MINISTERING TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY MILITARY DEPLOYMENT. Deployment Resources For America s Clergy

Transcription

1 MINISTERING TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY MILITARY DEPLOYMENT Deployment Resources For America s Clergy

2 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS 2700 ARMY PENTAGON WASHINGTON DC DACH-ZA 1 January 2007 MEMORANDUM FOR CIVILIAN CLERGY SUBJECT: Information Papers to assist Civilian Clergy in providing ministry to family members of mobilized members of the National Guard and Reserves. 1. The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains is grateful to partner with civilian clergy of various denominational backgrounds to more effectively minister to community based family members of the military Reserve Forces. 2. Information papers are designed to present facts in a clear and concise format. Hopefully, the paragraphs contain only essential facts concerning the subject indicated on each paper. 3. The subjects of the Information Papers are: a. Coming Home Brochures for soldiers and their families b. Contact Points for State National Guard Family Program Offices c. Healthcare Benefits for military Reserve Force Members when on Active Duty for more than 30 days and their families. d. An internet One Source point of contact to find help for military family members of mobilized military Reserve Forces. e. Resources to help mobilized military Reserve Forces family members learn about their benefits. f. Stress Management resources g. Normal Experiences After Combat and what to do about them h. Access to the American Red Cross i. Ministry to soldier families in times of grief. j. The Emotional Cycle of Deployment: A Military Family Perspective 4. Please make suggestions for change or additional information to the Directorate of Ministry Initiatives: 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 10600, ATTN: CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter, Arlington, VA , (703) ; richard.poindexter@us.army.mil David H. Hicks Chaplain (MG) USA Chief of Chaplains

3 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Coming Home Brochures 2. Purpose: To provide a summary of the Coming Home Brochures and a link to make available for printing the information listed below into three separate tri fold brochures. 3. Facts: The following pages provide copies of Military Community & Family Policy Coming Home brochures with content summary as follows: a. A Guide for Spouses of Service Members Returning from Mobilization/ Deployment What to Expect When the Service Members Comes Home Communicate! What to Expect from Your Children Take Time for Yourself b. A Guide For Parents Extended Family Members or Friends of Service Members Returning from Mobilization/ Deployment. What to Expect When the Service member Comes Home Making the Reunion Easier Take Time for Yourself to Make the Reunion for Everyone Concerned Easier c. A Guide for Service Members Returning from Mobilization/ Deployment Reuniting with your Spouse Reuniting with Your Children Single Service members/ Single Parents- - Reuniting with Parents, Extended Family Members and Friends Take Time for Yourself CH (COL) Richard. G. Poindexter (richard.pondexter@us.army.mil/ )

4 COMING HOME A Guide for Service Members Returning from Mobilization/Deployment

5 As a spouse or child of an active, Guard or Reserve Service member, who is just coming home or is arriving soon, you are probably both excited and nervous about the homecoming. Even if you have been through a mobilization/deployment before, this one has been different because of the increased stressors of the time. Regardless of your experience and Service member s assignment, you will have a period of natural adjustment. You may find this tip sheet helpful in ensuring a successful homecoming and readjustment. What to Expect When the Service member Comes Home: 3 You have become more confident and independent and your spouse has changed too. Expect things to be different. 3 It is normal to feel nervous and anxious about the homecoming. You may wonder whether your spouse will: Like the way I look? Like what I ve done with the house? Be proud of me for how I ve handled things? Still need me? Still love me? 3 Plan for homecoming day. After homecoming, make an agreement with your spouse on the schedule for the next few days or weeks. Where do the children, parents, extended family members, or friends fit in? 3 Realize the day of homecoming is very stressful. You and your spouse may not have slept much and may be worn out from preparations. 3 Take time to get used to each other again. Reestablishing sexual intimacy will take patience, time, and good communication some people need to be courted again. 3 COMMUNICATE!! Tell your spouse how you feel nervous, scared, happy, that you love and missed them. Listen to your spouse in return. The best way to get through there acquaintance jitters, regain closeness, and renegotiate your roles in the family is by talking and actively listening. 3 You ve both been used to doing what you wanted during personal time. Feeling like you need some space is normal. 3 Your fantasies and expectations about how life will be upon return may be just fantasies. Be prepared to be flexible. 3 You and/or your spouse may be facing a change in job assignment or a move. Readjustment and job transition cause stress. This may be especially true for demobilizing Guard/ Reservists who are transitioning back to civilian life. 3 Be calm and assertive, not defensive when discussing decisions you have made, new family activities and customs, or methods of disciplining the children. Your spouse may need to hear that it wasn t the same doing these things alone, that you re glad he/she s back, and

6 that you d like to discuss problems and criticisms calmly. 3 Reassure your spouse that they are needed, even though you ve coped during the deployment. Talk about keeping some of the independence you ve developed. It s best not to dump all the chores or only the ones you dislike back on your spouse. 3 Your spouse may have seen or experienced some things that were very upsetting. Some normal reactions to these stressful situations are fear, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, startle reactions, moodiness, trouble concentrating, feelings of numbness, and frequent thoughts of the event. Talking with others and/or counselors trained in crisis stress reactions is very important. 3 Resist the temptation to go on a spending spree to celebrate the reunion. The extra money saved during deployment may be needed later for unexpected household expenses. Stick to your household budget. Show you care through your time and effort. What to Expect from Your Children: 3 Children may be feeling the same confusing things you and your spouse feel worry, fear, stress, happiness, excitement. Depending on their age, they may not understand how your spouse could leave them if he/she really loved them. 3 They may be unsure of what to expect from your spouse. They may feel uncomfortable or think of him/her as a stranger. 3 It s hard for children to control their excitement. Let them give and get the attention they need from the returning parent before you try to have quiet time alone with your spouse. 3 Children s reactions to the returning parent will differ according to their ages. Some normal reactions you can expect are: o o o o o Infants: Cry, fuss, pull away from the returning parent, cling to you or the caregiver. Toddlers: Be shy, clingy, not recognize the returning parent, cry, have temper tantrums, return to behaviors they had outgrown (no longer toilet trained). Preschoolers: Feel guilty for making parent go away, need time to warm-up to returning parent, intense anger, act out to get attention, be demanding. School Age: Excitement, joy, talk constantly to bring the returning parent up to date, boast about the returning parent, guilt about not doing enough or being good enough. Teenagers: Excitement, guilt about not living up to standards, concern about

7 rules and responsibilities, feel too old or unwilling to change plans to meet or spend extended time with the returning parent. 3 Prepare children for homecoming with activities, photographs, participating in preparations, talking about dad or mom. 3 Children are excited and tend to act out. Accept and discuss these physical, attitudinal, mental, emotional changes. Plan time as a couple and as a family with the children. 3 Stay involved with your children s school and social activities. Take Time for Yourself: 3 Look into ways to manage stress diet, exercise, recreation and definitely take care of yourself! 3 Make time to rest. Negotiate the number of social events you and your family attend. 3 Limit your use of alcohol. Remember alcohol was restricted during your spouse s deployment and tolerance is lowered. 3 Go slowly in getting back into the swing of things. Depend on family, your spouse s unit, friends for support. Remember Go slowly don t try to make up for lost time. Accept that your partner may be different. Take time to get reacquainted. Seek help for family members, if needed. If you feel like you are having trouble coping with adjustment, it is healthy to ask for help. Many normal, healthy people occasionally need help to handle tough challenges in their lives. Contact a counseling agency or a minister, a Military Family Center, Military Chaplain, the Veterans Administration, or one of your community support groups that has been established in your area.

8 Points of view or opinions in this pamphlet do not necessarily represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Defense.

9 COMING HOME A Guide for Parents, Extended Family Members or Friends of Service Members Returning from Mobilization/Deployment

10 As a parent, extended family member, or friend of an active, Guard or Reserve Service member, who is just coming home or is arriving soon, you are probably both excited and nervous about the homecoming. Even if you ve been through a mobilization/ deployment before, this one has been different because of the increased stressors of the time. Regardless of your experience and Service member s assignment, there will be a period of adjustment. You may find this tip sheet helpful in ensuring a successful homecoming and readjustment. What to Expect When the Service member Comes Home: 3 You have certainly missed your Service member, as they have missed you. Reestablishing relationships will take time and communication. 3 It s normal for the returning Service member to need space upon their return. 3 It s normal to feel nervous and anxious about the homecoming. Plan for homecoming day. After homecoming, allow the returning Service member to schedule the next few days or weeks. 3 Expect things to be different. Take time to understand how the Service member has changed. Be prepared and flexible. 3 The Service member may have seen or experienced some things that were very upsetting. Some normal reactions to these abnormal situations are fear, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, startle reactions, moodiness, trouble concentrating, feelings of numbness, and frequent thoughts of the event. Talking with others who were there and/or counselors trained in crisis stress reactions is very important. The Service member may be facing a change in job assignment or a move. Readjustment and job transition cause stress. This may be especially true for demobilizing Guard and Reservists who are transitioning back into civilian life. Making the Reunion Easier: 3 Take time to get reacquainted. Communicate your love and concern. 3 COMMUNICATE!! Tell each other how you feel nervous, scared, happy, that you love and missed them. Listen to each other. The best way to get through the reacquaintance jitters and regain closeness is to talk and actively listen. 3 Reassure the Service member that they are needed, and that you are happy he/she has returned safely. 3 Be calm and assertive, not defensive, when discussing events that have taken place during the Service member s absence. The service member may need to hear that it wasn t the same doing these things alone, that you re glad he/she s back, and that you d like to discuss problems and criticisms calmly.

11 3 Prepare children of the extended family for homecoming and involve them in reunion activities. Take Time for Yourself to Make the Reunion for Everyone Concerned Easier: 3 Make time to rest. Negotiate social events and activites. 3 Limit your use of alcohol. Remember alcohol was restricted during the Service member s deployment and tolerance is lowered. 3 Go slowly in getting back into the swing of things. Depend on family and friends for support. You are part of the Service member s support network. Remember Go slowly don t try to make up for lost time. Accept that your Service member may be different. Take time to get reacquainted. Reassure your loved ones. Seek help for family members, if needed. Many of these tips have cross-application to the Service member, spouse, children, extended family members, and friends. If you feel like you are having trouble coping with adjustment, it is healthy to ask for help. Many normal, healthy people occasionally need help to handle tough challenges in their lives. Contact a counseling agency or a minister, a Military Family Center, Military Chaplain, the Veterans Administration, or one of your community support groups that has been established in your area.

12 Points of view or opinions in this pamphlet do not necessarily represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Defense.

13 COMING HOME A Guide for Spouses of Service Members Returning from Mobilization / Deployment

14 As an active, Guard or Reserve Service member, who is just coming home or is arriving soon, you are probably both excited and nervous about the homecoming. Even if you ve been through a mobilization/ deployment before, this one has been different because of the increased stressors of the time. Regardless of your experience and assignment, you will have a natural period of adjustment. You may find this tip sheet helpful in ensuring a successful homecoming and readjustment. Reuniting with your Spouse: 3 It is normal to feel nervous and anxious about homecoming. Often Service members wonder whether my spouse will still: Be proud of me? Love me and need me? Expect things from me? 3 Plan for homecoming day. After homecoming, make an agreement with your spouse on the schedule for the next few days or weeks. Where do the children, extended family members or friends fit in? 3 Realize the day of homecoming is very stressful. You and your spouse may not have slept much and may be worn out from preparations. 3 Don t be surprised if your spouse is a bit resentful of your mobilization/deployment. Others often think of the deployment as more fun and exciting than staying at home even if you know otherwise. 3 Take time to get used to each other again. Reestablishing sexual intimacy will take patience, time and good communication some people need to be courted again. 3 COMMUNICATE!! Tell your spouse how you feel nervous, scared, happy, that you love and missed them. Listen to your spouse in return. The best way to get through the reacquaintance jitters, regain closeness and renegotiate your roles in the family is by talking and actively listening. 3 You ve both been used to doing what you wanted during personal time. Feeling like you need some space is normal. 3 Your fantasies and expectations about how life will be upon return may be just fantasies. Be prepared to be flexible. 3 You and/or your spouse may be facing a change in job assignment or a move. Readjustment and job transition cause stress. This may be especially true for demobilizing Guard/Reservists who are transitioning back to civilian life. 3 Resist the temptation to go on a spending spree to celebrate the reunion. The extra money saved during deployment may be needed later for unexpected household expenses. Stick to your budget. Show you care through your time and effort. Reuniting with Your Children: 3 Children may be feeling the same confusing things you and your spouse feel worry, fear, stress, happiness, excitement. Depending on their age, they may not understand how you could leave them if

15 on their age, they may not understand how you could leave them if you really loved them. 3 They may be unsure of what to expect from their returning parent. They may feel uncomfortable around you or think of you as a stranger. 3 It s hard for children to control their excitement. Let them give and get the attention they need from you before you try to have quiet time alone with your spouse. 3 Children s reactions to your return will differ according to their ages. Some normal reactions you can expect, and suggestions for handling them are: o o o o o Infants: Cry, fuss, pull away from you, cling to your spouse or the caregiver they know. Talk to them while holding, hugging, bathing, changing, feeding, playing, and relaxing with them. Toddlers: Be shy, clingy, not recognize you, cry, have temper tantrums, return to behaviors they had outgrown (no longer toilet trained). Give them space and warm-up time. Be gentle and fun. Sit on floor at their level and play with them. Preschoolers: Feel guilty for making you go away, need time to warm-up to you, intense anger, act out to get attention, be demanding. Reinforce that they are loved unconditionally, listen carefully, accept their feelings, find out new things they are intersted in, play with them, control attention-getting behavior. School Age: Excitement, joy, talk constantly to bring you up to date, boast about you, guilt about not doing enough or being good enough. Review pictures, school work, family scrapbook, praise for what they did during your deployment, do not criticize. Teenagers: Excitement, guilt about not living up to standards, concern about rules and responsibilities, feel too old or unwilling to change plans to meet you or spend extended time with you upon your return. Share what s happened during deployment, encourage them to share, do chores together, listen, respect privacy and friends, don t be judgemental. 3 Reassure children and spouse and communicate your love to family. 3 Children are excited and tend to act out. Accept and discuss these physical, attitudinal, mental, emotional changes. 3 Get re-involved with your children s school and social activities. Single Service members/single Parents Reuniting with Parents, Extended Family Members and Friends: 3 You have certainly missed your family and friends, and they have missed you. Let them be a part of

16 the reunion but balance your needs with those you love and care about. You will have a period of readjustment when you return home. 3 If you are single or live with your parent(s), family, or a friend, many of the above tips for a reuniting with spouses and children may apply. Changes in the house or routine may be stressful. Go slowly in trying to make the adjustment to being home again. 3 Some things will have changed at home while you were gone marriage in your family or with friends, new babies born, new neighbors, changes in relationships. 3 Some things will change with the people you ve lived and worked with prior to deployment. Married friends will be involved with their families. Others may return to their old friends and you may feel left out. 3 Your parents and family have been very worried about you over the past months. Give them time and special attention. 3 You may be facing a change in job assignment or a move, or trying to meet new people, looking for a new relationship. All these things cause stress. Take Time for Yourself: 3 You may have seen or experienced some things that were very upsetting. Some normal reactions to these abnormal situations are fear, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbances, startle reactions, moodiness, trouble concentrating, feelings of numbness, and frequent thoughts of the event. Talking with others who were there and/or counselors trained in crisis stress reactions is very important. 3 Look into ways to manage stress diet, exercise, recreation and definitely take care of yourself! 3 Make time to rest. Negotiate the number of social events to attend. 3 Limit your use of alcohol. Remember alcohol was restricted during during your deployment and your tolerance is lowered. 3 Depend on family, your unit, and friends for support. Remember Go slowly don t try to make up for lost time. Accept that your partner and loved ones may be different. Take time to get reacquainted. Seek help, if needed.

17 If you feel like you are having trouble coping with adjustment, it is healthy to ask for help. Many normal, healthy people occasionally need help in handling tough challenges in their lives. Contact a counseling agency or a minister, a Military Family Center, Military Chaplain, the Veterans Administration, or one of your community support groups that has been established in your area.

18 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January 2007 SUBJECT: Contact Points for State National Guard Family Program Offices. 1. Purpose: To provide contact points to access family assistance information for family members of mobilized Reserve Component members irrespective of branch of service. 2. Facts. a. Help for every family member in the military is available through the National Guard Family Program offices located in each state. Each National Guard Program Office is designed to assist family members of all services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) members, regardless of military organizations or status, with information and / or referrals. b. The National Guard Family Program is a Joint Force initiative that serves as the foundation for support to families of the Army and Air National Guard and general support to family members of all other services. As the military faces unprecedented increase in military activity and extended deployments, it is more vital than ever to ensure that families are prepared for the stresses of deployment and supported throughout the entire deployment cycle. c. The Family Program Office acts as a network that allows families to mutually support one another. By providing families with information, resources, and support, the program strengthens both the units and the service members. d. Immediately following this page is a list of the contact numbers for National Guard Family Program Offices in each state and territory. CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

19 Category State Address Links 1720 Cong QL Dickerson Dr. Montgomery Alabama State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (334) FAX: (334) State Toll Free: (800) P.O. Box 5800 Ft Richardson Alaska State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (907) FAX: (907) State Toll Free: (888) E. McDowell Rd Phoenix Arizona State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (602) Program Office FAX: (602) State Toll Free: (800) Missouri Avenue Building 6402 North Little Rock Arkansas State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (501) Program Office FAX: (501) State Toll Free: (800) CARSD-J1-FP Mather Blvd Mather California State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (916) Program Office FAX: (916) State Toll Free: (800) CARSD-J1-FP Mather Blvd California State Family Operation Ready Families Mather Program Office Program National Toll Free: (800) Office: (916) Office:

20 6848 S. Revere Parkway Centennial Colorado State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (720) Program Office FAX: (720) Office of Family Programs 360 Broad Street Hartford Connecticut State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (860) FAX: (860) State Toll Free: (800) Newport Gap Pike Wilmington Delaware State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (302) FAX: (302) East Capitol St. Washington District of State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (202) Columbia Program Office FAX: (202) State Toll Free: None 935 E. Confederate Avenue SE. Building 21 Georgia State Family Joint Force Headquarters Atlanta Program Office Office: Office: (678) FAX: (678) Diamond Head Rd. Building 300 Hawaii State Family Joint Force Headquarters Honolulu Program Office DSN: (808) / cell FAX: (808) State Toll Free: (800) Cessna Street Idaho State Family Joint Force Headquarters Bldg 218 Program Office Boise FAX: (280)

21 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. Springfield Illinois State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (217) / FAX: (217) State Toll Free: (800) Joint Force Headquarters 2002 S Holt Road Indianapolis Indiana State Family State Family Program Program Office Director (Susan Richards) Is Headquarters Office: FAX: State Toll Free: (800) x 3227 Camp Dodge 7105 NW 70th Ave. Iowa State Family Joint Force Headquarters Johnston Program Office FAX: (515) / State Toll Free: (515) AGKS-HRO-SFPC 2800 SW Kansas State Family Joint Force Headquarters Topeka Program Office FAX: (785) / State Toll Free: (785) KG-JFHQ-J1 Boone NG Center Kentucky State Family Joint Force Headquarters Building 126 Program Office DSN: Frankfort FAX: B St. Camp Beauregard Louisiana State Family Joint Force Headquarters Pineville Program Office DSN: (318) FAX: (318) State Toll Free: (866) DVEM State House Station #33 Maine State Family Joint Force Headquarters Augusta Program Office Office: FAX: (207) / State Toll Free: (207)

22 29th Division Street Baltimore Maryland State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (410) Program Office FAX: (410) State Toll Free: (877) Family Program Office 14 Minuteman Lane Massachusetts State Family Joint Force Headquarters Wellesley Program Office Office: FAX: (508) / State Toll Free: (508) N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Joint Force Headquarters Attn: Family Pr Michigan State Family Joint Force Headquarters Detroit Program Office DSN: (517) FAX: (517) State Toll Free: (877) Belden Boulevard ATTN: MNAG-JCEFO Minnesota State Family Joint Force Headquarters Cottage Grove Program Office FAX: (651) / State Toll Free: (651) P.O, Box 5027 Jackson Mississippi State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (601) / FAX: (601) State Toll Free: (866) Militia Drive Attn: JFMO-SS Jefferson City Missouri State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (573) Program Office FAX: (573) State Toll Free: (800) P.O. Box 4789 Helena Montana State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office Is Headquarters Office: FAX: (406) State Toll Free: (406)

23 1234 Military Road Lincoln Nebraska State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (402) / FAX: (402) State Toll Free: (800) Fairview Lane Nevada State Family Joint Force Headquarters Carson City Program Office DSN: (775) / FAX: (775) State Toll Free: None 4 Pembroke Road Concord New Hampshire State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (603) Program Office FAX: (603) State Toll Free: (888) ext 1496 Joint Force Headquarters 3650 Saylors Pond Road Fort Dix New Jersey State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office Is Headquarters Office: DSN: FAX: (609) Air Guard Rd SE New Mexico State Family Joint Force Headquarters Kirtland AFB Program Office FAX: / Old Niskayuna Rd Latham New York State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: Program Office FAX: State Toll Free: Reedy Creek Road Raleigh North Carolina State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (919) Program Office FAX: (919) State Toll Free: (800)

24 P.O. Box 5511 Bismarck North Dakota State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: (701) / Program Office FAX: (701) State Toll Free: (800) W. Dublin Granville Rd. Ohio State Family Joint Force Headquarters Columbus Program Office DSN: (614) / FAX: (614) State Toll Free: (800) NE Military Circle Oklahoma Oklahoma State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: (405) FAX: (405) State Toll Free: None P.O. Box Militia Way Oregon State Family Joint Force Headquarters Salem Program Office FAX: (503) / State Toll Free: (503) Bldg 7-14 Pennsylvania State Family Joint Force Headquarters FtIG Program Office Annville FAX: (717) State Toll Free: (717) P.O. Box San Juan Puerto Rico State Family Joint Force Headquarters DSN: Program Office FAX: State Family Program Office 645 New London Ave. Rhode Island State Family Joint Force Headquarters Cranston Program Office Is Headquarters Office: (401) FAX: (401) Office: (401)

25 TAG-FP-Stop 1 1 National Guard Rd. South Carolina State Family Joint Force Headquarters Columbia Program Office FAX: (803) State Toll Free: (803) / West Main Street South Dakota State Family Joint Force Headquarters Bldg 520 Program Office Rapid City FAX: (605) State Toll Free: (605) Bldg T-515-B Volunteer Tng Site, 8th Ave. Smyma Tennessee State Family Joint Force Headquarters Is Headquarters Program Office FAX: (615) Office: (615) / State Toll Free: (877) W. 35th St. Bldg 42 Texas State Family Joint Force Headquarters Austin Program Office FAX: (512) State Toll Free: (512) La Grande Princesse U.S. Virgin State Family Joint Force Headquarters LOT 1B Islands Program Office Christiansted FAX: State Toll Free: UT-CMR-FP South Minuteman Drive Utah State Family Joint Force Headquarters Draper Program Office FAX: (801) / State Toll Free: (801) Vermont National Guard Rd. Colchester Vermont State Family Joint Force Headquarters Program Office DSN: Office (802) FAX: (802) State Toll Free:

26 Bldg 316 Fort Pickett Virginia State Family Joint Force Headquarters VAPA-FP Program Office State Toll Free: Bldg 97 Camp Murray Washington State Family Joint Force Headquarters Tacoma Program Office DSN: (253) FAX: (253) State Toll Free: (800)

27 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January 2007 SUBJECT: Healthcare Benefits for Reserve Component Members when on Active Duty more than 30 days and their Families. 1. Purpose: To provide basic information about TRICARE Healthcare and ways to access information concerning health care enrollment and benefit issues. 2. Facts. a. Access to Care: The first step is to enroll or update Reserve Component Member and all eligible family members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). DEERS is your key to all benefits. For more information, call DEERS, Monday-Friday, 9am-6:30 p.m Eastern Time, at (California, ), or visit b. Reserve Component Members on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, must enroll in TRICARE PRIME. Enrollment means you are eligible for medical and dental care at any Military Treatment Facility. c. Family members are eligible for health care under either TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra when Reserve Component Member is on active duty for more than 30 days. Make sure family members DEERS records are up-to-date to prevent delays in treatment and claims processing. If Reserve Component Member is on active duty for 179 consecutive days or more, the family members may have the option to enroll in TRICARE Prime. d. What medical benefits are available to family members of mobilized Reserve component (RC) members? Family members of a RC member ordered to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days are eligible for the TRICARE benefits on the first day of the sponsor s order to active duty. The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) reflects a family members eligibility for TRICARE benefits. TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra have cost shares (20% or 15% depending on whether a network provider is selected) and annual $50 to $300 deductibles depending on the rank of the sponsor and number of covered family members. Family members may also be eligible for the TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members (TPRADFM). TPRADFM requires enrollment and may be available to RC families of mobilized/activated RC members if they meet the following criteria: (1) The sponsor must be ordered to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days. (2) The sponsor s residence is located in a TPR Zip Code (typically more than 50 miles, or approximately one hour of driving time, from the nearest military medical treatment facility). (3) The eligible family members must reside with the active duty sponsor at the time of activation or effective date of the orders. (4) The RC member s residential mailing address in DEERS must be the same as the family member. Contact your regional contractor for more information

28 e. Where can Reserve component (RC) family members get more information on their TRICARE options? There are numerous sources of information on TRICARE benefits. There is a toll free TRICARE Information Center at DoD CARE ( ) that provides basic and region-specific information TRICARE also has a website at that addresses TRICARE options and regional information. TRICARE and Family Readiness information can be found on the Reserve Affairs website at Commanders can access the National Guard and Reserve Family Readiness Program Toolkit at For information on the TRICARE Dental Program call To update information in DEERS contact the closest personnel center. For information on location and hours of operation, go to or call the DEERS Telephone Center at CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

29 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January 2007 SUBJECT: Military One Source contact point to find assistance for military family members of mobilized Reserve Component Soldiers. 1. Purpose. To provide a Military One Source point of contact to find help for military families of mobilized members of the Reserve or National Guard. These telephone numbers link to a qualified individual that can provide help and/ or referral anytime, anywhere 24/7/ Facts. For information about ALL Branches of Service contact: a. Military One Source (From US , or International toll free , or International collect ): b. In previous years each service had its own toll free One Source telephone number: Currently, all these websites will automatically be routed to Military One Source Air Force One Source Army One Source Navy One Source Marine Corps Community Services One Source CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

30 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Resources to help Reserve and Guard family members learn about their benefits. 2. FACTS. Following are service specific resources to help mobilized Guard and Reserve family members learn about their benefits (Identification cards, medical benefits, dental benefits, legal assistance, military pay and allowances, commissary, exchange, recreation, child care, emergency financial assistance, American Red Cross, civilian job rights and protections, etc.): a. Guide to Reserve Family Member Benefits (Under Family Readiness click Guard and Reserve Benefits Guide) b. Air Force Reserve (Search for Family Readiness) c. Air National Guard (Click on Programs and National Guard Family Programs) d. Army National Guard (Click on Soldier Resources & Family Resources) e. Army Reserve (Click on For Families)

31 f. Coast Guard Reserve (Click on Reserve) g. DEERS Information (Click on Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) h. Marine Corps Reserve (Click on Family Support) i. Naval Reserve CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter )

32 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Stress Management 2. PURPOSE: To remind families of Reserve or National Guard soldiers of the availability of resources related to stress management and to provide two additional possible resources relating to stress management. 3. FACTS a. Stress is tension or pressures that are a natural part of living our lives. Changes and events in our live are a major source of stress. More frequent and longer deployments may be one of those changes or events that become a source of stress for some families. b. Many resources are readily available to families of Guard and Reserve solders to assist in the area of stress management. Seek some of these materials from the following: Unit of assignment rear detachment personnel Family Program Coordinators Family Assistance Centers Medical Personnel c. In addition to those available through the unit family assistance programs, there are other web based avenues of information. Two of these are: National Military Family Association ( Hooah4 Health ( d. Deployments can put stress on the military family, but utilizing the resources available to you will help you manage the challenges and make the best of the experience. CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

33 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Normalization of Experiences 2. Purpose: To understand the normal experiences common after a deployment and identify when additional services are required to address post-deployment experiences. 3. Facts: a. Four experiences or reactions common during re-deployment/reunion (1). Intrapersonal Reactions Feeling overwhelmed Frustration Irritability Depression Guilt Crying spells Loss of trust Loss of interest/motivation Fatigue Sleep disturbance (oversleeping / trouble falling asleep / waking up in the middle of the night) Concentration problems Memory problems Feeling emotionally numb (often described as I just don t feel much of anything anymore Feeling jumpy Flashbacks (include in list but discuss as below) (2). Interpersonal Reactions Difficulty talking about deployment experiences Difficulty readjusting to family routines Difficulty reconnecting with children and spouse Discomfort being around other people (3). Flashbacks Flashbacks are episodes of re-experiencing the events that occurred during a deployment Often, soldiers feel as if they are back in the Gulf during a flashback episode and are not always aware of their immediate surroundings Although disconcerting and uncomfortable, flashbacks are generally normal and not associated with a more serious problem UNLESS they

34 DACH-MIZ SUBJECT: Normalization of Experiences persist for several months or cause significant interference in a soldier s ability to do the things that he or she needs to do Flashbacks may occur in response to a trigger (e.g., a loud noise that sounds like a weapons discharge) Flashbacks may occur spontaneously without a trigger Soldiers can cope with flashbacks by reminding themselves that flashbacks are to be expected Soldiers can cope with flashbacks by discussing them with family, friends, supervisors Soldiers can cope with flashbacks by seeking professional assistance if they are very concerned about these experiences b. Positive (+) (helpful) and negative (-) (not helpful) coping strategies that soldier s can use to deal with the normal consequences of re-deployment. Rest (+) Spending time with family and friends (+) Getting together with buddies to discuss deployment (+) Taking time to relax (+) Resuming a hobby that was not available during the deployment (+) Working around the house (+) Taking leave (+) Reconnecting with friends and family who live elsewhere (+) Drinking alcohol excessively (-) Taking illegal drugs (-) Going on a spending spree (-) Gambling (-) Picking fights (-) Driving recklessly (-) Excessive risk taking behaviors (-) c. When Normal Reactions Become Problematic Functional impairment is defined as anything that significantly interferes with a soldier s ability to do the things that he or she needs to do in any important area of life (work, home, family, social, spiritual) Example of oversleeping (a common reaction to deployment that has become a functional impairment) Functional impairment is the clearest sign that a normal reaction to deployment may be turning into a more serious problem If these normal reactions persist longer than 6 8 weeks AND continue to cause the soldier distress, this is another sign that normal reactions to deployment may be turning into a more serious problem

35 DACH-MIZ SUBJECT: Normalization of Experiences However, there is no set time line for normal reactions to resolve; in some soldiers 6 8 weeks is sufficient, others require less time, other require more d. Referral Sources for More Serious Issues Chain of command Chaplain Unit or hospital behavioral health officer (review local referral procedures) Unit sick call Veterans Administration e. Review of main points Common Reactions Coping Mechanisms When Normal Reactions Become Problematic Referral Sources for More Serious Issues CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/

36 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Access to the American Red Cross 2. Purpose: To help Civilian Clergy be empowered to access the services of the American Red Cross. 3. Facts: a. Today s Red Cross is keeping pace with the changing military. Using the latest in computer and telecommunications technology, the Red Cross sends communications on behalf of family members who are facing emergencies or other important events to members of the U.S Armed Forces serving all over the world. These communications are delivered around-the-clock, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. b. Members of the National Guard, Reserves and other community based military personnel should be familiar with The American Red Cross before they need them. Knowing what services are available through the Red Cross in times of emergencies brings peace of mind and provides a safety net in times of need. c. Red Cross services for members of the Reserves and National Guard include: Emergency communication Counseling Veterans services Information and referral provided by Armed Forces Emergency Services d. How To Access Red Cross services: Members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families should contact their local Red Cross Chapter, which is listed in local telephone directories and at under Find Your Local Red Cross. Active duty service members on overseas military installations may access Red Cross reporting and communication assistance by contacting base/installation operators for listing of the on-base Red Cross office or information on how to access Red Cross assistance if there is not a representative on the local installation. CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

37 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: Ministry in Times of Grief 2. Purpose: To assist civilian clergy to understand how to partner with military chaplains in times of grief to provide ministry to the family of a deceased Reserve or National Guard soldier. 3. Facts: a. Casualty Notification to the next of kin of an individual who has been reported as a casualty will be accomplished in a timely, professional, dignified and understanding manner. Primarily done by a Military Team Officer Chaplain Medical Personnel (in some cases) In rural areas, the Team may stop at the local Sheriff s Office or Police Department for directions. May call on a local pastor to accompany the team b. A Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) will be assigned to be the Military Point of Contact on all matters dealing with funeral arrangements for the family. A CACO will provide as much information as available regarding the circumstances of a service member s death and will answer any questions at that time. He or she will also ensure the families immediate needs are being met during a difficulty time. The CACO will immediately begin the process of providing the family with any assistance available in making funeral or memorial arrangements as appropriate. The CACO will assist the family and any other beneficiaries in the preparation and submission of claims to various government agencies for benefits to which they may be entitled. The CACO will assist the family until claims are filed and settled or until any issues regarding those benefits are resolved. The CACO may be released at any time that the family feels that their assistance is no longer needed or desired. c. Role of local pastor Family s wishes will determine the degree of military involvement and honors at the funeral service. Family may choose to use the chaplain or their local pastor for the funeral, or both. CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

38 INFORMATION PAPER DACH-MIZ 1 January SUBJECT: The Emotional Cycle of Deployment: A Military Family Perspective 2. Purpose: To summarize article published in the Apr-June 2001 edition of U.S. Army Medical Department Journal entitled The Emotional Cycle of Deployment: A Military Family Perspective. **Article immediately follows this information paper. 3. Facts: a. The Five Stages of Deployment are: Pre-deployment (varies) Deployment (1st month) Sustainment (months 2-5) Re-deployment (last month) Post-deployment (3-6 months after deployment) b. The authors write, The emotional cycle of an extended deployment, six months or greater, is readily divided into five distinct stages.each stage is characterized both by a time frame and specific emotional challenges, which must be dealt with and mastered by each of the family members. Failure to adequately negotiate these challenges can lead to significant strife both for the family members and the deployed soldier Furthermore, promoting understanding of the stages of deployment helps to avert crises, minimize the need for command intervention or mental health counseling and can even reduce suicidal threats. c. The purpose of this article is to describe the psychological, and event-related aspects of deployments experienced by military families for use as a tool in education, intervention and research The authors, all military psychiatrists, have integrated their professional and personal experience into a cohesive story which is readily identifiable by military leaders, soldiers and their families. Whenever possible, relevant literature on deployment stress is cited. d. The entire article written by LTC Simon H. Pincus, USA, MC; COL Robert House, USAR,MC; LTC (P) Joseph Christenson, USA, MC: and CAPT Lawrence E. Adler, MC, USNR-R can be found immediately following this page. CH (COL) Richard G. Poindexter (richard.poindexter@us.army.mil/ )

39 NOTE: Previously published in the Apr-Jun 2001 edition of U.S. Army Medical Department Journal The Emotional Cycle of Deployment: A Military Family Perspective by LTC Simon H. Pincus, USA, MC, COL Robert House, USAR, MC, LTC (P) Joseph Christenson, USA, MC, and CAPT Lawrence E. Adler, MC, USNR-R Military families have experienced the emotional trauma of deployment on an unprecedented scale since the end of the Gulf War. 1 Humanitarian missions and peace enforcement have sent our troops to Somalia, Cuba, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo. In the last decade, military downsizing has increased the likelihood that each soldier will eventually participate on an extended mission. The impact of these long separations is of increasing concern with two-thirds of soldiers now married and deployments to the former Yugoslavia entering a fifth year. Differing coping strategies are needed through five stages of deployment. Education of health care providers, military leaders, soldiers and family members to anticipate these stages is crucial to ensure the soldier s safe return and to minimize familial trauma. Introduction Upon signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995, the Implementation Force (IFOR) deployed to Bosnia for one year. This multinational effort included 20,000 U.S. troops. 2 Since that time, six to eight month rotations have been the norm for the follow-on Stabilization Force (SFOR). In March 2000, an estimated 4,600 U.S. troops -- commanded by the Texas National Guard -- deployed to participate in the seventh such Stabilization Force rotation or SFOR VII. 3 Future deployments to Bosnia are scheduled through SFOR XII ending in October With peace enforcement missions to Bosnia now entering a fifth year, there is a growing body of experience regarding the impact of extended deployment on military families. In this paper, the emotional cycle of deployment experienced by family members at home is discussed in detail. In order to provide a common frame of reference, this cycle is divided into five distinct stages closely corresponding to the soldier s experience of deployment: pre-deployment, deployment, sustainment, re-deployment and post-deployment. 5 The purpose of this article is to describe the psychological, and event-related aspects of deployments experienced by military families for use as a tool in education, intervention and research. This paper relies on narrative format to describe the process of deployment and its impact on military families. The authors, all military psychiatrists, have integrated their professional and personal experience into a cohesive story which is readily identifiable by military leaders, soldiers and their families. This story has been tempered by numerous presentations of this materiel, as well as modifications provided by military leaders, soldiers and family members. Whenever possible, relevant literature on deployment stress is cited.