The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), commissary is located at the Navy Support Complex in Smokey Point. The commissary is a full service facility that competes with surrounding local grocery establishments. The most recent independent survey reports that commissary shoppers save 30.4% on their groceries compared to local food stores. A typical family of four can save more than $2,440 a year by shopping exclusively at the Smokey Point Commissary.

"It's Your Choice — Make It Healthy" is the new campaign in the commissary. Check out the new graphics and posters emphasizing healthy food choices. Taking care of ourselves should be everybody's top priority and your commissary is here to help.

In addition to the very popular Best Value Item (BVI) program the commissary has a monthly promotional theme event with hundreds of reduced price items. The best of these items can usually be found as special displays on the ends of aisles or on off-shelf promotional displays around the store.

Look for each department's Manager's Specials, which are a few specially chosen items, featured for a brief period of time. Also, in each department, we have displayed "Price Comparison" boards. This shows commissary savings compared to public shopping facilities.

The Grab 'N Go section at customer entry to the commissary features fresh sandwiches, free coffee, and various single serve items available for your convenience.

The produce and meat departments rival any such departments in the local area. The produce department has more than 225 items for your selection and the presentation of the department is "super market" in appearance. The meat department carries more than 125 items including a new section of specialty pre-seasoned items. Customers are encouraged to use the service bell for any requests of special cuts of meat.

The deli/bakery has more than 300 items for your selection and serves sandwiches "to order," hot soup, and fountain soda drinks. The deli "bistro" service has tables in the department for your convenience of on-site lunch or snacks.

The grocery department presently stocks more than 13,500 items and recently added a selection of 43 magazines at the check stands. Special orders are encouraged and should be brought to the attention of the customer service manager or any other manager in the store.

The customer service department is staffed to assure that the customer has a pleasant and expeditious ending to their shopping experience. They accept personal checks, debit/credit cards, manufacturer coupons, EBT and WIC vouchers for payment of groceries. They recently added $25 and $100 gift cards (certificates) for your convenience and are sold at the cash cage in the front of the store and available online at commissaries.com.

Other commissary information:
• Your Social Security Number is no longer required on personnel checks.
• Visitors can accompany I.D. cardholders in the commissary, but are not allowed to make a purchase.
• Reservists now have 24 shopping visits allowed annually.
• The Smokey Point Commissary awards an annual $1500 scholarship to a local deserving young person.
• Look for recipe centers in the commissary.
• Physically impaired shoppers can start shopping a half an hour before the store opens.

The Defense Commissary Agency has a Web site (http://www.commissaries.com) with all individual worldwide commissaries having an individual web page. On the main page a shopper can download coupons and recipes, view newsletters, see what's on sale, enter shopping sprees and more. Visit the Smokey Point Commissary's Web page and get all of the information about commissaries worldwide.

Naval Station Everett Fleet and Family Services regionalized several years ago and became part of the region Community Services Department. However, Everett still maintains a Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) that is located at the Navy Support Complex in Smokey Point, just north of Marysville. It provides a one-stop location where service members and their families can obtain reliable information and assistance on a wide range of important topics. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information or appointments call 425-304-3367, DSN: 727-3367, or 1-888-463-6697. The fax is 425-304-3374. The services offered include:

• Counseling: Counseling is available for individuals, couples and families on a short-term basis. Assistance is provided for a variety of personal issues, including relationships, separations, adjustments, parenting, communication, stress, anger, violence, abuse, crisis, and other concerns. Appropriate referrals will be provided when long-term counseling is indicated.

• Programs: Pro-active workshops and programs are offered on personal and family enrichment topics. Regularly scheduled workshops are designed to help people learn skills such as parenting, stress management, marital communication, and financial management. Other topics are available upon request.

• Information and referral: Information on civilian and military services, resources and activities is available. Information not readily available will be researched for you. This service is provided by telephone or on a walkin basis.

• Relocation assistance: The Fleet & Family Support Center provides a variety of relocation services for military members either arriving, or PCSing from, Naval Station Everett. Upon request, FFSC provides Welcome Aboard Packages containing area information to both commands and military members. Hospitality kits—containing pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc.—are available for checkout for free, and are offered to personnel waiting for their household goods to arrive. "Plan My Move" and "Military Installations" are on-line programs available on the Military Home Front Web site http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil. and assist with organizing PCS's. The FFSC Relocation Program also provides individual relocation assistance, school transition assistance, information and referral, information on Navy, Immigration, and Local community resources, and so much more.

• Transition assistance: Assistance is available for all military members and their families in making a smooth transition from military to civilian life. This is provided through individual consultation, workshops, employment assistance, a resource room, and computer assisted programs to aid in the job search. Twice a month, the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs present a transition assistance program seminar jointly.

• Family employment readiness program: This program assists family members of active duty, retirees, and their family members in the job search. Information includes job listings, referrals, and reference materials on many topics. Counseling is available for preparing resumes and cover letters, application forms and interviewing techniques.

• Ombudsman assistance: Officially appointed by the Commanding Officer, the Ombudsman is a military spouse tasked with one of the most important jobs in the Navy: the main link between the Commanding Officer and the command families. An Ombudsman can help a family member with obtaining important phone numbers, getting in touch with the family support group, or sending an emergency message to the command. The FFSC provides training to Ombudsman, guidance for the Ombudsman Assembly, and can help you get in touch with your Ombudsman.

• Personal financial management program: The personal financial management program maintains a library of financial resources and consumer information, offers classes on financial issues and the basics of financial survival, provides basic financial counseling and supports the command financial specialists.

• New parent support team: This program focuses on supporting expectant and new parents by providing information about home and child management. It offers home visits that focus on health needs of infants and toddlers, parent education, and referrals to community resources.

• Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): This program assists active duty/retired military personnel and their family members in coping with the effects of rape/sexual assault. A cadre of community and military volunteer advocates makes up the backbone of the program. They provide 24-hour information, referral and support services.

• Retired Activities Office: A Retired Activities Office (RAO) offers assistance to all retired U.S. Uniformed Services and their families by helping them learn about and receive their earned benefits and aiding family members upon the death of the retired service member. Call 425-304-3775 for more information.