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

1/34 ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM SOLDIER & FAMILY TOOLKIT

Volume 19 October 2013

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!

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Events 3

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Deals 5

VA Loan Webinar 7

Family Assistance Centers 17

http://www.tcpress.com/militaryfamiliesoffer.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS HOME FRONT EVENTS AND DEALS……………………………………………………………….....3 VETERAN’S DAY DEALS..……………………………………………………………………………...5 VA LOAN WEBINAR..…………………....……….…………………………...…..…………..…........7 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. Farmington Fright Night When: Oct. 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where: Dakota County Fairgrounds, Farmington About: Support Our Troops is offering free admission to their haunted house to all military personnel and their families on October 3, at Dakota County Fairgrounds. More Info: Flyer Cirque Du Soleil AMALUNA When: Oct. 4, 11 and 13, 2013 Where: Grand Chapiteau About: All new show! AMALUNA invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. AMALUNA will be performed under the Grand Chapiteau in the Mall of America North Parking Lot this Fall. This pre-sale offer is for the Oct. 4, ll and 13 performances and runs through June 3, 2013. More Info: Website Minnesota Wild and National Guard Benefit for Wounded Warrior Project When: Oct. 5, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Wakota Ice Arena, St. Paul About: Support local Servicemembers and watch a free game of hockey! More Info: Flyer Dinner is Served When: Oct. 7, 6 p.m. Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, Farmington About: The Farmington Yellow Ribbon Network is inviting all military members to enjoy a good meal for free. More Info: Flyer

Veterans Trap & Skeet Event When: Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Minneapolis Gun Club About: All skill levels welcome to take advantage of this $10 offer which includes two boxes of shells, lunch, prizes and more! More Info: Flyer Yellow Ribbon Proclamation When: Oct. 12, 5 p.m. Where: Hopkins Downtown Park About: The cities of Edina, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, and Hopkins will be proclaimed as the Yellow Ribbon Network of the Southwest Twin Cities. The ceremony will take place at the Hopkins Downtown Park at 40 9th Avenue South and will be followed by an outdoor community concert by recording artist Beau Davidson. MDVA and Women Veterans of MN Fall Luncheon When: Oct. 12, noon; doors open at 10 a.m. Where: Fort Snelling Officer's Club, St. Paul About: Meal provided at no cost to WWII women veterans. More Info: Flyer Build a Burger for the Troops When: Oct. 14, 5-8 p.m. Where: White Bear Lake VFW About: Volunteers from Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Suburban Ramsey County are serving up hamburgers and chips for $5. Substitute fries for $1 extra. Discounted Tickets to Sarah Brightman Concert When: Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Where: Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul About: Nearly $11 off all tickets for Servicemembers and military families. More Info: Website

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. Minnesota Cyber Aces Competition When: Registration opens Sept. 3, 2013; First-round competition starts Oct. 15, 2013 Where: Inver Hills Community College, About: During the 2013-14 academic school year, IHCC will host the Minnesota Cyber Aces State Competition, a two-part competition open to all Minnesotans, with a special focus on veterans. The competition is being held to find the more than 10,000 cyber warriors needed by the Department of Homeland Security to protect the nation's digital infrastructure. More Info: Flyer and website Welcome Home the Troops Pheasant Hunt When: Oct. 19, 2013 Where: Wild Wings of Oneka About: This event is offered to100 recently-returned Servicemembers and includes a guided pheasant hunt, bird cleaning, sporting clays, shells and a wild game dinner. The first 100 to register by emailing Chuck Haas at charles.haas27@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it may attend as either a solo hunter or in a group of up to four. More Info: Sponsorship form Hugo Hamburger Night When: Oct. 23, 5 p.m. to 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. Home Loan benefit. More Info: Flyer and website

Home Loans: The VA Way When: Oct. 24, noon and 7 p.m. Where: Online About: A 20-minute webinar hosted by the VA about the VA Build a Burger for the Troops When: Nov. 11, 5 p.m. to 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. 2nd Annual LSCV Veterans Recognition Dinner When: Nov. 12, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Church of St Francis of Assisi, Lake St. Croix Beach About: The Yellow Ribbon Alliance of Lower St. Croix Valley is hosting a veterans recognition dinner to honor local veterans and their families. The event will include a free dinner, music and prizes. More Info: Website Shrine Circus When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 Where: Target Center, Minneapolis About: A cultural Kaleidoscope of color and opulent panorama of pageantry kicks off a star-studded lineup as the 2013 Minneapolis Zuhrah Shrine Circus rolls into Minneapolis with an all-new show for one thrilling Thanksgiving three-day weekend. There is a special discount offered to Servicemembers. More Info: Flyer Website

VETERANS DAY FOOD DEALS The following restaurants offered free food last year for Veterans in conjunction with Veterans Day. Not all offers occurred on November 11th. Keep in mind that the lines at these restaurants can be very long. Please call ahead to verify all of the details. Some restaurants may require a coupon or a code to receive the offer. Applebee’s Free meal - Nov. 11 Applies to: Veterans and active-duty military personnel Applebee’s offers a special dine-in-only menu for Veterans Day. Baker’s Square Get a free slice of pie to Veterans and active military, California Pizza Kitchen Contact store for details. Champps Free cheeseburger and fries to Veterans and active military, Chili’s Free meal - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 11 Applies to: Active duty and veterans Chili’s is offering a choice of one of six meals on a dine-in-only basis. Beverages and gratuity not included. Denny’s Free AYCE Pancakes - Nov. 11 Applies to: Active military or veterans Available only at participating locations. Famous Dave’s Free or discounted meal - Nov. 11 Applies to: Active military and veterans Offer varies by location.

Golden Corral Free meal - 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., November 11th, 2013 Applies to: Active military, veterans, National Guard or Reserves The Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner will be held at all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. Grand Casino in Mille Lacs and Hinckley Free buffet. Check hours of service. Hooters 10 free wings (Drink purchase required) - all day, Nov. 11 Applies to: Active duty and veterans Offer valid only at participating Hooters. Hy-Vee Free breakfast buffet - Nov. 11 Applies to: Active military and veterans Available at participating Hy-Vee grocery store with in-store dining. Krispy Kreme Free doughnut - Nov. 11 Applies to: Active duty and veterans Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Little Caeser’s Free Crazy Bread with ID. Longhorn Steakhouse Free Appetizer & Drink.

VETERANS DAY FOOD DEALS McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants Free lunch or dinner entrée – Call for dates. Applies to: Veterans This is the 13th Annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event at McCormick & Schmick’s. Olive Garden All Veterans and Military Active Duty will receive a choice of 1 of 5 entrees plus unlimited soup, salad and breadsticks. Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion and Coke – Call for dates. Applies to: Veterans and active-duty military Red Lobster Free appetizer to Veterans and activeduty military. 7-Eleven Free small Slurpee - 11.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 11 Applies to: Active military and veterans

SUBWAY Free six-inch sub - Nov. 11 Applies to: Veterans SUBWAY restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Texas Roadhouse Free lunch - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 11 Applies to: Veterans and active duty military Dine-in only. TGI Fridays Get a free Veteran’s Day Lunch. Applies to: Active duty military and veterans Tony Roma’s Those who have served and are currently serving receive a free entrée. Treasure Island Resort & Casino offers a free buffet anytime Friday at the Tradwinds Buffet (1-800-222-7077, ext. 2640). You must be a Passport Club member, but it's free to join and you can join on the spot.

Tips Before Heading Out  Review the official site information and rules before heading out. Many websites are listing previous years promotions that are no longer valid. We link to the official information. Be sure to bring proof of military service, uniform photo or be in uniform. Proof of military service varies by company. See the list of states now offering a Veterans designation on a driver’s license.  Pay attention to the dates on the Veterans Day offer as some offers are for Sunday November 10th or extended over several days.  Many of the restaurant free meals are for dine in only.  Many of these promotions include small print that says participating locations only. Unfortunately individual franchisees may choose not to participate. Fortunately, some franchisee’s participate even if the corporate company does not.  Call ahead if you’re unsure about anything.  Thank you for your service!

VA LOAN WEBINAR

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.