo Courtesy U.S Air Force Taken By Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Today Marks Phase II of Joint Basing

Joint Bases-consolidating 26 Installations

Last year this time 11 Bases were consolidated to 5 new Joint Bases. This was considered Phase I. Yesterday marked the beginning of Phase II with 7 more Joint Bases that have come into existence under the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) law. A total of 26 posts and bases will then have been consolidated to 12 joint bases .

With the realignment under BRAC law it is the hope that much needed funds will be saved that otherwise were spend on redundant services such as installation security services, community services, housing, fire protection and others. It is planned that the transition phase is concluded by October 2010.

Air Force Col. Brian Anderson, 11th Mission Support Group commander at Bolling AFB says about the consolidation of Bolling AFB and NSA Washington:

“We’re looking at functions at both locations in determining the logical choices for which service will be responsible for specific parts of the joint base mission, and which functions we can combine. For example, two of the main areas we’re looking at are facility support and services, in trying to determine how many people or what part of Air Force or Navy assets already in place at both locations can effectively accomplish those missions. We’re doing this across the board in all functions to consolidate resources and operate efficiently when we officially become Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.”

 A large effort has been made to accommodate the needs of all service members and their families as well as civilian employees. Not much has been discussed on the internet forum boards in regards to a possible negative impact on service members and their families. Transition seems to be on time and on task. Considering that 2 or even 3 installations were located next to each other one might question why this has not happened earlier.

It would seem as if the hardest part might be to change from one name to another. Let’s hope so.

Change of Address via USPS.com

There was a time when you had to go to the post office to report a change of address. Not any more! You can just go online and besides printing out stamps for your mail also submit your “Change of Address”(PS3575) form. The form itself will guide you through the process which is fairly easy!

• If you plan on moving back to your original address within 6 months though, it is considered a “temporary” move. However, if your temporary move is longer, you can extend your temporary forwarding at the end of six months. The total forwarding time cannot exceed 12 months.

Remember:

• Most catalogs are NOT forwarded, but there is a “FREE” optional catalog address change that needs to be submitted as well
• You should submit your change of address no later than 2 weeks prior to your move.
• USPS will forward First Class, Priority Mail and Express mail for 12 months.
• Newspapers and magazine will be forwarded for 60 days.
• Packages weighing more than 16 oz: 12 mo forwarding, locally at no charge, otherwise there will be a charge
• Circlulars,books, catalogs, mail order merchandise will not be forwarded unless requested by mailer.

If you have more questions. Call 1-800-275-8777

How to find a real estate agent

Is this your biggest investment?

There are lots of real estate agents out there. Some are good and some are not so good. Which kind would you like to have as your agent? Someone who will sell your house quickly and for the highest prices? How would you find this one, great agent?

While nothing is more important  than thorough interviews and personal referrals – there is www.homethinking.com. Homethinking is “… shows you transactional histories of real estate agents and mortgage lenders”. A bright light on the horizon of the sea of real estate agents all claiming to be THE real estate agent for you. It is not the perfect and only tool to go by but it’s a start.

For most people a house is/was their bigger purchase ever. Whether you are selling or buying finding the right professional is crucial for your financial well-being. The stranger it seems that there really aren’t a lot of consumer tools on the internet to sort the black sheep and the duds from the ones with great ethics, a keen eye and a lot of energy.

 

I am sure, you already have an idea what YOUR agent should be like, but here are some of my suggestions that you may want to consider in determining your real estate professional.

• referrals are a major source of good information. Have your friends had a great experience with a certain real estate agent?
• Interview the real estate agent(s)
•            a. How is the appearance?
•            b. What does the agents’ attitude say?
•            c. Does the agent seem knowledgable?
•            d. Is the agent answering your questions?
• How many listings does the agent have a the moment? You might find that on the real estate agent’s main website.
• How long have they been on the market? You can find that on a lot of websites. Zillow.com, Redfin.com, Estately.com
• Get a Comparative Market Analysis from each agent and see how they vary. What’s their suggested price. But please not that the highest price is not necessarily indicative of a great real estate agent.
• How does he/she market listed properties? Newspaper (might be better for ranch/rambler style homes since the target market might prefer searching the newspapers vs. the internet.
• Search the internet for the agents’ presence. How is the agent represented? How is the agent promoting listed properties on-line?
• If you are open to ‘creative ways’ of selling or financing is your agent open to this as well?

Helpful websites are:

 

Zillow.com - CAREFUL: value shown does not exactly and always represent your home value

cyberhomes.com

estately.com

redfin.com

homethinking.com

activerain.com - is not as well-known as the sites listed above but the site has a wealth of information on real estate in general and about real estate agents. Might be worth a look.

 

Find more information:

Websites to find good schools in your new military duty station

2010 BAH rates - so that you can budget for your home at your new military duty station

 

These are my suggestions if you have anymore please post them here and help others out.

Military Spouse Quotes – Smile!

Military Spouse Quips and Quotes

Over at CinChouse.com I found the following Marine Quotes in the forum. I find them utterly funny and I think the quotes are true across the branches, not just for the Marines. If you have any more I’d sure like to hear them.

Jesse Neumann

If you love a Marine, raise your glass. If not, raise your standards
- My Marine makes me scream Ooh-Rah
- Forget Prince Charming, I have a U.S. Marine
- My sandals need your combat boots
- My Marine can kick your soldier’s ass
- My man serves so yours won’t get drafted
- God found some of the strongest women and made their match a Marine.
- Be jealous, my Marine is better than your civilian
- I’m the pink in his world of camo
- My Daddy warned me about Marines, but I didn’t listen
- I miss tripping over combat boots
- New hair-do, $45. New dress, $65. Pedicure and manicure, $50. Watching my heart walk off the airplane, priceless
- Every Marine deserves a trophy wife
- Why play with Ken when you can have G.I. Joe?
- Behind every strong Marine is an even stronger woman who stands by him, supports him, and loves him with all her heart.

A rich source of military spouse quotes is cafepress…Click on the quote to get to the shop:

• Isn’t it true: Sexually deprived for your freedom.
• Not on cafepress but still good: Do I look like a private?
• Advice from an Army Wife: buy big girl panties, put them on – so that you can deal with a lot of #$&*
• My husband risks his life so that you can run your mouth
• Don’t confuse my rank with your authority
• Who ever said long distance relationships don’t work? Ever met a military wife?

Wednesday Hero ~ Always! SPC . Steffy, US Army

This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Pet

Specialist Brandon K. Steffy
23 years old from Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
178th Military Police Detachment, 89th Military Police Brigade, III Corps
October 29, 2009

He came into to this world a rather large baby, so big the doctor thought that he’d just walk home with his mother. Brandon was well mannered, polite, and tough with a contagious laugh that lit up those around him. In 2005 he graduated from Brimley High School and in 2006 enlisted in the United States Army, following a tradition of family military service.

He served in Iraq as a gunner from May 2007 until July 2008 and was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009 where he was a canine tracker handler for Forward operating Base Fenty Kennel in the Laghman Province. He and his K-9 dog Maci were inseparable, working on tracking terrorists; Maci specialized in tracking the scents of IED making materials.

Spc. Brandon Steffy was killed when the vehicle he was riding in was attacked. His decorations and awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal-Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Spc. Steffy is survived by his wife, daughter, parents and his sister.

Brandon made people laugh and he made them cry. There was not one dry eye at his funeral, from every day townsfolk, to big construction workers to police officers; they all recalled Brandon, this “Gentle Giant.” They want everyone to know that if you never knew Brandon, then you really missed out.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives
so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday.
For that, I am proud to call them Hero.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.