1ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM SOLDIER & FAMILY TOOLKIT
Volume 13 April 2013 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Events 3
Month of the Military Child
Sittercity!!
The intent of this toolkit is to provide you with available events, deals, resources, and important information. Please take a few minutes to glance at these resources and visit a few sites!
RESOURCE SPOT LIGHT
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Free Tax Prep and Tips 6
Family Assistance Centers Map 18
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TABLE OF CONTENTS HOME FRONT EVENTS AND DEALS……………………………………………………………….....3 HARLEM GLOBETROTTER MILITARY OFFER………………………………………………………….4 SITTERCITY………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 TAXES.........................................................…………………………………….…………………….6 GIVE ARMY PARENTS A BREAK………….....………………………………………………………..7 APRIL, Month of the Military Child……….………………………………...…..…………..…........8 DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES……………………………………………………………..………….....9 VACATIONS & RETREATS………….………………………………………………………..………..10 ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD…………………………………………………………………………11 CARE PACKAGES / MAIL…………………………………………...…………….………………....11 CHILDREN………………………………………………………...…………………………………....11 COMMUNICATION…………………………………………………..……………………………....12 COUNSELING SERVICES………………………………………………………...……………….…..12 COUNSELING / ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR……………………………………….……………….…..13 CULTURAL RESOURCES…………………………………………………...……………………….…13 DEPLOYMENT……………………………………………………………...…………………….….....13 EDUCATION……………………………………………………………………………………………14 EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………….…………………14 FAMILY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE…...……………………………………………..……………14 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT RESOURCES……………………………………………..15 HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH…………………………………………………………………………..15 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………………………………….16 LEGAL ASSISTANCE / ISSUES………………………………………………………………...……...16 MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS…………………………………………………………………..16 MORTGAGE OR RENT ASSISTANCE………………………………………………………………..16 PARENTS OF SOLDIERS……………………………………………………………………………….16 PET CARE…………………………………………………………………………………………….…17 SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS…………………………………………………………...….….17 STRESS MANAGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………….17 SUICIDE PREVENTION……………………………………………………………………………...…17 MISCELLANEOUS ……………………………………………………………………………………..17 FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER MAP………………………………………………………………...18
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HOME FRONT EVENTS & DEALS www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org
Check out the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon website and sign up for exclusive email updates on monthly local Beyond the Yellow Ribbon events and deals. Military Discount to see the Minnesota Wild When: April 1, 7 p.m. Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: Lower level tickets offered for $45. Follow the link and use your military email address to qualify. More Info: Website Contact: Lindsay Weier at 651-312-3495 for groups of eight or more Care Package Event When: April 6, 9 a.m. - noon Where: Hugo City Hall About: Join the Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network as they prepare care packages to be shipped to deployed Servicemembers. Donations are always welcome, and the drop off point is Hugo City Hall - special emphasis on Girl Scout Cookies. Contact: Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network Buy One Get One to see the Minnesota Timberwolves When: April 6, 7 p.m.; Must purchase one week in advance Where: Target Center, Minneapolis About: Military families receive one free ticket with the purchase of any ticket! More Info: Flyer 2013 Bohaty's Wildgame Dinner When: April 8, 4 p.m. Where: Prom Center, Oakdale About: Complimentary dinner for military members and their spouses includes alligator, bear, elk and several other exotic menu items. More Info: Flyer
Build a Burger for the Troop When: April 8, 5-8 p.m. Where: White Bear Lake VFW About: Volunteers from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Suburban Ramsey County will be serving up hamburgers and chips for $5. Substitute fries for $1 extra. Military Discount to see the Minnesota Wild When: April 9, 7 p.m. Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: Lower level tickets offered for $45. Follow the link and use your military email address to qualify. More Info: Website Contact: Lindsay Weier at 651-312-3495 for groups of eight or more Living and Learning Series for Women Veterans When: April 9, 5 p.m. Where: 207 S. 9th St., Minneapolis About: The second meeting, "The Invisible War," of a four-part series focusing on topics important to women who have served in the military. More Info: Flyer "My Experience as a Military Child" Poetry Contest When: Submissions accepted until April 10, 2013 About: Sen. Al Franken, for the 2nd year, is hosting the contest for all children of military families across Minnesota. Winners of the contest will receive an invitation to join Franken at a reception in his St. Paul office, a press release of the poem to local newspapers and an autographed book by author Garrison Keillor. More Info: Contest Guidelines
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APRIL 2013 MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD
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DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES WWW.MNVETERANSCOALITION.COM BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations for Children (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_children.pdf Recommendations for Teens and Young Adults (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/ book_resources_for_teens.pdf Recommendations for Adults and Families (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_adults.pdf Recommendations for Educators (PDF) www.cfs.purdue.edu/MFRI/resources/public/book_resources_for_educators.pdf POST-DEPLOYMENT AND REINTEGRATION RESOURCES After Deployment Wellness Resources: www.afterdeployment.org www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/coming_home_adjustments_for_military_families Military OneSource: www.militaryonesource.mil Becoming a Couple Again: The Courage to Care: www.usuhs.mil/psy/RFSMC.pdf Concerned Significant Others Article: www.afterdeployment.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/library/ eLibrary_COS.pdf Real Warriors, Real Battles: www.realwarriors.net/active/afterdeployment/familylife.php Operation Healthy Reunions: www.nmha.org/reunions/resources.cfm Department of Veterans Affairs: PTSD Center: www.ptsd.va.gov National Veterans Foundation: www.nvf.org Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org Adapt Parenting Program, U of MN: www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/adapt University of Minnesota Extension- Parenting Education Resource: www.extension.umn.edu/FamilyRelations/components/militaryfamilies.html Homefront and Deployed Parent: Reunion Checklists: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING COMBAT STRESS, PTSD OR OTHER STRESS RELATED ISSUES: Take your stress related symptoms seriously and contact your: Chain of Command - Team leaders, squad leaders, platoon sergeants/leaders, first sergeants, company/battalion/brigade commanders, command sergeants major Chaplains – Battalion or Brigade Chaplains or local place of worship Fellow Soldiers - Talk to your friends about your feelings. Oftentimes they are a reality check Military Family Life Consultants Military One Source Call 1-800-342-9647, or visit the Web site TRICARE Counseling - Spouses can go for free. Service members can often share a family member's appointment for marriage counseling Veterans Administration - or Veterans Centers. Army Substance Abuse Program - Especially helpful if the Soldier or family member has a problem with alcohol or drugs Primary Care Managers - Many family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are quite comfortable treating depression and sleep problems Community Mental Health Service - They usually have at least one psychiatrist and a variable number of psychologists and social workers on staff as well as behavioral health technicians
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL VACATION DISCOUNTS www.afvclub.com LOCAL MINNESOTA SUMMER R&R: Free & Reduced Stays at Leech Lake Resort: www.andersonsleech-lake.com 15% military discount to all current Servicemembers and up to a free week stay for all Servicemembers within a year of their return from deployment overseas. They offer fully equipped lake homes (whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, Cable TV, wireless internet, fully equipped kitchens) to daily planned children's activities to excellent fishing. See their website for more information.
Veterans on the Lake Resort: Where: 161 Fernberg Road, Ely, MN 55731 Toll free at 1-800-777 7538. http://www.veteransonthelakeresort.com/ A barrier-free full service resort for veterans and their families. In conjunction with the US Forest Service and the provisions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, Enjoy lake view cabins in Northern Minnesota, inside the Superior National Forest area.
STRONG BONDS: COUPLE AND SINGLE SOLDIER RETREATS
The Minnesota National Guard Chaplain’s Office is offering you a truly outstanding program. Strong Bonds offers a fresh approach. It is basic and straightforward. Strong Bonds begins with teaching effective communication skills, addresses problem resolution strategies that work, reveals how to discover the hidden issues in every relationship, and then moves into caring, fun, and friendship. In addition to the couples retreats the Single Soldier program is designed to help you establish relationship goals and gain essential skills to help you make a good choice prior to picking a partner for life.
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD
www.minnesotanationalguard.com www.theredbulls.net www.defense.gov www.armyonesource.com www.militaryonesource.mil www.jointservicessupport.org CHAPLAINS 1/34 ABCT Chaplain: MAJ Buddy Winn 651-282-4291 philip.a.winn.mil@mail.mil State Chaplain’s Office: SFC Hickory Smith 651-282-4287 hickory.p.smith.mil@mail.mil CARE PACKAGES / MAIL www.usps.com/shippingdates/welcome.htm www.operationgratitude.com CHILDREN www.mdva.state.mn.us/child www.mnchildcare.org www.ausa.org/family www.guardfamilyyouth.org www.operationwearehere.com/Children.html MN MilitaryTeen Summit and Newsletter: www.btyr.org/teen-panel Minnesota Parents Know: www.parentsknow.state.mn.us After Deployment Adaptive Parenting Tools, U of MN, www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/adapt Military Kids Toolkit: www.militaryfamilly.org/publications/kids-toolkit Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org Grants to Help Pay for Activities for Children of Deployed Soldiers: Website: www.OurMilitaryKids.org $500 after school activity grant for youth ages 3 – 18 during a deployment. Our Military Kids Military & Family Life Consultant: Darlene Wetterstrom 651-212-0943 Provides assistance in a variety of areas, including guidance on reintegration with children following deployment. Websites specific to Military Children and Families: www.militarychild.org www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS COMMUNICATION www.skype.com www.magicjack.com www.google.com/voice www.yahoomessenger.com COUNSELING SERVICES Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647 http://www.militaryonesource.com. Provides assistance to soldiers and their families facing a large variety of problems or needs; Provides 6 free counseling visits; Will refer if they cannot provide the assistance needed. MOS provides guidance and assistance with career, crisis, education, elder care, legal, mind, money, moving, parenting, recreation, relationships, special needs, transition and more. Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week. Veterans Linkage Line: 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) www.minnesotaveteran.org
They will provide assistance connecting soldiers and families to necessary resources to obtain help with crisis counseling, veteran’s benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration. Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week. VA OIF/OEF Program & Hotline: 612-467-3757 *Available 7am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Connects OIF/OEF Veterans with local resources. When calling the number, press 2 to be connected to crisis center.
VA Regional Office OIF/OEF Coordinator: Duane Kamp 612-970-5249 Provides assistance with VA Benefits - available Monday through Friday. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Counseling and Family Resources of MN: 1.888.881.8261 www.lssmn.org Director coordinating counselors for units around MN: Debra Schloer 612-879-5317 Available Monday through Friday and has a 24 hour crisis line. *Support for individuals and families, assistance for couples, and helps for children *Specialized Financial Counseling: Money problems can create other problems. LSS offers budget, debt management, and bankruptcy counseling so that people can regain control of their finances. Catholic Charities of Minneapolis and St. Paul: 612-664-8500 Assist in a large variety of problems and needs, including counseling and financial support.
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS COUNSELING SERVICES CONTINUED… MN Guard Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC): Call 24 hour line at 651-282-4078 Statewide Domestic Abuse Hotline at the House of Peace: 1-866-223-1111 Offers temporary shelter for women and children leaving domestic abuse situations. *Available 24/7. COUNSELING / ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-437-8422 *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week Drug Information, Treatment and Referral Hotline: 1-800-662-4357 Provides support for people dealing with drug addictions. *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700: www.ncpgambling.org Confidential hotline for people struggling with gambling, Helps connect people to resources to help them fight their gambling addiction. *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week CULTURAL RESOURCES The World Fact Book: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ Culture Gram: www.militaryonesource.mil o Free access through the DoD MWR Library Tab on the side of page. DEPLOYMENT Focus on Family: Know Before you Go: www.defense.gov/home/ features/2010/0610_knowbefore www.ausa.org/resources/familyprograms/Pages/default.aspx www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryLifeDeployment.html www.afterdeployment.org
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS EDUCATION Scholarship and programs: www.education4military.com Spouse Career Center: www.militaryonesource.mil Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org Service Members Education/GI Bill: www.gibill.va.gov EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE Transition Assistance Advisor:
Provides assistance to soldiers seeking employment and help in accessing Veterans Affairs benefits and health care services such as TRICARE from active duty and when you return. They also assist with dental care programs, insurance information such as SGLI and TSGLI, rehabilitative care, and help with disability claims. Available Monday through Friday Contact Vince Hokkanen: vincent.hokkanen@us.army.mil or 651-282-4234 Office: Cottage Grove Armory: 8180 Belden Blvd, Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development: Work Force Centers: www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/WorkForce_Centers www.positivelyminnesota.com Family Medical Leave Act: www.dol.gov/whd/fmla
Jobs for Veterans Program: Career Counselor and Employment Specialist Lisa Nabbefeld: 612.752.8408 Provides assistance to soldiers seeking employment. *Available Monday through Friday Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR): www.esgr.org What: ESGR exists to maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. Their vision is to Develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Service members are encouraged to follow “best practices” to keeping their employers aware of their service commitments. FAMILY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
State Specific Family Support: Minnesota Army National Guard State Family Programs Office: 651-268-8200. The MN Army National Guard has ten different Family Assistance Centers (FAC’s) located throughout the state. Call the FAC nearest to you for assistance or access to information regarding the many programs available to soldiers, family members, children and couples. *See FAC Map at the back of toolkit Military Family Care Initiative: www.militaryfamilies.state.mn.us Coordinates free assistance for MN soldiers and families in a variety of ways. Examples include: wood chopping, cleaning gutters, wedding or baby showers, handyman (minor home repairs) etc…
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT RESOURCES Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University: http://www.daveramsey.com/military/home or https://fpuonline.daveramsey.com Military Debt Relief: (National) www.militarydebtrelief.org Provides direction for people with large credit card, school loan, tax, or other debt. List your debt types, estimate your total debt, and get a free quote to see how much you can save on monthly payments. Potential Mortgage Relief (National): www.makingHomeAffordable.gov This is a website to help consumers find out if they are eligible to reduce their monthly mortgage payment as part of the "Making Home Affordable" program. Free Credit Report: Go to http://ww.annualcreditreport.com By law, everyone is entitled to one free credit report a year. Improve your Credit: http://www.optoutprescreen.com Sign up to be put on the national do not call list for credit and insurance solicitations. Signing up can help raise your FICO score. Energy Assistance Program: www.commerce.state.mn.us Get connected to the program in your area, call 1-800-657-3710 Minnesota Military Family Foundation: Leave a voicemail at 763-544-2255 or email info@minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org for help. Their mission is to seek funds to financially support deployed Minnesota military HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH TriCare: Military Health Care Program: www.tricare.mil Telephonic Counseling 24/7 and other resources www.militaryonesource.mil Military Pathways: Free Mental Health Screening: www.militarymentalhealth.org Exceptional Family member Program: Special services for disabilities: www.armyonesource Complimentary Health Care Services: www.nwhealth.edu Northwestern Health Sciences University and the Adler Graduate School have combined to provide a new complimentary health care service program available to all military personnel and their families. Chiropractic health care services, Oriental medicine, psychological therapy, family counseling, acupuncture, and massage therapy are available to all Servicemembers and their immediate family. Senior interns supervised by faculty clinicians provide services.
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE VA OIF/OEF Medical Outreach Coordinator: Dianne Peterson 612-467-5087 VA Medical Center Minneapolis: Troy Perdue troy.perdue@va.gov 612-467-1514 VA Medical Center St. Cloud: Mike Mynczywor (pronounced “minz-war”) 320-255-6480 ext. 6453 VA Medical Center Fargo: Deb Kunkel 701-232-3241 ext. 93787 VA Medical Center Sioux Falls: Elizabeth Flinn 605-335-3230 ext. 96983 LEGAL ASSISTANCE / ISSUES Legal Assistance – ***Refer to your Family Assistance Center www.minnesotanationalguard.org/soldiers_and_airmen/legal.php ww.military.com/benefits/content/military-legal-matters MN Assistance Council for Veterans will refer to legal aid: Metro area: 612-726-1327 Duluth: 218-722-8763 Mankato: 507-345-8258 MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS Strong Bonds: Marriage Retreats: www.strongbonds.org www.militaryonesource.com www.5lovelanguages.com MORTGAGE OR RENT ASSISTANCE Rent or Mortgage Assistance - MN Assistance Council for Veterans: Website: www.mac-v.org or 612-726-1327 If you fear you may be unable to pay your rent or mortgage, call the MN Assistance Council for Veterans. They provide rental assistance and mortgage assistance for veterans in danger of becoming homeless. They cannot make backdated payments on mortgage or rent, so contact them as soon as you see a potential problem. They will also refer you for additional help you may need.
PARENTS OF SOLDIERS www.bluestarmoms.org www.operationwearehere.com/Parents.html www.militaryfamily.org
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ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS PET CARE www.netpets.org/militarypet/foster.php (recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense) www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS Spouses and Significant Others: www.militarysos.com Military Spouse Magazine: www.milspouse.com Military Wives and Women in Uniform: www.cinchouse.com www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org www.armymwr.com/recleisure/promotions/spousesresources.aspx www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil STRESS MANAGEMENT www.hooah4health.com www.militaryonesource.mil www.defense.gov/specials/stressawareness SUICIDE PREVENTION Suicide Prevention Lifeline (soldier specific): 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Provides the following support to anyone interested in suicide prevention, treatment, and service referrals ***Services are free and confidential. - Dealing with suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness or extreme sadness - Concerned about a loved one who may be experiencing these feelings - Experiencing abuse or violence, Economic problems, Post-disaster needs, Homelessness issues, Substance abuse/addiction, Physical illness, Loneliness, Relationship problems, Family problems. The hotline is staffed by trained counselors and can refer to support services that can help you. *Available 24 hours day, 7 days a week MISC… Firewood - Free Firewood for Families of Deployed Minnesota Service Members The Adjutant General for the State of Minnesota has authorized the availability of firewood from the Camp Ripley for families of all Minnesota Service Members that are currently deployed (including pre-deployment and post-deployment). Families are entitled to 2 full cords of wood per year. Contact Mrs. Tami Klucas from the Family Assistance Center at 320-616-3117. This is an ongoing offer.
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Family Assistance Centers You make the call, we make the difference.
Minnesota Family Assistance Centers are geographically dispersed throughout the state to offer resources, referrals and support to all Service members and military family members. FACs are connected to your communities and the military units in the surrounding area. They understand that asking for support is difficult for military families — they also know that challenges occur that require outside support. No matter what the challenge or question, the FAC supports military families.
Bemidji 1430 23rd St. NW Bemidji, MN 55601 651-282-4031 tabitha.d.steinmetz.ctr@mail.mil Brooklyn Park 5500 85th Ave. N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 651-282-4055 jonell.m.wilson.ctr@mail.mil Camp Ripley 15000 Hwy 115 Little Falls, MN 56435 320-616-3117 tami.l.klucas.ctr@mail.mil Detroit Lakes 915 Lake Ave. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 218-844-1721 mark.j.sjostrom.ctr@mail.mil
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Duluth 4015 Airpark Blvd. Duluth, MN 55811 218-723-4852 nadine.r.wells.ctr@mail.mil Mankato 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Mankato, MN 56001 651-268-8413 patrick.j.corrow.ctr@mail.mil Marshall 500 Timmerman Drive Marshall, MN 56258 651-268-8475 jeffrey.l.gay2.ctr@mail.mil *Rochester 1715 Marion Road Southeast Rochester, MN 55904 651-268-8587 patrick.j.corrow.ctr@mail.mil *Staffed one day a week on Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rosemount 13865 S. Robert Trail Rosemount, MN 55068 651-282-4748 or (651) 282-4749 christina.r.rost.ctr@mail.mil vernon.m.truax.ctr@mail.mil 133rd Airlift Wing ~ Air National Guard 631 Minuteman Dr. St Paul, MN 55111 612-713-2367 jill.lawrence@ang.af.mil
148th Fighter Wing ~ Air National Guard 4680 Viper St. Duluth, MN 55811 218-788-7833 jennifer.kuhlman@ang.af.mil 934th Airlift Wing ~ Air Force Reserve 760 Military Hwy. Minneapolis, MN 55450 800-231-3517 family.support.msp@us.af.mil