Digital hangarwarriorriDe 2013TAKE A RIDE TO LAKE HAVASU

chooSe YoUreDUcation

TOOLS FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE

eXPlore San DiegoGREAT ESCAPES WILL HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP.

SEPTEmbER 2013

contentSSeMPer Fit

13 athleticSFrom intramural dodgeball to youth

cheerleading, there is no shortage of fun this fall.

06BehaVioral health

The Stork Club offers time for you to bond with your little one.

05 Are you ready to head to college? Use these helpful toools for selecting a college.

liFelong learning

14

08 chilD, YoUth & teenThe USDA is offering child and adult

food program. See if you qualify

10 School liaiSonThe 2013 Back to School Bus Tour

is headed to Yuma.

chilDren’S PrograMS

22 UPcoMing eVentSEvents and activities happening aboard MCAS Yuma

eVentS

Marine & FaMilY

SerViceS

20 DeSert PerKDesert Perk offers cool treats to beat the heat

with some soft serve ice cream.

16 great eScaPeSUseful tips for your next trip to Disneyland.

07 Station liBrarYJoin the Station Library book club.

12 health ProMotionSLearn healthy shopping tips for

your next trip to the grocery store.

FeatUre

14 warrior riDe 2013Meet the General Manager of the Dos Rios.

05

MeSSage FroM the eDitor

the teaM

Just because September is here, doesn’t mean you will immediately feel Fall-like temperatures. We probably won’t feel those until November- so don’t go packing away your summer clothes just yet. What you can expect

during the month of September is an increase of men and women in uniform. Weapons and Tactical Instruction (WTI) Training will be in full swing during September, and will be in effect until the end of October. So here is what you should expect during the WTI season:• If you like to grab breakfast from the Marine

Mart, Desert Perk, Afterburner, or any other location on MCAS Yuma, arrive well before you are supposed to report for work because patronage is very likely to increase.

• There will be more people at the Afterburner, the MCX Food Court, and the Sonoran Pueblo during lunch time.

• Fitness Center will see more folks in the morning, lunch time, and in the evening. With that, please be patient and respectful of others during peak gym hours.

• Lots of Marines crossing the street- please drive carefully and when driving come to a complete stop when you see a Marine, or anyone for that matter, waiting at a cross walk.

You might also see a change in some MCCS facilities Hours of Operations during this time frame. For the latest business hours, visit www.mccsyuma.org. Hope you have a phenomenal September!

Sincerely,Maria Perez

SPonSorShiP coorDinatorKerri Brigdes

MarKeting DirectorMaria Perez

Managing creatiVe eDitorAna Zolorzano

Managing content eDitorJessica Jones

ViSUal inForMation SPecialiStCarson Cherland

ViSUal inForMation SPecialiStDarnell Wilkins

PhotograPhY & ViDeoChris Bermudo

ViSUal inForMation SPecialiStDalila Smith

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mARINE & FAmILY | 5

of attending an institution before making the final decision on where to enroll. The Shopping Sheet will be available for use beginning in the 2013-2014 award year. To learn more about the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet and see a list of institutions that have adopted the shopping sheet, go to www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/index.html.

COmPARING SCHOOLSThe Financial Aid Comparison Shopper worksheet (www.consumerfinance.gov/paying-for-college/compare-financial-aid-and-college-cost) was created to help students make college comparisons tailored to their individual circumstances. The Web site allows prospective students to enter the names of three schools and receive detailed financial information on each one. The site also provides the first-year sticker price for each school as well as the average grants and scholarships packages and the total borrowing per year based on these figures. Once the prospective student enters additional financial aid award information or personal contributions, the program calculates the student’s projected financial burden, along with an estimate of any possible monthly student loan payments once the student has graduated.Take a few minutes to explore these tools and find out more about a college’s affordability and value so you can make more informed decisions about which college to attend.

For more information, please contact MCAS Yuma’s Education Center at (928)269-3248 or (928)269-3589 during the hours of 0730-1600 Monday-Friday.

Are you ready to start taking college courses or earn a certificate? If you answered yes, than the Education Center’s staff is ready to help you with your educational endeavors. There are many excellent resources available to assist you. In addition, if you haven’t attended a College 101 orientation class then your first step to utilizing your tuition assistance benefit is to attend one. The one-hour orientation is offered every Friday at 1000 in the Education Center, Bldg. 850 on a walk-in basis. After the College 101 Orientation, an Education and Career Specialist will set up an appointment with you to go over your specific career goals. But until then, you may want to do some research on your own using the information below.

Finding the right school that fits your needs can be a confusing and complicated process. Where can you get the most for your education dollars? Which school gives you the mostflexibility in your chosen field of study? Does the school offer financial aid that you can use? What about transfer credits, ACErecommended credits, or credit-by exam credits? Does it all make your head spin? Don’t worry, help is just a click away – tools that can help manage the overwhelming information and get answers to your questions. Here are a few:

COLLEGE SEARCH mADE EASYHave you heard of theDepartment of Education’s (ED) College Affordability and Transparency Center’s College Scorecard (http://collegecost.ed.gov/scorecard/)? The College Scorecard is a very user friendly way to search for a college that is a good fit for you, just search the college name of choice and press enter. The system will populate the scorecard with typical attendance costs, graduation rate, loan default rate, amount borrowed for undergraduate study, and employment options upon graduation. Your search can also be customized based on selected options, such as college location, type of college, and areas of interest.

COST OF AN EDUCATIONDid you know? In 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau partnered with the ED to launch the “Know Before You Owe: student loans project.” After releasing a prototype of a model financial aid offer form to the public and reviewing the process improvement feedback, a financial aid shopping sheet was created. The ED Financial Aid Shopping Sheet (www2.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/aid-offer/annotatedshoppingsheet.pdf) is a standardized form that participating institutions will use to assist prospective students and their families better understand the costs

eDUcationTOOLS FOR SELECTING A COLLEGE AND COmPARING COSTS

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This is for infants from 0-12 months and their parents. We meet every Thursday from 1030-1130 am in building 645 room 105. This is a great place to socialize and learn to play with your children, meet other spouses, and expand your support group. For more information, call the New Parent Support Program at 928-269-2308.

StorK clUBPLAY GROUP FOR bAbIES

mARINE & FAmILY | 7

Join the BooK clUB!This month marks the beginning of a new season for the Station Library Book Club! Come join us at the Station Library (Building 633) on the first Saturday of each month (unless otherwise indicated) for casual discussions about books from a variety of genres. This month the Book Club will meet on Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 AM to discuss the fantasy/historical fiction novel The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Please stop by the Station Library in Building 633 or call us at 928-269-2785 if you are interested in joining—new faces are always welcome! The Book Club is open to all active duty, spouses, and retired military.

UPCOmING bOOK CLUb DATES AND SELECTIONS:

Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 AM: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

BY DEIRDRE NEGRINI

NEED mORE INFORmTION?

Please call 928.269.2785

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USDa chilD & aDUlt care FooD PrograMThe Children Youth and Teen Program, which includes the two Child Development Centers, the Youth Center, and the Family Child Care Program, announces the sponsorship of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals will be made available to enrolled children at no separate charge without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Any person who believes that he/she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).

NEED mORE INFORmTION?

Please call 202.720.5964(Voice and TDD)

CHILDREN | 9

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Start Strong, Bright FUtUre2013 bACK TO SCHOOL bUS TOURBY ELENA MCSHANE

CHILDREN | 11

The Commanding Officer of MCAS Yuma requests the pleasure of your company at a Town Hall with the U.S. Secretary of Education, Mr. Arne Duncan, on Thursday, September 12, 2013, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. at the Station Chapel. He is visiting MCAS Yuma as part of his annual back to school bus tour themed “Strong Start, Bright Future.” The focus of the town hall will be on the education of military-connected children. There will be a panel discussion with the Yuma area school Superintendents, the MCAS & YPG Commanding

Officers and the Secretary of Education. Military parents will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the Secretary and the panelists. Please RSVP your attendance to your respective Family Readiness Officer no later than September 6, 2013. Child care will not be provided. If you have any questions regarding this event, please feel free to contact the MCAS Yuma School Liaison Officer, Elena McShane, at 928-269-5373 or mcshaneea@usmc-mccs.org.

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WHATS IN YOUR CART?

Shop in your MCAS Yuma Commisary and find out the

what’s what in healthy eating. Tours take place once every

month

cartSMartHEALTHY SHOPPING TIPS AT THE COmmISARY

Your MCCS Health Promotion Department is offering Commissary Tours to explore ways to shop healthy and save money. The tours will teach participants how to read food labels correctly to select the best fuel for your body. We will also discuss techniques to shopping to improve healthy options in your cart, like where to shop first and areas to shop last. Your MCAS Commissary has a wide variety of healthy options and great prices that can help you and your family improve your meal planning. This program is open to all MCAS. Not eligible to shop at the Commissary? Join us anyway to learn to shop in your local grocery store. Join us Sept 18, Oct 11, Nov 6 or Dec 11 at the MCAS Commissary at 1700. Active Duty enter to win a $25 gift Commissary Gift Certificate.

SEmPER FIT | 13

Intramural Dodgeball Tournament – Celebrate the beginning of NFL football season by dressing up as your favorite NFL team and entering our 6 on 6 Dodgeball Tournament! The tournament will take place on September 25th at the Main Gym. Grab a team of at least 6 players and make sure to register before September 23rd to secure your spot in the tournament. Registration forms are available at the Main Gym. All eligible patrons may apply whether you’re active duty, a retiree, reservist, or DOD civilian. Prizes awarded to first, second, and third place teams.

Youth Flag Football/Cheerleading - In our Youth Sports department we are gearing up to start Flag Football and Cheerleading season! Registrations for both sports will run August 5th-September 13th. Youth Sports are available for ages 5-12. The fee is $37 per child for Flag Football and includes a jersey and participation trophy. Cheerleading is $95 per child for their first season, then only $15 each subsequent season they chose to participate. Cheerleaders will also get a full uniform and participation trophy at the conclusion of the season. Games are played Saturday mornings and practices are generally held for an hour twice a week. Games will be played from October 19th-December 14th. For more information on registering your child or volunteering as a coach, call 928-269-2324 or visit our Youth Sports page on www.mccsyuma.org.

Youth Sports Coaches: We are always looking for motivated and dedicated individuals who are passionate about Youth Sports to coach our young athletes. If that sounds like you, give us a call at 928-269-2324 to find out about volunteer opportunities. Letters of Appreciation are given out at the end of the season with the total number of hours volunteered. Hope to hear from you soon!

DUcK DiP DiVe DoDgeintraMUral DoDgeBall

YoUth SPortS Flag FootBall & cheerleaDing

eVer wanteD the nicKnaMe “coach”?

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warriorriDe2013GET TO KNOW THE ROAD FROm YUmA TO LAKE HAVASUBy Maria Perez

Click to check out the interviewwith MCAS Yuma’s SgtMaj Laarman.

Click to see interview with WarriorRide 2013 organizer Chris Hamel.

GET TO KNOW mCCS YUmA

If you haven’t already heard, our 4th Annual Warrior Ride will be taking place on Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2013. There are a lot of things to be expected for those in attendance:

1. Free pontoon boats will be available, and provided by the Lake Havasu City Military Mothers. Pontoon boats are available from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, and the boat drivers are very accommodating and they love supporting our Active Duty Marines and their dependents. Fair warning, each pontoon boat is different, as some will come fully loaded with food and beverages, and others will not- so come prepared.

2. A bike contest will be held on Saturday evening. Bikes will be judged by bike category: Touring, Sports bike, or Cruiser. So make sure your bike is clean and ready for judging before the bike contest begins.

3. Take a joy ride to the Hoover Dam. A group will be departing from Lake Havasu Saturday morning, and journeying to the Hoover Dam. Be sure to grab a boxed lunch from the London Bridge Resort so you have food during the ride. Also, be sure to have water, as this ride will be approximately 4 hours round trip- but the beautiful site is worth it.

4. There will be a couple of Lake Havasu events happening on Saturday. The first being the Chillin’ and Swillin’ Beer Festival.

RIDE OUT!It’s an adrenaline pumped, fun-filled rideto Lake Havasu, AZ! See the sights and

get in on all the fun activities this action-packed event has to offer!

This event is $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Attendees will be able to tour different beer vendors and sample their microbrews. Food will be available at the event as well. The second event is the Sand and Water Expo. This event is $1 for those who show their military ID. Attendees will be able to check out the latest and greatest in sand and water outdoor gear.

5. Those with a military ID will also be able to visit the Lake Havasu Aquatic Center and the Lake Havasu Museum for free.

With so many activities available, how could you not attend?

The 4th Annual Warrior Ride is $80 for the entire weekend and $40 for single Marines (check the Single Marine Program for discount eligibility). Your fee will cover the cost of lodging on Saturday and Sunday (continental breakfast provided at hotel), lunch on Friday, and lunch and dinner on Saturday. In addition, for those who are not motorcycle riders, a bus will be available to transport Marines and families to and from MCAS Yuma to Lake Havasu and back.

For more information about what to expect, check out these interviews with SgtMaj Laarman, who is a motorcycle rider and enthusiast, and Chris Hamel, Special Events Coordinator with MCCS Yuma; You can also visit www.warriorrideyuma.com.

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SERVICES | 17

Of course everyone already knows that SeaWorld is a great place to get involved with ocean life and to escape the dreaded nine-month-long Yuma heat but SeaWorld is doing a lot of good in the ocean itself.

The San Diego SeaWorld was opened in 1964 and was the first of the SeaWorld parks to form an Animal Rescue Team. From there the SeaWorld staff helped save more than 20,000 oiled penguins and 700 orphaned penguin chicks that

were affected by the Treasure oil spill in South Africa. After Hurricane Katrina, 14 injured or displaces sea lions were rescued.

Not only does SeaWorld do great work in the field they also raise money for wildlife conservation through their SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation fund. Beyond that the SeaWorld parks themselves are used to educate young and old about the importance of our marine life through displays, events, and

shows like One Ocean.

Next time you visit SeaWorld you can feel confident that you are not only providing a great experience for you family, but you are also helping in conserving and protecting our marine life as well.

For your SeaWorld tickets and more visit us at Great Escapes Travel Co. or call us at 928-269-5330

DiScoVer SeaworlD FIND OUT WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW AbOUT SEA WORLD.BY AMANDA PARSONS

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MaDagaScar liVe!NOW AT THE SEA WORLD SAN DIEGO

SeaWorld San Diego debuted its original live music stage show based on Dreamworks Animation’s “Madagascar” franchise in June, at its newly renovated 700-seat theater.

“Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” will feature Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, Mort and the penguins taking a vacation

and feature a band performing both original and classic rock tunes.

Following each 20 minute show, guests will have the opportunity to meet the characters.

This stage production will run year-round, eight shows a day.Shows are held in the Mission Bay Theater, which was renovated to

BY SUSAN GOETZ

include a new stage, sound system, lighting and special effects.“Madagascar Live” will replace the 4-D movies, such as “Sesame Street presents Light, Camera, Imagination,” which ran from 2008 to 2012.

Please visit Great Escapes Travel Company for discounted Military Tickets to SeaWorld or call for more information, 928-269-5300.

SERVICES | 19

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bLAST FROm THE PAST

Experience life in the 17th century! Pack the family up for a fun-filled weekend at

Medieval Times!

Why just have another family dinner when, for the price of a ticket, you can be transported back in time to medieval Spain. At Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament you will get not only a meal but a show fit for Spanish royalty. While enjoying your meal, you and your family can watch knights joust in the Battle of Champions. Each section of seats has its own knight to root for.

The Black and White Knight, Don Iofre Santa Crue, is the mightiest of the knights in the order of warrior priests. Don Alberto del Mau, the Blue Knight is renowned as a champion of the defenseless. Lord del Font is the Red and Yellow Knight who is undefeated, unleashed and

unafraid. Next is the legendary Yellow Knight, Don Eduardo del Rey, who is well versed in the arts of chivalry yet he is an un-caged lion in battle! The Red Knight has been called the “Lion’s Heart” in many battles but is known to his subjects at Baron Ruiz de Roche. Finally there is the Green Knight, The Champion of Leone.

You will have an experience from the second you walk into the doors, from the Knights jousting for their honor and the beautiful steeds they ride to the Royal Court and the succulent meal served to you. Your children will enjoy eating with their hands and cheering on their Knight while you enjoy the great service and the authentic experience.

MeDieVal tiMeSDINNER AND TOURNAmENT

SOmE TIPS FOR YOUR TRAVELS:• Castle doors open 75 minutes

before the time printed on the ticket. Plan to arrive early because seating is first come-first serve.

• There is a gift shop, bar, and dance floor along with a Hall of Arms filled with medieval artifacts and a medieval torture museum, so plan some extra time to experience everything!

• Plan to eat with your hands to get the full 11th century experience.

• Get discounted tickets for your Medieval Times experience at Great Escapes Travel! Call us at 928-269-5300

BY AMANDA PARSONS

SERVICES | 21

Desert Perk has a special every Monday for the Month of September from 6am to 9am. Enjoy 50% off Venti Brewed Coffee 20 oz. size. We have offer a variety of flavors to wake up your taste buds, such as: Extra Bold, Bold, Medium, and Mild. Half and half, nonfat milk, 2% milk, soy or vanilla soy is also available to add to your coffee.

There is also a wide range of sugar additives available such as, Sugar in the Raw, Sugar, Splenda, Extra, Sweet and Low, honey, and Classic syrup (our liquid sugar). If you like to live on the wild side, add one of our delicious flavored syrups: Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Toffee Nut, Cinnamon Dolce, Sugar-free Vanilla, Sugar-free Caramel, Mocha, or White Mocha for a minimal additional cost.

Desert Perk also offers free samples every Wednesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Sampling menu changes each week so stop by and check it out!

Desert Perk Coffee Shop is located in the Food Court and is open Monday through Friday 6am to 3pm and Saturday through Sunday from 7am to 11am.

enJoY a hot cUP oF JoeWAKE UP THE SENSESBY MARY HOLLEY

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SePteMBer eVentS

6College 101 brief10am-11amFocuses on the policies and

procedures that are in place for using military Tuition Assistance. For more information, call 269-5614.

7Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

8Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

9NFCU money matters3:15pm -4:15pmBldg. 1050

Youth will learn about saving, spending, and manageing money. For more information, call 269-5390.

10 GI bill brief10am-11amBldg. 850

This brief focusus on the types of GI Bills and their benefits. For more information, call 269-3589.

11ACT Test9am-11pmBldg. 598

The ACT is used for college admission. Register 5 days prior. For more information, call 269-5614.

4PCS move Workshop8am-10amBldg. 598

Prepare for your PCS move. Available to Active Duty and family memebers. For more information, call 269-5615.

5YRmC Hospital Tour3pm-4pmYRMC

A tour provided by YRMC’s Health Educator to help expectant parents. For more information, call 269-2561.

3Anger management1pm-3:30pmBldg. 598

Find alternative methods for managing anger. Reservations required. (10 session course) For more information, call 269-2561.

250 Cent bowlingAll DayCactus Bowl

Evidence-based workplace intervention to assist participants in utilizing positive coping strategies to deal with stressors. For more information, call 269-2561.

1Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

12Reading to Dogs9am-11amBldg. 598

EFMP family members will get the please to read to a furry friend. For more information, call 269-2949.

14Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

13Daddy’s boot Camp10am-4pmBldg. 645

A one day newborn care class for both parents for the stressors of parenthood. For more information, call 269-2561.

EVENTS | 23

15Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

16Cultural AwarenessAll WeekYouth Center

The youth will learn about Mexican Independence Day. For more information, call 269-5390

17Passport to manhood4pm-5pmBldg. 1050

To Promote responsibility and reinforce positive behavior in males. For more information, call 269-5390.

24Anger management1pm-3:30pmBldg. 598

Find alternative methods for managing anger. Reservations required. (10 session course) For more information, call 269-2561.

25DV Group12:30pm-2:30pmBldg. 598

Topics include safety planning, cycle of violence, victim’s rights, and much more. For more information, call 269-2561.

26Financial Fitness6pm-8pmBldg. 598

Basic Budgeting, Understanding TSP & Car Buying techniques. Reservations Required. For more information, call 928-269-5615.

27DDRP Drug brief1:30pm-3:30pmBldg. 598

Training looks at the most current drug of abuse, negative physical and psychological consequences. For more information, call 269-2791.

28Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

29Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

EVENT TImES, DATES, AND LOCATIONS SUbjECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRm.

30DLPT Testing11:30am-12:30pmBldg. 850

The DLPT is designed for individuals who fluent in specific foreign language needed by the military. For more information, call 269-5614.

21Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

22Triple Play5pm-6pmBldg. 1050

Designed to incorporate healthy living and active learning. Must be registered with the Youth Center. For more information, call 269-5390.

23Coping With Stress1pm-2:30pmBldg. 598

Participants will learn how to utilize positive coping strategies to deal with stressors. For more information, call 269-2561.

18Welcome Aboard8am-11amSonoran Pueblo

Required for all newly arrived active duty and family members. For more information, call 269-5615.

19Torch Club4pm-5pmBldg. 1050

Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to implement activities. For more information, call 269-5390.

20Tell me A Story5pm-7pmLibrary

A 2 hour event where a guest speaker reads to young children. For more information, call 269-5373.

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