June 2013 Soldier Family Toolkit by 1/34 ABCT Family Readiness

1/34 ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM SOLDIER & FAMILY TOOLKIT

Volume 15 June 2013 Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Events 3

Flag Etiquette

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 Check out our new “1/34 Armored Brigade Combat Team” Virtual FRG Page! Visit www.armyfrg.org and click on “Get Started.”

Free Summer Camp 6

Family Assistance Centers 17

TABLE OF CONTENTS HOME FRONT EVENTS AND DEALS……………………………………………………………….....3 FLAG ETIQUETTE………………………………………………………………………………………...5 SUMMER CAMP……………………………..………………………………...…..…………..…........6 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. 25 Veterans' Voices Award Nominations must be postmarked no later than June 3, 2013 About: Award will highlight veterans who have made exceptional contributions to the community, in business, health care, public safety, education, the arts, government or any other endeavor which merits recognition. Selected veterans will be officially recognized on Sept. 11.

Hillsong United When: June 17, 7 p.m. Where: Target Center, Minneapolis About: Use the military offer to save $4 on regularly-priced tickets to see the worship band perform its latest released album, "Zion."

Trolling for the Troops When: June 6-7, 2013; applications due April 1, 2013 Where: Mille Lacs Lake and Mississippi River About: An opportunity for all disabled veterans and recentlydeployed Soldiers to fish with some of the best anglers in the Midwest!

Mormon Tabernacle Choir When: June 20, 7:30 p.m. Where: Target Center, Minneapolis About: Use the military offer to save $5 on regularly-priced tickets to see the choir, with its 300-plus members, perform a broad range of music.

Take a Vet Fishing When: June 9, 2013 Where: Babcock Park, McFarland, Wis. About: Each veteran who participates in the event will be recognized with gifts, giveaways and raffle prizes after a morning of fishing. Build a Burger for the Troops When: June 10, 5-8 p.m. Where: White Bear Lake VFW About: Volunteers from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Suburban Ramsey County are serving up hamburgers and chips for $5. Substitute fries for $1 extra. Night to Unite MMAF Fundraiser When: June 11 to 13, 2013 Where: Plymouth Creek Athletic Club About: Fundraiser, offered at no cost, in the form of a tennis clinic for children ages 5 to 15 and adults of all skill levels. Event includes free food, chair massage and a raffle and silent auction. Registration starts at 10 a.m. daily, and proceeds will benefit the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ride When: June 22, 10 a.m. Where: South St. Paul VFW About: Military-escorted Twin Cities ride open to all riders and public. Event includes a live band, food, door prizes, silent/live auction and vendors with proceeds to benefit local Beyond the Yellow Ribbon efforts. Trap & Skeet Competition for Veterans! When: June 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Minneapolis Gun Club About: Competition for military veterans includes two boxes of shells, one round of trap, lunch and more for $10. MMFF Golf Tournament When: June 22, 2013 Where: Victory Links Golf Course, Blaine About: Men's Auxiliary Golf Benefit for the Minnesota Military Family Foundation.

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. MMFF Golf Tournament When: June 23, 2013 Where: River Oaks Golf Course, Cottage Grove About: 4th Annual "Women On Track" Golf Tournament for the MMFF. Benefit Concert featuring Rockie Lynne When: June 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Where: North Heights Lutheran Church, Arden Hills About: The concert will benefit the Tribute to the Troops Fallen Heroes' Education Fund and is hosted by BTYR Suburban Ramsey County. Hugo Hamburger Night When: June 26, 5-8 p.m. Where: Hugo American Legion About: Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, all proceeds go to support military members and their families. Build a burger for $6 and get it with chips, or upgrade to fries for $1. Families of deployed Servicemembers eat free. Fishing for our Heroes When: June 29 and 30, 2013 Where: Horseshoe Bay Resort, Leech Lake About: The first Fishing for our Heroes event is a walleye and bass fishing tournament. The twoday event offers cash awards totalling $7,500, and other proceeds go to support veterans with financial scholarships. American Idol Live! When: July 2, 7:30 p.m. Where: Target Center, Minneapolis About: Military members save $10 to get up close and personal with American Idol Season 12 Finalists.

Freedom 5K When: July 4, 8 a.m. Where: Fairmont National Guard Armory About: Martin County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon 5K fundraiser features a run, walk or bike event. Register before May 15 and a shirt will be included. Additionally, there will be a free will offering for pancake breakfast. Contact: Tam Plumhoff at mcbtyr@gmail.com Weekend Camp for Military Moms & Children When: July 5 to 7, 2013 Where: Kiwanis Scout Camp, Marine on St. Croix About: During this special weekend of fun - held to strengthen the relationship between military mothers and their children ages 6 to 11 years - many opportunities will be available for family bonding as well as for the military women to share experiences with each other in a group setting. Build a Burger for the Troops When: July 8, 5-8 p.m. Where: White Bear Lake VFW About: Volunteers from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Suburban Ramsey County are serving up hamburgers and chips for $5. Substitute fries for $1 extra. Living and Learning Series for Women Veterans When: July 9, 5 p.m. Where: 207 S. 9th St., Minneapolis About: The third meeting, "Inner Healing," of a four-part series focusing on topics important to women who have served in the military. City Steak Fry When: July 10, 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Crystal VFW About: Show your support for Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Quad by purchasing tickets for the steak fry, which will include baked potato, coleslaw and garlic toast.

FLAG ETIQUETTE The federal flag code says the universal custom is to display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open, but when a patriotic effect is desired the flag may be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. Also, the U.S. flag should not be displayed when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.

Displaying the Flag On Same Staff U.S. flag at peak, above any other flag. Grouped U.S. flag goes to its own right. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. Marching U.S. flag to marchers right (observer's left). On Speaker's Platform When displayed with a speaker's platform, it must be above and behind the speaker. If mounted on a staff it is on the speaker's right.

Flag Disposal The flag should be folded in its customary manner. 2. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. 3. Place the flag on the fire. 4. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection. 5. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. 6. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances. Note: Please contact your local VFW Post if you'd like assistance or more information on proper flag disposal

Decoration Never use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with the blue on top, then white, then red. Salute All persons present in uniform should render the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute. All other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Over a Street Union (stars) face north or east depending on the direction of the street. Half Staff On special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is flown at half-staff until noon and then raised. Do not let the flag touch the ground. Do not fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency. Do not carry the flag flat, or carry things in it. Do not use the flag as clothing. Do not store the flag where it can get dirty. Do not use it as a cover. Do not fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to fall free. Do not draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.

Star Spangled Banner For more than a century the "Star Spangled Banner," written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, was sung as a popular patriotic air. From time to time Army and Navy leaders designated it as the national anthem for official occasions. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it the national anthem. Continuous lobbying by the Veterans of Foreign Wars led to Congress designating the song as the official national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931.

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.