INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ◊ Calendar

◊ Colonel’s Comments p. 1

◊ MCSCG Bytes p. 3-13

◊ MCFTB / eMarine p. 14,15

◊ Operational Security p. 16

◊ Recipes p. 17

◊ Photos Around MCSCG p. 18

Veterans’ Day (48)

Thanksgiving Day (96)

Christmas (96)

New Year’s Day (96)

Volume 6, Issue 1

Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group, Building 937 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459 The MCSCG Newsletter is produced by the Family Readiness Officer. We welcome your Comments and suggestions. Please call 757-962-4430 ext.2401.

October Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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November

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

2 3 4 Lifeskills/ADV FRA/LINKS Mentor Training When: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Where: MCCS Admin Conference Room

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MARFORCOM Ball

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15 16 17 18 Spouses International Tea &

Coffee - Pacific Region

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December Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses When: 8am – 5pm

6 7 8 9 10 MCSCG HOLIDAY

PARTY

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Columbus Day (72)

Columbus Day (72)

Thanksgiving Day (96)

Christmas (96)

OCTOBER 30 Oct: MCSCG Terror Trailer Come enjoy a night of food, prizes, and fright with our first Haunted House and Trunk or Treat event. *Prizes awarded for: Best Trunk, Best Child Costume, Best Dressed Family* 31 Oct: Halloween NOVEMBER 1 Nov: Daylight Savings Time Don’t forget to move your clocks forward and prepare your Woodland cammies! 5 Nov: Lifeskills/ADV FRA/LINKS Mentor Training Learn resources available to help reduce the stress that can come with preparation for the holidays. When: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Where: Camp Allen, MCCS Admin Conference Room 7 Nov: MARFORCOM Marine Corps Ball Virginia Beach Convention Center 1800 to 2330 (ceremony 1900, dinner 2000) 11 Nov: Veterans’ Day (48) 11 Nov Regular day of work: Friday, 13 Nov 14 Nov: LINKS for Kids This workshop will help kids understand why being a member of the Marine Corps family is so AWESOME! They will learn about The Corps, being a good friend, and knowing how to cope when their hero is away. When: 11am – 3pm Where: Camp Allen Gym 18 Nov: Spouses’ International Tea with PACOM CLAT Section Spouses are invited to enjoy tea, coffee, and a taste of each CLAT section’s respective region. This month will have a Pacific flavor. 28 Nov: Thanksgiving (96) 25-29 Nov Regular day of work: Monday, 30 Nov. DECEMBER 5 Nov: L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses This is a great opportunity for new and seasoned Marine Corps Spouses to receive a crash course in Marine Corps 101. Come get great info about History and Traditions of the Corps; the benefits and services allotted just for you; the entitlements, deductions, and basic awareness of payday and LES; separation and deployment survival, homecomings and OSPEC; moving in the military; and investing in your community/volunteer opportunities. When: 8am – 5pm Where: Camp Allen MCCS Admin Conference Room 11 Dec: MCSCG Holiday Party 25 Dec: Christmas (96) 23-28 Dec Regular day of work: Monday, 28 Dec 31 Dec: New Year’s Day (96) 31 Dec 2015-3 Jan 2016 Regular day of work: Monday, 4 Jan

Friends and Families of MCSCG,

Hello again. It's been great getting to know your Marines over

the last few months. We've just completed another busy quarter in the command, with the Training Instructor Group training the largest number of students they ever had during September. Our regional CLAT Sections continue to be fully engaged all over the world, with the Europe team completing the Georgian Mission Rehearsal Exercise in Germany during August; the Africa team completing an assessment report on Senegal; and the Southern team conducting visits to Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. I'll let them tell more about these events in the next few pages. Over the next quarter (October - December 2015), I want to highlight a few events for you. First off, at the end of October on Friday the 30th, we're going to hold a small Halloween Party. This event will include a Haunted House for the kids along with some activities and a "Trunk-or-Treat". We'll also have prizes for the child with the best outfit, the best family outfits, and the best Trunk-or-Treat car/truck. Then, on Wednesday, November 18th, we're going to hold the first of our Spouses’ International Coffee event. This will include a short regional brief by one of our regional teams, along with coffee/tea and some regional foods and recipes. Finally, in December on Friday the 11th we’ll have our annual Christmas Party. More details will follow on all of these events, but mark your calendars now and make sure your spouses keep you up to date with information. I look forward to seeing during these next couple of months.

Semper Fi, Col Schaar

MCSCG Sergeant Major

Marines, Families, and Friends, The past couples of months have been busy for the command

and will continue as we move into the holiday season. Colonel Schaar and I recently returned from Tbilisi, Georgia visiting the Marines supporting the Georgia Training and the Georgia Liaison Teams as they prepare to depart to Afghanistan. MCSCG assists with their training and preparation. It's important to remember these men are some of the few still deploying to a combat zone as they support the Georgian soldiers. We have a couple of events you should all be aware of as you are invited: -Friday October 30th, we will host a Halloween party. For those planning to attend, it will be a great opportunity to get dressed up and celebrate in the festive spirit (also an excellent excuse to dress as someone else). Personally, I am excited to see the creativity and costumes. We will give away prizes for the best dressed family, best dressed vehicle, and other incentives for putting your best "dress forward.” -Saturday November 7th, we will be celebrating the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from 1900-2330. We encourage you all to begin buying your tickets ASAP. This is definitely an event you do not want to miss. As we look forward to all the celebrations, parties, and the good times this holiday season will bring, let us not forget the Marines and Sailors who are forward-deployed, in harm’s way, or who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis, Derek Leggett

Sergeant Major

MCSCG Commanding Officer

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Training Instructor Group (TIG)

Greetings Family and Friends of the Training Instructor Group,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer. The TIG remained busy this summer, maintaining a high pace of training operations, instructor development, and official formalization of its core course, the Marine Advisor Course.

Gunnery Sergeant Disla returned from a mission in the Dominican Republic during July. There he successfully supervised Colombian soldiers train the Dominican army.

Staff Sergeant Davis, his wife Laura, and kids Logan and James joined us in July, as did Gunnery Sergeant Carle, his wife Meagan, his daughter Taylor and his son Logan. We welcome them to Virginia Beach and to the command.

Gunnery Sergeant Morrison, Staff Sergeant Davis, Staff Sergeant Stanley, and Sergeant Toboy attended the US Institute of Peace course in Washington, D.C. in July, where they learned advanced advising fundamentals from a State Department perspective.

Master Sergeant Spiker was promoted September 1st and departed the TIG at the end of the month for Hawaii. We wish him and his wife all the best with their new assignment.

Sergeant Gonzalez ended his service in the Marine Corps during September. He received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his high performance and contributions to the TIG’s efforts to train Marine advisor teams. We wish him good luck with his future endeavors.

The Marines of the Training Instructor Group cannot be successful without your support. I am honored to work with such fine men and their wonderful families. I thank all of you for your continued support.

Semper Fidelis! LtCol Roberto Martinez

Dominican Republic Engagement Execution Support and Training led by SOUTHCLAT Section and supported by GySgt Disla of the TIG

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NORTH/SOUTH Coordination Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section Families and Friends, For the past several months, the North/South Coordination, Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section (CLAT SECTION) has been hard at work coordinating and executing Security Cooperation activities across two continents. Responsible for Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, our Marines have traveled far and wide to work with our military counterparts from various countries. In addition to our responsibilities abroad, we have also focused significant effort in preparing our fellow U.S. Marines for their own missions in the region. During this quarter, we welcomed Capt Kruse and Capt Silva back from their tours in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where they provided support to the US Embassy – Honduras. Both individuals served approximately two months, supporting the arrival of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Southern Command (SPMAGTF-SC) arrival into Central America. Their efforts were exceptional and were noted via official correspondence from the Commander of Marine Forces South, Brigadier General Coffman. The SPMAGTF will be supporting missions throughout South and Central America. May began with the promotion of Andrew Stitt to First Sergeant; along with his promotion, he was selected to serve a summer tour as a Company 1stSgt at Officer Candidate School. Our first mission this month started with Capt Wareham, Capt O’Mahoney, GySgt Disla, and SSgt Caro supporting a United States Colombian Action Program mission at the Naval Base in Las Calderas Dominican Republic. This mission not only supported US objectives in the region, but also helped create lasting friendships between three countries. We also welcomed back GySgt Ruiz from his three month training course at the Naval Small Craft Instructor And Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) in Stennis, Mississippi. There he attended and graduated the Patrol Craft Officer-Riverine course. This course, delivered entirely in Spanish and attended by members of the Colombian Marines, provides students the specialized training necessary to safely and effectively plan and execute patrol craft operations in riverine and littoral environments supporting interdiction, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics operations. In June, Maj Johnessee, Maj Dirkes, Capt O’Mahoney, and GySgt Ruiz attended the first annual Maritime Security Cooperation Synchronization Working Group, hosted by Marine Forces North. In attendance were members from the Navy North Fleet International Engagements and the Coast Guard 531 Domestic Planning. Discussions focused on future engagements with the Mexican Marines (MEXMAR) and the Royal Bahamian Defence Force, as well as the way ahead for increased USMC/MEXMAR cooperation in Exercise Dawn Blitz. June ended with Maj Johnessee and Capt Kruse attending the SPMAGFT-SC 2016 Initial Planning Conference in San Francisco, California along with members of Marine Forces South and 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines in preparation for next year’s mission in Central America.

Semper Fidelis,

Maj Robert J. Johnessee

Battalion Workspace: Marine Infantry of El Salvador

GySgt Ruiz at NAVSCIATTS

SOUTHCOM CLATS at the Honduran Marine Corps Base Puerto Castilla, Honduras

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EUROPE Coordination Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section Greetings Family and Friends,

The EUCOM Team has been extremely busy of late and is looking forward to the holidays. At the end of August, we concluded the Mission Rehearsal Exercise for the latest Georgian Battalion as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan. We received our own Capt Garrett Vetter back from his six month deployment to Georgia. We wish the Georgian Soldiers and those deployed Marines (including Capt Paluta from MCSCG) a speedy return to their families. In September, MCSCG hosted the next rotation of training and liaison teams for their pre-deployment training. MSgt Ryan Ralph is deploying (again!) as part of the Georgia Training Team, and GySgt Andrew Knott will be part of the Georgia Liaison Team. This fall’s schedule does look very busy, as the EUCOM CLATS will be traveling to North Carolina, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Latvia all before Christmas. In addition, the EUCOM CLATS also welcomed several new Marines, as well as said goodbye to others. LtCol Bill Shannon, Maj Steve Karabin, and 1stLt Brie Burgett all joined the team this summer. We are excited for Capt Reggie Thomas as he received PCS orders to HQMC for duty at the Installation and Logistics Division. He departed the first week of September and we wish him all the best.

From all of us at the EUCOM CLATS, we wish all of you a wonderful holiday season! LtCol William D. Shannon

A Georgian Soldier discusses the scenario with a Marine and US Army Observer Controller at the MRE.

Georgian Soldiers going through the scenario.

Georgian Soldiers pulling security.

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CENTRAL Coordination Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section MCSCG Marines and Families, Dating back to before the campaign of Alexander the Great in Afghanistan, the period from mid-Spring to mid-Fall has been deemed the “fighting season” in the CENTCOM area of operations. This is the time of year when there is a significant increase in the level of enemy activity due in large part to the weather, but also related to the increase of economic activity presenting targets for the traditional raiding societies.

Like the forces forward deployed in CENTCOM, the “fighting season” is the busiest time of year for the CENTCOM CLATS. Since May, the Team has conducted planning and assessment operations in Jordan and Kuwait; in close coordination with the Instructor Group, it has trained three Security Cooperation teams totaling more than 50 Marines for deployments to Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates; and it assisted in the training and preparation for forces currently engaged in advise and assist operations in Iraq.

Throughout these operations, the Team had to say “farewell” to Captain Boxey and Captain Mattison. Both of these fine Marine officers moved on to their next assignments with personal decorations for their outstanding sustained performance and professional achievements while assigned to MCSCG and the CENTCOM CLATS.

The CENTCOM Team welcomed to the command Captain Charles Robinson and Captain Nick Whelan. Upon completion of his duties associated with the MRE, Major Alistair Howard joined the Team from the EUCOM CLATS. All three Marines are well suited to contribute to and continue the Team’s operations over the next few years.

As our “fighting season” comes to a close, the Team will focus on making preparations for training the replacements for all those teams noted above as well as addressing our professional development. Captains Robinson and Whelan will be attending language training starting in November (Maj Howard is still trying to convince me he needs to go as well). Maj Blanford will be attending intermediate-level security assistance program training in December to continue his education in the security cooperation field. Gunnery Sergeant Ambrose, Captain Scaljon, and I will have phone duty and be responsible for police call in our portion of Trailer D while the rest of the Team is away getting educated.

Of course, we will be celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday Ball on the 7th of November and then continuing into the holiday season when we will take breaks between all the 96s to catch-up on e-mail and PowerPoint presentations in preparation for next Spring’s operations.

At this point, I want to mention that Captain Whelan is single. Should any of our MCSCG spouses have any inclinations toward matchmaking, Captain Whelan can use the assistance.

Respectfully, LtCol Christopher J. Lauer

Motivated CENTCLAT Section Planning Conference Featuring Capt Dan Whelan (left)

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PACIFIC Coordination Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section

MCSCG Marines and Families,

This past quarter found MCSCG’s Asia-Pacific Team

providing training and education here at home station and on the West Coast, supporting Marine Forces Pacific operations in Oceania, and attending Advisor Development Program courses at various locations. In early July, the CLATS said goodbye to Maj Jonathan Brown as he executed orders to Okinawa. In his two years at MCSCG, Maj Brown played a key role in integrating MCSCG’s efforts with the overall joint and interagency Security Cooperation enterprise. We congratulate him on his promotion to LtCol as of 1 September. In mid-July, 1stLt Heeter departed to augment the command staff of Task Force KOA MOANA 15.3. KOA MOANA is a Marine Forces Pacific program which makes use of Maritime Prepositioning Force shipping to conduct small-scale Security Cooperation exercises throughout Oceania and the South Pacific. Over the next two months, they will be conducting exercises and engagements with partner nation units in French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Timor-Leste. As additional support to KOA MOANA, GySgt Heyman and GySgt Salinas conducted an Operational Environment and Basic Engagement Skills training package and provided Security Cooperation training and injects to the unit during their Mission Rehearsal Exercise.

In late July, the PACOM CLATS welcomed two new members. Maj Momi Pagador joined the section as Deputy Officer-in-Charge, joining MCSCG from her previous billet as Executive Officer of Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 18 on Okinawa. Maj Matt Hemphill joined the CLATS as Security Cooperation Engagement and Planning Officer, joining MCSCG from his previous billet as Operations Officer of 1st Radio Battalion in Camp Pendleton.

The PACOM CLATS conducted an Operational Environment

and Basic Engagement Skills Mobile Training Teams for 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton CA, in preparation for their upcoming Unit Deployment Program rotation. In late August, LtCol Baseel and GySgt Wingfield served as primary instructors at Security Cooperation Planners’ Course 15-5.

The section also continued to progress through the Advisor

Development Program. Majs Pagador and Hemphill completed the Security Cooperation Planners’ Course and Marine Advisor Course. GySgt Wingfield completed the Army Security Cooperation Planners’ Course, and LtCol Baseel completed the Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management resident course.

Semper Fidelis, LtCol Johnny M. Baseel

GySgt Wingfield, Maj Brown, 1stLt Heeter at OET for 2/5

GySgt Salinas instructing at KOA MOANA MRX

GySgt Wingfield and GySgt Heyman touring Pearl Harbor, HI

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AFRICA Coordination Liaison, Assessment, and Training Section Greetings to all of the Family and Friends of AFRICOM CLAT SECTION,

The AFRICOM CLAT Section has been busy building plans across Africa and preparing to train the next Special Marine Air Ground Task

Force (SPMAGTF) deploying to engage with African Militaries. During the summer, the Team spent a long time preparing and traveling to Cameroon to help develop long-term plans for the Cameroon Marines. It was definitely rainy season in Cameroon and the Team is still drying out. The Team also traveled to Senegal to continue to sustain and develop our relationship with the Senegalese Marines. As MCSCG has sustained a long-term plan with the Senegalese Marines for years, it was good to see familiar faces and hear that things are going well. As the Team moves into fall, they will be busy finishing up the year training the next SPMAGTF to deploy to Africa. In August, LtCol Rehder, Maj O’Reilly, Maj Ziegler, and GySgt Irons traveled to Cameroon to conduct a Capabilities-Base Assessment (CBA) of the FORFUMAPCO. They analyzed the operational environment and conducted a tailored evaluation of their Marine unit.

Semper Fidelis, LtCol Robert B. Rehder

LtCol Rehder and Maj Ziegler pause for a brief moment to pose for a

Major O’Reilly and the Cameroon Marines company Commander Major

Sign of the FORFUMAPCO “Making Uncommon Value

FORFUMAPCO conducting training on weapons handling and also snapping in before live fire range.

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MCSCG Intelligence

Greetings, In July, we welcomed aboard MSgt Brent Quashie, replacing MSgt Lee as the S-2 Chief. Top Quashie and his family arrived from III MEF in

Okinawa, Japan. We look forward working with and learning from him as the command moves forward. In August, GySgt Oman deployed to Germany to support the Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) for the Republic of Georgia, evaluating the Information Operations (IO) program which is a varsity-level concept of warfare. The evaluation program was built from the ground up by Gunny Oman and his work was invaluable to future iterations of the MRE. In September, I supported the AFRICLAT Section by deploying to Senegal to conduct an assessment of the Senegalese Marine forces. This opportunity allowed me to see much of Senegal, including Dakar and St. Louis and was a great chance to see the pointy end of the security cooperation spear.

Warmest regards, Capt David Brennan

MCSCG OPERATIONS

Greetings Families and Friends, The last 4 months have been busy in the S-3 Shop. Daily, the Operations and Training Section establishes and refines the planning,

decision, and execution cycle with the Sections, Training Instructor Group, and CLAT Sections; this effort provides oversight and planning guidance across all MCSCG projects and activities to ensure unity of effort. During this time, the S-3 bid farewell to LtCol Chris Lauer to the CENTCOM CLATS. We appreciate all he and his family did while he was assigned to the S-3. His knowledge and experience created a lasting mark on the S-3 and the command. We welcomed aboard LtCol John Vazquez from the NORTH/SOUTHCOM CLATS as the new Operations Officer. In July, the S-3 hosted the Regent University Government Camp focusing on the National Security Strategy and Antiterrorism which informed 30 High School Students and Faculty on MCSCG's role in that endeavor. As we continued to support the Command, the Marines of the S-3 were trained on the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS) to enhance our capability to track training and schools. August was particularly busy for the Future Operations Cell who conducted the Security Cooperation Planners’ Course. Thanks to Maj Cary, Capt Quimby, GySgt Smith, Mr. Carrier, and all of the guest instructors, it was another successful course. Semper Fidelis, MGySgt Stewart A. Stout

African Renaissance Monument in Dakar, Senegal

Faidherbe Bridge in St. Louis, Senegal

Beach in Dakar near the Westernmost point of Africa

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Sgt Rettberg MSG Duty Sgt Bell MSgt Mulder: Cherry Point, NC. Cpl Gonzales 1stMARDIV Sgt Renderos Sgt Mendoza Ochoa: Okinawa, JP.

Cpl Maldonado Sgt Jeffries: Recruiting Duty

MCSCG LOGISTICS

Greetings MCSCG Families and Friends, First and foremost, I am excited and proud to share the highlights and accomplishments of the S4 Logistics section with this being our first newsletter submission! For those who have ever wondered about that uniform item or the office supplies we use, ammunition that is fired, maintenance and care of our rifles and pistols, grass cutting and small-repair projects, government vehicle transportation, barracks upkeep, packaging and shipping, and contracted services provided by commercial sources, the S4 section is the one-stop shop for ALL of the above! “Glamorous” is not our middle name, and we may not get all the exciting assignments, but we are very delighted to serve and support the unique and important mission of MCSCG. That being said, we are not always at the immediate operational forefront which is typical of most supporting efforts. However, our responsive behind-the-scenes support gives the command the peace of mind knowing their logistical concerns will be covered and allows the CLAT Sections and TIG to keep their focus on the mission. Bottom line up-front, we are always willing to go where many do not want to go and to do what many do not want to do (and then ask for seconds)!

Over the past few months, we have been busy with two very high profile inspections, the CGRI and the FSMAO inspection. Due to the hard work of the junior Marines and the S4 leaders who directed them, MCSCG passed both inspections with flying colors! From there we supported the commanding officer’s retirement and change-of-command ceremony. The S4 provided all of the logistical support from invitations and programs, parade set-up, parking, and other fine details for the event! That too was an overwhelming success! Finally, during the waning summer months we supported the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) in Hohenfels, Germany. The S4 was represented by GySgt Perez (safety), SSgt James (Assistant Logistics Chief), Sgt Snyder (Supply), Cpl Santoya (Ammo), and LCpl Sauer (Supply and Services). A very special “thank you” goes out to all the spouses and families for all the hard work and support you gave while your loved ones were away. You ALL truly have the toughest job, keeping the families together back home!

Finally, thanks to all the hard working Marines at the S4! Your dedication does not go unnoticed and the entire command benefits from what you do every day! I am extremely proud to lead a group of such motivated and caring professionals!

Continue the great effort and support!

Capt Joseph A. Yacovone

MCSCG S-6 COMMUNICATIONS

Greetings Families and Friends, In July, your Communications Marines, started off a busy summer with the majority of the S-6 traveling to Hohenfels, Germany to

participate in the Mission Rehearsal Exercise for the Georgian Deployment Program Resolute Support Mission. This was a new experience for some in the section; they quickly learned that some language barriers can be worked around. We also took the opportunity to visit hallowed Belleau Wood, an experience not soon forgotten. At the command, the few remaining S-6 Marines provided Command and Control with Mission Support.

Recently, the Marines have begun the process of replacing many computers throughout the command. The new computer hardware will increase our unit's overall productivity by removing outdated systems and replacing them with faster and more reliable equipment.

Our newest addition to the S-6 team is Cpl Oehlerich, she joined us in July and has already established herself as a solid performer. She has recently completed building a network infrastructure including configuring multiple routers and switches for the purpose of contributing to the training of MCSCG personnel as well as other units coming in for training. In late August, we said farewell to SSgt Fertik, who headed off to sunny California to join 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Our Marines are truly appreciative of the support that our family and friends provide during any time spent away from home.

MSgt Dana Neal

MSgt Mulder and GySgt Lennan relaxing with a cold one and a spectacular view

of the beach after a hard day of work at the S4.

LCpl Terry on the John Deere tractor in preparation for the Generals visit. The MCSCG

compound was beautifully transformed into its usual

pristine condition."

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MCSCG MEDICAL

Remarks by Chief Eric M. Blake

2015 FALL SEASON ACTIVITIES AND SAFETY TIPS Trick or Treat: Make sure that your child has a reflective surface on their Halloween costume and ensure that they stay out of the streets

when at all possible. Check all of you child’s candy after returning home from trick or treating for evidence of tampering or punctures in the wrapping. Throw away any candy that is not in the original wrapper or any homemade goods. If attending an adult Halloween party, ensure that a designated driver is identified prior to drinking alcohol.

Thanksgiving: -Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. -Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. -Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay no fewer than 3 feet away. -Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. -Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks, or bags. -Keep knives out of the reach of children. -Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling within easy reach of a child. -Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet. -Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle. -Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

DID YOU KNOW? Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine. -Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. 1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

References: CDC (2015). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Influenza (Flu) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm

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MSgt Christopher M. Spiker

GySgt Justin J. Hensley GySgt Paul B. Worley

Cpl Jonas A. Gonzalez

Cpl Alexander E. McLemore

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Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) MCFTB Trainer: Tracy Fearon Marine Corps Community Services E-mail to: fearontl@usmc-mccs.org 1251 Yalu Street Web Site: http://www.mccscampallen.com Norfolk, VA 23515-4693

Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630 Phone: (757) 445-6875 CELL: (757) 358-0885 MCFTB is located in Bldg. CA-5, on Fechteler Road across the street from Elmore Marine Corps Exchange and Quiznos.

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR EMARINE?Registration is now open for our Command's new eMarine website! EMarine is a web delivery system supporting Unit, Personal, and Family Readiness. This new website

will provide unit members and their Families with quick, easy access to documents, photos, videos, unit event calendar, discussion boards, base information, and much more. This tool will be the primary means through which we will push information and conduct organizational networking. EMarine establishes a conduit for Marines and their Family Members to provide immediate feedback as we continue to shape and improve our support programs to meet their needs.

All Marines and Sailors are strongly encouraged to take a few moments to register for the eMarine site. Your participation will be extremely valuable as we move forward.

The registration process is outlined below and takes just minutes. Sponsors will be provided an opportunity to invite Family Members, and are encouraged to do so. Registration is accomplished as follows: 1) Open your web browser and navigate to http://www.emarine.org 2) Click on the "Find a Unit Site" button in the top right portion of the screen. 3) Search for unit site by location or use Advanced Options for more options. 4) Select the link for your site- II MEF> Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group (Virginia, UIC: M200003) 5) Click the “I am subscribing as a: Sponsor button and enter the following information: - DOB (MMDD format) - First Name (As it appears in MOL) - Last Name (As it appears in MOL) - Your Email 6) Click continue and complete your registration by creating a Username and Password 7) Click "Invite New Users" and invite your Family Members. 8) Save eMarine to your favorites.

Just think how much more awesome this newsletter or eMarine would be if it contained one of your photos or maybe an idea you had. We will do our best to get them into the newsletter or on the eMarine site and if we do, you’ll get the credit. If you have any ideas, questions, comments, or suggestions... PLEASE drop us a line or

give us a call!

Capt. Brennan – (757) 962-4430 x2401

david.brennan@usmc.mil

GySgt Perez - (757) 422-7319

osvaldo.perez@usmc.mil

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The MCSCG Newsletter

MCSCG COMMAND INFORMATION & REFERRAL

BILLET NAME WORK # CELL # E-MAIL COMMANDING OFFICER COLONEL JOHN SCHAAR 757-962-4430 EXT. 2225 757-639-7146 JOHN.SCHAAR@USMC.MIL EXECUTIVE OFFICER LTCOL GERT DE WET 757-962-4430 EXT. 2222 757-746-0401 GERT.DEWET@USMC.MIL SERGEANT MAJOR SGTMAJ DEREK LEGGETT 757-962-4430 EXT. 2223 757-272-9072 DEREK.LEGGETT@USMC.MIL CHIEF OF STAFF MR. ROBERT RABUSE 757-962-4430 EXT. 2224 757-672-1637 ROBERT.RABUSE@USMC.MIL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR GROUP LTCOL ROBERTO MARTINEZ 757-962-4430 EXT. 2336 757-675-8625 ROBERTO.MARTINEZ@USMC.MIL NORTH/SOUTHCOM CLAT SECTION LTCOL ROBERT JOHNESSEE 757-962-4133 757-639-6729 ROBERT.JOHNESSEE@USMC.MIL EUCOM CLAT SECTION LTCOL WILLIAM SHANNON 757-962-4120 757-652-5052 WILLIAM.SHANNON@USMC.MIL AFRICOM CLAT SECTION LTCOL BOBBY REHDER 757-962-4122 757-663-1476 ROBERT.REHDER@USMC.MIL PACOM CLAT SECTION LTCOL JOHN BASEEL 757-962-4151 757-652-0295 JOHN.BASEEL@USMC.MIL CENTCOM CLAT SECTION LTCOL CHRISTOPHER LAUER 757-962-4157 757-652-7514 CHRIS.LAUER@USMC.MIL MEDICAL OFFICER CHIEF ERIC BLAKE 757-510-9516 ERIC.BLAKE@USMC.MIL FAMILY READINESS OFFICER CAPT DAVID BRENNAN 757-962-4430 EXT. 2401 757-642-3269 DAVID.BRENNAN@USMC.MIL DEPUTY FAMILY READINESS OFFICER GYSGT OSVALDO PEREZ 757-962-4176 757-646-9072 OSVALDO.PEREZ@USMC.MIL FAMILY READINESS ASSISTANT AMBER HEYMAN 757-333-4922 808-927-0344 JSANDME@HOTMAIL.COM

Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) NMCRS JEBLC-FS Several locations available in the Hampton Roads area: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Fleet and Family Support Center FFSC Little Creek...............................462-7563 1481 D Street, Suite 103

FFSC Newport News.........................688-NAVY Virginia Beach, VA 23459-8403 FFSC Norfolk.....................................444-2102 Web: www.nmcrs.org FFSC Northwest................................421-8770 Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600 FFSC Oceana.....................................433-2912 Phone: (757) 462-1596 FFSC Yorktown.................................887-4606 DSN: 253-1596 New Parent Support Program..........462-7563

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The MCSCG Newsletter

MCSCG would like to bring attention to Operations Security (OPSEC). OPSEC is the “practice of safe-guarding any information that is relevant to movement, unit strength, and unit capabilities with technology, ammunition, or skill set.” OPSEC protects planned and completed operations. Family members of the MCSCG play an important role in protecting our Marines, Sailors, Civilian Marines, and Civilians. We would like to remind all Marines, Sailors, Civilian Marines, and Civilians, spouses, family members, and friends to conceal all information such as flight schedules, temporary duty locations, installation activities, deployments, annual training, and even Security Cooperation Training. Please be vigilant in the information you are giving out on the internet, Facebook, Twitter, or in blogs. We need to protect those in MCSCG, so they can complete their mission in the safest and quickest way. Social Media Principles for Marines - OPSEC https://youtu.be/vDtsmcfTJmk Anti-Terrorism With every newsletter and daily updates, the MCSCG Antiterrorism Officer will provide information and tips to raise awareness of its ongoing efforts to protect Marines, Sailors, Civilian Marines, and Civilians, spouses, family members, and friends from terrorist threats. USMC Eagle Eyes https://youtu.be/1m0GY3yyIGs

Here are a few things to always keep in mind: 1. The Threat Is Real According to a recent article by the Heritage Foundation (research and educational institution—a think tank), there have been 60 terrorist plots against the U.S. since 9/11. Their research of media reports and court documents shows that military facilities were the number one target in these plots, followed by New York City and places with mass gatherings, such as the Boston Marathon. 2. Awareness Is Critical Knowledge is power, and just like in the National Football League, defense wins championships. As part of the MCSCG fight on antiterrorism, every member of the MCSCG team is required to take the online AT Level I Awareness Training course. The MARINENET course Joint Anti-Terrorism Level 1 is located at https://www.marinenet.usmc.mil under code JATLV10000. To further enhance awareness, every Marine, Sailor, Civilian Marine, and Civilian within MCSCG receives daily updates via email on the latest news. 3. SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING Sometimes seemingly benign -- but odd -- situations can lead to terrible consequences, if they go unreported. The "See Something -- Say Something" motto has contributed to preventing planned attacks. For example, an alert citizen in Minnesota noticed someone crossing her yard to a storage area. She reported the suspicious activity, and a 17 year old was charged with attempted murder, possessing explosives and attempted damage to property. He possessed six bombs, seven weapons, and 400 rounds of ammunition, and planned to kill his family and classmates. MCSCG and Families are all targets and in this fight together. Norfolk is one of the busiest ports on the east coast, both commercial and naval. There are those out there in our community collecting information who wish to do us harm. Our Marines, Sailors, Civilian Marines, Civilians, and their families know what they've signed up for, and they know the type of business we are in, but we can all help watch each other's back. Help make MCSCG AT Awareness a focuses; this is critical in protecting our people and enabling our missions. Awareness is our most certain defense against an act of terrorism. If you see something - say something. Report Suspicious Activity: - Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story, Fort Story Emergency Dispatch (757) 462-4444 and (757) 462-4445 (Non-Emergency) - Antiterrorism Office Norfolk: (757) 836-1805 - NCIS (JEBLCFS): (757) 462-8151

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The MCSCG Newsletter

Fall is undeniably the season for all things pumpkin! Whether your preferred poison is a coffee shop pumpkin spice latté or a slice of pumpkin pie that’s more whipped cream than pie, October is certainly the month of pumpkin-flavored everything. Today’s guilty pleasure recipe also offers a light, diet-friendly option!

Pumpkin Muffins

Makes 12 muffins or 24 mini-muffins

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup butter, softened

1 ¼ cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground cloves

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line or grease your muffin tin.

Beat softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl, mixing thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, until combined. Mix in the pumpkin.

In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and walnuts. Add the dry mixture to the batter mixture, stirring just enough to moisten. Pour into muffin tins.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool in the pan for five minutes, and finish cooling on a cooling rack.

Recipe can be lightened up by substituting 1/3 less fat Neufchatel cheese for the cream cheese, 5/8 cup Truvia Baking Mix for sugar, and whole-wheat flour for all-purpose flour.

A very special thanks to Heather Brennan who provided today’s recipe!

*To have your favorite recipe printed to share with all of us at MCSCG just e-mail it to Amber at* jsandme@hotmail.com

Pumpkin mini-muffins paired with Coffee Ice Cream

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