January 2014 1/34 ABCT Soldier Family Toolkit by 1/34 ABCT Family Readiness

1/34 ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM SOLDIER & FAMILY TOOLKIT

Volume 22 January 2014 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Events 3

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!

WEBINAR SPOTLIGHT On behalf of the 1/34th Armored Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) and the Minnesota Military OneSource Joint Family Support Assistance Program Consultant, you are cordially invited to join us for an upcoming Healthy Financial Habits Webinar. The presentation will address developing healthy money habits, the financial/tax services offered by Military OneSource, and additional resources available to support you with your financial well-being.

Healthy Finance Habits Webinar 4

Reducing Debt Dependency 5

Family Assistance Centers 17

SEE PAGE 4 FOR WEBINAR CALL IN AND WEBINAR LINK DETAILS!!!

TABLE OF CONTENTS HOME FRONT EVENTS AND DEALS……………………………………………………………….....3 WEBINAR FLYER………....……………………………………………………………………………...4 REDUCING DEBT…………....……....…………….…………………………...…..…………..…........5 DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES……………………………………………………………..………….....8 VACATIONS & RETREATS………….………………………………………………………..………....9 ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD…………………………………………………………………………10 CARE PACKAGES / MAIL…………………………………………...…………….………………....10 CHILDREN………………………………………………………...…………………………………....10 COMMUNICATION…………………………………………………..…………………………….....11 COUNSELING SERVICES………………………………………………………...……………….…..11 COUNSELING / ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR……………………………………….……………….…..12 CULTURAL RESOURCES…………………………………………………...……………………….…12 DEPLOYMENT……………………………………………………………...…………………….….....12 EDUCATION……………………………………………………………………………………………13 EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………….…………………13 FAMILY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE…...……………………………………………..……………13 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT RESOURCES……………………………………………..14 HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH…………………………………………………………………………..14 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE……………………………………………………………………………….15 LEGAL ASSISTANCE / ISSUES………………………………………………………………...……...15 MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS…………………………………………………………………..15 MORTGAGE OR RENT ASSISTANCE………………………………………………………………..15 PARENTS OF SOLDIERS……………………………………………………………………………….15 PET CARE…………………………………………………………………………………………….…16 SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS…………………………………………………………...….….16 STRESS MANAGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………….16 SUICIDE PREVENTION……………………………………………………………………………...…16 MISCELLANEOUS ……………………………………………………………………………………..16 FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER MAP………………………………………………………………...17

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. 2014 Veterans Appreciation Ride When: Jan. 11, 2014 Where: Madelia, MN About: The Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund is holding their 6th Annual Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride. The ride is provided as a token of appreciation to the veterans who have given part of their lives to serve. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one night's lodging will be provided to the attendees and 25 snowmobiles will be available to those that would like to try snowmobiling. Others are invited to come along and bring their own snowmobile. Preregistration is required. More Info: Website Coming Together Around Military Families When: Jan. 15, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Rasmussen College Campus, Blaine About: In this presentation, participants will explore the strengths and challenges of living in a military family, the social and emotional needs of all young children and ways you can support them during the deployment cycle. More Info: Flyer Mall of America Proclamation When: Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Mall of America Rotunda, About: The Mall of America will be proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon Company during a proclamation ceremony at the Mall of America Rotunda!

Minnesota Wild's 2nd Annual Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Night When: Jan. 16, 7 p.m. Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: For $58.50, Servicemembers and military families will receive a lower-level ticket, commemorative puck, chips, pop and entry into a drawing for door prizes - grand prize is one hour of ice time at the Xcel Energy Center for the winner and up to 150 friends! A portion of the proceeds will go to local Yellow Ribbon Networks! Use special offer code "BTYR" when ordering. More Info: Website World’s Toughest Rodeo When: Jan. 31 through Feb 1 Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: World’s Toughest Rodeo features champion cowboys from around the United States competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding or bull riding, while the ladies will be vying for the championship title in barrel racing. The top two in each event will return for a second time to go head-to-head to determine the night’s champion. This pre-sale offer expires Jan. 24 2013. More Info: Website Celtic Woman When: Mar. 17, 7pm Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: Global music phenomenon Celtic Woman will return in 2014 with "The Emerald Tour," including a stop at Xcel Energy Center on St. Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m. The elaborate new stage presentation will celebrate the Emerald Isles’ spellbinding musical and cultural heritage. Offer expires March 7, 2014… Special Promo Code: military More Info: Website

Reducing Your Dependency on Debt Article from MilitaryOneSource.mil

Getting out of debt can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Reducing your dependence on debt requires planning, strategy and discipline. In addition to a change in attitude toward personal finance, you'll find committing to changing your personal spending and saving habits beneficial to your new financial goals. Now, more than ever, information is available to everyone and on every topic. Buy a book, surf the Internet and find articles or blogs on what you don't know, and educate yourself on issues related to personal finance. Creating a spending plan Do you control your finances, or do your finances control you? Perhaps most importantly to getting on track with your finances is creating and sticking to a spending plan. Spending plans or budgets, as they are also called, help you track money coming in and going out of your bank accounts, at the same time allowing you to create and achieve financial goals. Many people view budgets as a restrictive concept that forces you to pay bills and save, but never have any fun or purchase the things you want. But it doesn't have to be that way. Spending plans are designed to pay your necessities, build a savings account and properly budget your discretionary income. When you create a spending plan, if your finances allow, you can eat at your favorite restaurant, buy that new pair of shoes, pay down your debt or take a weekend trip to the beach. But you probably can't do everything at the same time, and that is what a budget will show you. Instead of putting unnecessary charges on your credit card, you'll be able to see what you can and cannot truly afford.

If you're serious about decreasing your dependency on debt, here's what you can do today:  Cut up your credit cards and start paying down your credit and personal loan balances, beginning with the smallest amount.  Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings account every payday. Save at least 10 percent of your income, more if you can afford it. If you get a bonus, promotion or even your tax return, place half in your savings account and the other towards debt. If you have no debt, the second half can go to discretionary income.  Every pay period, withdraw a small amount of cash for incidentals and stop using your debit card. When the money is gone, understand that your budget for coffee, snacks and trinkets is exhausted.  Learn the differences between a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k). Decide which is best for your financial situation and start contributing and saving towards your retirement.  If you have children going to college one day, research college savings accounts, determine which one is best for you and start contributing what you can. Increase the amount you put in as your debt decreases and your financial situation stabilizes and then improves. Also consider starting a 529 plan for your child's college education.

And if you set financial goals for yourself, like saving a certain amount of money over the next year or completely paying off a credit card, you can incorporate those goals into your spending plan and track the progress. Budgeting your discretionary income Discretionary money is the money you have left over, after your monthly bills are paid and you've deposited your designated amount into savings. It's your extra money, your fun money. Prioritize your needs and wants by importance. Do you need to pay extra on a credit card? Or do you need a new pair of shoes for work? Do your brakes need repairing? Or do you want a manicure and pedicure for a weekend event? Make a list with the most important items first, and purchase them as your spending plan allows. If you can't afford something this pay period, bump it to the next. You may not be able to get everything you want at one time, but you may eventually get everything you desire, all the while staying within your spending plan. Don't cheat yourself by not sticking to your spending plan. If you want to spend your discretionary income on a new handbag, but you really need to buy a new tire for your vehicle, don't put the tire on credit. Buy it with cash, and figure out when you can make the purchase of a new purse work with your spending plan.

Reducing Your Dependency on Debt (cont.) Article from MilitaryOneSource.mil

Planning for extra expenses If you want to plan for a future expense like holiday shopping, birthday gifts, expensive car repairs you know will come or maybe a vacation, you can do it with your spending plan. Add the cost into your spending plan, either on the fixed or discretionary side. It may be best not to leave the money in your checking account; you might be too tempted to spend it or you may forget what that money is for and allocate it to something else. Instead, put the money in a separate savings account (not your normal savings account), and fund it every month with the amount needed to achieve your goal. When the expense arises, you'll have the money you need and the expense will not impact your spending plan or cause you to use your credit card. Need more help? If, after creating a spending plan and following the recommended steps, you find that you are still challenged with reducing your debt, you may wish to seek the advice of a professional. Each military service offers a Personal Financial Management program to help service members and their families successfully plan for their financial futures. Personal financial counselors provide education and counseling services that address a range of financial topics, including assistance with budget development, financial planning, spending plan development, management of personal finances and debt liquidation. Personal financial counselors not only help you plan your future but can also connect you to Consumer Credit Counseling Services, a non-profit agency partnering with DoD, to offer free credit counseling services to military service members.

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

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.

ONGOING RESOURCES & DEALS ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD

www.minnesotanationalguard.com www.theredbulls.net www.defense.gov www.armyonesource.com www.militaryonesource.mil www.jointservicessupport.org

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 during a deployment. Our Military Kids can also help fund scouting, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education, camps, and more. 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

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.mil.

Military OneSource offers non-medical counseling services online, via telephone, or face to face. Eligible individuals may receive up to 12 sessions of non-medical counseling addressing issues requiring short-term attention, including everyday stressors, deployment and reintegration concerns, relationships, parenting, grief and loss, and marital problems as well as assistance with financial management, taxes, career services, health and wellness, and much more. This personalized support is available 24/7 no matter where you live or serve. Contact Military OneSource toll free at 1-800-342-9647 to get connected to counseling. Also visit online at www.militaryonesource.mil for more information. 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, veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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

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…

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.

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

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.