HSL-49 Ombudsman Newsletter

January/February 2013

Volume 2, Issue 1

Points of Interest:

• Please take a moment to join the HSL-49 Ombudsman group on facebook!

• Tax Season is upon us, be sure to utilize your resources

• Join me for Scorpion Coffee!

Individual Highlights:

Offers 2

Tax Time 3

Key Resources 4

Awards 5

Announcements 6

Awards 7

Phone Numbers 8

Happy holidays to our SCORPION Families and Friends. As 2012 draws to a close, we often reflect back on the accomplishments. Over the past year we welcomed home 49.3, the UNKNOWNS; 49.2, the BULLGATORS; 49.4, the ANGRY BEAVERS; 49.8, POSEIDON’S DISCIPLES; and 49.5, the Z DET. We prepared and deployed 49.6, the TROJANS; 49.3, the DOUBLE Ds; and 49.2, the HIT SQUAD. The SCORPIONS also supported multiple Helicopter Advanced Readiness Period (HARP) detachments, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center training, Commander, U.S. Northern Command operational tasking, and Commander, U.S. Third Fleet requirements. While doing all of this, the SCORPIONS maintained more aircraft than normally planned and increased the aircraft availability for a fleet of 20 year old helicopters. We safely executed more flight hours than any other squadron in the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific and surpassed 25,000 mishap-free flight hours. Most importantly, we advanced

A Word from your SkipperSailors at a rate well above fleet average. 2013 is the Year of the SCORPION and it promises new challenges and opportunities for the SCORPIONS to demonstrate we are the very best in Naval Aviation. Our operational tempo is projected to stabilize over the course of the year. Although we anticipate fewer deployments than previous years, we will continue to see a steady demand for the unique capabilities provided to Operational Commanders by our combat-ready detachments. This steady strain deployment cycle translates as a continued demand for the non-deployed detachments to support our imminent deployers as we train, prepare, and equip successful operational detachments.As we look ahead, we eagerly await the return of 49.6, the TROJANS. The excitement of an HSL-49 hallmark is upon us with another Hero’s Welcome, our return and reunion celebration. No sooner than we bring home 49.6, we are planning for 49.3, the DOUBLE Ds’, return in early April. I am

excited for the arrival of spring because that means the 2nd

Annual HSL-49 Open House and Easter Egg Hunt will soon be here. I know our MWR Committee has several activities planned for SCORPIONS of all ages for that event and also for our much anticipated Summer Picnic later in the year. The SCORPIONS embrace the philosophy that our success as a unit is directly tied to our ability to work as a team. THE SCORPIONS ARE A WINNING TEAM. The SCORPION Families and Friends are a critical part of the team and our accomplishments at the squadron and deployed are not possible without you. Thank you for your continued love, patience, and support as we prepare for and are called upon to defend our nation and interests. Again, thank you for your service and sacrifice. I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to serve with each and every one of you.

W. R. SherrodCDR USNSCORPION ONE

Upcoming Scorpion Events

Scorpion Coffee

(Held Monthly)January 29th, 2013

9:30 am

Please emailHsl49ombudsman@gmail.com

for more information

Detachment 6Homecoming

Details emailed out to families soon

Scorpion Coffee

(Held Monthly)February 23, 2013

9:30 am

Please emailHsl49ombudsman@gmail.com

for more information

Ombudsman Newsletter Page 2 of 8

“My job is to provide you, the

command families, with

information, resources and

referrals that will help improve

your life as a military family.”

For those of you who do not know me, my Name is Sarra Suazo. I have served as HSL-49’s Ombudsman for nearly 2 years, a position I love! Prior to being the Scorpion Ombudsman, I served as the ombudsman at NATTC Pensacola. The ombudsman program is a valuable part of the Navy, as it was created to serve one of the most important parts, the families. My job is to provide you, the command families, with

A Word from your Ombudsman

FREE Sea World Pass for an entire year for kids 3-5!! Sign up, print out the voucher and take it to sea world with a copy of the childs birth certificate to get your pass for unlimited admission for all of 2013!!!

http://commerce.4adventure.com/estore/scripts/skins/ssof/passes.aspx

FREE Sea World passes for ages 3-5

information, resources and referrals that will help improve your life as a military family! I use the newsletter as one way to introduce you all to resources and information that will accomplish this goal.

This Newsletter is for you, and I want you all to be a part of it! So, please share with me pictures, new babies, weddings, and any other ideas or information

you want to share with your scorpion family!

Take some time to read through the articles, each was selected and written with you in mind. If you have any questions or concerns about anything, please do not hesitate to contact me! My contact information can be found on the last page of this newsletter! I wish you all a wonderful 2013, I look forward to what the year will bring us!

Sarra Suazo HSL-49 Ombudsman

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a nonprofit, charitable organization that provides financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, and their eligible family members and survivors, when in need. NMCRS is a volunteer organization founded in 1904 to provide financial assistance to nearly 4 million active duty and retired personnel and their families, in more than $1 billion in interest-free loans and

Organization in the Spotlightgrants. NMCRS Provides assistance with:~Basic budgeting~Basic living expenses~Emergency transportation~Funerals~Medical/dental bills~Household setup~Essential car repairs~Pay problems~Other emergency needsThere are no fees for their services.Please visit their website at www.nmcrs.org for a variety of resources, including information on the Budgeting for Baby Class or volunteer

opportunities. Or you can call one of the many locations in San DiegoNASNI- (619) 545-4477NBSD- (619) 238-1587Point Loma- (619) 553-7081

NMCRS is always looking for volunteers, and there are many incentives to be a part of their team!

Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman is entitled to a free one time admission at either SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Adventure Island®, Water Country USA®, or Sesame Place® for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents.

Head to www.herosalute.com to register!

Hero Salute

Ombudsman NewsletterPage 3 of 8

***Opening 30 January*** 

PREPARE YOUR TAXES WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF IRS TRAINED VOLUNTEERSfor active duty, retired military, and dependents

LOCATIONS & HOURS:• RLSO SW TAX CENTER, BLDG 56, NBSD, Monday – Friday: 0800 –1500, No Appointment Necessary

• “PIZZA AND TAXES” NIGHTS, RECYARD, NBSD, DATES/TIMES14 MAR 13/1700-1900 & 10 APR 13/1700-1900 

WHAT TO BRING:1. Your photo ID plus social security cards and birthdates for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents 2. Wage, earning, and pension statement(s) from all employers (W-2 & 1099-R)3. Interest and dividend statements (1099-INT and 1099-DIV)4. A copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available5. Bank routing and account numbers for Direct Deposit6. Any other relevant information (example: day care expenses, mortgage statements, student loan interest, etc.)* To E-file a joint tax return, you must bring your spouse to sign the required forms or have a power of attorney for filing taxes from your spouse. 

QUESTIONS: 619-556-6848

As military members you have several resources at your fingertips to help you file taxes and assist you with your tax questions!

~Military One Source brings you H&R Block At Home online tax filing, and free tax consultations by phone. This service is free to military members and their spouses. You must sign up for a military one source account to receive this free offer. Head to www.militaryonesource.com

~VITA provides free Income Tax return preperations, as well as tax counseling for all active duty , retired and dependents,. Currently,

It’s Tax Timethe average taxpayer will pay approximately $180 in tax preparation fees. VITA volunteers provide the same services free. They handle Federal returns, and some sites will also do State. All VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS.

~ TurboTax Military Edition. TurboTax created a software program specifically for military members. There is currently a free version for junior enlisted, and a discount for senior enlisted and officers.Head tohttp://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/military-edition.jsp

~Taxslayer.com offers free state and federal e-filing for military personnel.

~IRS Free File is available to taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $57,000 or less in 2011.

~TurboTax Freedom Edition, only available to those eligible for IRS Free File.

Regardless of what you choose to do, please know there are options for assistance, if you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to email me!

Official Navy Tax Program

Ombudsman Newsletter Page 4 of 8

Navy- Marine Corps relief Society (NMCRS)NMCRS provides financial counseling, thrift shops, the Budget for Baby workshop, the Visiting Nurse Program, scholarships, and financial assistance to qualifying individuals. Schedual a free budget review! NMCRS offers no-interest loans and support to those who qualify. Purchase low-cost uniforms, clothing and household items at thrift store locations. Call (619) 556-8283 or visit www.nmcrs.org

Military One SourceAccess a free 24 hour line for information and resources throughout the world, on virtually every topic. Call (800) 342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com

211Visit www.211sandiego.org call 2-1-1 from a landline or dial (858) 300-1211 from a cell phone to access information and resources, open 24 hours a day. 2-1-1 San Diego is a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free confidential phone service and searchable online database. 2-1-1 serves the entire population of the County.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) ProgramWIC provides vouchers, consulting, nutritional advice, and support to pregnant and new moms and children 5 and under. Eligibility is based on income. Call (800) 500-6411 or visit www.sandiegowic.org

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)ASYMCA provides in-home social work visits, emergency food, Virtual food Pantry, and other outreach programs. Call (858) 751-5755 or visit www.militaryymca.com

USO FREE Tuesday Night Dinners!!Open to active duty and families. USO also offers other programs and resources. Call (619) 235-6503 or visit www.usosandiego.org

San Diego Food BankCall (866) 350-3663 or visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org for information about the Commodities Supplemental Food Program, the Emergency Assistance Program and more.

Food Stamp Program by Health & Human ServicesFor enrollment, call (866) 262-9881 or visit www.cdss.ca.gov/foodstamps

San Diego Military Outreach Ministries (SD MOM)Call (619) 461-4164 or visit www.sandiegomom.org for free services, including gently-used furniture/household items, children’s items, weekly food and bread distribution, and more. The furniture warehouse is located at 6755 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123. Hours Vary, restrictions may apply.

Operation HomefrontQualifying military families can access assistance with car repair, computers, moving cost, childcare cost, and commissary vouchers when available. Certain restrictions apply. Call (866) 424-5210 or visit www.operationhomefront.net

Treasure Box$80 worth of food for only $32. Go to www.thetreasurebox.org

Key ResourcesFood, Clothing, Household Items and More!

Ombudsman NewsletterPage 5 of 8

Scorpion AwardeesHSL-49’s Holiday Party was the perfect end to a spectacular year. Thank you to combined efforts of the HSL-49

MWR Committee and our Ombudsman, Mrs. Sarra Suazo. It is always difficult to decide the end of year awardees and this year was certainly no exception. Each and every SCORPION made invaluable contributions throughout the year and the competition in each category was fierce.

Congratulations again to the following 2012 HSL-49 Command Award winners: AWR2 Barboa, Aircrewman Of The Year; CWO3 Strothers, Admin Officer Of The Year; AZ1 Lopez, Enlisted Admin Support Person Of The Year; AZC Jones, Enlisted Leadership Award (E7 & Above); AEC Suazo, Maintenance CPO Of The Year; AE1 Moody, Enlisted Maintenance Person Of The Year; LS2 Hansen, Enlisted Supply Support Person Of The Year; AM1 Staggs, Enlisted Leadership Of The Year (E6 & Below); LT Stamps, Maintenance Officer Of The Year; LT Yu, Tactics Officer Of The Year; LT Prophet, Officer Of The Year; LT McDonald, Pilot Of The Year; LCDR Hill, Senior Maintenance Officer Of The Year; and Detachment of the Year, HSL-49.3 the UNKNOWNS. Additional congratulations are in order for AWR2 Barboa earning Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific Aircrewman of the Year for 2012. 2012 was an outstanding year with each SCORPION fulfilling the cornerstone of our command philosophy; strive for excellence in all that we do. We humbly recognize that we would not have achieved any of our success without the love and support of the home front.

W. R. SherrodCDR USN

Congratulations to all those who were promoted recently!AWR2 Aardsma

ATO2 Alden

AE3 Bledsoe

ATO1 Blevins

AD3 Bonamico

AM3 Cancel

ATO3 Cathcart

AM2 Cleary

AD1 Dablos

ATO1 Dao

LS3 Esendencia

AWR2 Ewald

IT3 Fayak

AWR2 Granger 

AZ2 Holt

ATO2 Jones

AWR2 Kopke 

HM2 Lee 

AZ1 Lisenbury 

ATO3 Loveday 

AM2 Lyons 

AM3 Maulden 

AM2 Mchargue 

AM3 Mciver 

AD2 Morris 

AE2 Murray 

AM2 Nunez

AE3 Prescott 

AM1 Ramirez 

PR3 Rogers 

AO1 Ruiz 

ATO3 Sammons 

ATI2 Tschida

AT1 Adkins

LSSN Brooks

AMAN Vachavake

AEAN Watkins

LT Morana

LT Miyoshi

LT Todd

LT Oberg

LT Beck

Ombudsman Newsletter Page 6 of 8Scorpion Family Events and News

A Big Congratulations to our command Newly Weds!

On September 29, 2012 Cassandra Cameron became Mrs. Joseph King!

And On December 22, 2012 LTJG Adam Manley married

his beautiful Bride Amy Morrison!Wishing both of you many years of happiness and

love!

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph

King

Mr. & Mrs. Adam

Manley

Scorpion Babies June- December 2012

Abbie Jo Eckert 1 JuneJack & Jace Murray 7 JulyNerriah Shanae Holt 16 JulySavannah Lynne Hennard 29 JulyChastity Howard 12 AugElisabeth Vancleave 9 NovAnna Elizabeth Sherrod 27 Nov

Ombudsman NewsletterPage 7 of 8

Scorpion Babies June- December 2012

Abbie Jo Eckert 1 JuneJack & Jace Murray 7 JulyNerriah Shanae Holt 16 JulySavannah Lynne Hennard 29 JulyChastity Howard 12 AugElisabeth Vancleave 9 NovAnna Elizabeth Sherrod 27 Nov

Phone Numbers to KnowSarra SuazoHSL-49

Ombudsman

HSL-49 OMBUDSMANP.O. Box 357135

San Diego, CA 92135-7090

Commanding Officer (CO):

CDR W.A. Sherrod

(619) 545-0333

Executive Officer (XO):

CDR J. Rimmer

(619) 545-0333

Command Master Chief (CMC):

CMDCM K. Blake

(619) 545-0337

HSL-49 Quarterdeck

(619) 545-0300

Command website:

http://www.hsl49.navy.mil/

 

PHONE: (505) 948-0837

E-MAIL:hsl49ombudsman@gmail.com

Facebook Group Page:www.facebook.com/groups/

HSL49Ombudsman/

;Chaplain (619) 767-7143Child Development Centers North Isalnd (619) 545-0259 NBSD (619) 556-3522 Murphy Canyon (619) 556-0031 Naval Medical Center (619) 532-7977 Chollas Heights (619) 556-0540 Miramar (858) 577-4144Family Housing Department (619) 556-8443Fleet & Family Service Center Scheduling (866) 923-6478Information, Tickets & travel (ITT) North Island (619) 545-9576 Bayside Village (NAB) (619) 437-3018 Admiral Robinson Rec Center (619) 556-2180 Waterfront Rec Center (619) 556-2174 Pierside Café (NBSD) Not listed NEX (32nd Street) (619) 556-7498 Liberty Station Maxi Mart (619) 221-1005Legal (619) 545-6437Lincoln Housing Maintenance (toll free) (888) 578-4141

Navy Gateway Inn North Island (619) 545-9551 NBSD (619) 556-8672Navy Lodge North Island (619) 435-0191 NBSD (619) 234-6142Navy Marine Corps Relief Society North Island (619) 545-4477 NBSD (619) 238-1587/1589 MCRD (619) 524-5734 Miramar (858) 577-1807/1811Personnel Support Detachment (619) 545-7917School Liason Officer (619) 532-4251Tricare Appointment Line (619) 532-8225Veteranary Treatment Facility (858) 577-6552 MCAS Miramar VTF (619) 553-8582 NB Point Loma VTF