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Dear Families, October is a month of awareness. Pink ribbons remind us that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and purple ribbons indicate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Both causes are important and relevant for military spouses and dependents.
In challenging circumstances, whether they are illness, hardships at home, or deployments, it is important that military spouses know where to turn for help. As a military community, we should all have somebody who has our back, looks out for us and provides guidance through life's challenges. The tight-knit military community is a great place to find true friends that provide such support.
MCCS (Marine Corps Community Services) also provides a diverse array of programs and services that arm families with tools to thrive in the military lifestyle. Marine Corps Family Team Building is also committed to empowering military families with information and awareness that keep them healthy and safe. In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness month, we are offering a self defense class on October 13th that will feature MCAS Yuma experts on the topic, as well as Marines who will teach participants basic self defense moves.
Operation Ball Gown was a huge success and an opportunity for military spouses to meet new friends, spend time with old ones, and reconnect with others in the MCAS Yuma community. It is our hope that events like Operation Ball Gown provide a place for military spouses to create and build their support network. We are honored to support you as you create relationships that help you BLOOM in any circumstance. Your MCFTB Team,
Kate, Bekah, Brooke, Sarah, & Jenny |
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Calendar of Events
All classes are free, include free childcare and refreshments, and are located in Building 598 (next to Commissary) unless otherwise noted. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Please call us at 269-6550.
October
Friday Fit Club: Friday Fit Club is back by popular demand. Get a great work out and have fun in our friendly group exercise class. Free childcare available with registration! Every Friday October 1-November 5, 9:00-10:00am at the Station Gym.
Safe at Home: Women's Self Defense: Learn tips on how to stay safe at home, in your car, and when you travel when your Marine is here or deployed. You'll learn some important self defense moves as well. October 13, 6:00-8:00pm
Healthy Habits for Families: GO GREEN! A workshop for parents and kids on fun and practical ways to be kind to our environment. October 13, 4:00-5:30pm
Basic Auto Care: Prevent and prepare for auto issues. Learn to check your oil and change your tires, fluids, wipers and more. October 14, 6:00-8:00pm
Parenting and the Military Lifestyle: A class for parents of children of all ages. Learn how children are impacted by moves, deployments, and separations and how you can be the best parent possible either at home or from afar. October 18, 6:00-8:00pm
CPR/First Aid: Become fully certified in CPR and first aid by our own MCAS Yuma Fire Department. October 26, 9:30am-4:00pm
Ball Etiquette: Never sure if you are using the right fork or standing at the correct time during the ball. This fun class will teach you the ins and outs of Marine Corps Ball etiquette. October 27, 6:00-8:00pm
Spa Night: Stress and Coping: Recharge and relax. This fun night will equip you with ways to thrive despite the stress life throws at you. October 28, 6:00-8:00pm
November
Couples Communication: Prepare for deployments and separation. Walk away with practical ways to improve your communication and enhance your marriage even when apart. November 2, 6:00-8:00pm
USMC Birthday Bash for Kids!: Come celebrate the Marine Corps birthday with us at our first annual USMC Birthday Bash for Kids! Enjoy games, crafts and of course a birthday cake! Children of all ages are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. November 8th from 1:00-2:00 @ Community Center.
Military Hair Cutting: Bring your Marine and learn how to give him the perfect Military Hair Cut. November 15, 6:00-8:00pm.
Long Distance Love Affair: Do you find keeping the love alive difficult when your Marine is away or just works too much? This fun night will give you new inspiration on how to nurture your relationship whether you are together or apart. November 16th, 6:00-8:00pm.
L.I.N.K.S.
L.I.N.K.S. for Marines: October 19, 9:00am-4:00pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses: October 20 & 21, 6:00-8:30pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Couples: November 16, 9:00- 5:00pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Kids- A monthly club!: October 7 and November 4, 2:45-4:00pm
L.I.N.K.S. for Teens- A monthly club!: October 12th and November 2nd, 5:30-7:00pm
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Domestic Violence Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but did you know that it is also Domestic Violence Awareness month? President Barack Obama deemed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month last year as an effort to raise awareness and end violence against women and children. Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in this country causing victims, witnesses and communities an immeasurable amount of pain and loss. Our military community is NOT immune!
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It is a pattern of physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abusive behaviors used by an individual to maintain power over a partner in an intimate or family relationship. In the military community, the victim of domestic violence is most frequently the female, civilian spouse of active duty personnel who is vulnerable to abuse due to geographical isolation from their family and friends. Of the military branches, the Army has consistently shown the highest rates of domestic violence, followed by the Marines.
In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, MCFTB is offering a Safe at Home: Self Defense workshop to highlight ways to stay safe, reduce risk, and avoid potential dangers in a variety of settings. We invite you to attend this fun and informative workshop on October 13th, 2010 from 6-8pm.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, PLEASE CONTACT THE FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM AT 928-269-2561 OR THE 24-HOUR VICTIM ADVOCATE HOTLINE AT 928-941-3650 |
Marine Corps Ball Season
Marine Corps ball season is quickly approaching. Do you know what you are going to wear? How you will do your hair? Has your Marine prepared his/her uniform? These are just several of the fun and important preparations a Marine Spouse considers a month before the ball.
Marine Corps Family Team Building will help you prepare for the big night by offering a crash course on Ball Etiquette. Never sure if you're using the right fork or standing at the correct time during the ball? This fun class will teach you the ins and outs of Marine Corps Ball Etiquette Wednesday October 27th, from 6 to 8pm. Check the list below to find the date and location of your Marine Corps Birthday Ball!
NAVY Ball- Oct 15th @ Club
MWSS 371- Nov 3 @ Q
VMA 513- Nov 9 @ Club
MACS 1- Nov 9 @ Q
MAG 13 HQ and VMA 311- Nov 10 @ Hilton
VMA 214- Nov 10 @ Club
MALS 13- Nov 10 @ Q
MAWTS 1/CLC 16/VMFT 401- Nov 11th @ Q
H&HS- Nov 19 @ Q
VMA 211- Nov 23 @ Hilton
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Parenting and Deployments
Deployments and long separations are one of the primary challenges for families in the Marine Corps. Marine Corps Family Team Building has developed a class for parents on how to coordinate effective parenting strategies, even while the Marine is away.
Have you ever noticed your child has trouble sleeping or complains about tummy aches when the Marine is away? Why do children act out in school or become difficult to discipline during deployment? This class will help you understand your child and their behavior as they cope with the unique circumstances surrounding deployment. Parents will also learn creative ways to communicate with their children and fun activities to pass the time. Join us for this interactive training on military parenting. October 18th, 6 to 8pm.
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Operation Ball Gown Prepares MCAS Yuma for Ball Season
What a night...nearly 360 spouses and guests attended Operation Ball Gown 2010! Infinities was standing room only as models and escorts from MCAS Yuma squadrons strutted the runway in ball gowns from Dillard's, MCX, local designer, Lucia Sophia, and the donated giveaway dresses. The evening continued with socializing, food, fun in the photo booth and entertainment in the ballroom of the Sonoran Pueblo. To cap the evening, groups of attendees were escorted into the giveaway room and were able to pick a free gown for this year's ball season from nearly 700 dresses. After the evening's festivities, the surplus of gowns were donated to local charity thrift stores including the Humane Society of Yuma, Hospice of Yuma and the Assistance League of Yuma.
"This year's event was an even bigger success than we anticipated," exclaimed Kate McKenney, Director of Marine Corps Family Team Building. "Our staff works tremendously hard to bring quality, relevant events and workshops to our Marines, Sailors and their families throughout the year. Tonight's event is both fun and educational. It showcases our efforts and gives us a further platform to share our work and vision."
A sincere thank you to our sponsors: Dillard's; MCX; local designer, Lucia Sophia; Sephora; Al's Tuxedo and Bridal; Diva's Hair Salon, and Eye Design Cosmetics.
Terrific job volunteers, models and escorts! |
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MCFTB classes and events are always free. CHILDCARE is also available FREE of charge with advanced registration.
Registration for our classes is required by calling 269-6550 or by emailing us here! |
Hours & Location
8am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday Bldg. 598
(Next To Commissary) Visit MCFTB at www.mccsyuma.org |
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Twice is Nice Baby and Toddler Gear Swap 
On October 16 from 8:00am- 12:00pm at the Station Chapel, MCAS Yuma Family Readiness Officers will be hosting a baby and toddler gear swap. Have baby and toddler clothes, toys, and gear that your family has outgrown? Donate them at the Chapel or bring them to MCFTB (Building 598) after October 1st. All donated items will be given away on the 16th. Volunteers needed!! Call Christa at 269-3042 to volunteer or for more information. |
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Trunk or Treat
October 30th is the annual Trunk or Treat in the CDC/Youth Center Parking Lot from 3:00-6:00pm. There will be truck or treating, costume contests, games, haunted halls in the CDC, a pumpkin carving contest and more. Interested in competing in the trunk contest? Stop by the Youth Center or call 269-5390 for more information. |
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PREP
Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) teaches married and soon to be married couples how to effectively communicate, work together, manage conflict, and preserve and enhance commitment and friendship. Offered monthly by the MCAS Yuma's Chaplains. Call 269-2371 for more information, upcoming dates and to register. |
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