2010 Independence Day Message
[7/7/2010]
This Independence Day we celebrate our Nation's 234th birthday and honor the legacy of our founding fathers. Pioneers like Presidents Washington and Jefferson set a young Nation on a course for democracy guided by the values of liberty and justice that have shaped our national character. As we pay tribute to the past, we must also look to the future and face the challenges of the 21st century.
Today, as throughout our history, the proud Warrior-Citizens of America's Army Reserve are helping to meet these challenges head-on as well as demonstrating our country's firm resolve. Through your actions on the battlefield, you have earned the liberties enjoyed by all Americans. I am extremely proud of your service and share that pride with all Americans and freedom-loving people everywhere.
For those of you who are deployed and who continue to take the fight to the enemy in the high plains of Afghanistan or the deserts of Iraq, know that what you are doing in defense of this great nation is in keeping with the spirit of Independence Day. For those who are on the home front, your vigilance, courage and sacrifice provide us the opportunity to live in a free society. The sacrifices you endure serves notice to terrorists and those who threaten the vision of our Nation's founders that those who don the uniform of America's Armed Forces, in the words of President John F. Kennedy, will, "pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty and justice."
Across America, as family and friends gather to celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy, remember those who make this patriotic holiday possible. This is our opportunity to focus on our families and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to the liberties we hold so dear.
My wife, Laura, and I thank you and your Families for your selfless, dedicated service and for ensuring the continued security of our Nation. May God bless you, your Families, and our beloved homeland.
JACK C. STULTZ
Lieutenant General, US Army
Chief, Army Reserve
View Message at www.USAR.army.mil
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Army Releases May Suicide Data
[6/28/2010]
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 15, 2010) — The Army released suicide data today for the month of May. Among active-duty soldiers, there were nine potential suicides, and all remain under investigation. For April, the Army reported 10 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of that report, four have been confirmed as suicides, and six remain under investigation.
During May 2010, among reserve component soldiers who were not on active duty, there were 12 potential suicides: two have been confirmed and 10 remain under investigation. For April, among that same group, there were seven total suicides. Of those, two were confirmed as suicides and five are pending determination of the manner of death.
"The summer season traditionally represents the Army's peak transition timeframe as soldiers, families and Department of the Army civilians relocate between commands and installations," said Col. Chris Philbrick, Director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force. "This turbulent period often compounds the amount of stress faced by our Army and members of the Army family. Everyone needs to know that despite an increase of anxiety or pressure, help is readily available, especially during these transition periods."
"We are making every effort to maintain contact with soldiers, families and civilians and sustain the Army's efforts to provide comprehensive behavioral health resources and support," Philbrick said. "We simply cannot afford to have any member of the Army family fall through the cracks when dealing with the additional stress transition."
Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center. Trained consultants are available from both organizations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental U.S. is 1-800-342-9647; their Web site address is www.militaryonesource.com. Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource Web site for dialing instructions for their specific location.
The Army's comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at www.armyg1.army.mil.
Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly-revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention).
Suicide prevention training resources for Army Families can be accessed online (requires Army Knowledge Online access to download materials).
Information about the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program is located at www.army.mil/csf.
The DCOE Outreach Center can be contacted at 1-866-966-1020, via electronic mail at Resources@DCoEOutreach.org and at www.dcoe.health.mil.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org, and the Suicide Prevention Resource Council at www.sprc.org. |
FREE Summer Camps
[4/20/2010]
Did you know the Army Reserve sponsors week long resident camps created just for youth connected to the Army Reserve? That’s right! This year there will be 17 Army Reserve Enrichment Camps (AREC) spread out throughout the US including HI and Saipan. Spaces are filling up quickly, so register today!
This year’s AR CYSS Enrichment Camps will be held for one-week at each of the following locations:
- Alpine, AL
- Boulder Creek, CA
- Julian, CA
- Granby, CO
- Toccoa, GA
- The North Shore of Oahu, HI
- Princeton, IN
- Sandwich, MA
- Loretto, MN
- Saipan, MP
- King, NC
- Huguenot, NY
- Tulsa, OK
- Jamison, PA
- Graford, TX
- Jamesville, VA
- Ocean Park, WA
Each site will host 40-100 campers from the surrounding region. Campers will have the opportunity to interact with other Army Reserve connected youth, learn about the unique factors associated with being an Army Reserve dependent and most of all, and have fun! Ages and dates vary by location.
To learn more or register, go to: www.arfp.org/AREC |
Month of the Military Child Proclamation
[7/15/2010]
April is Month of the Military Child!This special celebration is a legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger – established to underscore the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. Army Garrisons plan numerous events ranging from picnics and parades to recreational fairs and fun festivals – all to recognize and applaud Families and their children, who are everyday heroes, for the daily sacrifices for they make in supporting America’s Army. Please view the Proclamation signed by signed by LTG Jack C. Stultz, US Army Chief, Army Reserve/Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command and CSM Michael D. Schultz, US Army Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major. (Click on the image to open in .pdf)
Go to the Month of the Military Child "MOMC" webpage...click here. |
The 2010 traditional Operation Purple camp applications are now available!
[3/15/2010]
The 2010 traditional Operation Purple camp applications are now available!
Operation Purple Program - Registration Information HERE! |
Haiti Assistance for Army Reserve Soldiers
[3/25/2010]
The Army Reserve Family Programs Team has been tasked to provide needed support and assistance to the Soldiers and Family members affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti. As we have heard on the news, relief efforts are on their way into the area by Red Cross and other organizations. Family Programs is standing ready to assist our Army Reserve Soldiers and Family members as needed.
What We Are Doing:
Identifying Soldiers within our Commands that have Family Members affected by the Haiti Earthquake. Ensure that they have the following basic information.
* Information on how to connect to Family members - MOS (See below.)
* www.Usar411.com - Resources
* Ft Family on-call Chaplain (See below) – Counseling
* 866-345-8248 – 24/7 Assistance
How to Submit an Haiti Issue:
Complete the Haiti Fort Family Form (see below). Include in the issues area any issues or special request and or needs. Please forward completed form.
TO: fortfamily@usar411.org
CC: marie.obiekwe@usar.army.mil
Haiti Disaster Assistant Team
This is a Team effort – Directors, Coordinators, FRSA’s, SOS, CYS, FPA’s, AFTB/AFAP
Marie Obiekwe, FP Outreach and Support.....678-799-1029 / 866-345-8248
Danny Hill, FP Ft Family..............................704-496-3933
Evelyn Vega, FP SOS.................................787-392-3251
Chaplain Hunter.........................................919-273-7125
Elsa Cortes, FP Director (PR).......................787-240-9455
Contact the Appropriate Command’s FP Director/FPA/FRSA for Affected Soldiers in Respective Areas
Family Programs Haiti Flyer
Resources for Haiti MOS
VFW Haiti Form
Worried about Haiti
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Podcast Series Addresses Post-deployment Challenges
[1/12/2010]
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2010 – Servicemembers and their families can get help coping with post-deployment stress through a new series of podcasts profiling the personal stories of those who have lived it.
“Combat brings individuals face-to-face with the harshest demands imaginable. In fact, it’s impossible to be unaffected by these experiences. Stress reactions, family and relationship difficulties, and work conflicts can affect an individual’s emotional well being.”
These words set the stage for the premiere episode of “There and Back,” an audio podcast series developed by afterdeployment.org, a Defense Department Web site developed by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology and the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The podcast series is directed to the entire military community to help manage some of the challenges faced by servicemembers and their families following a deployment, defense officials said.
“Learning About Depression,” the initial ten minute podcast in the “There and Back” series is a tapestry woven of education, encouragement and emotional intimacy.
Dr. Jenifer Alford, a clinical psychologist and afterdeployment.org’s functional director, guides listeners through the world of depression. “Depression can happen to just about anyone given the right set of circumstances,” Alford says. “Taking no action, or believing that time will heal the depression, could result in the depression getting worse or lasting longer.”
The podcast is punctuated by servicemembers and their families telling their personal stories, allowing listeners to know that they are not alone in their struggles.
To listen to “There and Back: Learning about Depression,” go to http://www.afterdeployment.org/adpodcast/audio/LearnAboutDepression.mp3 or visit the Podcasts section of the DCoE Web site.
To receive future episodes of “There and Back,” subscribe free at iTunes.com. Upcoming episodes will discuss post-traumatic stress, anger management, sleep problems, and relationship issues.
Related Sites:
“There and Back: Learning about Depression” |
Rochester Home to First Army Strong Community Center: “Virtual Installation” Provides Support, Resources to Families of Deployed Soldiers!
[12/16/2009]
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The U.S. Army Reserve’s top officer his wife today joined Rochester civic and business leaders who reaffirmed their support for military members and their Families at the grand opening of Rochester’s Army Strong Community Center.
Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Army Reserve chief, his wife Laura, met with local Soldiers and their Families to mark the opening of the nation’s first ASCC. Based on Laura Stultz’s concept, the center serves as a “virtual installation” designed to support military Soldiers and their Families by assisting those who are holding down the home front, far from the nearest military installation, when their loved ones deploy.
“Since Laura and I stepped off the plane in Rochester, we’ve experienced an outpouring of support for our Soldiers and their Families,” said Lt. Gen. Stultz. “We are here today to sign a covenant with the Rochester community and to affirm the Army’s commitment to building partnerships that support the strength, resilience, and readiness of Soldiers and their Families.”
The Army Reserve plans to open three to five additional sites in the United States in the next year as part of its Virtual Installation Community-Based Pilot Program.
“Every community needs to be a virtual installation. I want every military Family living in small-town America to have the same support as if they were living on a military installation,” said Laura Stultz.
Rochester was selected as a pilot for the VI program because of the significant number of Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families who live in the area, the community’s history of support for military members and their Families, and its distance from the nearest military installation. More than 800 Army Reserve Soldiers live within 50 miles of Rochester, which is located more than 120 miles from Fort Drum.
View Photos from the Rochester ASCC Grand Opening on flickr
View This Article
Find More Information on ASCC at www.arfp.org/ASCC
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2009 Veterans Day Message
[11/16/2009]
2009 Veterans Day Message
As we pause to honor and remember the gallant patriots, both past and present, who have answered our nation's call to duty in both war and peace, let us also honor and remember our fallen and injured comrades who were a part of the Fort Hood tragedy. Five Army Reserve Soldiers' lives were cut short by a lone gunman and many others injured. Although those we lost were not on foreign soil, they were preparing to deploy and gave the full measure of devotion to our Army and to our nation. In doing so, they earned our eternal gratitude as we continue to keep them, our injured Soldiers and all of their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.
Veterans Day is not just another day off. It is day to show heartfelt appreciation to all who have served and are currently serving our great country in the military. From Valley Forge to Gettysburg, from Verdun to Manila, from Pusan to Bosnia to the Global War on Terror, brave men and women, from all walks of life have left the comforts of the familiar, leaving Family and friends, to defend our way of life and the freedoms many take for granted. All gave some and some gave all.
Without question, we are proud of our part of this tradition. Since our humble beginning in 1908, Army Reserve Soldiers have served our nation with pride and distinction whenever and wherever called upon, carrying the torch of liberty and the promise of freedom on behalf of this great nation. Time will not erase nor history diminish the contributions that Army Reservists make daily through countless acts of selfless service. We know that our loved ones' support gives us the strength to see the missions through to success.
May God continue to bless our service men and women, whether currently serving or not, as well as their Families on this Veterans Day. Know that their service and sacrifices and yours are not forgotten.
JACK C. STULTZ
Lieutenant General, US Army
Chief, Army Reserve/Commanding
General, US Army Reserve Command
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Calling All Teen Leaders!
[11/16/2009]
Apply for the Army Reserve Teen Panel!
Calling All Teen Leaders!
Army Reserve (AR) Child Youth & School Services (CYSS) is selecting new members for the 2010 – 2012 term of Army Reserve Teen Panel (ARTP). Commenced in March 2006, the ARTP allows teens an opportunity to develop effective strategies and implement solutions for issues they face as military youth. One of the goals of the ARTP is to increase and improve communication between Army Reserve (AR) teens and AR leadership. Some of ARTP accomplishments include, developing and hosting the launch the AR CYSS web portal during their September 2006 meeting, creating and presenting care packages for youth of deployed units, and redesigning Talkin’ Back, the ARTP Newsletter. The deadline for all applications is November 30. To apply now, please follow the link to the application below.
Army Reserve Family Programs
www.arfp.org/ARTP2010application
www.arfp.org/ARTPflyer
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Army Reserve Family Programs Outreach and Support Center is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!
[7/6/2009]
The Army Reserve Family Programs Outreach and Support Center is now available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!
This operation provides support and assistance to the Family members of deployed Army Reserve Soldiers by connecting them to available resources and services.
For any additional information or questions, please call 1-866-345-8248.
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2009 Independence Day Message From The Chief, Army Reserve
[7/6/2009]
The birthday of the United States of America — Independence Day, July 4, 1776 — was the day Congress approved the words that declared America a free and independent nation.
While our founding fathers anxiously drafted the Declaration of Independence, General Washington, from his headquarters in New York, wrote letters to Congress and his generals pleading for arms, men, and provisions to defend against an imminent British attack. His Army of volunteers and regulars — made up of our nation’s youth who left their farms, families, trades and professions to fight for the principles of freedom and independence — formed the legacy of the Citizen-Soldier that lives on in today’s Warrior-Citizens.
This tradition continues as every Army Reserve Soldier, Family Member, and Army Reserve Civilian plays a fundamental role in the defense of our nation.
Your duty, honor and commitment during these times of persistent conflict around the world embody the same spirit of liberty and community demonstrated by those early volunteer militiamen who secured our independence as a free nation.
As you celebrate this Fourth of July holiday, take pride in knowing that you share with generations the great tradition of duty, honor, and patriotism. Every day you make unprecedented sacrifices in response to lengthy and repeated deployments. You are serving at a time when the stakes for our national security are high and the demands on you and your Families are significant. Moreover, you serve with an unwavering pride that is appreciated by the American people and me. Finally, and most importantly, you are a positive investment for America’s freedom, defense, and independence.
JACK C. STULTZ
Lieutenant General, US Army
Chief, Army Reserve &
Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command |
Purple Camp Kids
[4/30/2009]
The National Military Family Association has released the dates and locations of their 2009 Summer Camps! These unique summer camp programs have been designed for military children from all branches of service. These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children ages 7-17. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with deployment-related stress and fostering relationships with other children who know what they are going through. Operation Purple camp allows kids to gain confidence by learning to be stewards of the community and of the environment. Get registered today! Registration closes on April 20, 2009.
More Info
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Operation Give a Hug Dolls Available for Army Units
[7/6/2009]
Operation Give a Hug Dolls are designed for young children missing a deployed mom or dad. These dolls are being distributed to Army Units thanks to Operation Give a Hug and Army Child, Youth & School Services. Each doll is wearing a uniform that looks like the one the Soldier wears and there is a special pocket to insert a picture of the deployed Soldier. It's a great tool to help young children cope with the separation from their Soldier!
Download the Give a Hug Poster
Download Request Give a Hug Dolls
Download the Operation Give a Hug website
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Stress Hitting Military Youngsters Hard
[7/6/2009]
A suicide prevention project in San Antonio found that nearly 35 percent of more than 200 children from local military Families needed to be treated for mental health conditions, further illustrating how the stresses of military life can affect the entire Family.
That number is 31/2 times greater than the percentage of children 4 to 17 nationwide who use mental health services, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Results of the one-year screening project to identify military dependents at risk of suicide were announced Tuesday at the third annual Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium, which is being held in San Antonio to increase suicide awareness in the Alamo City.
Isaac Martinez, principal investigator for the Center for Health Care Services, said the pilot project is being conducted on a volunteer basis within the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District and at the pediatric and adolescent clinics of Brooke Army Medical Center.
Martinez said that while there are no statistics of suicide rates among children from military Families, studies have shown that deployments, frequent moves or having a parent injured during combat exacerbates the development of depression and suicidal behavior.
About 19,000 American children have had a military parent injured since 9-11, and more than 3,500 have lost parents in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Teresa Arata-Maiers, a psychologist at BAMC, said many of the feelings adolescents tend to exhibit after a parent is deployed, such as being withdrawn, apathetic, angry or aloof, are “budding depression problems.”
Martinez said, “The important thing about this study is it's screening for those behavior health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.”
James Castro, director of children's operations at the Center for Health Care Services, said the project will help determine, among other things, the prevalence of depression and suicidal tendencies among children of Soldiers. The project is being funded through a federal State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention grant that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration distributes to states.
Since the screening project began in April 2007, Martinez said, 70 children were found to be in need of further assessment and treatment, an amount he considered significant.
“I think it speaks to the importance of this project,” Castro told mental health professionals and advocates gathered for the two-day symposium at La Quinta Inn & Suites in downtown San Antonio.
Martinez said that of the 70, seven were referred to inpatient evaluation, with four needing inpatient treatment for mental health disorders. The others were treated on an outpatient basis.
Schools that serve large numbers of military children are figuring out ways to provide support to kids whose parents are gone for long stretches serving in dangerous areas. Many San Antonio schools have support groups for military kids, and counselors keep close tabs on children whose parents are deployed or have suffered traumatic injuries in combat zones.
St. Mary's University is using nearly $300,000 in grant money from the Texas Resources for Iraq-Afghanistan Deployment Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation to provide counseling for local military Families.
The grant also will cover services provided in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, where nearly 30 percent of students come from military Families.
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Visit FortFamily.org!
[7/6/2009]
http://fortfamily.org
WHAT IS FORT FAMILY?
First and foremost, FORT FAMILY is NOT just a website! FORT FAMILY is our “virtual” military installation - established to support Soldiers’ Families-in-Need - tearing down the restraints of "geographical barriers!"
Our Credo is "CUSTOMER SERVICE!" Our overarching objective is to leverage technology in order to "move our Families from the "Isle of Isolation" to Fort Family! We are "problem-solvers" - proud to be of service to our Nation!
Please visit the http://fortfamily.org for this information and more.
YOU CAN CONTACT FORT FAMILY 24/7/365!
704.496.3933 or
DIT108FamilyReadiness@usar.army.mil
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Army Reserve Enrichment Camps Are Coming!
[4/27/2009]
Did you know the Army Reserve sponsors week long resident camps created just for youth connected to the Army Reserve? That’s right. And this year there will be more Army Reserve Enrichment Camps (AREC) than ever before! Check back often so you can be one of the first to see the 2009 schedule of AREC!
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Exciting News About Military OneSource!
[1/13/2010]
Did you know?
Military OneSource announces that effective 1 April 2009, we will increase the number of non-medical behavioral health counseling sessions offered for Service Members and their Families from six to 12 sessions per person per issue. The new 12 session limit applies to face-to face counseling through our Affiliate Providers, Short-Term Solution-Focused Telephonic Consultations, and Online Consultations.
We are actively developing an aggressive roll-out plan to ensure the information about this new guideline is appropriately reflected throughout our operational systems, information platforms, policies and procedures, marketing materials, and communications.
For participants already authorized for six sessions of counseling before 1 April 2009, requests for six additional sessions will be authorized on a case-by-case basis when the Network Affiliate Provider requests the additional sessions.
www.militaryonesource.com
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2009 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship
[4/7/2009]
2009 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship Applications for the 2009 American Patriot Freedom Scholarship are being accepted until 24 April 2009.
The scholarship program provides financial assistance towards the education of military children ages 17-21. For eligibility information and applications, visit Home Front America's website at www.homefrontamerica.org.
A total of twenty-five individual $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded.
The American Patriot Freedom Scholarship is available to dependent children of military service members between the ages of 17 to 21, who will be pursuing a postsecondary educational degree at a fully accredited college, university, technical, or vocation educational institution, in the fall of
2009 or spring of 2010, and who also meets one of the following criteria:- Children of active duty Service Members. Active Duty is defined as any Service Member who is currently serving in the United States armed forces.
This includes activated or deployed members of the National Guard and Reservists. - Children of disabled Service Members. Disabled is defined as any Service Member whose disability is the direct result from injuries sustained during a military operation while serving our country.
- Children of fallen United States Armed Forces Service Members. Fallen is defined as any Service Member who was killed in action (KIA) during a military operation while serving our country.
- Children of retired Service Members. Retired is defined as any Service Member who retired from the United States armed forces with an honorable discharge.
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MEDICAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) AVAILABLE TO WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS
[3/11/2009]
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO INCREASE YOUR AWARENESS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AT) MEDICAL SUPPORT THAT IS AVAILABLE FOR ASSIGNED WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS.
2. THROUGH THE DOD COMPUTER & ELECTRONIC ACCOMMODATIONS PROGRAM (CAP), APPROPRIATE AT IS AVAILABLE TO WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS FREE OF CHARGE. AT SUPPORTS A SERVICE MEMBER'S MEDICAL RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION. EXAMPLES OF AT INCLUDE: SCREEN READERS, CUEING AND MEMORY AIDS, MAGNIFICATION SOFTWARE, VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE, ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, VOICE AMPLIFIERS, TELEPHONE AMPLIFIERS, SIGNALING DEVICES, TELETYPEWRITERS (TTYS), ALTERNATIVE KEYBOARDS AND POINTING DEVICES, AND OFFICE OR COMPUTER WORK STATION ERGONOMIC
ITEMS.
3. LOCAL MTF COMMANDERS CAN ASSIST YOUR COMMAND IN OBTAINING AT FOR WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS. ALTERNATIVELY, MORE INFORMATION ON CAP AND AT, INCLUDING AN APPLICATION AT NO COST MAY BE FOUND AT HTTP://WWW.TRICARE.MIL/CAP/ACC_SOL/ASSISTIVE_TECHNOLOGY.CFM.
4.POC THIS MESSAGE IS
MAJ CHARLES A. NEAL
CHARLES.NEAL@US.ARMY.MIL
(404) 464-7370
DSN 367-7370
SURGEON'S OFFICE
HQ, FORSCOM |
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