We've captured the latest Quality of Life (QOL) information, as well as recent additions to the Military Community & Family Policy (MC&FP) collection of websites, including MilitaryHOMEFRONT. All in one location! For a complete listing of QOL topic areas and information, please return to the MilitaryHOMEFRONT homepage.

In the News
Notable Quality of Life developments and Department of Defense announcements and alerts.

Upcoming Hiring Our Heroes - Military Spouse Event
On October 11, 2012 there will be a one- of-a-kind Hiring Fair and Career Forum exclusively for spouses of active duty, guard, reserves and retired veteran population at the Pacific Views Events Center, Camp Pendleton, CA.

Moving Forward and Continuing to Serve
They're veterans and military spouses. They've served their country for years, often decades, in combat and by taking care of families at home. But now they're ready for something different, ready to become doctors or lawyers or finish that hard-earned bachelor's degree so they can continue serving.

Grants Expand Military Children's Educational Opportunities
The Department of Defense Education Activity director urged recipients of the 2012 educational grant program to push the envelope in developing programs that ultimately will benefit all military schoolchildren.

Newly Remodeled Survivor Outreach Services Facility Opens
Post leaders cut the ribbon for the newly remodeled Survivor Outreach Services office, Sept. 29, to officially open the facility to honor Gold Star Mothers and families. More than 100 survivors, family, friends and community members attended the ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston Theater.

Program Empowers Absentee, Overseas Citizen Voters
As Election Day nears, the Federal Voting Assistance Program has taken a global, innovative and user-friendly approach, including measures mandated by Congress to assist voters, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said during a Pentagon news conference.

Data Center Improves Self-service for ID Cards
The Defense Manpower Data Center is making it easier for service members and their families to get and maintain identification cards. The center has launched its RAPIDS -- Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System -- self-service portal to allow service members and reservists with the Defense Department's common access card, or CAC, to apply for family IDs or retirement cards or update dependents' statuses online.

Presidential Proclamation -- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2012
During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence in America.

Roth Contributions to Open to All Active-duty Troops
Beginning Oct. 1, 2012, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said.