How-To Program Guide for Army Family Covenant Functions

Transcription

1 How-To Program Guide for Army Family Covenant Functions

2 Introduction: In October 2007, Army Leadership unveiled the Army Family Covenant. The Covenant communicates the Army s commitment to provide the Army Family with a quality of life that honors the sacrifices our Soldiers and their Families make to protect America s Freedom. The Family and MWR Command (FMWRC) recommends garrisons capitalize on local events (i.e. Soldier Show, Army Birthday Celebration, Town Halls, etc) and conduct a strategic communications function to promote the Army Family Covenant. The intent behind the function is to showcase garrison accomplishments and initiatives that are making the Army Family Covenant a reality. This document is a guide for garrisons to use in executing a successful function to tell success stories at your respective installations. If you have any questions on the development and execution of the function, please contact the FMWRC Marketing points of contact below. Marketing Account Manager Marketing Visual Design Manager POC: Jen Rondez POC: Edward Griffin Telephone: Telephone: DSN: DSN: Fax: Fax: Jen.Rondez@us.army.mil Edward.Griffin2@us.army.mil Senior Marketing Manager Acting Marketing Director POC: Karen Waters POC: Kristen Campbell Telephone: Telephone: DSN: DSN: Fax: Fax: Karen.Waters@us.army.mil Kristen.Campbell@us.army.mil

3 Background/Overview of the FMWRC test pilot Army Family Covenant outreach initiative in conjunction with the Soldier Show: The first FMWRC Soldier Show Reception was hosted on Saturday, 12 April 2008 in the Wallace Theatre, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The 45 minute progressive style reception ran from before the Soldier Show performance scheduled at The program areas featured at the reception included: Standardizing and funding existing Family programs and services; Increasing accessibility and quality of health care; Improving Soldier and Family Housing; Ensuring excellence in schools, youth services, and child care; Recreation and Quality of Life; and Expanding education and employment opportunities for Family members. A large poster of each program was produced and placed in and around the Wallace Theatre. Each station was staffed with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who discussed and highlighted key accomplishments in their respective program area in support of the Army Family Covenant. In addition, FMWRC provided food and beverages to guests. The reception was a successful collaboration between FMWRC, Installation Management Command, OTSG/Medical Command, and Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management. Three Step Process: The Army Family Covenant function is a three step process. Step one is knowledge and communication. Step two is planning and execution. Step three is event evaluation. STEP 1 Knowledge and Communication The intent behind the function is a strategic communications opportunity for senior leadership to tell the story about how the Command demonstrates its commitment in delivering the Army Family Covenant promise to Soldiers and their Families. The goal is to host a function to convey the messages and obtain maximum attendance from the community to highlight the garrison s achievements in support of the Army Family Covenant. STEP 2 Planning and Execution Planning Identify key garrison staff managers to assist in the planning and execution of the function. At a minimum, Marketing, Special Events, and Public Affairs should be represented on the team. Marketing will be the lead on this effort with solid collaboration from all garrison key managers. SMEs must be selected to assist in staffing the different program areas. The SMEs will be the program ambassadors in communicating the messages to attendees. Leverage local partnerships to obtain the maximum potential of this opportunity.

4 Location If the installation function is in conjunction with the Soldier Show, utilize the same location or one within close proximity to where the Soldier Show performance is being held. Attendees The function is open to all authorized MWR patrons and invited guests. Program Stations: There are six program areas during the progressive function. They are Standardizing and funding existing Family programs and services; Increasing accessibility and quality of health care; Improving Soldier and Family Housing; Ensuring excellence in schools, youth services, and child care; Recreation and Quality of Life; and Expanding education and employment opportunities for Family members. Each program area must have three components of the Army Family Covenant: the Army Family Covenant signing poster; one specific program poster; and the garrison input of that respective program area. See illustration below: Under each program (using the template provided with this toolkit), list the installation Command accomplishments and/or initiatives that have been executed or in the plans of being implemented at your respective installation. Please collaborate accordingly with Program Managers before finalizing the key items that will be featured on the installation poster board. At the FMWRC VIP reception, Fort Belvoir accomplishments were highlighted to complement the national initiative exhibit of the Army Family Covenant. The Army Family Covenant poster cross-walked the Fort Belvoir display and

5 demonstrated the installation Command s commitment. It provided the Garrison the opportunity to showcase its actions in support of the Army Family Covenant. Below are samples of the Fort Belvoir posters used at the FMWRC Soldier Show VIP reception: Catering: Service of food and beverages is an option to be considered for the function. Participating installations are given the flexibility to select one of two options: 1. For a quick and easy reception, recommend serving desserts and beverages. 2. For more elaborate reception, serving hors d oeuvres and beverages butler style is ideal for a small venue. The key take-aways in hosting the reception are the opportunity to communicate and deliver the Army Family Covenant messages and highlights of the Garrison s efforts in making the Covenant a reality. Staffing: Program Managers are key in delivering the messages to the community. These different positions include the following:

6 Event Coordinator oversees all facets of the event Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) assign two SMEs at each program area for maximum delivery of the Army Family Covenant messages. Both SMEs must be knowledgeable of all the materials being presented. To provide consistency in messaging, we suggest talking points/script consist of the top three accomplishments that provide the most value to the audience. Official Party meet and greet the guests o Garrison Command Staff Welcome Committee o Official Greeter - welcomes the guests and provides a quick run down of what they are about to experience o Event Operations responsible for the flow of guests from one area to another Program Ambassadors provide support in all areas as needed Execution: A review with all key managers about the intent of the function; how the event will run; and staff responsibilities prior to the event will ensure that everyone is familiar with the overall expectation. The key to success is preparing for expected and unexpected occurrences at the event. A rehearsal is recommended to work out details of the event execution prior to the actual event. During the dry-run, each SME should be prepared to practice the delivery of their respective program talking points/script in order of importance. Included are samples of the talking points/scripts used by FMWRC SMEs. Step Three Event Evaluation It is important to utilize research methods to measure the effectiveness of the function and to obtain feedback from guests regarding their opinion about the Army Family Covenant. The following are possible mechanisms to conduct an evaluation: On-site questionnaire to be completed by guests Comments from event staff

7 Feedback from SMEs FMWRC is requesting a one-page event recap and event photos from the Army Family Covenant function two weeks post event (form attached). Send event evaluation to Ms. Jen Rondez, FMWRC Marketing Account Manager via the following options: Jen.Rondez@us.army.mil Fax: Mail: 4700 King Street Alexandria, VA

8 Talking Points/Script for Standardizing and Funding Existing Family Programs and Services Family programs at the Installation level are available through Army Community Service (ACS) and the Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC). The Army Integrated Family Support Network (AIFSN) was created to establish and reinforce partnerships between Active Duty, Recruiters, National Guard, and Army Reserve support services, local and state community services and corporate America. Families can use a single portal at with links to the Guard and Reserve websites. The AIFSN goals are: a. To establish a unified approach to providing support to the geographically dispersed. b. To provide baseline services ranging from Information Referral and Follow-up, employer support for the Guard and Reserve, child care, legal assistance to Wounded Warrior/survivor programs. c. To standardize program training for all component staff, Soldiers and Family members. Provided 1,029 Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSA) down to the battalion level to provide support to Family Readiness Group Leaders. The first initiative of the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff was to have these FRSAs. They work for the respective commander and ACS supports them with Information and Referral and training. Increased hours of Respite Care from 16 to 40 for Families with exceptional Family members. Provided approximately $8M to support Families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) with medical or education needs. Provided 477 Army Community staff positions to right size our ACS facilities to meet operational demands. Increased the number of Military Family Life Consultants (MFLCs) throughout the Army including Guard and Reserve. Placed an additional 35 MFLCs at home and abroad. Expanding education and employment opportunities for Family members The Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP) was initiated in Dec 02 and provides employment to spouses by partnering with Fortune 500 Companies and public service organizations that are located where spouses live and work. As of 30 Sep 07, ASEP Partners had hired over 23,460 military spouses, with over 7,214 hired in the period Jul 06 to Jul 07. The Military Spouse Job Search website, was launched in Jul 05 as a portal for military spouse resumes and a place for ASEP partners and registered military spouse-friendly employers to post their job vacancies.

9 Talking Points/Script for Increasing Accessibility and Quality Heath Care We are committed to improving Family readiness by increasing accessibility and quality of health care. Soldier Family Assistance Centers in the vicinity of medical facilities have been established to provide one-stop assistance Administrative and financial assistance Assistance with coordinating government entitlements, benefits and services Providing information and assistance in obtaining non-governmental benefits and services - A recent Warrior Transition Unit Survey found that Soldiers in Warrior Transition Units reported an increase in their ability to contact and talk with their PEBLO Adapt health care systems to improve access and quality 35 Warrior Transition Units stood up (9,866 Soldiers) with singular focus of Warrior healing and support to Army Families - The Warrior Transition Units implemented a TRIAD of Care, to include, Squad leader, Primary Care Managers, and Nurse Case Managers to manage the care of Warriors in Transition, and augments each Warrior Transition Units with Social Workers to address mental health 163 newly hired behavioral health providers adding 16,000 appointments per month - Filling behavioral health contracts has proven to be very difficult in some market areas. The Medical Command will continue to work on filling all of these 275 behavioral health positions Increased primary care visits by more than 700,000 in FY07 - Based on awareness campaigns, there has been an increase in breast and colon cancer screenings across the Medical Command 94% of patient appointments met access standards in FY07 - The Army Provider Level Patient Satisfaction Survey (APLSS) indicated an improvement in patient satisfaction with Access to Care in 2008 Hiring 30 new Army Substance Abuse Counselors Enhance care for TBI/PTSD to ensure availability of mental health care More than 800,000 Soldiers received TBI/PTSD chain teaching (Jul-Oct 07) -The goal is to institutionalize this training program and to develop a military leader module 10 TBI programs validated across MEDCOM to ensure high quality TBI care -The TBI program validation is intended to improve standardization and quality of care Neurocognitive testing on > 50,000 Soldiers prior to deployment

10 - Expect a DoD policy in July 2008 requiring pre-deployment testing for all service members Advanced PTSD training for 180 Army mental health providers - Current MEDCOM behavioral health initiatives include training and education sessions at forums such as annual meetings of the America Psychiatric Association, publishing of articles and book chapters in the professional press, providing interviews and expert opinion on PTSD and suicide prevention in both the medical and mainstream media, and authoring and maintain the Army Medical Department behavioral health web site - Also conducted multiple outreach and education efforts to raise awareness of TBI, to include: exhibit booths and presentations at professional and industry conferences; - Brain Injury Awareness Fair on Capitol Hill; Brain modeling activities with middle school students at the National Museum of Medicine; Circle group with Colorado Brain Injury Association of America in Colorado Springs; and an Information booth at Walter Reed Mitigate effects of deployments on children, spouses, and dual military families Distributing 200,000 videos and training products to strengthen resilience in military children and Families - Family mtbi Video - Preschoolers and parents Talk, Listen, Connect - 6 to 11 year olds Mr. Po and Friends Discuss Family Reunion After Deployment - 12 to 19 year olds Military Youth Coping with Separation: When Family Members Deploy Working with many local school districts to support the needs of children with deployed parents Expanded Battlemind training to include spouses. Battlemind products for children are under development. Hiring 32 additional Marriage and Family Therapists - Relationship problems have been associated with behavioral health issues and suicide Mitigate effects of geographic isolation; leverage community-based resources 9 Community Based Healthcare Organizations serving 1,513 Warriors in Transition residing at home Increasing partnership with VA for improved seamless transition for separating Soldiers Implemented enhancements to the TRICARE Reserve Select Program, authorizing TRICARE Standard coverage for over 500,000 eligible members of the Selected Reserve and their Family members

11 -The Army Medical Command utilizes subject matter experts to reach out to civilian providers in an effort to increase awareness and improve care for the Families of our deployed Soldiers -The Army Medical Command is piloting telemedicine tools to overcome geographic barriers

12 Talking Points for Soldier and Family Housing We are committed to improving Family readiness by improving Soldier and Family Housing. Army Family Housing Traditional Army Family Housing -- Consists of overseas and non-privatized Family housing programs. -- By the end of FY08 Army will have 29,000 government owned Family housing units of which 69% are located in foreign locations and 31% in the United States. --It is expected that by FY15 the number of government owned family housing units will be approximately 15,000 with 93% located in foreign areas and 7% located in the United States. Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) -- Housing Privatization gives the Army the ability to leverage private sector capital and best business practices, providing quality facilities and communities today that will be sustained throughout the next 50 years. --The RCI Program will include 45 installations with over 89,000 homes at the future planned end-state. --This will equate to 97% of all Army Family housing in the United States. --As of 31 March 2008, over 77,000 homes at 36 installations have been privatized. --Also as of 31 March 2008,13,823 homes have been built and another 11,227 renovated. --All RCI newly constructed homes are Energy Star Compliant (only 5-10% built in the private sector are compliant). --Accessible Boundless Parks/Playgrounds have been built. --RCI was selected as a 2008 winner of the Urban Land Institute's Awards for Excellence: The Americas Competition is widely recognized as the land use industry's most prestigious recognition program. --Fort Belvoir received the Congress of New Urbanism Award. --The Hawaii project won the Project Finance magazine 2005 Project Finance Award for best public-private financing in North America. Leased Family Housing -- The Army will continue to lease Army Family housing in areas where on-post housing is insufficient or unavailable or where leasing is more cost effective than construction or other acquisition of housing. -- Family housing leases will continue to be a transitional mechanism for housing Soldiers and their Families until on-post housing and private development catch up to demand where significant force increases are experienced due to the Army Transformation and the Grow the Army initiatives.

13 -- The domestic leasing program also includes Independent Duty leases to support geographically displaced Soldiers and Families from the US Army Recruiting Command, Cadet Command, and Active Reserve Component as these Soldiers are usually stationed distant from housing and other amenities normally associated with a military installation. -- The judicious placement and execution of Army Family Housing domestic leases is a significant factor in stimulating local development and easing the scarcity of adequate housing in markets significantly impacted by basing decisions. -- Foreign leasing of Army Family Housing is more economical than construction in many areas. In concert with the Global Defense Posture Realignment (GDPR), major Build-To-Lease projects are underway at Grafenwoehr, Germany (1,776 units) and Vicenza, Italy (215 units) -- Number of leases currently executed: Domestic = 2,672 Foreign = 6,276 Housing for Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - Housing is an overarching quality of life issue because it is vitally important to the morale and well-being of Soldiers and their Families it affects readiness of individual Soldiers, their units and organizations. One aspect of the EFMP program ensures that Soldiers with dependents who have fiscal impairments relocate to and reside in areas that can adequately treat impairments. Commanders must ensure that EFMP documentation is processed through EFMP channels to ensure housing is available to support individual EFMP needs housing needs current and gaining installations. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliant Family Housing -- For military Family Housing, at least 5% of the total inventory but not less than one unit of all housing will be accessible or readily and easily modifiable for use by persons with disabilities. Common areas such as parking, play areas, streets, and walks, and common entrances to multiunit buildings and facilities will be designed and built to be accessible. -- Garrison Commanders may approve exceptions to waiting list policies under special circumstances such as extreme hardship, compassionate, or medical reasons. Housing Service Offices and Automated Systems -- Approximately 67 percent of our Soldiers with Families reside in offpost housing. Army housing is refining and enhancing its housing services to satisfy this requirement and increase its visibility to, and recognition by, our Soldiers. -- Our Housing Services Office (HSO) is the point of entry for community and privatized housing. HSO-enhanced referral services include new methods of delivery.

14 -- The Automated Housing Referral Network (AHRN) ( is an intensified collaboration with other housing relocation entities and installation housing offices that is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). It is the provision of home-buying services. -- Army Housing OneStop (AHOS) is dedicated to providing local and community information for each installation in the Army. The highlight of the AHOS website is that several installations have welcome videos that provide introductory visuals and facts to what is to be expected upon their arrival. Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH) The Army s barracks investment strategy is to deal the Army s barracks by immediately addressing Life, Health. or Safety (Triage), looking for ways to accelerate the Barracks Upgrade Program (BUP) and achieve basic quality of life by an amber rating. First Sergeant s Barracks Initiative (FSBI) -- FSBI is a key component of the Army s Barracks Strategic Plan approved in October 2007, and will standardize barracks management Army-wide. -- This program enhances single Soldier quality of life, reduces overall unprogrammed single Soldier Basic Allowance for Housing, maximizes barracks utilization while reducing the number of Certificates of Nonavailability and reallocates Soldier time from non-war fighting tasks. -- FSBI will provide top quality oversight and management of daily barracks operations, will manage and champion daily maintenance and repair requirements and schedule sustainment for long term viability. The program management and sustainment cost is approximately $106M/year starting in FY After a comprehensive pilot program at Fort Hood, TX, in FY06-FY07, implementation at other Army installations was expanded. Barracks Modernization Program (BMP) -- This fiscal year (FY08) the Army will have built or modernized 13,300 barracks spaces for about $1.84 Billion. -- Currently has funded a total $9.4 Billion for permanent party barracks through FY07 and is funding $2.2 Billon in FY 2008 for permanent party barracks construction, renovation, and modernization. -- The way ahead is to replacement construction for Korea-era barracks, deficit construction, replacement of Hammerheads ( ); H style ( ); and Rolling Pins ( ). -- These modern barracks will be constructed in the 1+1 standard and accelerate the buyout of common latrines. -- All newly constructed barracks are fully equipped with new furnishings. Training Barracks Program

15 --The Training Barracks Modernization Program (TBMP) is funded for $6.4B Active Compenent (AC) trainees that will allow for 67,800 Soldiers to get out of dilapidated and poorly configured barracks. --$548.8M have been programmed for the National Guard and Reserves Training Barracks. --Relocatables will continue to be used until the FY15 buyout. Operational Readiness Training Centers (ORTC) -- ORTC s are needed to provide barracks for annual training and Mobilization. -- The strategy is to demolish WWII-wood facilities as ORTC complexes are constructed. -- Funding has been programmed for FY09-13 totaling $403.0M for MCA, MCAR and MCNG projects. RCI Privatized Senior Enlisted Unaccompanied Personnel Housing --The Army has expanded the RCI model to include Unaccompanied Senior Enlisted/Officer Quarters (USEQ/UOQ) apartments at 5 installations to the shortage of adequate/affordable off-post rentals. --5 on-post apartment residential communities (Fts Irwin, Drum, Bragg, Stewart and Bliss) have been approved for single senior Soldiers (SSG and above including officers). -- This program includes a total of 1,396 1 bedroom/1 bath and 2- bedroom/2-bath apartments (total of 1,804 accommodations/bedrooms). Warrior Transition Barracks -- SRM Funding to support Warrior Transition interim barracks funded $162 Million in FY07 and $93 Million in FY08 to support 41 installations world-wide. -- Provides healing environmental campuses for Warrior Transition Units. Army Lodging Army Lodging operates at 78 locations throughout the U.S, Europe and the Pacific. Over 19,000 guest rooms offer accommodations complete with standard amenities and services comparable to mid-priced commercial hotels. Army Lodging Wellness Program A central strategy to upgrade Army Lodging infrastructure based upon professional marketing and architectural assessments for all Lodging operations. Projects are executed according to approved standards with detailed room designs to meet short and long term Temporary Duty requirements as well as the needs of Families traveling in connection with Permanent Change of Station moves. Total new construction investment $345M with an additional investment of $76M in building renovation projects.

16 Program focus since FY06 has been on overseas requirements in response to the pending implementation of the Privatization Army Lodging initiative at US locations. Lodging Success Program The Army contracts with commercial hotels for rooms at or below local per diem rates to accommodate official travelers in areas where official travel demand exceeds available installation assets or where there is no installation lodging. The program ensures ensure quality hotels, standard force protection, and standard levels of service for official travelers. The LSP was recently modified to meet demand by long term Reserve Component personnel in an extended Temporary Change of Station status. The Program provides Soldiers high quality fully furnished apartments complete with internet, phone and cable television services in locations convenient to duty stations.

17 Talking Points/Script for Ensuring Excellence in Schools, Youth Services and Child Care The Army Family Covenant specifically notes Army Leadership s commitment to ensuring excellence in schools, youth services, and child care. As can be seen (pointing to the Making the Covenant a Reality poster) the Army truly believes that the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their Families. When Soldiers are deployed, we want them to be able to concentrate on their mission. We don t want them to worry about whether their children are being well taken care of. We want them to know: they are!!! As you can see, there were some very solid accomplishments that resulted from the Army providing funding to Child and Youth Programs last year. I d like to focus on just a couple: Note: From the list, I would ordinarily select Deployment Cycle Support, Fee Reductions, and Construction and Quality Programs. Deployment Cycle Support: Army Family Covenant funding has allowed us to extend the operating hours of our child and youth programs beyond the normal duty day to meet the particular needs of the garrison. Likewise it has allowed us to provide more respite child care increasing it from 5 hours per child per month to 16 hours per child per month. This has been one of our most well-received offerings since when a Soldier is deployed, the stay behind spouse becomes the equivalent of a single parent. Respite child care provides that spouse the opportunity to get a break from the kids and take care of personal business and appointments. Fee Reductions: Army Family Covenant funding has allowed us to eliminate the standard garrison registration fee for our Child and Youth Program. It has also allowed garrisons to reduce patron fees for using our various programs. In times when money is tight, those fee reductions have also been greatly appreciated. Construction: Army Child and Youth Programs have entered one of the most intensive building periods in its history. Twenty-two Child Development Centers were funded last year as recognition that the Army must have quality facilities to meet our needs. As you can see with what is planned for the out-years in both Child Care and Youth Centers, we know we must grow. Quality Programs:

18 We are especially proud that we continue to deliver quality child and youth programs as demonstrated by the fact that our facilities are annually certified by the Department of Defense as to health and safety requirements but, even more importantly, more than 95% of our CDCs and School Age Programs have been nationally accredited by external professional organizations which require compliance to exacting program standards. I should point out that the average accreditation rate for civilian child care centers is about 10%. Last point would lead into my closing: And that s how we know we are delivering on the Covenant s promise of excellence in our child and youth programs.

19 Talking Points/Script for Expanding Education and Employment Opportunities for Family Members Employment Readiness Program (ERP) The Army recognizes the importance of a spouse s satisfaction with Army life. Since spouse support is tied to spouse perception of quality of life issues including financial well-being and the spouse s ability to realize personal and professional goals spouse employment emerges as a major determining factor in the retention of high quality military personnel. Professional Job Search Trainers help clients identify skills and assist during job searches but do not provide jobs. They provide access to valuable references on the national job market and offer assistance in completing job applications and letters. Employment services are available to all Army components regardless of location. Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP) ASEP Partners sign a Statement of Support with the Secretary of the Army. The Army Spouse Employment Partnership (ASEP) is a self-sustaining and expanding partnership that is mutually beneficial to the Army and Corporate America. The partnership provides Army spouses the opportunity to attain financial security and achieve employment goals through career mobility and enhanced employment options. Corporate Partners are provided the capability to tap into a readily available, diverse and talented pool of candidates. Employment Readiness Program Managers work closely with our ASEP Partners to help employ our military spouses. Not just our partners on the National level, but also business partners on the Regional and Local levels. Military Spouse Job Search website (MSJS) Where military spouses are encouraged to post their resumes and where ASEP Partners and military friendly employers post their job vacancies. Also, MyArmyLifeToo (MALT). A site where military spouses can find out more about the ASEP Partners, and find out where job fairs are being held and read up on the latest employment happenings.

20 Career Advancement Account (CAA) DOD and DOL initiative started in Currently located at 18 military installations, 5 of which are Army: Colorado (Fort Carson); Georgia (Fort Benning); Hawaii (Schofield Barracks) North Carolina (Fort Bragg) and Washington State (Fort Lewis). Qualified spouses are provided with $3,000 for continued education or certification the first year and if needed, $3,000 for the second year. To find out more about the CAA, go to MyArmyLifeToo (MALT); Milspouse.org, or ask your Employment Readiness Program Manger.

21 Talking Points/Script for Recreation and Quality of Life Expanding recreation programs by adapting/increasing facility hours of operation to meet customer demand, partnering with Youth Services & Child Care to increase recreational/instructional opportunities (learn-to programs in outdoor recreation (hiking, canoeing, fishing, etc)) for our youth, on site child care (fitness centers) and delivering non facility based programs to our customers rather than making them come to us (programs in housing areas, parks etc). We re expanding access to Library programs by offering services through the General Library integrated System (GLIS). GLIS is a web based service that allows anyone with an AKO account to access Library services electronically via the internet and we re shipping books not only to Libraries but to, deployed units, ACS offices, SFACs, and active duty FRGs Deployed Support: We have 12 deployed MWR personnel on the ground in Iraq serving Soldiers; deployed professionals serve 179 days. These individuals work, eat & sleep under the same conditions as the Soldiers and their primary function is to develop and conduct fitness, sports and recreation programs for the troops during their off-duty time. Next rotation is scheduled for Aug/Sep 08. Interested MWR personnel should contact Joe Pettoni at or joe.pettoni@us.army.mil Soldiers have received the following: - Small Unit Recreation Kits (sports equipment and recreational games) - Electronic Game Kits (play-station II, X-box) - Video Messenger Kits (Video camera, DVD-VCR visual display for recording messages and reading children s books to mail home) - Theater-in-a-Box (large screen, DVD/Video Player, projection unit, etc.) - Paperback book Kits - Playaway Kits (Self-contained audio books no larger than an ipod) - Service Level Kits (basic fitness, sports, and recreation equipment for Battalion sized elements) Internet cafes In conjunction with our World Class Athlete Program we ve introduced a Sports Program for Wounded Warriors - Provides a goal oriented sports program for physically disable Soldiers who are allowed to remain on Active Duty. Program is designed to provide opportunities for physically disable Soldiers to remain physically active and pursue their athletic dreams. For additional information on the application process or the program in general please visit the web site at Inclusive recreation programs are being developed to accommodate all levels of abilities. The Army in conjunction with Penn State University developed a

22 training program for our employees on inclusive recreation. The training for recreation staff will be taught by Penn State starting in the 1 st qtr 09 Our Army BOSS program is designed to be the collective voice for single Soldiers through the chain of command. Garrison BOSS programs are playing an ever increasing role in supporting deployed units across the Army. The program concentrates on improving leisure and recreation opportunities for Soldiers and community service projects within the local community to improve Quality of Life for every member of the Military community. Soldiers interested in participating in BOSS programs should contact their local MWR POC or contact us via at IMWR-BOSS@conus.army.mil Through our Army Outdoor Recreation program centers, we are training Soldiers in high adventure skills. The premise is that when such programs are offered to Soldiers in a supervised and safety-conscious environment, they serve as a stimulating alternative to other self-destructive behaviors. We are providing high adventure programs as safer, supervised alternatives: rock climbing, mountain biking, white-water rafting, paintball, and scuba. For additional information please contact your local outdoor recreation program manager or mwroutdoorrecreation@conus.army.mil Through our entertainment programs we arrange live entertainment events at army garrisons. Intent is to provide a recreational outlet for returning Soldiers and families of deployed units and celebrate as a community the return to some semblance of normality. Additionally we provide entertainment for the Soldier by the Soldier from April Oct 2008, The US Army Soldiers Show will perform over 100 time at 60 locations (CONUS and Germany) and our USA Express and 5-6 piece Soldier band will tour the CENTCOM AOR and perform for our deployed forces We are standardizing and increasing the quality of our strength and cardio exercise equipment across the Army. Exercise programs prepare the body for the physical stress of the deployed environment and serve as stress relievers for returning Soldiers and families of deployed units. We centrally procure heavy use, commercial grade equipment for all our facilities. A Soldier/Family can move from location to location, walk into any fitness facility and safely use the equipment.

23 ARMY FAMILY COVENANT FUNCTION EVENT EVALUATION Installation: Contact Name: Address: Phone Numbers: (Work) (Mobile) Address: Name of Event: Summary of Event: 1. What function elements were accomplished? Please be as specific as possible. (Number of exhibits, indentify program area(s), catering, staffing, location, etc) 2. Approximate number of guests: 3: Are there any other elements featured in your function? If yes, please elaborate?

24 4. Was the How-To Program Guide helpful in your event planning and execution? 5. What can we do next time to better facilitate your needs? 6. What was troublesome or didn t work? 7. What worked particularly well?

25 8. What did you like most about hosting the Army Family Covenant function? 9. What did you like least about hosting the Army Family Covenant function? 10. Please tell us of any interesting comments from staff and/or guests which you heard during the event? Please submit the event evaluation two days post-event with photos of the Army Family Covenant function to the point of contact listed below. We truly appreciate your hard work and continuous support in delivering the messages of the Army Family Covenant to Soldiers and their Families. Army Strong! POINT OF CONTACT: Jen Rondez Marketing Account Manager 4700 King Street Alexandria, VA (T) (F) (E)