MICROSOFT

ON THE BUZZ
ON THE BUZZ MARCH 2010
Ombudsman Contact
Information: YOUR CONCERNS:

Brenda Walker Q: I have sent packages to my Seabee but they have yet to receive them?
(805) 218-2323 A: The Majority of Battalion are receiving their care packages and letters. We do have
some Dets that are in hard to reach locations. For those Dets, the necessary items must
Linda Mendoza go in first (food, water, building materials, etc). Do know that your Seabee will receive
(805) 218-4096 their packages (guaranteed through Command approved addresses only). We also have
nmcb4ombuds@yahoo.com Seabees who are moving faster than our Mail Call. Because Four is the first Battalion in
with the Surge, we will be the tester group on the mail ordeal. Once our issues are figured
Subscribe to NMCB-4 out, future Battalions should have much easier access to mailing and receiving care pack-
Ombudsman Newsletter by ages and letters. Just know Command is aware of the situation and is working daily to try
e-mailing us.
and get everyone their mail.

Q:We started receiving extra pay, but our LES still doesn’t look right?
A: Pay will most likely fluctuate throughout the entire deployment. Command is working
to resolve pay issues and they are helping to make sure everyone receives the proper al-
lotments. Remember it also depends on when your Seabee left (i.e. Family Separation
Pay). So please be patient, they are working to get it all worked out, but it will take them
Inside this issue:
some time.

CO’s Corner 2 Q: My Seabee gave me a different address than the one you provided, which one should
I use?
Words of Wisdom 3 A: We sent out an email with Det addresses, verify with your Seabee and then use the
& Calendar address we provided for that Det site. We have had spouses use ones not Command ap-
Stretching Your 4 proved, for some it has worked, for others it has not. Just remember if your Seabee leaves
that current Det location to go to another, the mail will be returned. Only Command ap-
Savings Deposit Pro- 5
proved mailing addresses will follow your Seabee to wherever they move.
gram & Weebee

Getting through 6 CARELINE 805 982-2200

Tips to Dealing with 7
Deployment
FRG Friends of Four 8
The careline is a phone message operated by the Commanding Officer, which
is updated about every other week. This week Commander. VanderLey talks
about NMCB-4 being called the Bobcats, he gives updates on different compa-
nies and Det site as well as specific people. Example of what you can hear:
“Det Konduz received a first shipment of mail, and are extremely
grateful for any care packages that you send their way since they
currently do not have an Exchange or other convenient place to buy
anything.”
 Page 2 ON THE BUZZ

CO’s Corner
Friends and Families of FOUR,
Greetings from Afghanistan! Your Seabees continue to do amazing work
accomplishing Forward Operating Base (FOB) expansion and construction to
support the incoming Brigade Combat Teams. The pride that NMCB FOUR
takes in their work and the professionalism with which they go about their
missions is evident to all. I am very proud to be part of such an outstanding mili-
tary unit.

“Making the One of the challenges we have faced is mail delivery. I know many of you have
been frustrated by the long delays in package delivery to your Seabee loved ones.
mail system (I have yet to receive my first package; still waiting on the one my wife mailed
function as well nearly 2 months ago…) A significant contributor to the delays has been constant
movement. Most of your Seabees have shifted locations at least once, many of
as possible has them two or three times. The mail system has a very difficult time keeping up with
that, and unfortunately postal regulations do not allow us to simply take the pack-
my attention, ages ourselves and jump on a helo to hand deliver to the appropriate FOB. Making
and we are the mail system function as well as possible has my attention, and we are working
to improve. Hopefully you will see those delivery times start to drop in the coming
working to weeks and months.
improve.”
NMCB FOUR’s Seabees miss our friends and families back at home, but morale is
high and your Seabees are succeeding in every aspect of our important mission.
You should be proud of their accomplishments. Thank you so much for your
thoughts, prayers and support from the Homefront. It means a lot to all of us.

God Bless,

CDR Dean Vanderley

Commanding Officer, NMCB 4

Public Warning
REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public 1-888-382-1222
this month.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only
REMINDER..... all cell phone numbers are being take a minute of your time.. It blocks your num-
released to telemarketing companies and you will ber for five (5) years. You must call from the cell
start to receive sales calls. phone number you want to have blocked. You
cannot call from a different phone number.
YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON
To prevent this, call the following number from It takes about 20 seconds
your cell phone:
 ON THE BUZZ Page 3

Words of Wisdom
We recently asked in our prior newsletters for input about how to survive de-
ployment. We got several words of wisdom to share. So let’s get started. The
following are a few suggestions from our Seabee wives, as well as Marlene
Shear, Navy Seabee wife of 30 years.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW CLEVER IDEAS
 When you get home from the store, pull bananas apart. If they are left together, they ripen
faster.
 Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not
mold!
 Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the
meat while cooking.
 When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few
minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount.
You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.
 If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your
sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

March 2010 Schedule of Events

 March 18– FRG Meeting at Sea-

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat bee Chapel 6-8pm. Childcare
provided. Bring your favorite
green dish.
1 2 3 4 5 6
 March 18-Spring Fling 5K/NBVC
Health Fair at the Beefit Gym
Port Hueneme 11:00 a.m.

7 8 9 10 11 12 13  March 20-Free Food Distribution.

Building 19. Bring your ID and
laundry basket. 9am-1pm.

 March 28-FRG Welcome Home

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sign Painting at Bolles Field 2-
FRG Free 4pm. Bring your paintbrush.

Meeting Food  April 4-Easter Sunday Brunch at

Bard Mansion.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 Sign 29 30 31
Painting
 ON THE BUZZ Page 4

Keep S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G your dollar, even during deployment

By Jim Ramey, NBVC-FFSC Financial Educator

Here is something we should all be asking ourselves, “Am I truly stretching my dollar to its full
potential?” Be honest now – in this economy, we can‟t afford to fool ourselves. If you are like the ma-
jority of Americans, you have made concessions, given up some luxuries, a few desirables here and
there; basically, you have adjusted your priorities. Making a few sacrifices isn‟t a bad thing…but is it
enough? For many of us, cutting back isn‟t cutting it. Not when you pay more, and get less these
days.
During your spouse‟s deployment, you can expect some fluctuations in your pay. It is quite
easy to get excited when you see an increase in your account and before you know it, you can have it
spent on something which might not be a necessity. This is a perfect time to either put away a little
something for a rainy day – or, pay down some of that debt which has been a key part of your monthly
financial obligations.
Speaking from past experience, I understand how tempting it is when you finally see a pay in-
crease, to go and have some fun with it. The end result many times is a state of depression from
making poor decisions with pays and allowances, by not recognizing they were temporary in nature. It
is quite understandable to want to treat yourself and the family in an attempt to help cope with a de-
ployment, as long as it is done in moderation and careful planning. By keeping your pay in perspec-
tive, you won‟t lull yourself into a false sense of financial security and make a regrettable decision.

Here are a few tips to seriously consider when trying to negotiate a deal:
Be patient and be nice. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
 Pick the right time. Late in the month, when salespeople are trying to meet their quotas, can be a
good time to bargain for big-ticket items. If you shop at less busy times of day, clerks have more time
to talk to you.
 Avoid an audience. Clerks don‟t want the other customers to hear you get a deal. In chain stores,
you may need to talk to a manager.
 Know prices and store policies before you go. Bring newspaper ads and mention prices from com-
petitors. If you can‟t get a discount on the price, try asking for a deal on delivery or installation.
 Learn to read the ticket. Tags often contain date stamps that tell how long an item has been in the
store.
 Offer to pay cash. That saves the merchant the fees charged by the credit card companies, about
2% for large stores and up to 8% for small ones.
 Be prepared to walk. It‟s your most potent weapon.

If you keep one thing in mind, it should be this. If you never ask, there is a high probability you will
never receive.
And last but certainly not least, when you patron any establishment, ask if they support the troops.
Most will undoubtedly reply with a resounding YES! Then follow up with an, “Oh great - that means
you give a Military Discount.” If at that point they say they don‟t provide one, that‟s where I like to see
their reaction when I follow up with an, “Oh, so you don‟t really support the troops.” They will either
change their minds, or squirm a little. I prefer the discount, but…

If you have any questions about personal financial management, or any other program (or service)
that Fleet and Family Support Center offers, please contact us at (805) 982 5037.

Look for full article in the next issue of the Light House newspaper.
Page 5
WANT TO SAVE MORE IN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT?
Savings Deposit Program
The DOD Savings Deposit Program (SDP) was estab-
lished to provide members of the uniformed services
serving in a designated combat zone the opportunity to
build their financial savings. Amounts up to $10,000.00
may be deposited; earning 10% interest annually (no
bank anywhere has a savings interest like this). Mem-
bers must be receiving Hostile Fire Pay and be deployed
for at least 30 consecutive days, or 1 day in each of 3
consecutive months in order to participate in the pro-
gram (our Bees qualify). The interest is compounded
quarterly, so you will get that 10% interest every 3
months.
SDP Help Line:
Toll Free (Stateside Only): 1-888-332-7411
PSD on Hueneme (805)982-2916/4036/3955
Commercial: 216-522-5096
DSN: 580-5096
Fax: (Attention SDP): 216-522-5060
E-mail: CCL-SDP@dfas.mil
So now that we know about the program. How do we get
signed up for it? It’s very simple. Just take your Special
power of attorney to PSD, located at the Fleet and Fam-
ily Service Building on Hueneme. Also bring a check-
book, because a minimum of $10.00 is required to start
the savings plan (just remember, they can only take out
ON THE BUZZ
each payday as much as you put in. If you put $200
down, they can only take out $200 a month). Once they
have gotten all your information in their system, they
will ask how much each month you would like to have
deposited. Just remember it is hard to withdraw from this
account so give yourself a little wiggle room. The reason
this program is so wonderful is because of the interest
rate! With many of us saving this deployment wouldn’t it
be nice to get more back than what we currently are re-
ceiving from any other financial institution.
Withdrawals:
Members may close their SDP accounts only after de-
parting the combat zone. Interest will continue to ac-
crue on the account up to 90 days after departure from
the combat zone. Should the 90 day period end on any
day other than the last day of a month, interest will ac-
crue through the last day of the preceding month. If the
90-day period ends on the last day of a month, interest
accrues for that month. Members in a combat zone may
withdraw accrued interest over the $10,000.00 principal
quarterly.
Withdrawals of funds on deposit may be made in an
emergency only when the health or welfare of a member
or dependents would be jeopardized if the withdrawal
were not granted. Emergency withdrawals must be au-
thorized by the members' commanding officer.
Page 6 ON THE BUZZ

Idea’s for Getting Through Deployment

SEND A FREE PHOTO BOOK FROM HOME

This amazing new program is designed to provide comfort and support for
our troops stationed anywhere with an APO/FPO or MPO mailing address.
You can make a 20 page soft cover photo book using your own digital pic-
tures and send it to your family and friends far from home.

Each free book can contain approximately 50-60 photos. The USO even
pays for the shipping! It’s a $17 value, ABSOLUTELY FREE*.

http://www.myphotoproducts.com/myphotosmyfamily/fpb1-USO.asp?
next=fpb2.asp&resellerID=25970&promo=USOPROMO
Each book is 5 x 7 and includes 20 pages (additional pages available at extra
cost). It's designed to be lightweight and fit neatly into fatigue cargo pock-
ets. It’s a great way to share memories of home with those far away.
Thanks to one of our Seabee Wives, Deanne, for sharing this wonderful
Do you have website with us
ideas of how to
get through OPERATION KID COMFORT
deployment?
Operation Kid Comfort creates custom-made quilts for
If so please
children of deployed military personnel who experience grief from
email us at missing their mom or dad. Armed Services YMCA volunteers col-
nmcb4ombuds@ lect photographs to make “photo-transfer” quilts that feature im-
yahoo.com. ages of the deployed family member. For children six and under
We need your quilts are made and pillows are made for older children.
ideas!!
Request a quilt or pillow by completing the Quilt Request form found at
http://www.asymca.org/Programs.aspx?pgmID=28&mid=27. You will need six to
nine photographs of the family or parents, if possible provide these electrically or
via mail on a disc. E-mail completed form along with your pictures to Susan Simms,
ssimms@asymca.org. Or mail to Susan Simms, Armed Services YMCA, 6359
Walker Lane, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22310.

Need Help with your yard?

Military Families with loved ones deployed to the Middle East are invited to
participate in Project Evergreen’s Greencare for the Troops Program. Just fill out
the registration form and submit to Project EverGreen.
Please Note: you will receive an email or phone call only if a volunteer is available
in your area.
http://www.projectevergreen.com/gcft/get_greencare.html
ON THE BUZZ Page 7

Tips in dealing with a Spouse's Deployment

1. Keep busy. A typical day with your husband, or your wife, is gone. Go to work, go to school, go to the
gym and work on your hobbies. Set goals for finishing things, like save money and get in shape. It is vital
to have at least one regularly scheduled activity, you will look forward to it each week, which can give you
milestones along the way
2. Call on your friends. Having friends around or just to talk to will help through the rough patches.
3. Remember your promise. The most common emotion is being overwhelmed. With the kids and the
house and no help and no relief in sight, it's often really hard to keep from being completely overwhelmed.
But as a military spouse you knew the job description when we married, so stay true to your vows.
4. Throw a pity party. Give yourself permission to be „depressed,‟ loneliness is to be expected. Take a
day, stay in your pajamas all day, eat microwavable food or order it, watch daytime TV and stay up as late
as you want. The next morning get up and get back to your normal routine.
5. Be prepared. Get as much stuff taken care of ahead of time, so you are as prepared as you can be.
Learn to ask for help, which is hard for most people. Line up some visits to family and friends to help pass
time and give you something to look forward to.
6. Face your feelings. Take things one day at a time. And let all your emotions run their course. You are
going to have good days, and you are going to have horrible days. When you feel like crying, cry. When you
feel like you are on top of the world, you are. When the going gets tough, look for something humorous
about what is making life hard at the time. Laughter is a wonderful medicine.
7. Be realistic. Don't set impossible goals. Remember that nothing is set in stone. Six months can turn to
seven, and he misses you as much as you miss him.
8. Accept a helping hand. Learning to accept and even ask for help from others is hard. Find a support
group, be it online or a family support group."
9. Stay healthy. Eat right. It's tempting, while your husband is gone, to snack and not eat well, but you
need the best nutrition to help keep your mental state on an even keel.
10. Trust each other. No one has a perfect marriage and deployment can cause some trust issues. Try to
keep your spouse informed of your feelings and fears and ask that they do the same. As a result communi-
cation can help you make it through the deployment.
11. Find yourself. You have to have a life aside from your spouse. You just have to, whether it's kids, a
job, friends or a hobby. There are a few people who relied on their spouses‟ completely for their happiness.
That won't work. You have to have something to do, something you care about, and try to stay busy!
12. Keep your spouse posted. Writing letters or e-mails detailing what you and your children did that day
will make your spouse feel like they are a part of your day-to-day life. Take lots of photos and send them to
your spouse. It's difficult because at times it feels like our lives are 'on hold' until they return.
13. Become a boardie. Keep in contact with other spouses through message boards, this will make it feel
like you are not the only one going through this.
14. Work out. Time will go by faster when you are focused on trying to get a body like Jessica Biel or LL
Cool J.
15. Be proud. Remembering that your spouse is gone not because they want to be away from you, but
because they are a terrific person and are dedicating their life to serving their country is something to be
proud of.
16. Focus on other things. Keep your chin up. Find things to keep your mind off your loneliness. But avoid
sappy movies, unless you need a good cry.
 FAMILY READINESS GROUP

Friends of Four Good Morning NMCB 4 Families and Friends!!

Well, spring is in the air. Ok, so let’s be real here. There is lots of wind, rain and a
lot of wet yards. I don’t know about you, but it seems like it has been raining forever and
summer is never going to get here. But, here is the upside. Your NMCB 4 FRG has many
great things planned to help get those rainy blues to go away.

Important FRG Board Here is a list of your NMCB 4 FRG upcoming and ongoing activities:
Contacts: 1. First Kiss Tickets – only available at FRG Meetings
2. Secret Sister – there will be some more sheets for this at the March Meeting.
Jenn Cobbel, Please remember, we have to have an even number for this to work.
President 3. Homecoming Sign Contest – you can design a slogan, the picture or the whole sign.
805 271-1051 4. FRG Meeting – Thursday, 18 March from 6-8pm. at the Port Hueneme Chapel.
nmcb4pres@yahoo.com Our theme for the month is GREEN.
5. T-shirts – should be here by the March Meeting. YEAH!!
6. Sign Painting – Sunday, 28 March from 2-4pm. at Bowles Field.
Heidi Oglesby,
7. Half-Way Party – Saturday, 15 May at the Bee Hive Gym.
Vice President
805-889-3292 Ok, so the last thing on the list is the best thing of all!! The Half-Way Party!! We
nmcb4vpb@yahoo.com have a great group of ladies that are working on the preparations for our Half-Way Party.
If you would like to help out with decorating, or others things needed for the Half-Way
Anne Richardson, Party, send an email or sign up on the volunteer sheet at the March FRG Meeting. We would
Secretary like to have you help!!
805-483-3073
nmcb4sec@yahoo.com Well, I think that covers all of the things that your NMCB 4 FRG has going on for
now. Your NMCB 4 FRG Board is trying to help you stay active, involved and informed during
Michelle Tholen, deployment. If you have any questions, comments or concerns; please don’t hesitate to call
Treasurer any one of your NMCB 4 FRG Board Members.
805-832-4739
See you on Thursday!!
nmcb4tres@yahoo.com
Jenn Cobbel
NMCB 4 FRG President
HPL: Chief Lonnie Cosper
805-982-3612
lonnie.cosper@navy.mil MEETING DATES:
 Thursday, 18 March
Advisors: Veronica
Vanderley, Kelly Bring something Green
Hendricks, and Jen  Thursday, 15 April
Lampman
nmcb4advisors@yahoo.com  May-Half way Party
 Thursday, 20 May
Welcome Home Sign Painting
 Thursday, 17 June
Sunday, 28 March - Sign Painting 2-4pm Bolles Field  Thursday, 15 July

Sunday, 25 April - sign Painting 2-4pm Bolles Field

 Thursday, 19 August

Sunday, 23 May - Sign Painting 2-4pm Bolles Field

Sunday, 27 June - Sign Painting