Welcome to our unaccompanied tours (UT) blog, Foggy Bottom Rambles! We can share information, programs, and resources quickly with you and since blogs are a two way street, we (and the other readers) can hear from you. What's in a name you say? This blog reflects how we (back here in DC, Foggy Bottom area) provide information (rambles) to you. Find websites and information, upcoming webinars, programs and events. FLO does not endorse organizations or companies linked-to in this blog, the views they express, or the products/services they offer. Let us know what you think: contribute to the blog or email us at FLOAskUT@state.gov.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Home for the Holidays -new time

                                            Don't forget to attend!


                                             Tuesday, January 7, 2014
 

You must RSVP to attend-if you had planned to attend the previous cancelled reception you must re-RSVP.  


                                     If you have a question please write FLOaskUT@state.gov






Monday, December 23, 2013


Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP)


The 2014 Open Season of the Expanded Professional Associates Program will begin in January 2014

EPAP provides 186 professional level Foreign Service full-time positions, funded centrally, primarily by the Department of State and some through ICASS, to AEFMs serving overseas.

EPAP positions are available in Political, Economic, Public Affairs, Management, Financial Management, General Services, Human Resources, Information Management, Office Management or Medical (physician or nurse) areas. Grades range from FP-07 to FP-04.

Details on how to register for the Business Writing Test and submit an application will be released in January 2014. 

FLO recommends the following actions prospective candidates should take now to prepare for the Open Season:

  • For those prospective candidates who will take the test overseas, find out the name and email address of the Human Resources Officer or other U.S. citizen designated at post who will be responsible for proctoring the exam. You will need this information when you register for the exam.
  • Create or update a USAJobs Resume. Include all relevant work experience you wish to be considered. You will have to first create an account and then create a resume at https://www.usajobs.gov/.
  • Request your college/university transcripts.
  • If you have Foreign Education credentials, request evaluation of your credentials through an organization that provides this service.
  • Secure a copy of your sponsoring employee’s assignment cable/notification.

For additional information on the application procedure or the program, please see FLO’s website: www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c41174.htm or contact FLOaskEPAP@state.gov.



Friday, December 20, 2013


Kids, Trying to Track Down Santa?
NORAD Can Help!

NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) conducts a special mission on Dec. 24 – tracking Santa across the globe! 

Live updates are provided through the NORAD Tracks Santa Web site (in eight languages), over telephone lines, by e-mail, and through social media to keep curious children and their families informed about Santa’s whereabouts and if it’s time to get to bed. 



Use the links below to track Santa:

Website: www.NORADSANTA.org 
Google+: https://plus.google.com/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/noradsanta
Twitter: www.twitter.com/noradsanta #NORADSANTA; @NORADSANTA
NTS Apps – available for Android, iPhone & Windows phones & tablets 
OnStar – available Dec. 24 to OnStar subscribers to ask Santa’s location

Thursday, December 19, 2013

NEW DATE AND TIME FOR

DIPLOMACY AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

in honor of
UNACCOMPANIED TOUR FAMILY MEMBERS
The Secretary of State and Mrs. Heinz Kerry
request the pleasure of your company at a Reception

on Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Contact FLOAskUT@state.gov to be included in this special event.
We must hear from you no later than COB December 6, 2013to ensure a spot at this event.

This event is by invitation only. 
For security reasons, no walk-ins will be allowed

Sophia created the artwork for the Conflict Resolution Week Art Contest held by the Department of State.
Sophia is 8 years old and is the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer.

Friday, December 13, 2013

AAFSW - "Where the Foreign Service Becomes a Community"



  AAFSW Playgroup 
Children's Holiday Party

Friday, December 20
4:00 to 6:00  p.m.
Randolph Towers Community Room*
4001 N. 9th Street, Level G1
Arlington, VA 22203

Join us for an afternoon of holiday fun
and holiday cheer!

Sponsored by the AAFSW Foreign-Born Spouse Group

Guests are asked to bring
Finger food or snacks,
and a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies or candies for a 
"Holiday Treat and Cookie Exchange."  

To add to the fun, bring along a small toy (value of $7-10)
for a gift exchange. 

RSVP by December 16th
 to Barbara Reioux (703-820 5420 - office@aafsw.org)
or Hellen Nicodemus (571-242-4504 - helkath@hotmail.com).

*As you enter Randolph Towers, the elevators are located at the right:  
go down to Level G1. The Community Room is to your immediate left.
The Ballston Metro is only 3 blocks away. Metered parking is available on the  
street, or inexpensive parking is available at Ballston Common Mall (mall parking  
entrances are on N. Glebe Road and N. Randolph Street).






State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU):  Making the most of your membership

Looking for a credit union?  Already a member of SDFCU?  Learn how to maximize your bottom line and also save time with this free 'Making the most of your Membership' webinar offered by SDFCU.

An overview of products and services designed to save you time and money will be presented in this hour long informative webinar. Find out how SDFCU products and services can provide you with the convenience and savings you deserve. Learn TOP 12 user tips and much, much more. 

**This webinar is open to both members and non-members of SDFCU.** 

Please register for Making the Most of Your Membership on Dec 17, 2013 12:00 PM EST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5159011166990600450


Financial Independence: 

 A guide for Twenty-somethings


Join State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU)  for a one hour presentation that will guide you through the fundamentals of financial independence. Hear top tips on money and checking account management, ways to start or boost your savings, how you can use credit to your advantage and the traps to avoid. 
They'll also cover the most important things to know while you rent, and smart strategies for buying a car. Whether you’re just starting out or would like a refresher on the fundamentals, plan on spending about an hour with these experts for a valuable and informative webinar.

**This webinar is open to both members and non-members of SDFCU.**
 Please register for The Road to Financial Independence: A Guide for Twentysomethings on Dec 17, 2013 8:00 AM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1697308758186066946


Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Weather update!

Due to inclement weather and the closure of Federal offices, Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays scheduled for today, Tuesday, December 10th has been postponed. The event will be rescheduled for January. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to being in touch soon. Thank You, Office of the Chief of Protocol

Wednesday, December 4, 2013



HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Secretary of State and Office of Protocol
invite all current Unaccompanied Tour Families
for a Holiday party
Tuesday December 10, 2013

Contact FLOAskUT@state.gov to be included in this special event.
We must hear from you no later than COB December 6, 2013
to ensure a spot at this event.

This event is by invitation only. 
For security reasons, no walk-ins will be allowed