[Senate Hearing 108-306]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 108-306
SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES: THE GROTON MODEL
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION,
LABOR, AND PENSIONS
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
ON
EXAMINING HOW EFFECTIVE THE NAVY HAS BEEN IN MAKING IT EASIER FOR
MILITARY FAMILIES RAISING CHILDREN AND TO DETERMINE WHAT ADDITIONAL
CHANGES CAN BE MADE TO FURTHER ASSIST MILITARY FAMILIES
__________
JUNE 16, 2003 (GROTON, CT)
__________
Printed for the use of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
88-089 WASHINGTON : 2004
_______________________________________________________________________
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800,
DC area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2250 Mail: stop SSOP, Washington,
DC 20402-0001
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
JUDD GREGG, New Hampshire, Chairman
BILL FRIST, Tennessee EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts
MICHAEL B. ENZI, Wyoming CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut
LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee TOM HARKIN, Iowa
CHRISTOPHER S. BOND, Missouri BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Maryland
MIKE DeWINE, Ohio JAMES M. JEFFORDS (I), Vermont
PAT ROBERTS, Kansas JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama PATTY MURRAY, Washington
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada JACK REED, Rhode Island
LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, South Carolina JOHN EDWARDS, North Carolina
JOHN W. WARNER, Virginia HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, New York
Sharon R. Soderstrom, Staff Director
J. Michael Myers, Minority Staff Director and Chief Counsel
______
Subcommittee on Children and Families
LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee, Chairman
MICHAEL B. ENZI, Wyoming CHRISTOPHER J. DODD, Connecticut
CHRISTOPHER S. BOND, Missouri TOM HARKIN, Iowa
MIKE DeWINE, Ohio JAMES M. JEFFORDS (I), Vermont
PAT ROBERTS, Kansas JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama PATTY MURRAY, Washington
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada JACK REED, Rhode Island
LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, South Carolina JOHN EDWARDS, North Carolina
JOHN W. WARNER, Virginia HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, New York
Marguerite Sallee, Staff Director
Grace A. Reef, Minority Staff Director
(ii)
C O N T E N T S
__________
STATEMENTS
Monday, June 16, 2003
Page
Alexander, Hon. Larmar, a U.S. Senator from the State of
Tennessee...................................................... 1
Ratte, Captain James E. Jr., USN, Commanding Officer, Naval
Submarine Base New London; James Mitchell, Superintendent,
Groton School District; Cynthia Clegg, President, Chamber of
Commerce of Eastern Connecticut; Sarah Scott, President,
Submarine Officer Spouse Association; and Debbie Estes,
Chairwoman, Ombudsman Council.................................. 6
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Statements, articles, publications, letters, etc.:
Captain James E. Ratte, Jr................................... 23
E-Mails to Debbie Estes...................................... 26
Response to questions of Senator Dodd from Debbie Estes...... 33
(iii)
SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES: THE GROTON MODEL
----------
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2003
U.S. Senate,
Subcommittee on Children and Families,
of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions,
Washington, DC.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10 a.m., at
the Youth Center, Naval Submarine Base New London, 29 Hickory
Drive, Groton, CT, Senator Alexander, chairman of the
subcommittee, presiding.
Senators Alexander and Dodd.
Opening Statement of Senator Alexander
Senator Alexander. Good morning. I am Lamar Alexander, a
United States Senator from Tennessee. And of course you know
your own Senator, Chris Dodd.
I call the hearing to order of our Subcommittee on Children
and Families. I am a member of the U.S. Senate, and I am the
chairman of the subcommittee. Senator Dodd is the ranking
member of the subcommittee. The only reason that is decided, it
is not by open popularity, just by accident of election. Two
more years might go by and he will be the chairman and I will
be the ranking member.
We are here today to talk about military parents raising
children and what is being done, because a lot is already being
done, what we might do better. My thanks to Captain Ratte and
his team who have already spent time with us this morning. We
have enjoyed our tour and have seen the new facilities, seen
the Child Development Center, seen what is happening to the
bowling alley.
This hearing is the third of four hearings that we have
planned. We may have more before we are through. We are looking
at the pocket of military parents raising children. We were
engaged by what we called field hearings in Fort Campbell,
Tennessee and Kentucky a few weeks ago. On the same day Senator
Sachs, Chairman of Georgia, Chairman of the Personnel Committee
of the Armed Services Committee, Warner Robbins, Air Force
Base, ranking member of that committee. Senator Nelson is
holding a field hearing in Nebraska, and later this month
Senator Dodd, Senator Nelson, Senator Chambliss and I will
convene the two subcommittees and hold a joint committee
hearing, reporting what we found and listen to some additional
testimony to try to keep our spotlight on the families at home.
It is unusual for four senators, I think, spending this
much time on any subject, and this is in different placements.
But it is important because we want to keep our focus on the
men and women who serve us overseas, but we also want to keep
our focus on their families at home. Because we believe that
military babies depend on the family, and that is our focus
today.
More than half a million women in the United States
military are married. About half are parents raising children.
That is less, though, but of late, but it is still true of many
in the Navy. Military men and women choose their profession and
choose to marry, but in order to continue to attract and retain
the best, the most talented volunteers, we want to do
everything we can reasonably do to make it easier for military
parents raising children. All societies benefit when children
grow up with nurturing parents. That is why we are holding this
hearing, to see how well the Navy is doing in terms of making
it easier for military families raising children and what can
be done better. We want to look at schooling, at housing, at
childcare, at health care, paying taxes, frequent moves,
deployment, and reintegration. All of those are issues that
impact our service members as well as families.
The hearing that I chaired at Fort Campbell which involved
the Army a few weeks ago presented a picture of fewer soldiers,
more missions, longer deployments, frequent moves, more
marriages, more spouses working away from home and more
children. For example, LaSalle Medley, wife of the Commander of
Genetic Helicopter Company, told us that she and her husband
had two children. The youngest of those is 17 months old. Her
husband has been away for 15 to 17 months. The 2 months he was
home he was spending most of his time training to take his next
assignment. She said, quote, there must be a sense of
proportion. Husbands want to serve their country, want to be
good soldiers, but also want to be good husbands and fathers.
And we want them and their spouses to feel that way as well,
because we invest a lot of money, we taxpayers, in attracting
and training extremely talented people who are here today and
on our military bases in ports around the world. And we want to
make sure that we keep them as long as we can.
I thank you for having me here today. I was last here when
the USS Tennessee was launched. It was launched in the middle
of the winter. Fortunately, all the politicians' speeches were
short, because we were freezing to death that day. It was a
great source of pride to be at such a story part of America's
history, and it is a great privilege for me to be here with
Chris Dodd.
Chris Dodd is a champion for families and children and has
a senate career. He is one of the senior members of the U.S.
Senate and one of the ranking members of the committee on
Health and Education. He is the ranking member of this
committee. In fact, Senator Dodd is in his home State.
Senator Dodd. Thank you very, very much, Mr. Chairman. And
let me just begin by saying to all of you here what an honor it
is to have Lamar Alexander being in this facility from
Tennessee. He has been the chairman of this committee a little
over 2 years now, and I have been on the committee--he has been
the chairman or ranking member of this committee for the past
23 years, since I first arrived on the U.S. Senate. I am
particularly excited about having him on to chair. Don't
misunderstand me. Given the option I would prefer he were the
ranking member, but aside from that I couldn't think of a finer
individual to chair this committee. And he has demonstrated
that already during the brief time he has had an opportunity to
work on a number of issues.
You should know that it was his idea to do this, to come up
here and to conduct hearings around the country, bringing
together the subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee,
dealing with individuals and their issues, along with the
Subcommittee on Children and Families. It doesn't have
particular jurisdiction over military families, but families
and children. We don't discriminate when talking about children
and families throughout the military; the idea of combining the
two committees in a series of field hearings around the
country. It has been a wonderful idea to have as much
information in the amount of time we have to bring together
collectively to see what ideas we can attribute to improving
the quality of our armed services.
Senator Alexander has a remarkable history, of course, in
public service, having been the governor of the State for a
number of years; the president of a major university; the
secretary of education, dealing with education issues all
across the country.
I know Dr. Mitchell is very familiar with the Morale work,
secretary of education, presidential candidate. We have one of
those in Connecticut, too. Mara here obviously did a wonderful
job in all of those issues and really a wonderful individual to
be in charge of this subcommittee and, again, to champion these
issues which are so critically important. As he said it so
well, obviously strong families make a strong military. It is
very simple. If the families are strong and feel as though they
are getting the kind of backing and support that they need,
then the ability of those members of the family, husband or
wife or both, who are serving in uniform, they get to do their
job far more efficiently, with a far greater degree of
expertise and focus if things on the home front are in good
shape. If things on the home front are not in good shape, it is
axiomatic that there will be a problem doing your job. It is
just that simple. I don't care what profession you are in, but
particularly one that involves the security of our Nation that
seems critically important to both of us here that we get this
right and do as much as we can to improve the quality of
people's lives.
As we will discover in today's hearing, others as well the
community outside these base walls plays an indispensable role
in supporting military families stationed at Naval Submarine
Base New London and Groton. This community includes eastern
Connecticut's businesses, State and local agencies, the school
board, and the local Navy League Chapter. I believe that the
partnership that exists here between the Groton community and
the base leadership can serve as an important model for
military facilities across the country in building a solid
support network for our military personnel and their families.
The strains on submariners' family life are particularly
unique within the Navy, and, indeed, within the entire Armed
Forces. I have had the privilege of representing the Submarine
Base for almost 30 years now, going back to 1974. So I have
been through every imaginable configuration you can think of
over the years; some of these battles.
My first cousin, Bill Macabee, was chosen submarine
commander, so I grew up in a family well aware of the pressures
and difficulties that a submariner's family can face. So it's
difficult. There are some unique experiences a submariner has
to face to make that service different than any other.
First, even during peacetime submariners frequently deploy
away from home, oftentimes for up to 6 months. And because of
the secrecy of the submarine missions and restrictions on
shipboard communications, it could be some time before a sailor
can make contact with his child or spouse back at home.
Finally, unlike most other parts of today's military, the
submarine fleet is--all this means is the family burden falls
exclusively on the shoulders of submariners' wives. Navy
Submarine Base New London therefore offers I think an ideal
case study to examine what roles the Navy as well as the local
community can play in assisting military families adapt to a
unique way of life; how we as a community, larger community,
try to pay back, if you will, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and
marines, as well as their families, for their service they are
giving the Nation.
We will explore this morning briefly how the community
helps sailors and their families, just arriving for the first
time at New London, experience a smooth or as smooth a
transition into their new life as possible here in Connecticut,
with orientation seminars and social events about the amenities
of their newly adopted city, and with special programs for
children to help them adapt to the environment, and new
schools, and new communities.
We are also going to discuss the most taxing time for our
military families, the period when submariners are called to
deploy away from home. We will discuss ways the base community
works to ease the stress experienced by families when the
submariners are underway, and areas where the improvements in
this area are still needed.
Under the Navy's stewardship our submariners and their
support crews are the best prepared and most sophisticated in
the world. In particular, Rear Admiral Walsh, Commander Navy
Region Northeast, Captain Ratte, Commanding Officer of this
base, and Captain Harrison, Commanding Officer of the Naval
Submarine School have all worked, mind you, tirelessly to
assemble an invaluable piece of this Nation's nuclear-powered
Navy, the attack submarine force.
Other people are also invaluable to our Nation's ability to
succeed militarily, people like Jim Mitchell, who you'll meet
this morning, who oversees school programs that will provide
counseling and adequate nurturing for the submariner's child;
the child who's having to cope without one of his parents for
months and months on end because his dad is risking his life in
the depths of some faraway ocean. People like C. Wayne Olsen
and Mark Nickerson of the Eastern Connecticut Navy League
Council, who build support for programs and events honoring our
Navy families, boosting morale, and educating the public about
those sacrifices. And ultimately it falls to moms and wives,
like Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Estes, who you will also meet this
morning, who serve as the sole managers of the household and
pillars of strength during those long deployments undersea.
These people deserve our deep, deep sense of gratitude and
thanks, and today you will hear their stories.
During his hearing at Fort Campbell, along the Kentucky-
Tennessee border, Chairperson Alexander noted the stress placed
on our Nation's soldiers and their families in light of the
most recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. ``Family readiness,''
he said, ``is part of military readiness.'' He said it here
again today, and I agree with him. And the military's efforts
to relieve the strains on our troops' spouses and children
remain a very vital part of this Nation's ability to maintain
the best fighting force around the globe. I could not agree
more with you, Chairman.
A good support network for our families allows sailors to
focus on their military mission when they are at work, without
worrying too much about potential problems at home. And a good
quality of life will keep our retention numbers up, making the
Navy a good career choice for young people starting their
professional lives. As they put their lives on the line
defending our Nation, it is the obligation of the United States
Congress as well as the Department of Defense to work closely
with local communities to ensure that our military families are
well provided for and as pleased with their military way of
life as possible. This is no more so the case than here at the
Atlantic Fleet's foremost attack submarine facility in New
London and Groton.
Again, Mr. Chairman, I am very grateful to you for hosting
this hearing--I am hosting and your being up here.
I want to make reference to Mr. and Mrs. Osbourn. Thank you
very much for being here. Mr. Oefinger as well, the town
manager. The councilmen from Norwich and Groton/New London are
all here. Staff of Congressman Simmons and Councilor Knorr.
Where are the two staff members? Why don't you stand up and be
recognized. Congressman Simmons's staffer, is he here?
Congressman Lauro, I know he is here. Thank you very much.
Congressman Simmons I recognize as well. It is nice to have him
with us this morning. I thank you.
Senator Alexander. Thanks, Senator Dodd. Senator Dodd
mentioned for a while I was President of the University of
Tennessee. One of the things we agreed not to talk about for
the next couple of hours is women's basketball.
Senator Dodd. You promised not to talk about it. I want to
make the whole hearing about it. We will make them an honorary
member.
Senator Alexander. We have great respect for the
Universities of Connecticut and Tennessee.
Senator Alexander. Let's hear from our witnesses. Senator
Dodd and I have done our homework. We have read your testimony
and thank you very much for taking the time to prepare for
these sensitive issues. It has been informative and very
helpful. We have spent some time before we came here talking
and visiting the facility. What I want to do is get a brief
introduction to all five of you, not taking the time to give a
long introduction, and ask each of you to make a few comments,
up to five minutes or so or less if you would like, and then
after that Senator Dodd and I will ask questions. And I think
that will be the best way for us to add to the testimony that
you have already presented to us. We will try to finish our
hearing a little after eleven o'clock. And then if there is
anything else that you have to add after that or facts or
figures that we ought to consider, we have time to consider
them, because we will be having our final, our next hearing on
June 24th in Washington DC.
So let me start with Captain Ratte, our host and
distinguished officer who's the recipient of numerous awards
and on the USS PHOENIX, but now he is the Commanding Officer of
the Naval Submarine Bases here with a great amount of
responsibility. And we thank you for hosting us today. Dr. Jim
Mitchell, who Senator Dodd already mentioned, Superintendent of
Schools in Groton with more than 30 years of experience in that
school system. And Cynthia Clegg, who we welcome, who is
President of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and
deeply involved with the activities here at the base. And we
look forward to her remarks. Miss Sarah Scott, the President of
the Submarine Officer's Spouse Association. So she spent her
entire life in a military family. We look forward to her
perspective. And Miss Debbie Estes, who is the spouse of a
submariner as well as the ombudsman for one of the submarines
here in Groton and also the Submarine Group Two Ombudsman
Assembly Chair. Thank you for being here.
Captain Ratte, we look forward to your testimony.
STATEMENTS OF CAPTAIN JAMES E. RATTE, JR., USN, COMMANDING
OFFICER, NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON; JAMES MITCHELL,
SUPERINTENDENT, GROTON SCHOOL DISTRICT; CYNTHIA CLEGG,
PRESIDENT, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT; SARAH
SCOTT, PRESIDENT, SUBMARINE OFFICER SPOUSE ASSOCIATION; AND
DEBBIE ESTES, CHAIRWOMAN, OMBUDSMAN COUNCIL
Captain Ratte. Mr. Chairman and Senator Dodd, thank you for
the introduction. Good morning and welcome to Groton, CT, the
submarine capital of the world, and Naval Submarine Base New
London, the home of our submarine force. Thank you for visiting
and allowing me the opportunity to speak to this subcommittee
about the families, sailors, children, and community of the
first, and what I believe is one of the finest, attack
submarine bases in the Navy.
Senator Alexander. You might move the microphone a little
bit closer.
Captain Ratte. There we go.
Today marks my tenth month as commanding officer of this
base. I asked for this assignment, I got it, and like my
predecessors, I consider the opportunity a great privilege.
Currently we homeport 17 submarines, 14 LOS ANGELES Class
attack submarines, two SEAWOLF Class attack submarines and NR-
1, the Navy's only nuclear-powered, deep-diving research
submarine.
Submarine Base New London's focus, however, extends beyond
those national assets stationed on our waterfront and the
tenant commands that support them. Our mission remains to
support fleet readiness by providing quality service and
facilities through our submarine community and their families.
They are the true heart of Subbase New London. We are home to
more than 7,500 military personnel and more than 12,000
military family members. We also support more than 1,400
civilian employees, over 1,000 defense contractors, 600
drilling reservists, and over 12,000 military retirees. Of our
military population 35 percent are married and 4 percent are
single parents. As we have a large, young and single Submarine
School student population, 40 percent of our sailors live in
the barracks on the submarine base, while 25 percent live in
the Navy family housing complex off base, and 35 percent live
in the local community of southeastern Connecticut. But no
matter the marital status and where sailors live, internal and
external support networks ensure that they recognize they are
not only part of our one local Navy family, but also partners
in the southeastern Connecticut community.
And partners we are. Every day I feel privileged to hear
and see more and more examples of our sailors, our Department
of Defense civilians, and military families contributing to the
vibrancy of the southeastern Connecticut community;
contributions from more than 1,500 personnel annually and
spanning more than 40,000 volunteer hours. Of course it is more
than a good business foundation or a strong local economy that
makes a good community. Good neighbors make a good community.
And the people of southeastern Connecticut have long been and
continue to be wonderful neighbors to the Navy.
The Groton Public School System has long recognized the
uniqueness of the military child. The school system and former
administrators helped spearhead the Military Child Education
Coalition, a national organization committed to bringing
military and local communities together in the school districts
that best address the needs of the military child. Next month
the coalition will be holding its fifth annual national
conference here in Groton.
Southeastern Connecticut businesses, large and small, have
always welcomed service members and their families, offering a
wide variety of discounts and special programs to show their
appreciation. On an organized level the Chamber of Commerce of
Eastern Connecticut and Groton Commission, Navy League, and
other service organizations support our sailors and families
through various initiatives at the Subbase through local
community.
While such external support networks assure our sailors and
families of their partnership in our southeastern Connecticut
community, our internal support networks assure them of our
commitment as one Navy family.
Tenant commands, activities, sailors and families are the
customers, as the base and the regional quality of life
storefronts are the service providers in such areas as housing,
health care, and sailor and family child support.
Current Navy and southeastern Connecticut support networks
for our sailors and their families are a model of care,
cooperation, and collaboration. That said we do face
challenges. Our Child Development Program is operating under
Most Sufficient Organization guidelines that concentrate on
fiscal and management efficiencies. Our Fleet and Family
Support Center is undergoing a functional assessment that will
ultimately result in its operation under those guidelines as
well. Anticipated growth on the base in terms of new tenant and
homeported commands, as well as increasing support requirements
to other local Department of Defense commands and units, may
challenge our ability to continue to provide ample high quality
support services. Continued strong support from the Congress,
and DoD and Navy leadership, for robust and flexible Child
Development Programs, Fleet and Family Support Centers and our
many Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs would ensure that
Naval Submarine Base New London has the resources and programs
necessary to fully meet our mission: Service and support to our
war fighters and their families.
The sailors of families of Submarine Base New London have
an outstanding support network. Our internal Navy programs
ensure they feel the embrace of our one Navy family and our
southeastern Connecticut partnerships ensure that they feel at
home in the community. Retaining an effective and responsive
support network will contribute significantly to Naval
Submarine Base New London's ability to continue living up to
our motto: ``The First and Finest'' attack submarine base in
the Navy.
With that, Mr. Chairman, I would ask my full testimony for
inclusion in the record, and I look forward to any questions
that you have of me. Thank you very much, sir.
[The prepared statement of Captain Ratte may be found in
additional material.]
Senator Alexander. Thank you, Captain Ratte, and we will
incorporate your entire testimony.
And Dr. Mitchell, I think we can all hear you better if you
move the mike pretty close to you. I think that's maybe--even
closer than that. Thank you
Mr. Mitchell. Thank you. Is that better?
Senator Alexander. Yes, sir.
Mr. Mitchell. OK. Good morning and thank you, Senator
Alexander, Senator Dodd. I am Jim Mitchell, Superintendent of
the Groton Public School System, and I take this opportunity to
thank you for inviting me to speak to these critical issues. I
am completing my second year as superintendent in Groton and my
33rd year as an educator and administrator in the Groton Public
School System. I am very pleased to speak to the positive
relationship that has developed over the years between the
military and school community in Groton.
The Groton Public School System serves 5,800 students in 14
buildings located throughout our community. We have one high
school, three middle schools, and ten elementary school
buildings. Groton is the home of the New London Submarine Base,
and approximately 40 percent of the students we serve are
dependents of active duty military personnel. The number of
students connected to the military actually exceeds 50 percent
when we add families that have retired and/or opted to remain
in this community after completing their military tours. The
Groton Public School System is a military community, because
military children attend every school in our community. And I
am proud of the relationship the school system has established
in addressing the needs of the military family through direct
educational and support services for our school-age children.
Quality of life issues for military personnel and their
families have always been a concern for the Groton Public
School System. In 1995 a formal bond was established between
the then Navy Base Commander Admiral Richard Buchanan and
Groton Public School Superintendent George Reilly to address
issues affecting the children of military personnel who
frequently moved in and out of southeastern Connecticut. The
Military/Superintendent's Liaison Committee was formed. The
committee consisted of area superintendents, school personnel,
and military personally who met regularly to address issues
affecting the military dependent child and family. The first
task was a standardization of student physical examination
requirements for students who move frequently in and around
southeastern Connecticut. Area superintendents successfully
endorsed this standardization. In 1996 the first New England
Conference, Serving The Military Child...Sharing Creative
Approaches, was held in Waterford, CT. In 1998 the first
International Conference focusing on serving the military child
was held in Arlington, VA. Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman
were very supportive of us, as Senator Dodd mentioned. As a
result of local efforts, both conferences were tremendously
successful in identifying, addressing, and bringing national
attention to the issues facing the military child and family.
In 1998, as you have heard, the Military Child Education
Coalition was formed and chartered in response to our mutual
goal of attempting to provide a better quality of life for
military children. The Navy Base and the Groton Public School
System are members of MCEC. To reaffirm our commitment to serve
the military child and family, the Groton Board of Education
approved and became a signatory on the Memorandum of Agreement.
A copy is provided in the information that I will provide to
the senators later. As we continue to focus on the needs of the
military child as you heard, I am also pleased to inform you
and invite you to the fifth annual MCEC conference on serving
the military child which will be held at the Mystic Marriott
July 23rd, 2003. Guest speakers will include General Tommy
Franks and Cokie Roberts, just to name a couple.
The following are some examples of local efforts which
serve the military child and family: Educational programs and
classroom settings. The Groton Public School System provides a
comprehensive Pre-K through 12 program designed to meet the
needs of a constantly learning and growing community. We are
equipped with the latest technology and utilize all resources
to facilitate learning in our school community.
Class sizes range from approximately 17 to 24 students, and
many of our school personnel are or were connected to the
military and, therefore, understand the needs of our students
and their families. Military families have on several occasions
requested and received extensions of duty tours in our
community so that special programs, promotions, or graduations
would occur for their children. This has validated the program
and services the district provides.
The Military/Superintendent's Liaison Committee. This
committee includes representatives of the schools and military
personnel; namely, the Navy, United States Coast Guard Academy,
who meet monthly to discuss and address issues affecting the
military child and family. Topics have included block
scheduling, records transfer, local programs, course offerings,
transitioning ideas, unique programs, recognition of military
volunteers in each community, and networking to maintain open
lines of communication and support.
Transitional Counselors. To address the needs of high
school students who experience frequent school relocations,
counselors at our high school Fitch have participated in the
Transitional Counselor Institute sponsored by MCEC and
regularly share strategies and information with fellow
counselors, students, and parents. Our high school provides
student orientations and peer student helpers to assist all new
students entering our high school.
A three-day Freshman Academy is also provided during the
summer for all students new to our high school. This has proven
to be a very positive addition for first-time high school
students. During the year academic support is provided to
students by students and staff. In addition to the regular
comprehensive academic programs, our schools also offer
Advanced Placement courses and a challenging IB program. Our
recently installed Interactive Counseling Center, ICC, will
allow other districts with this equipment to interact visually
in real time with our district personnel and should prove to be
a great tool which will help our transitioning students.
Parental Involvement. Each school in our community has an
established School Improvement Team consisting of parents and
school staff. This encourages parental involvement in our
school and provides military parents with an opportunity to
actively participate in school activities and functions
affecting their school and community. A myriad of activities,
events, and programs are scheduled regularly in each school for
and with our parents.
Volunteers. The district has a very active volunteer and
mentoring program. Last year over 21,000 volunteer hours were
logged, and this year we are projecting an increase over last
year. Military personnel from the Sub school and Base serve as
volunteers in all of our schools and are constant reminders of
the cooperative and collaborative relationship that exist with
our school and military community.
When the active duty military member is deployed for an
extended period of time, the school staff and the Fleet and
Family Service staff are always available to provide support
and reassurances that help our children, their families, and
school staff. It is important to note that the school staff has
also grown over the years as a direct result of training
provided by the Fleet and Family staff and Navy personnel in
helping civilians understand the effects of deployment and Navy
life.
I am very proud of the strong ties that exist between our
school and military community. As we continue to look forward,
I would still like to see longer tours of duty for military
personnel with school-age children; no relocations for
personnel with students in grades 11 or 12; and reciprocal
agreements between states and the school systems serving
military families with school-age children.
Again, thank you for allowing me to address one aspect of
what I think makes Groton a great place to live, and that is
the concern we share for the future of our country, our
children. Thank you.
Senator Alexander. Thank you, Dr. Mitchell.
And Cynthia Clegg, welcome.
Ms. Mitchell. Good morning, Senator Alexander, Senator
Dodd. It is with great pleasure that I talk about this
community of eastern Connecticut and how we have embraced the
Navy and vice versa.
I would like to make sure that you know the Chamber of
Commerce of Eastern Connecticut can't take full credit of the
programs that are in place. There are a myriad of organizations
and folks in the audience behind me who put in many volunteer
hours and made many commitments to the Navy and their families.
It's a unique bond here. The 12,000 family members of the
Subbase are indeed employees, so we take this very seriously
from a business community.
We share a unique value system with the military, and that
is built on trust and understanding constructed over the years.
And the synergy is demonstrated through the similar mission and
vision statements of our respective organizations. And I am
proud to say that at the Chamber of Commerce board levels we
are represented by Walch, Captain Ratte, and also Olson from
the Coast Guard Academy. So we do take that very seriously and
want to share their leadership and expertise.
The common visions of the business organizations and the
military echo with tones of teamwork, leadership,
communication, and a focus on being a vibrant part, as Captain
Ratte, however, said, of this vibrant eastern Connecticut
community.
You know now that with almost 8,000 military personnel at
the Subbase and over 2,000 civilians that work here, the
Subbase is one of our largest employers. Suffice it to say, the
military has made many contributions that have had a positive
impact on the economy and quality of life in eastern
Connecticut. In fiscal years between 1999 and 2003, it is
estimated that the direct economic impact to our region from
the Subbase will be $35.5 million. At the Chamber of Commerce
we take that very, very seriously. It helps us maintain the
strong and diverse regional economy.
We are also fortunate that many of the Navy officers and
personnel choose to remain in the region once they leave the
services, and we are fortunate that they stay here. They start
numerous businesses that can contribute, again, to the vitality
of our economy, businesses such as Sonalyst. And they continue
to add to that quality of life and quality of place that we
think is very unique.
Strong partnerships have developed over time between the
military and business community. For example, the Military
Community Council with representatives from social services,
the clergy, the legal and financial communities, town and city
officials, and of course the military. This council exists as
an available resource for the commands and works with the
military to improve fire protection throughout the area as well
as improving policing efforts between the military and the
towns.
You already heard about military appreciation discounts
that many businesses in the area provide to the families, but
in addition one area of business, ShopRite New London, has
extended that into ``Adopt a Sailor'' program. And the owner of
that encourages employees to ``adopt'' a sailor, especially
around the holidays so they are not left alone.
Our business community has always been very supportive of
the families of sailors out to sea. Our Groton Division is
currently working with the Ombudsmen to raise money for the
creation of a banner that would be used to welcome and bid
ships farewell. And the Seahorse on the Thames, a local
restaurant, has offered their dock space for families to
converge and hang the banner at each coming and going.
The Chamber itself has been impacted by the military. A
member of the Chamber staff has had personal experience with
the local community's support of military families since her
mother was an ombudsman for one of the submarines, and she
witnessed firsthand the generosity of the local businesses.
When planning events for the families, she went to the
community for donations where she was amazed at the ease and
pleasure with which gift certificates and services were
provided and given.
We at the Chamber try to provide continuity for the young
and potential future leaders of our community. And through our
Leadership Program we want to make sure that the community and
businesses understand the importance of the military. The
participants of that program are introduced to the key leaders
in each discipline through a series of discussions, lectures,
and tours. A daylong session is devoted to understanding the
unique relationship and synergies between the community and the
military, as well as the benefits derived from such a
partnership.
The program that resonates with the entire community,
however, is Service Person of the Month. And quite honestly, at
the Chamber we argue about who is going to be able to present
that award to the recipient. In conjunction with the Navy
League, the Chamber of Commerce coordinates this effort to
honor an outstanding service representative who has
distinguished him or herself not only through their
professional achievements, but also through their commitment to
the community at large.
Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions clubs rotate the privilege of
hosting the honorees, their families, and the commanding
officers. And local businesses, large and small, provide
numerous gifts and savings bonds. And as you read the
biographies of the recipients, it is indeed humbling to
understand what they can accomplish in 24 hours.
Their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to their
respective service are astounding, but it is the volunteer
roles of these young men and women that provide eastern
Connecticut with the quality of place that really makes the
area a wonderful place to work, live, and play. Churches, Big
Brother/Big Sister programs, volunteer fire departments, our
schools, and our businesses all benefit from their numerous
contributions.
Since we are a business association, we always calculate
these kinds of services and dollars. And our volunteers at the
Chamber contribute between $2.5 and $5 million of in-kind
services to the region. But based on the biographies of the
Service Person of the Month and over the years, we calculate
that on an annual basis that is giving back to the economy $20
million in in-kind services with all the things that they do.
I am proud to say that this is ``Navy Territory.''
And I will conclude with the mention of our ``Ship to
Shore'' program designed to celebrate our region's rich naval
and maritime history and heritage that started in 2001 with the
port visit of the USS Caron to Fort Trumbull State Park. That
is where the State of Connecticut, the Cities of Groton and New
London, and the Subbase joined with the business community to
host over 300 crew members, 34 officers and the 14,000 visitors
who came to our region and to visit the USS Caron. And
celebrate we did. We had our interfaith service, we did
baseball games, and we did fishing trips, all at little or no
cost to those folks wherever possible.
Proud hospitality and appreciation for the military are the
legacy of our region and ``Ship to Shore.'' And we anticipate
we will be able to do that again, and the good Lord willing,
early in July from other ships.
Collaboration and partnerships are the hallmarks of our
region and all made possible through the strong relationship
between the Navy and the community.
The continued support of Congress and the Navy to the many
programs for sailors and their families will ensure that the
Subbase will thrive and, therefore, the community of eastern
Connecticut will continue to flourish with their rich and
numerous contributions. Thank you very much.
Senator Alexander. Thank you.
Mrs. Sarah Scott.
Mrs. Scott. Thank you, Senator. I would like to say thank
you for raising interest. As you are beginning to tell, these
are issues that impact Navy families every day. This is our
daily life.
I am a Navy wife of 17 years and 2 days, and we have had
three tours of Groton since 1986. So I have seen the community
throughout a lot of phases. I am also the newly elected
president of the Submarine Officer's Spouse Association for
2003 through next May.
The Officer's Spouse Association is a social and charitable
organization. Our main focus and charity up until now has been
the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, a submarine supported
scholarship grant program for submarine officers and their
dependents. We hope this year to do charitable work, especially
in the area of volunteer opportunities in the community.
My focus and my interest as it pertains to this committee
is certainly the educational problems and challenges that are
met by military children. I met some of them as a military
child. Military education is certainly a step in the right
direction to address those challenging issues, moving in and
out of school districts, statewide testing, things that
military children face that are probably those things that may
not come up with children that don't move as much as we do.
Thank you for coming and thank you for your interest.
Senator Alexander. Thank you.
Mrs. Debbie Estes.
Mrs. Estes. I am excited about the opportunity to speak
with you today and thank you for inviting me. This is such an
important opportunity for Navy families, and I hope to share
with you a little bit about our life and our experience here at
the Subbase in Groton/New London.
I married my husband almost 7 years ago in Norfolk, VA,
knowing absolutely nothing about the military lifestyle. All I
knew was the uniforms looked cool and they used a lot of
acronyms. Almost immediately after getting married we reported
to Subscol here in New London. The opportunity to become an
ombudsman for Subscol arose, and my husband mentioned it.
Having no clue what I was in for, I interviewed and was
selected. Life changed at that very moment for me, and let's
just say that my adventure began. I have been an ombudsman
since then; first for Subscol and currently for the USS AUGUSTA
and also the Assembly. I remember how I felt in Norfolk, how
lost and confused I was, and decided then that no new spouse
under my command would feel that way.
The ombudsman is the official link between the command and
the families. We relay official command information to the
families and then represent the families and their issues or
emergencies to the command, especially when the command is at
sea. It is our job to disseminate information and to empower
the spouse to resolve her own problems with our guidance along
the way. There is no better feeling than hearing the new
confidence in a spouse's voice after she has resolved the
current emergency.
As the assembly chairman for this region, I work with
others to provide support for the ombudsman. Along with the
Fleet and Family Service Center, we provide training for the
ombudsman, and bi-annually we have Ombudsman Basic Training for
new ombudsmen and Command Support Team spouses. I also relay
information from Base Quarterly meetings to the ombudsman for
their families and assist the commands in recognition of their
ombudsman. I maintain a roster, publish a quarterly newsletter,
and instruct at Ombudsman Basic Training.
Being an ombudsman has made me a stronger Navy wife and has
made it easier to deal with obstacles thrown my way. Our
lifestyle is stressful and is often hard to understand in the
civilian world. People often ask ``Why put yourself through
that?'' The smile on my husband's face when he steps on the
pier and sees his family waiting for him answers that.
Some of the obstacles we encounter as Navy family's spouses
can be overwhelming at times. I can honestly say there is not a
lot that we cannot handle. We maintain households, keep our
spouses organized, and we raise our children alone while our
husband is at sea.
We are very good at holding Christmas in July due to an
upcoming deployment schedule. My recent tour as a spouse on my
boat has opened my eyes to a new aspect. The day after the boat
left my Expedition broke down. And although it was minor the
fear of something happening to it as it was being towed away
and not having my husband here to make that decision was scary.
But that was nothing compared to giving birth to my daughter in
an ambulance in front of my house in the middle of the night
with my husband at sea and knowing that with his deployment
schedule he would be home for 12 weeks her first year. I have
been through surgery without my husband, but that was nothing
compared to the feeling of who would take care of my children
if something happened. We had several wives who have had
surgery, have bought houses and have had to move alone,
sometimes relocated alone due to innate housing reconstruction.
They have purchased vehicles, taken long road trips with
screaming children, and suffered the loss of loved ones without
the strength of their best friend and soul mate.
Although it seems crazy at times, I don't think any of us
would trade our husbands' careers, and we support them 100
percent. Of course ask me that again when my husband has duty
the day they pull in from a deployment. The nice feeling is
that no matter what we experience or confront, we have the Navy
family and our support system to help us. The frustrating part
as an ombudsman is getting the information out to the wives so
they know the help is there.
Upon hearing about this hearing and asking families what
affects them the most in this area, the issues that were
brought to our attention were housing, TRICARE, relocating, and
the educational budget in this area.
I thank you again for this opportunity. I hope I have
represented our Navy Subbase lifestyle.
Senator Alexander. Thank you very, very much.
If the five of you have time, we would like to take about
15 minutes or so for questions, and we will ask Senator Dodd to
start with the questions.
Senator Dodd. First of all, thank all of you very, very
much. Captain Ratte, thank you immensely for your leadership
here and Dr. Mitchell for a wonderful job.
This is really a model in many ways, what goes on here, Mr.
Chairman. You will understand the certain sense of pride in my
State and district. I think we have demonstrated tremendous
growth over the years and the wonderful job of serving our
families and serving, obviously first and foremost, the
security and needs of our country, but understanding of course
the vital role at having a good support system, of what that is
and meeting the security needs of our Nation. So we are very
grateful to you, Captain Ratte, and predecessors over the years
to constantly work and improve the quality of life. I want to
thank our witnesses, and I should point out good friends.
Clegg, it is not that common of a name. My wife's maiden name
is Clegg, so we may be related through marriage. That is what
Jackie says all the time.
Let's get right to it. Obviously having a hearing here we
have seen a wonderful facility and a tremendous job being done,
but obviously there are areas for improvements to be made. And
I have read the e-mails, Debbie, that were sent to you. And I
presume those are just some of the reactions you have had. I
have read them. They are issues I was going to raise; the
housing, TRICARE, moving, the education, transitional questions
that go on. So let's start right in. If you will tell me about
those issues, get more specific with us if you can so that--I
presume these are not unique despite all our efforts being
made. I presume, Mr. Chairman, it is the kind of things you
have heard about as well. Tell us what the problems are. We saw
the Polaris housing complex, what is being done there, but how
much more needs to be done in this area. And then the health
care issues, women's health, which I have read in the e-mails
to some of them is a major, major concern. They may be closing
down some of those facilities, and how important that may be.
And then quickly run through the other issues.
I want you to feel free to do this expeditiously. When
Debbie gets through, Dr. Mitchell, if you would like to
comment, or Dr. Ratte, to something that was said, don't wait
for my question. Let's get a good conversation going through.
Identify yourself here as a speaker for purposes of the record.
Mrs. Estes. I would like to start with some of the e-mails
that I received regarding TRICARE. It is the closing of the
Women's Health Clinic. The Women's Health Clinic enables a
spouse to see the same doctor that generally cares for them and
is able to follow all the progress. Not saying anything bad
about the family practitioners, but the family practitioners at
the Primary Care Center do not specialize in female medicine.
We do have a referral system which enables us to refer out, but
then you have to start over with a brand new doctor, go through
your history again. And that is after two to 3 months it takes
to get in, because the doctors are so busy and booked because
our clinic has been closed. We also recently lost our ENT
doctor, ear, nose and throat. We have been told it will take
approximately 3 months to replace him.
Some other issue--another issue that came up was--sorry.
One of my boat wives specifically has a son with a neurological
impairment which is unspecified. The doctor has ordered a
sensory integration evaluation. There is not a provider in this
area for that type of service, so she is having to call around
to try and find someone. And the one doctor that she has
contacted that can help her is not enrolled in TRICARE and is
having certain difficulties becoming certified as a TRICARE
provider. A lot of our clinics have been closed, so we do refer
out a lot.
Another issue with this crazy, busy----
Senator Dodd. Closed or are they closing?
Mrs. Estes. I believe they have been closed.
Senator Dodd. Captain, do you know about this?
Captain Ratte. There is down from the Naval Hospital
there's a Naval Care Center. The outpatient type medical
treatment is all referred now to partner hospitals, generally L
& M or Backus.
Senator Dodd. Backus is in Norwich.
Captain Ratte. Yes, sir. We have also increased our
partnerships with both those hospitals, with privileges for our
doctors to conduct surgery, inpatient surgery and outpatient
surgery, at both of those hospitals, our doctors and their
facilities on our patients to improve the throughput and
minimize some of the TRICARE related out-costing or out-
sourcing issues. But there have been a number of clinics closed
as the facility has grown down in size with a larger depends on
TRICARE private sector to provide services as opposed to
Military Medical Center and provider.
Senator Dodd. How about the housing question. I read some
of those e-mails. Tell us what the concerns are.
Mrs. Estes. The main issue in housing is the privatization
project that is approaching this area very quickly. The major
concerns with that are the possibility of civilian mixture into
military housing. How they go about determining rates for usual
and customary utilities. And a big issue is say, for example,
you have a chief and an E-4 living next door to each other in
the same house. The chief could pay $1,300 a month for that
house, while the E-4 is paying five, $600 for that same house.
So the ideas that they have come up with is to maybe address
the fees according to a two-bedroom, a three-bedroom, a four-
bedroom, designed on the house, not just your BAH.
Senator Dodd. One of the problems. Are there problems with
that?
Captain Ratte. Actually, in this particular scenario,
public/private venture, the cost of housing is BAH. BAH or
basic allowance for housing is the payback value for rent,
basic utilities, nominal housing insurance. The types of house
and where the house is located to a large degree is based on
size of the family and not necessarily whether a sailor is a
chief petty officer or officer or enlisted. There could
conceivably be a situation where a large family--E-5 with a
large family living next door to an E-7 or an E-8 with a
comparable size family, with different basic allowance for
housing values, paying different amounts for the same apartment
or the same house. However, there is no impact upon the sailor.
The basic allowance for housing is the going rate for rent. The
same moneys that the sailor would be providing if they lived in
the house absent the public/private venture.
The key issue in the public/private venture is there is no
change in the out-of-pocket expense for sailors, but we do
achieve quality homes in the hands of sailors quicker through a
BAH program. I would say the issues of different cost is based
upon pay grade. And BAH are really not particularly material to
the issue, because the sailors will essentially not see that
money. They will transition that money to the housing
contractor. And the overall price of the housing contractor or
what the housing contractor will see is based upon average
demographic, and that average demographic will then fuel the
building construction, construction and renovation programs in
the community. So I think we will see a benefit regardless.
Senator Dodd. Miss Clegg, I want to raise something with
you. There have been some issues raised in the past by private
real estate developers in the area about coming in and
obtaining key housing. I don't know if this is viable today. It
was in the past business community about not allowing the local
real estate development market to actually produce housing that
would be within the price range being described. Is that still
an issue?
Ms. Mitchell. It is a huge issue in the region. As a matter
of fact, there was a study done by the Council funded by United
Way about that very thing. And I know I won't get the
statistics incorrect, but I think it is 5,100 units each year
for the next 5 years. I may have that wrong.
Senator Dodd. Sixty-one?
Ms. Mitchell. Fifty-one. Our region is still growing and
prospering. We are the last vestage between New York and
Boston, so there is a housing crunch. And affordable housing
has been felt by everyone; the community as well as the
sailors. There is a blue ribbon panel that has been put
together made up of a number of businesses and larger employers
who are also faced with that issue, as is the Subbase, because
we can only retain and recruit to people based on the order of
housing. Jim Cronen from Dime Savings Bank, the President, is
the head of that. And really they are pushing forward to look
at how they can combine their resources to bring in developers
of affordable housing and make it realistic for our region. So
it is a severe issue in our area.
Senator Dodd. Any comments you want to make about this,
about the last two witnesses?
Mrs. Estes. No.
Senator Alexander. Thank you, Senator Dodd.
A couple of questions following up on the housing that may
be addressed to Mrs. Scott or Captain Ratte. Maybe you can
explain this to me. There has been a lot of concern in the
country about the fact that low pay for men and women in the
military means that some of them are eligible for food stamps
or other Federal subsidies. Now, if I have got this correctly,
the housing allowance is paid--it is a separate or may be paid
as a separate item, counted as part of the income which
increases the income level, so that we are proud to say these
sailors or soldiers are not eligible for food stamps anymore.
But the unintended consequence of that may be to knock them out
of eligibility for other Federal benefits that may be helpful.
For example, the wake payments and the possibility of the
Federal childcare voucher which would help pay for childcare. I
am not sure I understand this correctly, and I thought perhaps
you could help me understand whether in trying to do a good
thing we may have had a couple of unintended consequences and,
in fact, knock some of our military men and women out of a
couple of benefits that would actually be helpful to them. Does
that sound familiar to anyone?
Captain Ratte. It does. As a matter of fact, I engaged with
the Community Support Program leadership last week a similar
question. The fact that basic allowance for housing will now be
seen as a portion of a sailor's income will have the perhaps
unintended consequence of raising that income visible to these
programs that you talked about, whether it is for women, infant
care or food stamps programs; plus it will also have as
income--when determining the combined income levels, to
determine a child development center based fee structure. The
fee structure for child development centers are based on the
combined income of the family. This will result in an increase
of visible income and may result in an increase in childcare
costs to a family, despite the fact that the basic allowance
for housing will be paid directly to a contractor and will show
up as no more real income in a sailor's pocket.
Senator Alexander. Was this housing allowance counted as
part of the income?
Captain Ratte. No, sir, it was not.
Senator Alexander. So this is a change.
Captain Ratte. Yes, sir, it is.
Senator Alexander. Mrs. Estes or Mrs. Scott.
Mrs. Estes. I have two children in the program, and a
constant question that I have is my housing allowance is
included in as structure in my fees. And like Captain Ratte
said, we don't physically see that money because we live in
housing, so it goes where it goes. But I have a thousand
dollars a month that is included into our income, which bumps
me to the next highest bracket for childcare. So now I have two
children, so I am paying, you know, double, $200 a week, which
is incredibly inexpensive compared to what they have in town,
but it concerns me with the BAH, with the privatizations
coming, how that is going to affect everybody.
Senator Dodd. You are a net loser in that sense of income.
So you are actually coming out behind----
Mrs. Estes. Yes.
Senator Dodd. --as a result of the increase in pay due to
the housing.
Mrs. Scott. I have heard a lot of comments about this
problem recently, and it is a very big concern for the
families.
Senator Alexander. Dr. Mitchell, you made two or three
suggestions here that attracted my attention. I wonder if you
want to comment more about them. You said you would like to see
longer tours of duty for military personnel with school-age
children, no relocations for personnel with students in grades
11 or 12, and reciprocal agreements between states and school
systems serving military families with school-age children.
Can you comment on that a little more.
Mr. Mitchell. Yes, sir, I can. The longer tours of duties--
this has actually been an improvement over the last--during my
brief career during the last 30 years in the district, sailors
assigned to the Subbase with families shorter tours of duty.
And over the last few years they have been able to increase
those tours and some instances where youngsters were not pulled
out of school, because families had to move in September or
October or February or March as an example. Now, we are very
pleased that tours now are at least beginning to let families
move in here so that they can begin in August or sometimes in
January. So that is my reference to longer tours of duty.
The issue that is critical to all youngsters is that they
are earning credits for graduation, and when they are moving
across the country, local and State requirements are not the
same. That also refers to reciprocity. For instance, when they
were doing a roundtable in Georgia, for instance, as an
example, a student moving into Georgia is required to take
Georgia history. At any time a student moves in that State as a
senior might be required to take that history as a graduation
requirement. If that has changed that is great, but for a
military family moving into Connecticut as a senior and then
Connecticut history, as an example, is required when the
youngster has already accumulated 24, maybe 30 credits through
moving, that puts a tremendous burden on the family if they do
not time that correctly. So the reciprocity issue is one where
I am looking at states working closer together so that we can
accept Connecticut history, as an example, as a requirement in
another state; Rhode Island as an example. That is the
reciprocity issue in the simplest terms. Again, 11th and 12th
graders.
And I know it is almost impossible, but as I advocate for
military families and children, on average a military family
moves five or six times during a high school career, and that
is a very big transitional issue which the families have to
deal with and are dealing with. But as an educator those are
the kinds of requests that I see would help military families
and youngsters in completing their high school requirements.
Senator Alexander. Mrs. Scott.
Mrs. Scott. I have never before heard it suggested that the
Navy would provide such a fabulous benefit as to not move me or
my children in 11th or 12th grade, but I must say that would be
a fabulous incentive to, say, anybody with seniority that have
children that old would be very interested in a program like
that. Barring that need--they interrupt that, but barring that
reciprocity between school systems is a really important issue.
Like Dr. Mitchell said, graduation requirements can vary
widely. And it can be a nightmare when you need to move your
children their junior or senior year and find out that they are
not going to have enough credits to graduate because they don't
have Connecticut history or Georgia history or other things
school boards come up with across the country.
Senator Alexander. Address that.
Mrs. Estes. I don't have school children that age. Mine are
younger. But I can just imagine the stress these young kids are
going through. It is stressful enough to move away from friends
and trying to establish a new support system and then the added
stress of oh, my gosh, I have 6 months in the school year and
three courses I don't have so that I can graduate on time.
Senator Alexander. Well, that is very helpful.
Now, we have run over our time, and we surely haven't run
out of questions. But I think we will bring this formal part of
the hearing to a conclusion, with great thanks to you and to
the community, especially, Captain, to you and your team for
hosting this today. This isn't the end of our interest in the
subject. As I mentioned we have a hearing scheduled for June
24th in Washington which Senator Dodd and I will be involved
in, along with ranking member and chairman of the Personnel
Committee of the Armed Services Committee, as well as other
senators. So any additional thoughts you may have we can accept
until then. And I am going to suggest--Senator Dodd and I have
been talking about this. We can keep this book open for a
while. And I would like to do that, because this needs to be a
work in progress process. As we put the spotlight on our men
and women who are serving away from home, we need to keep the
spotlight on home as well. Homeland security begins at home.
You are going to be coming up with ideas, and let me be
specific about one, Dr. Mitchell. I am very impressed about the
work all of you have done on the Conference on the Military
Child. You are now in your fifth year. As I understand it you
are having a conference in July here. The more I listen, the
more I hear about reciprocity, Senator Dodd was making
suggestions to you about that a moment ago. There are a number
of things, whether it is childcare certification for those who
might be able to care for five or six children in their homes.
It takes a long time to get certified in Connecticut to be able
to do that, whether it is graduation requirements as you go
from one placement to another. I would invite you in your work
together on the military child to identify areas of reciprocity
that would make the most difference to military parents raising
children and then tell Senator Dodd and tell me, and we can
work together with the Congress and maybe we can speed that up.
Some of it might be able to be done by changing Federal law,
but some of it might be done simply by urging states to create
interstate cutbacks and recognize four, five areas of
reciprocity that would make the most difference to military
families.
In Tennessee I believe that four families went to the
legislature and said would you do this on child care and this
on graduation requirements. I think they would be quick to try
to do it, and I imagine that is so in many other states. Think
of us as an ally as you hold your conferences each year, and
particularly on the areas of reciprocity we might encourage. I
would invite you to suggest those to Senator Dodd, and he will
give those to the full committee, and we will do what we can
with that.
I will ask Senator Dodd to make the closing remarks, but
thank you very much for your time, and your openness, and your
constructive suggestions, and thank you for your service.
Senator Dodd. Again, I thank Senator Alexander for being
here. It is truly an honor having a colleague in Connecticut,
and I am very grateful to him for taking the time away from his
own State to come up here to be with all of you.
We may submit some additional written questions to you and
then have you submit any additional evidence you think
worthwhile for the committee to have. We will keep this open to
add to it.
We didn't get into--a little bit into the moving issue, but
I know that is a traumatic event, moving families around,
Debbie, as you pointed out, Sarah, it is truly traumatic. It is
hard enough when you have to do this as many times. It is such
a disruptive and such a traumatic event to uproot them in
critical moments, to pick up again and plop down. It is
terribly traumatic. So I would be very interested in ways in
which we can minimize the stress on moving, because education
plays a role in it, housing plays a role in it. The child is
affected in all of these issues around moving, because we
demand so much of you.
We may be demanding more in the years ahead as we shrink
the size and the number of bases around the world and having a
highly mobile military that can move around quickly where they
have to be, I suspect you may see more of this stay longer
where you are, but more moving involved over the career.
And I am also very interested in the notion of how many of
our military today are the sons and daughters of military and
how critically important it is if we are going to retain the
future needs of a professional military willing to make this a
career not for the 2 years or 4 years or 6 years, but for that
20, 25 years or more. It seems we need to look to the school of
your children and your daughters to be the future of our
military or at least play a significant part in that
constituency.
How are we doing about tracking the sons and daughters of
the military?
I regret we didn't have some time, but I would be
interested in listening to your children talk about being a
teenager here; what they have to say. I think we might get some
interesting observations and some good ideas coming from young
people about how we can do a better job. Not perfect. Kids are
kids. But listen to some of the basic ideas at the table. I
find they have some awfully good ideas at high school forums.
Young people who know how to see through everything and come up
with ideas. We would be interested in hearing from them as
well.
But I am very proud of all of you. I can tell, Captain
Ratte, over the years part of our submarine force, it has been
a great contribution, obviously, to our southeastern
Connecticut, to the State of Connecticut, but most important to
the country. And we saw that again in the recent events in the
Iraqi freedom conflict, and the role that the submarine force
played in that incredibly successful military operation. I know
some of those ships are coming back into home port and being
received by the families here. But we have determined a deep
sense of pride and gratitude to the men who manned those and
the tremendous job they have done and to the families who have
been so supportive of their husbands, and sons, and fathers
during this particular time. So we thank all of them for, once
again, serving this country in such a fine way. And again,
thank you, all of you, for participating and, Chairman, we
thank you.
Senator Alexander. Thank you very much. The hearing is
adjourned.
[Additional material follows.]
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Prepared Statement of James E. Ratte, Jr.
Mr. Chairman and Senator Dodd, welcome to Groton, Connecticut, the
submarine capital of the world, and Naval Submarine Base, New London,
the home of our submarine force. Thank you for visiting and allowing me
the opportunity to speak to this subcommittee about the Sailors,
families and community of the first, and what I believe is the finest,
attack submarine base in our Navy. Today marks my tenth month as
commanding officer of this base. I asked for this assignment, I got it,
and like my predecessors, I consider the opportunity a great privilege.
From that original foothold along the flat eastern terrace of the
Thames River some 134 years ago, to our designation as the Nation's
first permanent continental submarine base in 1916, to today--this base
has grown in size and mission. We now occupy more than 687 acres with
some 250 buildings and more than 70 tenant commands. Currently, we
homeport 17 submarines; 14 LOS ANGELES Class attack submarines, two
SEAWOLF Class attack submarines and NR-1, Navy's only nuclear powered
deep-diving research submarine. Commander, Navy Region Northeast and
Commander, Submarine Group TWO, as well as Naval Submarine School, the
center of excellence for the training of our Submarine Force, are all
located here. Additionally, the base will host an establishment
ceremony for our newest tenant activity this week. Friday, the recently
created Submarine Learning Center, in charge of all submarine training
commands nationwide, will officially stand up. We expect further new
additions in the years to come. We are looking forward to Naval Inshore
Boat Unit 22 as well as the New Haven and Plainville, Connecticut Naval
Reserve Centers consolidating their activities and moving to the base
later this year. We are also readying our waterfront to support new
VIRGINIA class submarines--the first of which, USS VIRGINIA, will be
christened at Groton's Electric Boat Shipyard this August, and
commissioned in 2004.
Submarine Base New London's focus, however, extends beyond those
national assets stationed on our waterfront and the tenant commands
that support them. Our mission remains supporting fleet readiness by
providing quality service and facilities to our submarine community and
their families; they are the true heart of our base. We are home to
more than 7,500 military personnel and 12,000 military family members.
We also support more than 1,400 civilian employees, 1,000 defense
contractors, 600 drilling reservists, and 12,000 military retirees. Of
our military population, 35 percent are married and four percent are
single parents. As we have a large, young and single Submarine School
student population, 40 percent of our Sailors live in barracks while 25
percent live in Navy family housing and 35 percent live in the local
community. But, no matter their marital status, or where they live,
internal and external support networks ensure that they are not only
part of our local Navy family, but partners in our southeastern
Connecticut community.
Every day, I am privileged to hear and see more and more examples
of our Sailors, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and military
families contributing to the vibrancy of the southeastern Connecticut
community; contributions from some 1,500 personnel annually and
spanning more than 40,000 volunteer hours. Their generosity, warmth,
and caring help make the Groton-New London area a wonderful place to
live. It is through their generosity that Naval Submarine Base, New
London's, annual charitable contributions to last year's Combined
Federal Campaign totaled nearly $320 thousand. Through their warmth,
Sailors across the base have been working alongside members of the Navy
League in our annual Toys for Children drive. Through their caring,
Sailors teamed with scouts in the Navy Caring and Sharing program,
which, this past year, collected more than 2,200 items of food for
needy families. Sailors, DoD civilians, and military families, offer
volunteer service to organizations such as, American Red Cross, the Boy
Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and a
myriad of others. Our volunteers also support local schools and
educators in developing our Nation's most precious resource, our young
people, by participating in mentoring programs, such as Junior
Achievement, as well as partnerships established through the Navy
Community Service program. I participate in the Eastern Connecticut and
Groton Chambers of Commerce and the Council of Governments to share our
respective visions and build closer bonds and understanding between our
collective communities. Of course, it is more than a good business
foundation or a strong local economy that makes a good community. Good
neighbors make a good community; and the people of southeastern
Connecticut have long been, and continue to be, wonderful neighbors to
the Navy.
The Groton Public School system has long recognized the uniqueness
of the military child. The school system and former administrators
helped spearhead the Military Child Education Coalition--a national
organization committed to bringing military and local communities
together with school districts to best address the needs of the
military child. Next month, the coalition will be holding its fifth
annual national conference here in Groton. On a local level, every
fall, Groton Public Schools invite us to provide a ``Military 101''
briefing to new, and otherwise interested, teachers. The briefing is
aimed at familiarizing these educators with the military environment,
military life, and the benefits and challenges associated with being a
child of a military member. The school superintendent also holds
monthly meetings of the Military and Superintendent Liaison Committee
that allow military representatives from our major local area commands
to maintain an ongoing dialogue with senior educators and
administrators.
Southeastern Connecticut businesses, large and small, have always
welcomed service members and their families, offering a wide variety of
discounts and special programs to show their appreciation. On an
organized level, the Eastern Connecticut and Groton Chambers of
Commerce support our Sailors and families through such initiatives as
the Service Person of the Month. The program honors Sailors nominated
by their command who have contributed to the success and betterment of
their unit and the community. Honorees are celebrated with a special
luncheon as well as tokens of appreciation from area businesses and
organizations. At the end of the year, the Chambers select a Service
Person of the Year from among the 12 honorees. The Navy League sponsors
a similar recognition program for the Sea and Shore Officers of the
Year. Local area commands nominate candidates who have also contributed
to the success and betterment of their unit and the community.
While such external support networks assure our Sailors and
families of their partnership in our southeastern Connecticut
community, our internal support networks assure them of our commitment
as one Navy family. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark, has
said, the quality of service our Nation and Navy can expect from our
Sailors is directly related to their quality of work and quality of
life. Providing Sailors with the highest quality work environment in
which to achieve their goals and accomplish their unit's mission is a
priority of each tenant command and activity here. Providing the
Sailors and families of those commands and activities with the highest
quality of life is a priority of the base and our parent command, Navy
Region Northeast.
Tenant commands, activities, Sailors and families are the
customers, as the base and regional quality of life storefronts are the
service providers in such areas as housing, health care, and Sailor and
family support. Base housing includes 12 barracks with more than 1,650
rooms accommodating nearly 3,300 personnel and more than 2,100 Navy
family homes. The vast majority of those Navy family homes occupy 430
acres outside the base fence-line in the town of Groton. Currently we
have some $20 million dedicated to Navy housing improvements, as we
complete whole-house renovations in our Conning Towers and Nautilus
Park Navy Family housing areas. Such improvements will continue through
2006 with the privatization of Navy family housing and the renovation
and replacement of more than 1,400 homes.
Our commitment to the finest health care facilities continues as
evidenced by our recently begun 4-year, $17 million, renovation of our
Naval Ambulatory Care Center. We will also start construction of a new
dental clinic in 2005. While our health and dental facilities are only
clinics, our doctors have surgical privileges at local hospitals
through a memorandum of agreement. Of course, we are also committed to
getting the word out about health care and receiving feedback. To that
end, the care center hosts monthly TRICARE orientation classes for
active duty personnel and their family members. Classes focus on the
TRICARE system in Groton and help familiarize members with the
availability and accessibility of services both at the center and in
the civilian community. Additionally, the care center hosts periodic
Health Care Consumer Council Meetings to keep commands and their
representatives informed of policies at the center and to learn of any
concerns or issues regarding the services provided through either the
center or through TRICARE. Sailor and family member support are met
through a broad spectrum of local providers.
While unit chains of command, especially command senior enlisted
advisors, like command master chiefs and chiefs of the boat, and the
base command religious program and its chaplains, are always accessible
and responsive to Sailor and family needs, the bulk of front line
support is provided by our Fleet and Family Support Center and child
development program. A regional storefront, our Fleet and Family
Support Center is committed to empowering military members and their
families to thrive amidst change, to find positive opportunity in it,
and to solve any problems or crises that may affect their ability to
succeed while in the military.
The center serves both active duty and retired personnel and
encompasses the Navy ``family'' of singles, married members and their
spouses, children and other family members. The center's services and
programs meet the diverse needs of each customer, such as: acquainting
single Sailors with local leisure activities, helping expectant parents
prepare for parenthood, assisting transitioning members in conducting
successful career searches and educating spouses, and other family
members, on job search skills, available Navy services and the
deployment cycle. Fleet and Family Support Center staff are intimately
aware of the unique pressures and problems experienced by Sailors and
are trained and equipped to help them and their families realize the
greatest rewards from their military careers and lifestyle through a
combination of free services, which include counseling, workshops,
programs and briefs, as well as self-help and automated services. The
center provides information about child development, parenting,
continuing education, career development, basic skills for living (such
as budgeting and consumer affairs), and a variety of other topics. Help
for special needs families is also offered and includes classes for
single parents, families with handicapped family members, and more.
Another regional storefront, our base Morale, Welfare, and
Recreation Department, manages our local Navy child development and
youth programs. The childcare and development program supports two main
needs: day care and before and after school care. Care is available for
the families of active duty military personnel, on a priority basis,
and to the families of DoD civilians employed on the base. Fees are
based on total family income and are set on a sliding scale. Our day
care program enjoys the distinction of being accredited by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children. Our three child
development centers provide care for children from six weeks through
six years of age. Having opened a new center in 2000, and renovated
another in 2001, we have the capacity to accommodate 263 children.
We also support a Child Development Home program. Through the
program, childcare providers in Navy housing enhance and expand
childcare services beyond that available in our local childcare
centers. Under the program, providers are certified within state and
Navy guidelines, requiring several hours of initial and ongoing
training in child development and related topics. Children are cared
for in safe, happy and healthy home environments.
Before and after school care is offered under our School Age Care
program, which is headquartered in our Nautilus Community Center, in
Navy family housing, and currently provides care to 114 children. The
program was the second in the Navy to be accredited by the National
School Age Care Alliance, receiving this distinction in 2002. Open to
children from kindergarten through sixth grade, five to 12 years of
age, the program currently serves students enrolled in the four Groton
elementary schools adjacent to our Navy family housing areas, as well
as three others. We have established a partnership with the Groton
Board of Education to provide children in our School Age Program with a
dedicated classroom located at adjacent Pleasant Valley Elementary
School. Within the partnership, the school provides a classroom; we
provide the care and care givers, and the program there is available to
children outside our active duty and DoD families.
In addition to child care and development programs, our Morale,
Welfare, and Recreation Department directs and supports a wide array of
youth programs and activities. Our new 17,000 square-foot Youth Center,
centrally located in Navy family housing, opened in 2000. It includes a
teen lounge, a supervised Internet-equipped computer room, a music
room, a dance room, and a gymnasium. From the center and its
surrounding athletic fields, we support military community youth
football, soccer, basketball, and Little League baseball. ``Kids
Karnival,'' a two-day family festival held at the Youth Center in the
spring, and open to the public, has brought our military and local
community together for the past 12 years, as more than 6,000 children
and adults annually enjoy the rides, games, and entertainment. The
center is also the main site for our youth summer camp programs, which
offer traditional sports activities to the children of active duty
members and DoD employees, as well as such diverse pursuits as,
gymnastics, judo, archery, dance and drama. The Youth Center, as well
as many of our Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department's facilities,
allows our military and local communities to participate together in
fun activities like youth birthday parties or high school post-
graduation parties. We support from four to seven organized,
chaperoned, alcohol-free, all night graduation parties each year.
Additionally, our laser tag gaming facility, Laser Storm, hosts 21
youth parties weekly.
Of course, the greatest celebrations Naval Submarine Base New
London hosts are our submarine homecomings. Each one is very special
for Sailors returning home and their loved ones awaiting their arrival.
Helping families prepare for this emotional day begins well before
Sailors deploy. Deployments are unique to the military lifestyle; our
approach to assisting families cope throughout the time on patrol is
comprehensive. Our Fleet and Family Support Center provides educational
workshops and counseling to introduce families to the emotional cycle
of deployment and how to maintain healthy family relationships amidst
lengthy separations. Children's programs teach children about
deployment and teach parents how to help children adjust to the lengthy
separation. We assist schoolteachers, administrators, and counselors as
well as community agencies by providing guidance and awareness of our
network of services. With the outbreak of war, the center's Child
Counselor initiated a ``Helping Children Deal with War'' outreach
program involving eight local schools. The program was extremely well
received and helped prepare school professionals to address our
children's fears during this time of world uncertainty.
Our team of senior enlisted advisors on the submarines, the chiefs
of the boat, volunteer command-appointed Ombudsmen, and our center's
deployment specialist, maintain an always-accessible network of
support. This triad, along with a unit's spouse support group, ensures
that families requesting or requiring assistance in problem solving and
crisis management, before, during, and after deployments, are able to
receive it.
The southeastern Connecticut community provides outstanding support
to our Sailors and their families during deployments. Recently, many
local businesses joined with our Navy Exchange and Morale Welfare, and
Recreation Department in celebrating our submarine Sailors returning
from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Current Navy and southeastern Connecticut support networks for our
Sailors and their families are a model of care, cooperation, and
collaboration. Our Child Development Program is operating under Most
Efficient Organization guidelines that concentrate on fiscal and
management efficiencies. Our Fleet and Family Support Center is
undergoing a functional assessment that will ultimately result in its
operation under those guidelines as well. Anticipated growth on base,
in terms of new tenant and homeported commands, as well as increasing
support requirements to other local Department of Defense commands and
units, may challenge our ability to continue providing ample high
quality support services. Continued strong support from the Congress,
and DoD and Navy leadership, for robust and flexible Child Development
Programs, Fleet and Family Support Centers and our many Morale,
Welfare, and Recreation Programs, will ensure that Naval Submarine
Base, New London, has the resources and programs necessary to fully
meet our mission: service and support to our war fighters and their
families.
The Sailors and families of Naval Submarine Base, New London, have
an outstanding support network. Our internal Navy programs ensure they
feel the embrace of our one Navy family and our southeastern
Connecticut partnerships ensure that they feel at home in the
community. Retaining an effective and responsive support network will
contribute significantly to Naval Submarine Base, New London's ability
to continue living up to our motto: ``The First and Finest'' attack
submarine base in the Navy.
E-Mails to Mrs. Debbie Estes, Ombudsman USS Augusta/Submarine Group Two
Chairman--June 2003
The following is a compilation of e-mails from submariners' wives
sent to Mrs. Debbie Estes, Ombudsman, USS AUGUSTA/SUBMARINE GROUP TWO
CHAIRMAN in preparation for the field hearing at Naval Submarine Base
New London. The e-mails highlight specific examples of quality-of-life
issues raised by Navy families. The senders' identities have been
removed.
______
Dear Ms. Estes
Thank you for your continued representation as the Chairman
Ombudsman for Submarine Group Two.
My husband is currently attached to the USS Dallas as the
Independent Duty Corpsman. He has been active duty for 15 years. I have
been a navy spouse since 1992. I also served for 6 years on active duty
as a navy hospital corpsman from 1990-1996. My overall experiences as
both a hospital corpsman and a navy spouse have been fulfilling and
rewarding.
I have two issues I would like to place before the Senate
Subcommittee.
1. Navy Spouse Employment
One of the most difficult issues for me, as a navy spouse, is
maintaining and advancing my professional career. At my husband's last
command, I was employed as a civil servant, GS9, for the Naval
Hospital, Naples Italy. Upon my return to the Untied States, It took me
6 months to find a comparable job. Luckily, I was able to collect
unemployment benefits because I was returning off of federal civil
service from a foreign country.
My husband is on a 3-year sea/ shore rotation schedule. In fitting
with the needs of the Navy, we do not always have the choice where to
live. If we receive orders within the United States, I will not be
eligible to collect unemployment benefits because I will voluntarily
release my job. The loss of my income for 3-9 months invariably creates
a fiscal and emotional hardship on the entire family.
I propose that the U.S. Government vote in a federal law allowing
active duty military spouses to collect unemployment upon receipt of
orders locating to a different state.
2. Navy Spouse Retirement
I have been working since the age of 17. With the exception of
social security benefits, I have no other retirement. I lose matching
contributions from companies because we do not stay at commands long
enough for me to reap the benefits of a company sponsored retirement
plan.
I understand that Navy Commands set up financial education classes
and assistance to help with investing and budgeting. I feel that navy
spouses require more attention given to their retirement needs.
I propose the development and implementation of an education
program aimed specifically at helping navy spouses get the most out of
their retirement investing. This program should address the issues of
recognizing the importance of retirement saving, investment, tax
sheltering and how to handle moving from job-to job.
I propose the establishment of a military spouse retirement plan.
The plan could be managed through the Thrift Savings Administration.
The U.S. Government could match up to a certain percent of monies
submitted by spouses in payment and gratitude for the countless hours
given in the service to our country by assuring the stability of our
families and the wellness of our spouses as they perform their duties.
Thank you for hearing my concerns and proposals.
______
Dear Debbie,
Congratulations on being asked to speak at the Senate Hearing. We
couldn't have a better representative.
I know I'm a day late. I apologize. Getting ready to leave tomorrow
for about 10 days, then we'll be moving soon after, so lots of plates
spinning in the air.
I wish I had more time to give you a more comprehensive response,
but I'll hit some points in the hope that they may prove useful.
As we get ready to make yet another move, one ssue that comes to
mind for me are related to schools. Jacob will be entering 5th grade,
and this will be his 5th school. His younger brother Samuel will be
entering 3rd grade. This will be his second elementary school. School
is a big issue for many, and seems to only get bigger as the children
get older. The following are some thoughts on schools and some other
issues that come to mind:
Figuring out new curriculums and school routines can be pretty
overwhelming, but sometimes the hardest part about being a new kid is
simply finding someone to eat lunch with or play with at recess. That
can be the most stressful part of a new kids day. Having a buddy system
at the school can play a big part in helping a kid feel welcome and cut
down on the anxiety that comes with not knowing things like how the
lockers work, or what the routine for gym class is, etc . . .
Community outreach to military families can truly help make the
military family feel at home in a community. Yes, we have our own
community amongst ourselves, but it feels wonderful to feel included in
the community at large. We have found that Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
and the surrounding towns work hard to do this. They reach out to
sailors and their families by ``adopting'' a boat that's in the
shipyard. The town and boat then interact to show each other their
worlds, and let each other participate. This can mean parties, parades
and other special events. Can't tell you how good it feels to be
celebrated like that! That translates into better morale and great
publicity for both the town and the military.
Military families are resourceful when it comes to finding out
about their communities, but more outreach from the civilian sector can
make us feel welcome and help us find opportunites even quicker.
Hire a military spouse. Their ability to adapt and cope with
changes can be a real asset to companies and businesses.
Why don't we make it easier by making a standard date for
acceptance to kindergarten, rather than every school district/state
determining the ``cut-off date"for kindergarten. This is particularly
disruptive for families moving in the middle of the school year. Johnny
may be accepted as a Kindergardener in Hawaii, but not in Kansas.
End of year testing can be problematic, esp. when one of the
subjects the students are supposed to know is that particular state's
history. Hard to catch up on that, esp. when moving in the midst of the
school year.
So, Deb, there's my quick 2 cents worth. I'll be eager to hear how
it goes, and what kind of feedback you receive.
Thanks for putting it out to us all.
______
My gripes with the government are the following:
SST Benefits:
As a Navy spouse, I have followed my husband through his career
(and therefore moves). The result of this is that my Social Security
Benefits have lapsed and I no longer qualify. My Multiple Sclerosis is
progressing and I can no longer work--I am trained to be a math
teacher. Due to the nature of my illness, I do not always know if I
will be mobile on any given day. This makes it difficult to hold down a
job, unless the employer is extremely flexible.
For my situation, I was working at a Navy campus before my husband
was transferred to England. I finished up the teaching term and moved
over seas. Upon our return to the states, we choose to have me stay
home with our children not knowing that I would be giving up my
benefits.
Because the Navy transfers military personnel every two to four
years, it makes it difficult to keep up a career and therefore
benefits. I feel that one possible solution would be to add a year of
eligibility on to the spouses eligibility status after each move.
This situation not only exist for military spouses, but also for
civilian spouses that choose to stay at home during their children's
preschool years. I think stay-at-home parents should have their
benefits still intact when they are done raising children. Children do
better if there is a parent supporting them at home not only as babies
and toddlers, but all through the school years!
I had full benefits prior to starting a family, but because we
opted to have a parent at home I no longer qualify for the benefits I
earned.
MV:
My husband and I have moved nine times in fourteen years to support
his military career. Although he is allowed to keep his old drivers
license, I have to change my to the new state. This is true of vehicles
also. I am not a big fan of the DMV's around the country: it is not
unusual to have to go back to a DMV station more than once for reasons
beyond the applicants control. With having to find new schools, new
doctors, new dentists, a new church and everything else that goes along
with moving; why not have a military drivers license and military
plates (tags). Why can't the military members and spouses be added into
the government system of licenses and plates? And that would eliminate
at least one hassle to each military family that has to move.
______
Deb,
I can only think of a couple of issues of the top of my head.
I am concerned about them privatizing housing. The rumor is if they
do that our BAH will be taxable and that will put us in a higher
taxbracket. It will mean that military families who qualify for special
services such as daycare because of their low income will no longer
qualify.
I am also concerned with the waning quality of care provided at the
NACC. Every month they change the services they are willing to provide
at the NACC. They need to either farm everyone out or increase the
services they provide. It is impossible to get an appointment in the
middle of the day or call ahead and schedule an appointment for the
next day should you feel the case is not emergent but needs looking
into in the near future. They only want to see critical cases within
one day or maintenance cases within a week. Life does not work like
that. I also think that it is sad that they spend 3 hours actually
working on Wednesday, and the rest of their time training. Why can't
they train on Saturday? Also why doesn't the pharmacy have normal
pharmacy hours instead of limited pharmacy hours? Do they want us to
spend the extra money to purchase our medicine off base on the weekend
and Wednesday afternoons? Also, why did they get rid of the walk-in
care? It was continuously busy every time I needed to use the service
which demonstrates it is a valuable service. So, they cut it?!!??
Thanks,
______
Deb,
I received an email from Kate Atkinson w/ your email.
I am very concerned w/ the situation at the NACC. Our quality of
care is rapidly being reduced. Everyone knows about the waits at the
Pharmacy and Lab. Our ENT doctor has been transferred and a relief
doesn't arrive until August. That means 3 months w/out an ENT
specialist. Our Gyn doctor is leaving and not being replaced. That
means many of the dependents who have been treated for serious on-going
female health issues are now being farmed out into the community. We
have to start the process all over with a new doctor. That is, if we
can get a referral from the present doctor, who is so busy I haven't
been able to get an appt in 3 months.
Our goverment has begun to recognize that the Military families
make a huge sacrifice and contribution for our country. They have
worked hard at improving our pay. Now they must address our health and
welfare issues.
Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to represent us.
______
Dear Debbie,
I have been a NAVY Wife for nearly 13 years and find the hardest
part to be the separations, as we all do. During deployments I find it
difficult and sometimes what seems to be impossible to acquire good day
care. I truly feel like a single Parent. If you don't bring your child
full time you are out of luck and they want a fortune . . . This is not
just a Navy problem it is a true dilemma in our society . . . With the
education system and the child care there are times that it seems in
this fast paced world seems to put our children last on the money list.
Our school in Plainfield CT are barely up to state standards and the
high school is on the verge of loosing accreditation. In one of the
most highly taxes states in the union this is a very sad state to be
in.
Where is all the money they say is in the military budget going?
Certainly not in our wallets . . . don't get me wrong things are much
better than when we were newly weds. It is just sad when Chiefs
families with more than two kids are eligible for food stamps what
give, certainly I don't claim to have the answers but some where along
the line I think things definitely got out of control with the federal
spending and the priorities. When our children and families are last on
the list we all have a problem and as a parent I am truly concerned.
As a Navy wife I have seen a lot of stuff come up on deployment. I
can handle most everything that has occurred on my watch. The young
wives that have never been alone before this is tuff. When your husband
is gone four months and then doesn't get home before 8pm or IOpm 4 out
of 5 days and is called into work on the weekend that is really
difficult. I know that with advancement comes responsibility but with
the Military Divorce rate at 70% this is definitely a contributing
factor. Stress, loneliness and many more factors. This last year has
been very difficult, 3 transfers and gone 8 months out of the year even
the most experienced Navy Spouse would find that a very tuff nut to
swallow . . .
I guess what I would like to see is some command thought as to the
people left on shore Lord Knows that we think alot of our loved ones
out to sea and they think of us but when the sailors are expected to
work 14-16 hours a day some compensation should be given.
Good luck in your efforts to get some changes made, I could go on
forever but I hope that you get the gist of What I think some things
are that need attention . . .
Thank you for the opportunity to speak,
______
Deb,
This from one of our young wives onboard.
I can give you some feedback based on personal experience.
1) Housing--I give them a grade of a D. 85% of the housing
personnel staff are rude. The horrible attitude and treatment we
received upon our arrival was unnecessary and unacceptable. We felt
they had judged us before they even knew us. I got the feeling they
felt all Navy families were low-class and not worthy of being treated
kindly. It is their job to make the transition to a new place easier
and they left me feeling more stressed and frustrated than I already
was being that I had to do the entire move by myself as my husband was
out to sea. This is not a good feeling when your entire life is packed
up sitting in a moving van while you wait to have somewhere to call
home! The housing units themselves are old and ghetto-looking. The
first unit I was shown I would have not only been embarressed to live
in but been afraid to live there knowing how much time I spend alone.
The units aren't as clean as they should be upon move-in either. I
found mouse droppings, and it looked like the extent of the repainting
was to brush a few strokes over any holes that had been sheetrocked
leaving obvious markings on the walls. Even now, when I have to call
their office my call isn't returned for days. It would be nice to have
individuals who have experienced Navy life (i.e. moving 4x's in 2
years) working there because perhaps then things would be different.
They might be more understanding and willing to help.
I think that's all being as I could go on and on how hard it is to
live a normal life when your husband is never around but I know they
will never do anything to change that since it comes with the job.
______
I received an e-mail from . . . Regarding your upcoming senate
meeting on Monday. The only things I can think of at this time that I
am wondering about are the following:
Emergency medical problems can not be taken care of at the NACC
because they no longer deal with these things, but when we go to the
emergency room at the hospital, Tricare doesn't always cover it. Either
have the NACC set up with an `emergency' area and walk-in clinic like
it used to have, or else have Tricare set up to cover the full cost of
the ambulance to the closest hospital and the emergency room visit like
it would if we went to a military facility.
Second, the Red Cross used to offer free passes for activities to
military families. How can we see about getting them to resume this for
families with children only? It's great for the moral of the kids and
parents, especially during times of deployment when you're trying to
fill the hours with things to take your mind off of counting the days.
I say'for families with children only' because when they were doing
this a couple of years ago, most passes got grabbed up by single guys,
couples, and people bringing a bunch of their childrens' friends that
were non-military.
Third, have PSD honor the Power of Attorney's that we have. Spouses
with these documents cannot do anything if something goes wrong with
Deers, pay, bonuses, etc. because the military says that even with a
P.O.A., they cannot talk to us because it's not our pay, it's our
husbands'. I know of many couples who had their pay get messed up while
the husband was deployed, and nothing could be done to fix it until the
husband returned. Those few months can make a big difference though to
the lives and financial status of the spouse and children while they
wait.
Offer free classes to spouses that deal with basic car and home
maintenance, bills, taxes, first aid, or whatever else might come up
while the husband is deployed and that the wife might not know how to
take care of.
Lastly, I have a friend who is eligible to go from her 2 bedroom
home in housing to a 3 bedroom. There are some new 3 bedrooms already
done, but she was told that she was not able to get one of these
houses. Housing told her that only families moving here from elsewhere
were able to receive these houses at this time. Families going from a 2
to a 3 bedroom in housing were only allowed an older 3 bedroom at this
time, and then would be moved again within a year or two to a new 3
bedroom when the time came for the housing area in which she was to
move to be re-renovated. Why make people keep moving like this? Just
let them have the new houses now if they are done and ready to be moved
into. I was also told that families moving to a larger bedroom house
have to pay for and move themselves. This is difficult to do when it's
just you, and your children underfoot. I know that professional movers
here are very expensive, and most of us wives can't move heavy
furnitur! e all by ourselves. Even when our husbands are here, it's
still hard to do. Especially when for a move such as this, they don't
get time off to take care of it unless they are able to take leave. I
don't think the Navy should have to allow these types of moves to be
ditty moves, but they could at least have their movers do it for us
like they do when we move to a new base.
I don't know if any of these issues are the types of things which
you will be talking about on Monday, but these are the things that
concern me at this time. Thank you very much for reading my input. I
hope it may be of some help to you.
Sincerely Yours,
______
Good Morning,
My name is Kelly Killingbeck. I am a civilian employee at the NACC,
but my husband is active duty down at NSSF. I read over your email
regarding information to pass on at the meeting. Though, for the most
part I don't have any bad issues with being a Navy wife, currently we
are experiencing severe problems with housing. Recently, there have
been several rumors around base about the Privatization of Military
Housing. Generally, when this does take effect,
It will not affect military families in a big way. It does affect
those of us who choose to live in the Navy's Mobile Home Park. We have
orders to move in Dec of this year. We already had someone in the Navy
who was interested in buying our mobile home. They went to talk to
housing. Housing told them no one would be allowed to move in or sell
their existing homes. They said that they were closing the Mobile Home
Park. Current residents could stay there through their current orders
only. Through many phone calls and visits, not only to housing but also
Public Affairs and legal visits, we are still waiting for answers. Many
bases throughout the US are doing this exact thing. Unfortunately for
us, there is no standard policy on how to handle this issue. Some bases
are offering financial assistance to move the house, others are just
letting the military member pay the price. When we bought our home back
in 2000, we had no intention of moving the mobile home. We have had
several neighbors who have no problems selling their homes in the last
3 years. We have approximately 40 other Navy families that live in this
park who are all about to get swept under the rug. The worst part of
all is that they don't even know. The only reason any of this was
brought to our attention was in preparing to sell the home. Nothing has
been officially released. Calls to housing have gone unanswered.
They have told us they will be releasing information in the ``next
week or two''. This was back in the end of April. We have been told we
can sell the home to someone who is willing to move it. This may sound
like no big deal, except even to move it 50 miles could cost up to
$3000. We have also discussed moving it to our next duty station. This
will cost anywhere from $2000-$6000 out of our own pocket. Then we need
to find a lot to put it since all the Navy's Mobile Home Parks are
being closed. They are no easy solutions to this problem. Morally, we
feel the Navy is supposed to be taking care of its own. They have shown
no regard for the families that live in Cherry Circle. They need to
show some respect to those serving. The only real solution to this
problem is for the Navy to take responsibility for their actions and
buy the mobile homes at fair market value. They need to start by at
least being truthful to the families who are financially bound to their
homes. I thank you for time. Sorry this is so long, but there is still
a lot more information out there. I have done a lot of investigated
trying to help out the Legal man in my husband's office. They continue
to try to get us answers, but it is slow going for those of us who do
not have much time in our duty stations. Thank you again for your time
and anything you can do to bring this issue to someone's attention. I
know that in the big scheme of things, 40 Navy families don't mean
much, but the Navy is supposed to take care of all those serving. Thank
you.
Sincerely,
______
Hi Deb,
I forwarded a message I received from one of the wives. I would
also like to comment on how awful housing is here. Not the property
managers, but the housing office itself. They make a move to a new
family in the area more stressful than it should be. Power trip is what
I would call it. The struggle just to get what you are qualified for is
unbelievable (I have 3 teenage kids, now ages 17, 15, & 13 and they
promised us a 4 bedroom for the next week, and then they'd give it to
someone else and promise one for the next week . . . and so on for a
month. We finally ended up in a 3 bedroom and had to fight for 2 years
to get put in a 4 bedroom) and then some of the rules. I think we need
a little updating on some of these. Like I was told . . .they have been
here since the dawn of time . . . time to update. One for example,
since it is summer time . . . swimming pools. The size they allow, my
children's ankles may get wet. If there is supervision, or even if we
had to have it in a fenced in yard . . . something . . . I think they
should be allowed. I'm not talking full size or inground pools, but
bigger than the size allowed now. If you can buy it at Target, Walmart,
etc you should be able to put it up. There are many other incidents
that need to be looked into with housing. Maybe read into some of the
files.
Thanks,
______
please say something about the housing its so awful here. I live in
old polaris park the ghetto!! off of jackson. secondly please let them
know how difficult the seperations are for families with special needs
kids I have two of them and its so very difficult sometimes. maybe
suggest a support group for families with special needs kids. thank
you!
______
Hey Debbie,
I am sure I am not alone but as I am dealing with it as we speak, I
am very passionate about it: Housing, I am being relocated because of
the remodeling, I understand that they need this and the benefits it
will have even on my life. however I would have an issue with the
communication between everyone with the construction company, housing,
and residents. This is a very long story with way to much to type here,
I am sure I am not the first one with this issue but I feel very strong
about the way that our children are being treated when this happens,
here where we live they blocked off the path to the school 10 min
before the school was to dismiss and did not inform anyone! Leaving the
children with potentially no way to get home. Again the issue is not
new I am sure but do feel it is a very important one. I would be happy
to elaborate more on the entire situation if you would like please feel
free to give me a call, you may email me however I will be in the
process of moving the computer over to the new house and will be slower
as I will be checking it in the evening only, until say Friday. I hope
you have a great day and are able to receive the info you need.
Sincerely,
______
Debbie,
My biggest concern/gripe at this point is the closing of the
Women's Health Clinc at the NACC. For the past 23 years I've been
normal on all my ``Women's Stuff!'' In recent years my ``stuff' has
changed. I've had abnormal pap's with mid grade cancer, and have also
had problems with my mamograms. Have had two different ``scares.'' I
love the Womens Health Clinic because I see the same Doctor and she
genuinely cares and follows my progress. Not saying anything bad about
the Family Practice Doc's, just my preference. Now that they will be
closing I will be referred to the outside and have to deal with the
Hell we call TRICARE! ! Everytime I've been sent out for different test
I end up having to take more time off of work to take my paper work to
the Tricare Advisory people to have it straightened out and paid. I
like it as simple as possible.
I guess the Powers that be don't feel there is a need for Women's
Health Clinic at a Submarine Base, but we all know that there are
plenty of Active Duty Female in need here just like the Family
Memebers.
Well that's about it for my big concern! Thanks for letting us
know, and I for one appreciate all that you do for the Ombudsman and
our Community!
Sincerely,
NACC : Over the years I have seen some positive changes in the way
things are done at the NACC. Most recently though I see them cutting
staff and services in an already overloaded system. Most Physicians out
in town do not want to deal with Tricare Prime because of the very low
amont of reimbursement they get. Medicare patients have an easier time
getting into an outside Pediatrician. I feel that the areas that are
most utilized and desperately needed (Women's Health, Pediatrics and
Pharmacy Services) should be adequately staffed and not downsized.
HOUSING: The rules for living in housing need to be enforced better
and in a less random fashion.The changes being made to units look very
impressive but they're taking quite some time to complete. Rather than
starting one or two or even three projects in different areas why cant
they be coordinated to disrupt a minimum of traffic flow and complete
one section at a time?
I understand the importance of training and being prepared for war.
I think a greater effort could be made to minimize the time that the
boats need to be deployed during peace times.
I would like to tell the ``powers that be'' that I am most grateful
to hear the military spouses being thanked for their dedication and for
the sacrifices they make. AND thanks for asking
______
Hey Deb, hope this helps. Good luck!!!!!!! LP
BAD:
MY biggest complaint is on Health Care Im receiving here in Ct.
Everytime I talk to someone at Tricare I get a different answer. The
Tricare office in Groton keeps messing up or losing my papers so that
when I see my PCM I get charged/billed as a walk in (no referral)
patient. Maybe its the plan Im under but I cant be certain ANY
information I get from Tricare to be accurate, so why change and
potentially make the situation worse. Weve been here 6 months and Im
still trying to get answers so I can get the Health care I need without
having to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for each office visit.
GOOD: I feel they did good with BAH increases. Keep increases like
that coming!!! Its so helpful to those of us who don't live in base
housing (whether by choice or having to wait for base housing
availability).
HUBBYS COMPLAINT: he'd like to see more parking on base, especially
since they have closed lower base to vehicles. I know parking is a
daily headache for our guys. I also know the state wont allow some of
the old buildings on base to be torn down to make parking garages
because they are ``historic'' or something of that nature.
Nevertheless, more parking would sure make things a little easier.
Breakdown: Need better healthcare, need MORE parking, Keep BAH
increases coming.
Response to Questions of Senator Dodd From Debbie Estes
Question 1. Mrs. Estes. In your opinion, what are the three biggest
quality of life concerns facing our military families?
Answer 1. The three biggest quality of life concerns facing our
military families:
Housing
There is a huge concern regarding the Public-Private Venture
implementation here at New London: First, the idea that we will be
charged our BAH rate to ``rent'' houses. Everyone is aware of the
response that ``it will not be any different but the concern missed at
the hearing was that of families paying different amounts to live in
the same house. For example a chief living in Trident Park (2 bedrooms)
will be paying considerably more than an E4 living next door in the
same exact house.
Second, is the concern of mixing civilians into housing. Although,
none of the bases so far have had this occur, this makes a lot of
families nervous. At least with military families next door we are all
in the ``same boat'' and can be held accountable by the Navy and our
commands.
Third, who will set the rate for usual and customary utilities? Are
they going to properly insulate our houses before doing this?
Why not set the price of a unit depending on the number on
bedrooms, just as if you were renting out in town. A four bedroom would
be more expensive than a two bedroom, no matter what your rank is. If
you want more bedrooms, your rent would be higher.
Tricare
The NACC here at Subbase has changed dramatically. The emergency
room as been removed and the Women's Health clinic is getting ready to
be closed. This is clogging the civilian ER's and making referrals an
even longer process. It will take three months to replace our ENT
doctor here on base and a lot of the specialty clinics have closed
completely.
One also wonders why the NACC closed on Wednesday afternoons for
training.
It is hard to get an appointment to start with, why can't they
train in the evening or on the weekends. This would allow for another
whole afternoons for appointments.
Question 2. Mrs. Estes. How are the services provided on-base for
families just moving to the base?
Answer 2. Moving to Groton
The Fleet and Family Service Center has a Relocation Specialist
that can assist families in the relocation process. This service is
invaluable. The housing office has a great computer data base of
rentals and houses for sale that can be viewed at anytime by families.
Question 3. Mrs. Estes, can you describe your experience before,
during and after your husbands' deployments? Can you cite any specific
examples where the Navy and community network has either provided
necessary help, or come up short in supporting you during these times?
Answer 3. Deployment stress
Not enough paper for the experience our family members go through,
we should be proud of them all. A good example of when the community
and the Navy came together to help out was in my own experience. When I
had my baby my husband was away and a NACC representative came to the
hospital and gave the package with all the NACC information that I
would need to enroll my daughter in DEERS. He even scheduled my two
week check up for her right there on his computer. This program was not
in-place when my son was born four years ago and it made a huge
difference.
Also in the same instance, The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
visiting nurses were contacted by the hospital and they came to the
house. They performed a check up for my baby and were a huge source of
support for me being alone with a new baby and a preschooler. They
performed her PKU so I did not have to go the base to do it. This is a
wonderful service, the only comment I could make would be that they
need more funding for more nurses!
Question 4. Mrs. Estes, In your opinion, which programs/services
provided by the community do you think would be best replicated at
other military facilities in the country?
Answer 4. National models that I feel should be shared.
Fleet and Family Service Center
This program offers our families so much support and resources.
They have programs ranging from Budgeting, Deployment, Counseling,
Information and Referral, Spouse Transition, Resume building and all
kinds of programs for children.
Child development center
This program is truly wonderful. They have full time in the center
care along with hourly drop-in. They also provide Home daycare with
certified providers in Navy Housing.
The Only draw back to this program is the lack of air conditioning
going into the summer months. Every year they have a broken air
conditioner and this year as of June 20, it is still not working. This
is unsafe for the children as well as the providers. The Center has to
reach 95 degrees in the rooms before it can be closed. Some find it
amazing that a 3 million dollar renovated center does not have a
reliable working air conditioning system. It is sad when you have to
dress your baby when you pick them up because it was too hot in the
rooms and they had to be stripped to their diapers.
The other idea with the CDC is to remove the BAH from the
calculation of fees. As family members, we do not see this money
directly if we live in housing.
[Whereupon, at 11:36 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]