Registration Opens for 2018 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium

WASHINGTON -- Registration is open for the Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program’s second Virtual Military Spouse Symposium.

The free virtual symposium, to be held May 21-24, is designed to provide military spouses with up-to-date and relevant information related to career development, entrepreneurship, personal branding, military family well-being, employer connections and more, officials said.

The symposium is open to all military spouses seeking career advice, including first-time job seekers, stay-at-home spouses preparing to re-enter the workforce, and experienced professionals. Symposium officials said participants will learn invaluable tips specific to military spouses and walk away with actionable tactics to further their careers.

“The 2018 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium is an important opportunity for the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program to connect with military spouses and educate them about the many resources and tools that are available through the Department of Defense,” said Eddy Mentzer, associate director of family readiness and well-being in DoD’s Office of Military Community and Family Policy. “Military spouses from all over the globe can join via computer, phone or tablet.”

The virtual event features more than 15 sessions designed to help spouses meet their career and education goals, which fall under the following session tracks:

-- Build Your Brand;

-- Be Your Own Boss;

-- Fill Your Job Toolbox;

-- Your Family Matters;

-- Your Career Options; and

-- Plan Your Path

“There truly is something for every military spouse who attends this virtual symposium,” said A.T. Johnston, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. “We encourage military spouses to register for this event so they may connect with experts in employment, education and training, career coaching, as well as employers who are committed to employing military spouses.”

Military spouses can register here  to make employer connections, get tips on advancing their careers, and more. Session presentations and recorded webinars will be available to view after the event.

The Defense Department established the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program to provide education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide, offering free comprehensive resources and tools related to career exploration, education, training and licensing, employment readiness, and career connections.  This program also offers free career coaching services six days a week.  Learn more about the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program by visiting Military OneSource or speak to a career coach at 800-342-9647.

USNS Millinocket Marks First Navy Visit to Makassar, Indonesia

MAKASSAR, Indonesia -- The expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket departed here today, marking the Navy’s first visit to the port.

The Makassar visit served to strengthen the U.S.-Indonesia partnership, while reinforcing mutual commitment to bilateral and multilateral exercises and future port visits in Indonesia.

"The U.S. Navy's first-ever visit to Makassar is a result of the strong relationship we have with the nation and people of Indonesia," said Navy Capt. Lex Walker, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7. "Our continued visits to Makassar will enhance the U.S. Navy's operational flexibility to remain forward-deployed while providing naval presence in cooperation with our regional partners."

U.S., Indonesia Security Cooperation

The Navy continues to work closely with the Indonesian navy through annual bilateral and multilateral exercises including the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise series conducted since 1995, Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training, Pacific Partnership, and the Multinational Naval Exercise Komodo.

Millinocket's visit provided the ship and crew with an opportunity to experience Indonesian culture and conduct cooperative engagements with leaders from the nearby Indonesian naval base.

"As a vital port in the eastern Java Sea, we look forward to visiting Makassar again," Walker said. "The U.S. Navy values the close partnership with the Indonesian navy, and we look forward to even more frequent port visits throughout Indonesia in the near future."

Millinocket is one of three expeditionary fast transport ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, and will continue its mission of providing rapid intra-theater transport while providing a platform for theater security cooperation exercises and engagements.

Face of Defense: Airman Gains Confidence Through Jiujitsu

By Air Force Staff Sgt. David Owsianka, 374th Airlift Wing

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Air Force Senior Airman Collin Eddington eagerly wakes as the morning sun breaks the horizon, knowing his jiujitsu skills will again be challenged on the mat.

Eddington, an aircraft maintenance apprentice with the 374th Maintenance Squadron here, said he first began practicing jiujitsu in May 2015.

Since then, he has continued his training and competed in Brazilian jiujitsu tournaments.

Self-Confidence, Fitness

“The most important thing that I have gained from doing this is self-confidence and fitness, while gaining a second family,” Eddington said. “Obtaining a feeling of being part of a bigger whole has been the best aspect of my time here. Having more self-confidence and a more tight-knit family in my life has not only helped me improve my skillset; it has helped me grow as a man.”

Eddington said he enjoys being a mentor to beginners at jiujitsu classes.

“The more I grow as an individual, the more that I can help them grow and learn faster,” he said.

Eddington said he wasn’t very good at sports until he joined the Air Force and discovered jiujitsu.

“I was cut from teams when I was younger, since I suffered from childhood asthma,” he explained. “It wasn’t until I joined the Air Force that I started to develop myself as a person and started to feel what it was like to be part of a team working toward a common goal.”

Over the past three years, Eddington said he has competed in 12 jiujitsu tournaments. Some of his competitors, he said, didn’t speak English.

“When it comes to jiujitsu, moves speak louder than words -- even if someone doesn’t speak the same language as you,” he explained.

Eddington said his jiujitsu skills have improved through competition.

“By competing in tournaments, I’ve gained a better understanding of what I can improve on via the mistakes I’ve made,” he said. “This has helped me expand my capabilities and know what I need to focus on as I continue training.”

Eddington said he works with other instructors each week to provide children with Brazilian jiujitsu training.

“I truly enjoy helping kids out with anything they’re having trouble with … and being there to tell them that I’m here for them and believe in them,” Eddington said.