JULY 2017 FAMILY FOCUS July 2017 Family Focus Mission: Service Member & Family Support enhances and empowers the lives of our customers with consistently exceptional service & support. Service Member and Family Support Phone: 1-800-658-3930 THE FOCUS IS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS & FAMILIES, VETERANS, RETIREES & SURVIVORS Summer Activities on a Budget by Heather Sweeney Who doesn t want to head out of town and relax on a summer vacation? Unfortunately, after factoring in airfare, hotels, souvenirs and meals on the go, the expense of a vacation can really add up. That s why you need to make sure to ask for military discounts wherever you plan to go. One great military discount to take advantage of is Disney s Armed Forces Salute Program. Disney gives a discount to all military members, including Guard, Reserve, retired, and spouses on tickets as well as rooms at their resorts. The discount is good for the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line. The Waves of Honor program is another way to hit the theme parks at a discounted rate. Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman can get one free admission per year to either SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Water Country USA or Sesame Place with as many as three dependents. Finally, don t forget to use the military benefits you already have. The Armed Forces Recreation Centers are full-service resort hotels located in beautiful vacation destinations, including Shades of Green in Florida, which is located minutes away from Disney attractions. In addition to finding hotels that offer military discounts, you can also get deals on lodging by staying on-base. Prefer the great outdoors to hotels? There are military campgrounds throughout the country so check those out and plan your next camping trip. IN THIS ISSUE State Offers Bonus Money Page 2 Movies Under the Stars Page 4 Education Benefits Information Page 13 Family Readiness Training Pages 7-12 Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.
JULY 2017 FAMILY FOCUS 2 You May Be Eligible For a State Bonus! Did you know that South Dakota is paying a bonus to members of the Armed Forces who were legal residents of the state for no less than six months before their period of active duty to include AGR service and who served, or are serving, on active duty during one or more of the following periods: 1. August 2, 1990 to March 3, 1991 - All active service counts for payment. 2. March 4, 1991 to December 31, 1992 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for the Southwest Asia Service Medal counts for payment. 3. January 1, 1993 to September 10, 2001 - Only service in a hostile area qualifying for any United States campaign or service medal awarded for combat operations against hostile forces counts for payment. 4. September 11, 2001 to a date to be determined - All active service counts for payment. Veterans with qualifying service from August 2, 1990, to December 31, 1992, (Desert Storm) may receive one bonus of up to $500. Veterans with qualifying service after January 1, 1993, may receive another bonus of up to $500. Active Duty for training is not allowed for Bonus purposes. Click here for the application If you have questions please contact Jeri Smith at (605) 773-7251 or jeri.smith@state.sd.us July is the height of the summer season, with Independence Day observances celebrating the freedoms we enjoy and those who safeguard them. Jump into summer fun with this month's enewsletter where you will discover tips for summer outings, relaxation and more: - Experience history, art and more this summer, free for you and your family thanks to Blue Star Museums - Play, paddle or hike in your community: July is also Park and Recreation Month - Lose yourself in a novel or "how to" book via the Morale, Welfare and Recreation library - good reads and resources for all ages. Let Military OneSource be your connection to information, answers and support - your one source for your best MilLife. Kick back and enjoy the July enewsletter at: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/e newsletter Michael Nei South Dakota Military OneSource Consultant Contractor (605) 639-0409 michael.nei@militaryonesource.com
JULY 2017 FAMILY FOCUS 3 The Watertown Sea of Goodwill is excited to sponsor the first-ever The Sea of Goodwill Equine Experience Retreat for our Heroes Post 9/11 Veterans and Service Members and their families. The Sea of Goodwill Equine Experience Retreat November 11-12, 2017 Joy Ranch Watertown, SD The retreat begins at noon on Saturday and ends at noon on Sunday. The Sea of Goodwill Equine Experience Retreat is valued at $335 for a family of 4 and $370 for a family of 5. However, this awesome experience is completely FREE and AVAILABLE to the first 16 Veteran or Military Service Families who register for the retreat by October 31, 2017. The Sea of Goodwill Equine Experience Retreat includes: Veteran or Service Member Equine Experiences Retreat Room Dinner on Saturday Evening Breakfast on Sunday Morning 2 Family Activities while their Veteran or Service Member is engaged in an Equine Experience 1 Family Activity of choice when all 16 families are together. Reserve your retreat today! Call Joy Ranch at (605)-886-4622 or email jess@losd.org or morgan@losd.org or register online at http://www.losd.org/events-retreats/joy-ranch/sea-of-goodwill-retreat.html
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T JULY 2017 FAMILY FOCUS 14 Did you know? The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program serves Active and Reserve Component service members of ALL branches of the military AND Veterans who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. The program s principal role is to provide direction to Reserve Component service members so that they can secure all benefits, entitlements, and services earned through their military service with the compassion of someone who s been there. You may not need assistance at this time, but you may have a friend or family member that could use some assistance. Common services provided are: - Requesting Military Service records - Enrollment into the VA Healthcare - Counseling on Education Benefits - Supporting deploying and returning units - Employment - Tricare - State specific benefits - Navigating local, state and federal programs I am a current service member in the SDARNG, an OEF-Afghanistan veteran, former full-time Soldier, education counselor and will put to use my skills and relationships to ensure your needs are met. Contact your TAA today at 605-737-6669 or christian.m.johnson.ctr@mail.mil July 2017 Family Focus Service Member and Family Support South Dakota National Guard 2823 W. Main St, Rapid City SD 57702 1-800-658-3930 We We also recommend that you like and follow us on Facebook as we continuously update new and exciting information. Have suggestions of thing you would like to see in a future issue of the focus? Please contact us!