Check out the latest newsletter from the National Military Family Association’s Spouse Club, including information on the Family of the Year Award: http://support.militaryfamily.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=32849.0&dlv_id=34462

Explore your world and go behind the headlines with the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration! During NOAA Heritage Week 2011 (Feb. 5-12), NOAA will host special guest presentations by deep-sea explorers, hurricane hunters, extreme weather forecasters, and oil spill responders at its Silver Spring, Md. campus.

Battle of the Atlantic – Marine archaeologists and historians discuss recent undersea explorations of Allied ships and German U-boats sunk off the North Carolina coast during World War II. Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m.
Exploring the Titanic – A panel of veteran ocean explorers discuss their first-hand experiences studying one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. Saturday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m.
An Ironclad Mystery – Maritime and forensic experts discuss their efforts to piece together the USS Monitor‘s final moments and identify sailors lost when the famed Civil War ironclad sank in 1862. Saturday, Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.
Responding to the Deepwater Horizon Spill – A panel of experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration discuss their role in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response effort. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 12 noon and 7 p.m
Extreme Weather! – WRC-TV chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer moderates a panel of NOAA National Weather Service experts, who will discuss tornadoes, tropical storms and blizzards. Also, a NOAA “hurricane hunter” pilot will discuss his experiences flying into Katrina and other storms. Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m.

All guest presentations will take place in the NOAA Auditorium, located at 1301 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Md., near the Silver Spring Metro Station. Sign language interpreters available. Adults please bring a photo ID to enter this federal facility. Public parking is available.

NEW NOAA Exhibit – Gateway to NOAA
While you’re in Silver Spring, be sure to visit Gateway to NOAA, a permanent new exhibit about how NOAA takes the pulse of the planet and manages and protects ocean and coastal resources. The exhibit is located at 1325 East-West Highway (SSMC2), just steps from the Silver Spring Metro Station.

More info at preserveamerica.noaa.gov

ALEXANDRIA, VA October 6, 2010 — The National Military Family Association is pleased to announce the seven 2010 Families of the Year. One of these outstanding Uniformed Services families will be named the National Military Family Association’s 2010 Family of the Year at an Association event this fall.

Our Association’s Family Award Program recognizes strong military families who embrace their service to the Nation, are role models in their community, and understand that together they are stronger. We received nominations from: active duty, Reserve Component, retiree, and surviving families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA Family of the Year
The Heesch Family, Gulfport, Mississippi

LTJG Jonathan Heesch and Dory, and their children L.J. and Devi are currently stationed in Gulfport, MS where they participate in the community through the Parent Teacher Association and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. They place a high premium on the opportunities to be together as a family, and exude dedication and strength into all that they do.

To learn more about the National Military Family Association, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.

New TRICARE.mil Website Tour – Watch It Now

Have you checked out the new features on TRICARE.mil?
Take a quick tour now on YouTube – then visit www.tricare.mil to get benefit information tailored just for you!

If you haven’t already paid your 2010 NOFA dues, now is the time! Your dues support NOFA in its mission to provide information and keep our NOAA families connected.

Click here to pay your dues online and donate to the ACO.

And while you’re visiting the website, please check your member information and make sure it’s up-to-date. Thank you!

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2010 National ACO Scholarships! Each of the following award winners will receive a $1000 scholarship grant:

Carly LaMontagne – Simmons College

Jessica Peterson – East Carolina University

Melanie Poston – University of Northern Colorado

NOAA Ship NANCY FOSTER and her current mission in the Gulf of Mexico are featured in the following two videos. Check it out!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/videobeta/f0ce9df6-11ff-4f6f-8be4-a90d62fa7b80/News/Former-Navy-ship-sets-sail-on-mission-to-gather-data-near-oil-spill-The-Morning-Show-Channel-39-Comcast-11-

http://www.miamiherald.com/508/index.html?media_id=15766619&genre_id=4216

The Executive Committee of National ACO Scholarships, Inc. has issued its annual call to high school seniors and college undergraduates for applications for scholarship awards for the 2010/2011 academic year.  The two-page application form is available on the Resources page, under the heading “National ACO Scholarships, Inc.”  Application forms may also be obtained by contacting Secretary/Treasurer Captain Dave Peterson, NOAA (Ret), by phone (301-921-6357) or email (kmpdhp -at- comcast -dot- net).  Complete application packages should be sent to the corporation’s post office address (shown on the form) and should be postmarked no later than Friday, April 30, 2010.

On Veterans Day, the President signed into law S.475, The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The law amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide certain protections for military spouses with regard to residency, voting and taxation. Spouses will have the option to adopt the state in which they reside or the service member’s state of residence.  Here is the Statement by the President on S.475.