Dear Marines, Sailors and family members of CLB 451- What a crazy few months we have endured! Between transformation to a Combat Logistics Battalion from our legacy functional battalion construct to Government Furloughs and October's shutdown, it has been hectic for all of us as we have attempted to maintain momentum while simultaneously work with what some call the "Fog of War" swirling all around us. In many ways, I feel that our ability to maintain continuity while still focusing on the job at-hand has proven our drive, dedication and commitment once again. And as we move into celebrating our 238th birthday, the significance of what we can accomplish is proven more than ever. As always at this time of year, please celebrate the holidays with a sense of family and friends. I always look forward to the next several weeks because of the opportunity to reflect on what we have - both at home and within the CLB family in many unique ways. From the pageantry of the Birthday Ball to tradition of Pilgrims giving thanks to harvest feast at Plymouth in 1621. And, moving in to December's holidays no matter what religion you identify with, finally ringing in the New Year together- it is a time to reflect, enjoy and relax. This battalion is constantly impressing me in what we bring to the table, but also at the individual scale where you as individuals are the best and brightest that the Marine Corps has to offer. As always, I commit to you that your leadership and battalion staff will maintain transparency in our planning and strategic intent on all upcoming key events as they directly relate to you. And for those of you new to the command- welcome.

Please take a look through this newsletter, review what is being passed along and see what’s happening throughout the battalion.

Semper Fidelis,

LtCol K.D. Pierson

Commanding Officer

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Commanders’

Corner

1

SgtMaj

Straight Talk

1

From the FRO 2

Chap’s Chat 3

Unit News 5-8

Battalion

Activation

5

TRICARE and

the ACA

8

Holiday Mail

for Heroes

9

Mobile Apps 10-11

Useful Links 13

Combat Logistics Battalion 451

Unit, Personal & Family Readiness F A L L / N O V 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

SPECI AL

POI NTS O F

I NTEREST:

Battalion

Activation

Ceremony

Unit News

Holiday Mail

for Heroes

TRICARE

Mobile Apps

and more!

Commander’s Corner

Sergeant Major Straight Talk Marines, friends, and families,

First and foremost welcome to the CLB-451 family. We are a newly designated Battalion with a long history of service in the Marine Corps. Over the last decade almost every Marine within the Battalion has deployed. The success of the deployments are a testament to not only the courage and commitment of each Marine, but of those loved ones and family members that have supported them. It is with them in mind that this letter speaks to.

We have a very robust Family Readiness Program in place thanks to the hard work and dedication of Katie, our Family Readiness Officer. She has helped the Command develop an effective and efficient program, and she has earned the full support of this Battalion. I can say without hesitation that we enjoy one of the top programs within the Marine Forces Reserve due to the team work of the leadership within the Battalion and her efforts.

However, regardless of how great our program is, it is ineffective unless it is utilized by our Marines and our families. There are an abundant amount of resources available to us as Marines, deployed or not, and to our families. I challenge you to USE them. That is why they are there. I have seen too many instances of resources not being utilized by those that need them due to simple ignorance of what is available. Please take the time to speak with our Battalion FRO and get involved with what our program can offer for you and your families.

The profession of being a Marine is not an easy one, and it is a path that we take our families down as well. Remember that they too make sacrifices in order for us to be successful. Let's make sure we are taking care of them as well as ourselves.

Semper Fi.

Brandon W. Neel Sergeant Major Combat Logistics Battalion 451

P A G E 2

Ms. Kati Toney Family Readiness

Officer CLB-451

Charlotte, NC

704-598-0015 x337 BB: 704-488-9770

kati.toney@usmc.mil

FACEBOOK “Kati Toney-Fro”

From the FRO: Greetings, Marines, Sailors, Families and Friends!

First and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Marines!!! Our 238th Birthday just passed and we are rapidly approaching the ball in Charlotte. For those of you attending, I’m looking forward to seeing you!! I wish I could make my way around to all the balls in the battalion, but unfortunately I haven’t figured out a way to clone me yet (& I’m thinking that’s a good thing! Haha!). With the Birthday Ball upon us, that means that the holidays are right around the corner! That means holiday meals, lots of family, friends and loved ones, and CHRISTMAS! (Can you tell that’s my favorite holiday?? Haha!)

For some, though, this time of year can be very difficult. I encourage you to take notice of the Marines, Sailors, and family members in your units. Take the time to get to know them, ask how they are, or simply share a smile. A random act of kindness can mean all the difference to someone...especially this time of year. One of my most favorite things to do is to make someone smile. I love random acts of kindness ANY time of year. Reach out to that single Marine who may not have family or friends to visit this year; or to that family that may have fallen on hard times. You never know the difference a simple smile or act of kindness will mean to someone. If you do know of someone in distress or have concerns about someone, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I am always here to provide resources and there’s a very good one on the back of this newsletter.

Please remember that your UPFR team is here to assist in any way, should you or someone you know in your unit need it—whether it be financial assistance, assistance with food or any other resources, even counseling options. Whatever your need may be, we stand ready to help. Please feel free to reach out!

Wishing ALL of my Marine family a wonderful holiday season!

Kati

C O M B A T L O G I S T I C S B A T T A L I O N 4 5 1

U N I T , P E R S O N A L & F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S

Chap’s Chat: Greetings Marines, Sailors, and Families!

I gave my wife a hug and kiss before I left early for work. She rolled over and in a quiet tired voice said, "Be a good boy" like she usually says. I jokingly asked, "How do I do that?" She responded with two words: "Love God."

Why does so much bad happen? Somebody expressed to me a deep distrust in God over current events. The Psalmist did this often.

September 2013: 78 massacred in a Kenyan mall, 12 unsuspecting souls gunned down behind a secure gate at the Navy Yard, a hundred dead in a Mexico storm, nearly 80 Pakistani Christians martyred by a suicide bomber in church, thousands killed in Syria, a military contractor mortally wounded in a work accident at my base, a Marine went into ICU and his entire family was called. Somebody else was diag-nosed with cancer. A 30-something coworker died from disease. Another was distraught over their marriage breaking up. Many including me lost their jobs or didn’t get expected ADOS extensions (seems so small to be in this list).

You may be hurt, confused, horrified, and despairing. Yet in the midst of all this, we can rest in the fact that God loves and cares for each one of us individually. The Great Shepherd of our souls will lead us beside still waters and restore our souls. Joshua 1:5-6 "I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor will I forsake you. Be strong and of good courage."

Daily Chap’s Chat was something I did in New Orleans—it included a devotional, this day in USMC history, leadership quotes, witty state-ments, and more. I will continue this weekly. Please contact me at chaplainturpin@me.com.

Blessings, Chaps

P A G E 3 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

News From Around the Battalion

CLB-451 Activation Cerememony

Maintenance Company-Rock Island News for Maintenance Company in Rock Island! Congratulations, Marines!!

-Awards

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals: Sgt Hooks, Sgt Danekas, SSgt Smith, and Sgt Schneider Reserve Medal: HILLGARTNER, KERLIN, MICKLEWRIGHT, OATES, OCON, RUBENKING, SWANSON, HANCOCK, BRINCHETTO, DEMARIS, 1stSgt POOL, RODRIGUEZBLACK, SCHUMACHER, SHEPHERD -Promotions to Current Rank LCpl: Layton, Mann, Olivas Cpl: Decker, Foss, Hutton, Kilby, Picray, Robinetter, Sullivan, White, Deney, Knief Sgt: Sullivan, Portillo, Rodriguez, Stalzer -Activated Marines Cpl Patterson

P A G E 4

“The real measure of

your wealth is how much

you'd be worth if you lost all

your money.”

~Author Unknown

C O M B A T L O G I S T I C S B A T T A L I O N 4 5 1

U N I T , P E R S O N A L & F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S

Motor Transport Company-Orlando

P A G E 5 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

Det 3 Maintenance Co-Indianapolis

P A G E 6

"We make

Marines and we

win our nation’s

battles. Then we

turn those men

and women back

to America’s

society better

people."

(Quote by

General Krulak,

31st

Commandant,

USMC)

C O M B A T L O G I S T I C S B A T T A L I O N 4 5 1

U N I T , P E R S O N A L & F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S

FREE Tax Prep con’t.

Supply Company-Raleigh Supply Company has been very active! Check out the pictures from their Family Day and Activation/Deactivation Ceremonies. Also, here is the “latest and greatest” news from the unit. Congratulations, Marines!! -Awards - good conduct medal (GySgt Swope), Certificate of Commendation (Sgt Ortiz) -Promotions to Current Rank(Regular and Mert) Gilmore (Cpl), Harper (Cpl), Hernandez-ramos (Cpl), Hubberd (LCpl), Jones (Sgt), Kelly (LCpl), Sizemore (LCpl), -NCO 1/4 2nd Quarter Sgt Ortiz -New Joins Cpl Baker -Activated Marines MGySgt Barner MSgt Titus SSgt Mauldin SSgt Smith Cpl Warburton Cpl McCord LCpl Blankenship -Births (Service Member Name and if boy or girl) Sgt Phillips (Boy)

P A G E 7 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

Det 2 Maintenance Company-Gulfport

P A G E 8

"We make

Marines and

we win our

nation’s

battles. Then

we turn those

men and

women back to

America’s

society better

people."

(Quote by

General

Krulak, 31st

Commandant

, USMC)

C O M B A T L O G I S T I C S B A T T A L I O N 4 5 1

U N I T , P E R S O N A L & F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care reform law, requires you to maintain basic health care coverage—called minimum essential coverage. Beginning in 2014, if you don't have minimum essential coverage, you'll have to pay a fee for each month you aren’t covered. Plans that are Minimum Essential Coverage

If you’re using any of the following health plans, you have the minimum essental coverage required by the health care reform law. Unless you’re considering other health coverage, you don’t need to take any action at this time.

TRICARE Prime

TRICARE Prime Remote

TRICARE Prime Overseas

TRICARE Prime Remote Overseas

TRICARE Standard and Extra

TRICARE Standard Overseas

TRICARE For Life

TRICARE Reserve Select (if purchased)

TRICARE Retired Reserve (if purchased)

TRICARE Young Adult (if purchased)

US Family Health Plan

Transitional Health Plans

You also have minimum essential coverage if you are covered by either of these transitional health plans:

Transitional Assistance Management Program (premium-free, 180 days)

Continued Health Care Benefit Program (if purchased, 18-36 months)

When You Don't Have Minimum Essential Coverage

If you're only eligible for care at military hospitals and clinics and you're not covered by any other TRICARE plan (as listed above), you don't have minimum essential coverage:

Dependent parents and parents-in-law

Beneficiaries using ONLY TRICARE Plus

Service members getting Line of Duty Care

For more information, please visit the website at: http://tricare.mil/aca

TRICARE and the Affordable Care Act

P A G E 9 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

Thanks to the Red Cross, we now have a way to send cards to servicemembers and veterans during the holidays. Please take a moment, when addressing cards to your loved ones, to send one to a servicemember or veteran. For more information or detailed guidelines, please visit the website at: http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes

Holiday Mail for Heroes

Wounded, ill or injured service members are among the strongest and most resilient members of the force, learning new life skills that enable them to return to duty or transition from the military. During Warrior Care month in November, the Defense Department honors the courage of these individuals and highlights the programs that help them with this special report.

For more information, please visit: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0913_warriorcare/

November is Warrior Care Month

P A G E 1 0

"We make

Marines and we

win our nation’s

battles. Then we

turn those men

and women back

to America’s society

better people."

(Quote by

General Krulak,

31st

Commandant,

USMC)

C O M B A T L O G I S T I C S B A T T A L I O N 4 5 1

U N I T , P E R S O N A L & F A M I L Y R E A D I N E S S

With all the chaos surrounding the “bogus” myPay app, I happened to run across a reputable site for “U.S. Government approved” apps for your mobile device!

USA.gov has compiled a “Mobile Apps Gallery” for your convenience and use! There is a multitude of apps available in a variety of categories! To see what is available, please visit:

http://apps.usa.gov/

Here is a screenshot of what you will see when you visit:

Government-approved Apps!

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E I , I S S U E 1

It’s finally here!! Military One Source is not only available 24/7 via telephone or internet, but now via a mobile app! Check out the information below!

Military OneSource Department of Defense (DOD)

Description

With the mobile Military OneSource, you never have to be without the great information and resources you have come to expect. From guidance on accessing our non-medical counseling services to using our installation locator to find local programs and services, the mobile Military OneSource is always there when you need it! Here are some of the other great features you can access from your mobile device: •Articles and resources for all our military life topics including Moving and Spouse Education and Career Opportunities •Monthly highlights of latest news and information effecting our military community •Listing of articles supporting the monthly focus, such as Month of the Military Child •Social media hub to include access to available podcasts and the ability to register for upcoming webinars

Screen Shot

Military One Source App!!

Download the app at: http://apps.usa.gov/military-onesource.shtml

6115 N Hills Circle

Charlotte, NC 28213

Phone: 704-598-0015

Fax: 704-598-0070

Useful Websites and Contacts

Military One Source: www.militaryonesource.com

Military Home Front: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil

Military Spouses: www.milspouse.com

Marine Parents: www.marineparents.com

Blue Star Mothers: www.bluestarmothers.org

Marine Corps Community Services: www.usmc-mccs.org

Military Pay: www.dfas.mil/militarypay.html

Tricare: www.tricare.mil/mybenefit

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

Marine Forces Reserve: www.marforres.usmc.mil

Official Marine Corps Website: www.marines.mil

DStress: www.dstressline.com or 877-476-7734

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-TALK

((8255)

National Resource Directory:

www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov

Military One Source Crisis and Prevention Page:

www.militaryonesource.mil/crisis-prevention

Combat Logistics Battalion 451

“USMC:

Improvise.

Adapt.

Overcome”