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478 HR Co. Family Readiness Group

NEWSLETTER
Volume 4, Issue 2 I am an Army Wife job description in the language of the Army Man
Im the IG, Complaints come to me. I am the Medic, I bandage skinned knees. Im the Legal office and the courts-martial, too. I decide the punishment, how much and on who. Im Health: Welfare, inspection for junk, And the 1SG checking the bunk. Im also Supply, in charge of food, clothes, Housewares, diapers, toys, heaven only knows. Im the MP who secures the door, Im also the PVT who GIs the floor. Im the mess SGT who coos all the meals. Im the TMP in charge of the wheels. Im MWR planning all the fun And I am the Bugler, announcing the day is done. Im the KP who does all the dishes, Im the DA who hears all your wishes. Im the CQ and the Fireguard, too, There isnt that much that I dont do. Im the instructor too, you see, Because what is learned is taught by me. Im the Squad Leader who knows his troops well, Sometimes the Drill SGT who really can yell. Im the S2, S1, 2, 3, Just about everything must come through me. Appropriations, taskings, commitments too. Im responsible for all we do. I never go to battle, and AR of some sort, But you can count on me to bravely guard the fort. Im ALWAYS on duty, I never take leave, No Holidays off, Its hard to believe! I can never ETS, I signed for live, My primary MOS is Mother, my secondary is Army Wife. For all my devotion, to duty, my LES says NO PAY DUE Because Im not paid in money, but in the words of I LOVE YOU. I AM AN ARMY WIFE!
http://armygirlfriend20.tripod.com/id16.html

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August 2012

In This Issue Army Wife job 10 Things your Combat Vet wants you to know Time to Plan for Back-to-School Physicals Suicide Prevention Month 2012 Become a Master of Change Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits Recipe Corner

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Things Your Combat Vet Wants You To Know

Im a psychiatrist. Every day I listen to my combat veterans as they struggle to return to the normal world after having a deeply life-changing experience. I do everything I can to help them. Sometimes that can involve medications, but listening is key. Sometimes a combat veteran tells me things that they wish their families knew. They have asked me to write something for their families, from my unique position as soldier, wife, and physician. These are generalizations; not all veterans have these reactions, but they are the concerns most commonly shared with me. (Authors note: obviously warriors can be female like me and family can be male, but for claritys sake I will write assuming a male soldier and female family.) 1. He is addicted to war, although he loves you. War is horrible, but there is nothing like a life-and-death fight to make you feel truly alive. The adrenaline rush is tremendous, and can never be replaced. Succeeding in combat defines a warrior, places him in a brotherhood where he is always welcome and understood. The civilian world has its adrenaline junkies as well; just ask any retired firefighter, police officer, or emergency room staff if they miss it. 2. Living for you is harder. It would be easy for him to die for you because he loves you. Living for you, which is what you actually want, is harder for him. It is even harder for him if you are smart and do not need him to rescue you, since rescuing is something he does really well. If you are very competent at many things, he may at times question if you need him at all. He may not see that you stay with him as a conscious choice. 3. The training kicks in means something very different to him. It is direct battle doctrine that when ambushed by a superior force, the correct response is Apply maximum firepower and break contact. A warrior has to be able to respond to threat with minimal time pondering choices. While this is life-saving in combat, it is not helpful in the much slower-paced civilian world. A better rule in the civilian world would be to give a reaction proportionate to the provocation. Small provocation, small response (but this could get you killed on the battlefield). When the training becomes second nature, a warrior might take any adrenaline rush as a cue to apply maximum firepower. This can become particularly unfortunate if someone starts to cry. Tears are unbearable to him; they create explosive emotions in him that can be difficult for him to control. Unfortunately, that can lead to a warrior responding to strong waves of guilt by applying more maximum firepower on friends, family, or unfortunate strangers. 4. He is afraid to get attached to anyone because he has learned that the people you love get killed, and he cannot face that pain again. He may make an exception for his

children (because they cannot divorce him), but that will be instinctual and he will probably not be able to explain his actions. 5. He knows the military exists for a reason. The sad fact is that a military exists ultimately to kill people and break things. This was true of our beloved Greatest Generation warriors of WWII, and it remains true to this day. Technically, your warrior may well be a killer, as are his friends. He may have a hard time seeing that this does not make him a murderer. Although they may look similar at first glance, he is a sheepdog protecting the herd, not a wolf trying to destroy it. The emotional side of killing in combat is complex. He may not know how to feel about what hes seen or done, and he may not expect his feelings to change over time. Warriors can experiences moments of profound guilt, shame, and self-hatred. He may have experienced a momentary elation at scoring one for the good guys, then been horrified that he celebrated killing a human being. He may view himself as a monster for having those emotions, or for having gotten used to killing because it happened often. One of my Marines recommended On Killing by Dave Grossman, and I would pass that recommendation on. 6. Hes had to cultivate explosive anger in order to survive in combat. He may have grown up with explosive anger (violent alcoholic father?) as well. 7. He may have been only nineteen when he first had to make a life and death decision for someone else. What kind of skills does a nineteen-year-old have to deal with that kind of responsibility? One of my veterans put it this way: You want to know what frightening is? Its a nineteenyear-old boy whos had a sip of that power over life and death that war gives you. Its a boy who, despite all the things hes been taught, knows that he likes it. Its a nineteen-year-old whos just lost a friend, and is angry and scared, and determined that some *%#& is gonna pay. To this day, the thought of that boy can wake me from a sound sleep and leave me staring at the ceiling. 8. He may believe that hes the only one who feels this way; eventually he may realize that at least other combat vets understand. On some level, he doesnt want you to understand, because that would mean you had shared his most horrible experience, and he wants someone to remain innocent. 9. He doesnt understand that you have a mama bear inside of you, that probably any of us could kill in defense of someone if we needed to. Imagine your reaction if someone pointed a weapon at your child. Would it change your reaction if a child pointed a weapon at your child? 10. When you dont understand, he needs you to give him the benefit of the doubt. He needs you also to realize that his issues really arent about you, although you may step in them sometimes. Truly, the last thing he wants is for you to become a casualty of his war. For more blogs go to SpouseBuzz.com

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Post Reports That Pentagon Fudged TRICARE Numbers

The Washington Post reported this week that the Department of Defense has requested nearly $3 billion over the last three years be moved from funds dedicated to TRICARE into weapons programs and other accounts unrelated to healthcare, despite assurances from Pentagon officials that healthcare costs were "eating the U.S. military alive." According to a report on the FY2013 Defense Appropriations Act provided by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, the Pentagon reprogrammed $1.36 billion dollars from TRICARE in fiscal year 2011, $772 million in fiscal year 2010, and requested an additional $708 million to reprogram from this year's budget. This reprogramming has been happening at a time that the VFW has worked tirelessly to prevent the Pentagon from arbitrarily raising TRICARE copayments, adding and expanding fees, and tying increases to medical inflation; while retiree health costs are rising at an average rate of 2.6 percent. Link: http://www.vfwonthehill.org/2012/08/wapo-reports-thatpentagon-fudged.html

Why Vaccinate?
The human immune system is designed to protect us from anything that enters our bodies that does not belong there. When a germ (virus or bacteria) enters the body, the immune system recognizes it should not be there and sends antibodies to get rid of it. These antibodies find and destroy the germ causing the infection. Additionally, the immune system remembers this germ. Later, if the same germ enters the body, antibodies are quickly deployed to get rid of it before it can make the person sick again. This is called immunity. Immunity is why a person who gets an infectious disease does not get the same disease again. There is only one problem with this efficient system: The first time a child is exposed to a disease, his or her immune system may not create antibodies quickly enough to keep the child from getting sick. In other words, a child has to be sick from a disease before becoming immune to it. Fortunately, vaccines can help solve that problem. Vaccines contain the same germs that cause diseases, but they have been killed or weakened to the point where they will not make a person sick. When a child receives a vaccination, the vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if it were exposed to the actual disease. The child will develop immunity to that disease without getting sick. Medicines treat or cure diseases, while vaccines prevent them. There are currently 16 diseases that children from birth to age 19 can be protected against by getting vaccinated. Vaccines are effective and safe. Most children will not have any reaction to a vaccination. For those who do, the reaction is usually minora sore leg, a slight rash or a mild fever that goes away within a day or two. Vaccines and other clinical preventive services covered by TRICARE are offered at no cost to beneficiaries. For more information about TRICARE coverage of vaccines, visit www.tricare.mil/immunizations. For more information on vaccines and to view a schedule of immunizations, visit the Vaccines & Immunizations home page of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Time to Plan for Back-to-School Physicals

Before starting school this fall, your child may need to visit the doctor for a school physical. These annual physicals help make sure children start the school year in good health, with up-to-date immunizations. For children ages 511, TRICARE covers annual physicals and immunizations required for school enrollment. TRICARE also covers well-child care for eligible children from birth until reaching age 6. The well-child benefit includes routine newborn care, comprehensive healthpromotion and disease-prevention exams, vision and hearing screenings and routine immunizations and developmental assessments according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are no copayments or costshares for well-child care. Note: TRICARE does not cover sports or camp physicals. If your child needs a sports or camp physical, you may be required to submit a Request for Non-Covered Services form to your health care provider. Completing this form shows that you know you will be paying for the noncovered service. This form is available on Health Net Federal Services, LLCs website at www.hnfs.com.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Soldiers and Sailors' Civil Relief Act (SSCRA):

http://www.military.com/spouse/military-deployment/dealing-withdeployment/deployment-financial-preparation.html

Make sure you learn everything there is to know about this act. Under it, you could qualify for: Reduced interest rate on mortgage payments. Reduced interest rate on credit card debt. Protection from eviction if your rent is $1,200 or less. Delay of all civil court actions, such as bankruptcy, foreclosure or divorce proceedings. For more on SSCRA, see the Service members Civil Relief Act Overview, or contact your unit or installation legal assistance office. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act requires creditors to lower to 6 percent the interest rate on any debt acquired before entrance into the service. Service members, enlisteds or officers, can request the relief at any point in their service, but the lower interest rates only apply to preservice debt. This act does not apply to debt incurred while on active duty. Special Note on SSCRA: Direct Deposit: Direct deposit is the quickest and the most convenient way to receive your pay check. Plan for a week or two after you initiate direct deposit for it to be activated. The service member can be deployed to any part of the world, but having direct deposit will enable both the service member and family members to have easier access and more control of their funds. Check with your bank or credit union. Allotments: An allotment is a portion of your pay that is automatically set aside each month for an individual, a mutual fund, creditors, etc. In the event of a deployment, a couple may choose to open a second checking account and set up an allotment for the service member. This is an easy and convenient way to make sure that both the service member and the family receive funds on a regular basis. Leave and Earnings Statement (LES): Each month, the service member will receive a LES showing their pay for the preceding month and any changes that will affect their pay for the current month. The LES will also show pay for special assignments; allowances for food, housing, and clothing; leave earned and used; and what deductions were taken out of their pay for established allotments, insurance, and taxes. Also included is drill and retirement information. Units will often offer a class on reading an LES for both the service member and spouse prior to a long-term deployment. For more information on Leave and Earning Statements, click here. Financial Bills: Service members are responsible for their household expenses/bills while they are deployed. These expenses could include rent, mortgage payments, car payments, credit cards, etc. Before deploying you should ensure that you have made arrangements for these

payments to be taken care of. You may wish to appoint your spouse or family member with power of attorney, so that they can handle your finances while you are deployed. For more, see the Legal Preparation section. Income Tax: If you will be deployed when your taxes are due, decide in advance how income taxes will be filed and who will do it. You may wish to file for an extension through the Internal Revenue Service by filing Form 2350: Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return. For more on military taxes, see the Tax Center.

Suicide Prevention Month 2012

http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/spmonth/default.asp

Enhance the development of a healthy Force and join our Nation in observing National Suicide Prevention Week 10 -14 Sep 12 and World Suicide Prevention Day 10 Sep 12. Expand our observance with events occurring during the entire month of September, focusing efforts on total Army Family wellbeing, resilience, stigma reduction and positive results achieved by getting involved and reaching out for help. In support of Suicide Prevention Month, the Army will conduct an Army-wide Suicide Prevention Stand-Down under the theme: "Shoulder to Shoulder, We Stand Up For Life". Additionally, the HQDA-sponsored Health Fair is held in the Pentagon courtyard on 12 - 13 Sept 2012. During Suicide Prevention Month the Army emphasizes Total Force awareness of Health Promotion, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention (HPRRSP) and Comprehensive Solider and Family Fitness (CSF2) resources that are available to promote the resilience of Soldiers, Army Civilians and Family members. Increased emphasis is placed on promoting the recognition of suicide risk factors and training that targets suicide prevention and intervention. The Army remains steadfast in maintaining a healthy and ready force with empowered leaders dedicated to saving lives while preserving our nation's security.

Mortgage Relief
If you own a home but are struggling with your mortgage financially, Freddie Mac offers mortgage relief. Freddie Mac mortgage relief options are; Refinance Forbearance Reinstatement or Repayment Plan Modification Short Sale or Deed in Lieu Interest Rate Relief. Freddie Mac considers a PCS to be a financial hardship. If you are facing relocation due to PCS orders, you are eligible to be considered for Freddie Mac alternatives to foreclosure options. For more information go to www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Become a Master of Change

www.militaryonesource

Virtual Employment: Is it Right for You?

www.militaryonesource

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine. Robert C. Gallagher Three outlooks on change One way to think about change is to compare it to the waves at the ocean. Waves, like change, can be powerful and overwhelming. There are three ways to handle a wave: get knocked down by it, dig in your heels and endure it, or ride it. Knocked down It is normal to feel overwhelmed by big changes or changes that appear to come out of nowhere. If you are knocked down by the waves of change you may feel out of control and think I'm stressed out! I can't take this! This isn't fair! Enduring it Gradually you may become a little more comfortable with the change. Your thoughts may move from feeling overwhelmed to finding a way to survive or endure the change. You may think and say How can I get through this? What can I do to get by? Riding the wave Masters of change learn to alter their view of change. They are not content with merely surviving change. Their goal is to thrive in a constantly changing environment. When the wave of change comes they catch it and ride it. To thrive in the face of change ask yourself How can I make this work for me? What is good about this? What does this change allow me to do that I could not do before? What positive things does this change force me to do that I would not have done before and may enjoy? Additionally, masters of change anticipate and are prepared for change view change as an opportunity to grow and try something new know that change does not happen all at once and are patient with the process understand that they will move through the process of change and become a more confident, successful, and flexible person Are big changes happening in your life? Contact Military OneSource at (800) 342-9647 and partner with a Health and Wellness Coach who will assist you as you ride the waves of change.

With all of the communication and technological advancements in recent years, virtual employment is a rising trend among job seekers and today's employers in both the public and private sectors. There are several benefits, including job portability and flexible schedules, that are ideal for military spouses. While there may be obvious benefits for a virtual job, be sure to explore all of the requirements, and be aware of possible scams as you begin your search. Weighing the pros and cons As with any job, virtual employment has benefits and drawbacks. To determine whether or not virtual employment is a good fit for you and your lifestyle, consider how you'll be affected by the pros and cons. The list below identifies common qualities and requirements of virtual jobs. Whether or not each item is a pro or a con depends on your lifestyle. You may be a good candidate for virtual employment if you are willing to skip the morning and afternoon commutes and forgo traditional work environments have access to a computer, phone, reliable Internet, printer (and possibly a scanner and fax machine as well) can multitask are self-motivated are interested in the possibility of a flexible schedule can separate work and home life despite using one space for both need portable employment Not all virtual jobs are created equal. Some may offer flexible schedules while some still require a traditional 9:00-5:00 workday. Some jobs require certain computer skills, software, and skills that other virtual jobs may not. The best way to find the perfect virtual job for you is to search for jobs that match up to your skills, interests, and schedule. Finding virtual employment As you begin your search, beware of employer scams. Some company or job search websites offer employment deals that seem too good to be true. If you encounter one of those websites, it's worth investigating the hiring company before sending any of your personal information. Start with the United States and local chambers of commerce and the Better Business Bureau to get a feel for the company's reputation. To explore whether virtual employment is the right choice for you, talk with a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Career Counselor at (800) 3429647. SECO can guide you through each stage of your education, career, and job search, including career exploration, education, training, licensure, employment readiness, and career connections.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

If you decide that virtual employment is the right choice for you, begin your search with these proven and military spouse-friendly job and employer databases: Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) Career Portal, USAJOBS.gov, and the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Transfer of Post-9/11 GI-Bill Benefits to Dependents (TEB)

The transferability option under the Post-9/11 GI Bill allows Service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouses or dependent children. How to apply for TEB The Department of Defense determines whether or not you can transfer benefits to your family members. To apply to transfer your benefits, please click the link below. The website is only available to military members. Submit a Transfer Education Benefit (TEB) request for your Service Component Approval. Upon approval, family members may apply to use transferred benefits with VA by completing VA Form 221990e. VA Form 22-1990e should only be completed and submitted to VA by the family member after DoD has approved the request for TEB. Do not use VA Form 221990e to apply for TEB. Eligibility Any member of the Armed Forces (active duty or Selected Reserve, officer or enlisted) on or after August 1, 2009, who is eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and: 1. Has at least 6 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval and agrees to serve 4 additional years in the Armed Forces from the date of election. 2. Has at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces (active duty and/or Selected Reserve) on the date of approval, is precluded by either standard policy (Service or DoD) or statute from committing to 4 additional years, and agrees to serve for the maximum amount of time allowed by such policy or statute. 3. Is or becomes retirement eligible during the period from August 1, 2009, through July 31, 2012, and agrees to serve an additional period of service in subparagraphs (a) through (d). A Service member is considered to be retirement eligible if he or she has completed 20 years of active Federal service or 20 qualifying years as computed pursuant to section 12732 of title 10 U.S.C. This will no longer be in effect on August 1, 2013, and on or after that date all members must comply with paragraphs 1 and 2.

For individuals eligible for retirement on August 1, 2009, no additional service is required. b. For individuals eligible for retirement after August 1, 2009, and before August 1, 2010, 1 year of additional service is required. c. For individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2010, and before August 1, 2011, 2 years of additional service is required. d. For individuals eligible for retirement on or after August 1, 2011, and before August 1, 2012, 3 years of additional service is required. 4. Such transfer must be requested and approved while the member is in the Armed Forces. Eligible Dependents An individual approved to transfer an entitlement to educational assistance under this section may transfer the individuals entitlement to: The individual's spouse. One or more of the individuals children. Any combination of spouse and child. A family member must be enrolled in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and be eligible for benefits, at the time of transfer to receive transferred educational benefits. A child's subsequent marriage will not affect his or her eligibility to receive the educational benefit; however, after an individual has designated a child as a transferee under this section, the individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time. A subsequent divorce will not affect the transferees eligibility to receive educational benefits; however, after an individual has designated a spouse as a transferee under this section, the eligible individual retains the right to revoke or modify the transfer at any time. Nature of Transfer An eligible Service member may transfer up to the total months of unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, or the entire 36 months if the member has used none (unless DoD/DHS limits the number of months an individual may transfer). Family member use of transferred educational benefits is subject to the following: Spouse: May start to use the benefit immediately. May use the benefit while the member remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty. Is not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty. Can use the benefit for up to 15 years after the service members last separation from active duty.

a.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families

Child:

May start to use the benefit only after the individual making the transfer has completed at least 10 years of service in the Armed Forces. May use the benefit while the eligible individual remains in the Armed Forces or after separation from active duty. May not use the benefit until he/she has attained a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate), or reached 18 years of age. Is entitled to the monthly housing allowance stipend even though the eligible individual is on active duty. Is not subject to the 15-year delimiting date, but may not use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.

Recipe Corner
Oatmeal Blueberry Bars
http://family.go.com/food/recipe-an-896134-oatmeal-blueberry-bars-t/

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats 1 cup white, whole wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 6 tablespoons cold butter 3/4 cup skim or low-fat milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice, from about 1/2 a lemon 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cup blueberry spreadable fruit , or low sugar preserves Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with 2-inch sides with cooking spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, mix together oatmeal, flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and brown sugar. Using the large holes on a box grater, grate the butter and add it to the oatmeal mixture. 3. Using your fingers or two knives, combine the oatmeal mixture with the butter until it forms pea-size chunks. 4. Pour the milk into a small bowl. Add the lemon juice to the milk and stir to combine. Add the vanilla and mix well. 5. Pour the milk mixture into the oatmeal mixture and stir with a fork until all the dough is evenly moistened. It will have the consistency of cookie dough. 6. Press just over half of the dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan, using a sheet of plastic wrap so it doesn't stick to your hands. Spread the blueberry preserves evenly over that, then crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry preserves. Some of the jam will be visible through the topping. 7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan, and then cut into 2x3-inch bars. Wrap bars in plastic, seal in a zip-top bag and freeze for longer storage. Otherwise, eat within 2-3 days.

For more information go to:

http://gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/transfer_of_benefits.ht ml

Use Army Benefits to Pay for a Degree

Attention Soldier: Credit for service and the GI Bill can make it faster and more affordable to earn a degree. Start using military benefits by finding schools with VA-approved programs. 1. Eliminate Classes with ACE and CLEP: some schools offer credit for service and you can test out of some classes. 2. GI Bill Pays Up to $52,500: includes a stipend for books. These benefits can be used towards an Associate's, Bachelor's or Professional Certificate. Find schools with VA-approved programs. Go to http://edu.military.com/gibill/?ESRC=120806SOL_ar my_a.se IMPORTANT NOTE: The schools included in this tool have chosen to work with Military.com. For a complete directory of VA-approved programs, please click here. GI Bill eligibility and credits for service depend on individual circumstances. Confirm with schools whether programs and policies meet your specific requirements.

Developing and Sustaining, Strong, Self-Reliant Army Reserve Families