AAFSW/Foreign Born Spouses 

ccordially invites you to a

Valentine's Day Luncheon 

To celebrate our friendship...

AAFSW and the Foreign Born Spouse Group 

Valentine's Day Luncheon 

Wednesday, February 12  11: 30 am

hosted at the home of our AAFSW member Tere Weinger

Please come and bring your favorite dish to share with other guests 

Also, in the spirit of Saint Valentine, we are asking each guest to bring a poem to make this celebration a special one.

If you would like to see old friends and meet new ones, have fun and taste delicious food, please contact the AAFSW office: office@aafsw.org or 793-820-5420 or Sheila Switzer or Sheila_switzer@yahoo.com or  703-623-6695.  

Please let us know what food you are contributing to the luncheon. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The Family Liaison Office (FLO) together with MHN  will conduct an interactive in-person and virtual webinar on Tuesday Feb 18, 2014 @ 9am EST. 

The webinar is designed for all employees and their family members (spouse, partner, children, parents, siblings) experiencing or interested 

in an unaccompanied tour (UT).

Participants may attend in person or call in.  The session will last one hour.  To participate virtually,contact FLOAskUT@state.gov for sign-on instructions.   If attending in person, it will be held in room 1239 of the Harry S. Truman Building.  

Topics to be covered will include an explanation of MHN’s services inclusive of navigating the MHN website to find health and work/life articles, assessments, and resources as well as an overview of existing FLO services, counseling options, and specialized training.

Coming in the Spring....

another informative webinar on April 16, 2014 dealing with the subject of “Reintegration after an Unaccompanied Tour".  The session will present material on all aspects of reintegration; relationships, family life issues, and work issues.

FSI Training:  Tax Seminar (MQ117)

---

Offered to address the unique tax issues facing the Foreign Service community, this seminar is a must for any Foreign Service employee or spouse/partner.

Current tax accountants specializing in international employment and living will explain the difference and implications of domicile versus residence, foreign-earned income exclusion, independent contractor versus employee and much more. 

Bring your questions!


Eligibile Participates
U.S. Government employees and their Eligible Family Members (EFMs) planning an overseas tour or returning from a post overseas

Course Dates and Times
12 February 2014      6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Additional Information

E-mail FSITCTraining@state.gov or call 703-302-7268.

High-Stress/Threat Unaccompanied Tour Employee Support Group Have you recently returned from, or are you en route to, a high-stress/threat or unaccompanied post?  Are you finding it difficult to adjust to a “normal” environment?  Would you like to know what to expect?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, this support group may be for you! The Deployment Stress Management Program in the Office of Medical Services sponsors a support group to all State Department and USAID employees who have served at or are en route to a high-stress/threat or unaccompanied post. The support group is confidential and provides an opportunity for employees to share their experiences, ask questions, and support each other.  The support group is facilitated by MED/MHS/DSMP Social Workers and is held monthly, on the first Wednesday from 12:00 to 1:00p.m., in the Ralph Bunche Library (Room 3239), Harry S. Truman Building (Main State).  The next support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 5th, 2014.  Registration is not required. For more information please contact at Mr. Michael Arthur at 703-516-1663 or ArthurMJ@state.gov.

2014 Expanded Professional Associates Program Open Season

The Family Liaison Office announces 

the 2014 open season for EPAP has begun.

The EPAP provides professional level Foreign Service full-time positions, to all eligibile AEFMs serving overseas. 

All AEFMs interested in participating in EPAP are encouraged to apply for qualification to the program during this open season.  

Positions may become available between open seasons so having a pool of qualified candidates allows for vacant positions to be filled immediately. 

There are two steps to apply for qualification to the program:

Step 1 - Complete and pass an online Business Writing Test administered by ACT, Inc. Register before February 21.

Step 2 - Submit a completed application package, including required documents via USAJobs.gov (a vacancy announcement will be issued in early March).

For details on the program, including eligibility requirements, and application procedures, visit FLO’s EPAP Internet page: http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c41174.htm.  For additional questions, please contact FLOaskEPAP@state.gov.

Note: Individuals who applied in previous EPAP open seasons and were found eligible do not need to retake the Business Writing Test or re-apply for qualification; however those who wish to request qualification in additional areas or were previously found not qualified and have additional work or educational experience and wish to be re-evaluated, would need to submit an application for EPAP.

FS Youth, It’s Time to Get Creative!

Announcing the 

2014 FSYF Art Contest

2014 Theme:   My World of Wonders

Rules & Eligibility:

                                          Open to all U.S. Foreign Service youth, ages 5—18

                                          Entry is free to FSYF members, $20 for non-members

                                          One entry per person

                                          Flat art forms only

                                          Any medium (pastel, watercolor, oil, pencil , crayon, digital, etc)

                                          Maximum Size: 22” x 28”

Age Categories:

5—8 years old 

9—12 years old 

13—18 years old

Prizes in Each Category:

1st place: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100

How to Enter:

Go to FSYF for complete Guidelines & Entry Form.

Complete Entry Form. Attach Artwork and Mail to FSYF.

Deadline for Entry: April 15, 2014

Thanks to our sponsor 

About Town....

The AAFSW begins the year with a delightful and fascinating lecture:

 “The Sound of Broadway and Popular Song": How Arrangers and Orchestrators; Transform the Songs We Hear, presented by Mark Eden Horowitz, senior music specialist in the Music Division of the Library of Congress.

On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 12:00-1:00pm at The Library of Congress, one of the world’s best venues, inside one of the country’s most beautiful public buildings... with the world’s largest music collection as a guide.

We will meet no later than 11.45 a.m. at the Carriage Entrance at the Whittall Pavilion of the Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE in Washington, DC (Please RSVP no later than Saturday, January 25 Please contact our office@aafsw.org.

Nominate your Child, your Student, your Friend or Yourself for the

2014

Community Service Award

Honoring Foreign Service Youth who have Demonstrated Outstanding

Volunteer Efforts at Home or Abroad

Prizes:

Two Winners will each receive $1,000

Winners will be honored at the 

Department of State Youth Awards Ceremony,

 Summer 2014

To Enter:

Go to FSYF.org

for Guidelines and Entry Form

Eligibility:

All U.S. Foreign Service Youth are eligible

Entry is free to FSYF members

Fee is $20 for non-members

Deadline:

April 15, 2014

Funding for this award is made possible by

  Announcing the FSYF

2014 Essay Contest

Topic Question Middle School:

“Describe what you can see from your window in your current or former residence. How does it affect your sense of self as an American Foreign Service youth?”

Topic Question High School:

"Using examples from your own experience, describe how growing up as a Foreign Service youth has influenced your perspective on life and the world."

Deadline for Entry:

April 15, 2014

Prizes:

                                      High School             Middle School

1st place:                      $800                    $500

2nd place:                    $500                    $300

3rd place:                     $300                    $150

Eligibility:

                                     Open to all U.S. Foreign Service Middle and High School Students.
                                       Entry is free to FSYF Members; $20 Entry fee for non-members.

How to Enter:

Essays must be accompanied by an Entry Form.

For more information and entry forms, go to FSYF.org

Sponsored by McGrath Real Estate Services

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

January 7, 2014

The December snow-storm may have closed down DC but it was not going to 

squash the holiday spirit of our UT families and friends.   

Re-scheduled for January, dressed in their finest holiday attire, the UT families turned out in force, as they were honored by the Secretary of State for their resilience, their dedication and sacrifice while their loved ones are serving the nation from afar.

The New Year was rung in

as our guests arrived downstairs.

.  

But quickly discoved upstairs,

this Holiday Season 

was still in full swing

The finest had been laid out,

leaving nothing to spare, 

this was true appreciation to show how much we care

Treats abound at each turn

 so hard to decide.....

Frosty, so happy to be in from the cold,

danced a little jig

So as the jingles played on...

.  

This UT Holiday Season will long be remembered

as the one that just kept on giving.

Thanks to all of our UT families and friends.  And a special thanks to Secretary of State Kerry for his personal recognition of the sacrifices made by the men, women, families and friends of those serving on an unaccompanied tour.

FSYF is proud to announce the

2014 Academic Merit Award Awards

Eligibility: High School seniors and gap-year dependents who plan to attend college in the Fall 2014 are invited to apply.

 First Place: $4,000 Sponsored by GEICO

Second Place: $2,000 Sponsored by FSYF

Deadline: February 10, 2014

Click information and application or visit their site at www.fsyf.org

FSYF membership is required

Membership:

1 year: $20; 3 years: $50; Lifetime Membership: $150

Join at www.fsyf.org/joindonate

About FSYF:

The Foreign Service Youth Foundation

seeks to encourage, support and

celebrate American Foreign Service youth worldwide.

FSYF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Thank You to our Sponsor

Contact Us: fsyf@fsyf.org; 703-731-2960; www.fsyf.org

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

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.

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 

YouTube: www.youtube.com/noradsanta

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

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.

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

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

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