Alameda County Blue Star Moms

 Proof of Army Family Covenant Success Found Among Facts, Figures

Proof of Army Family Covenant Success Found Among Facts, Figures
Two years ago, former Secretary of the Army Pete Geren joined Fort Monroe leaders here for the signing of the Army Family Covenant.  The covenant is the Army’s promise to military families.  A specific promise was  a commitment to “create a quality of life in the military community that is commensurate with the value of the American Soldier.”  Thus far, the outcome has been impressive.  The covenant has focused attention on the military family experience as well.  New community support programs have been established to address the hardships of lengthy deployments and the harsh realities of having loved ones in harm’s way.  To read this article in full, please go to: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/11/17/30543-proof-of-army-family-covenant-success-found-among-facts-figures/

 The American Association of School Administrators

Some two million U.S. military children have had one or both parents deployed since 2001. Understanding the challenges facing military families and the resources available to assist military children -- is essential to meeting their unique educational needs. The American Association of School Administrators has released a toolkit on Supporting the Military Child to help school leaders meet the needs of children whose parents are deployed or in transition. This free, online resource is available on the AASA website at http://www.aasa.org/MilitaryChild.aspx

Poll: Troops' Kids Feel War Toll

Troubled children add to a growing list of war strain issues that military families, particularly in the Army, are currently struggling with. Six out of 10 U.S. military children have increased levels of fear and anxiety when a parent is sent to war, according to a survey of more than 13,000 military spouses of active duty Servicemembers. The Pentagon’s survey results of the effects of war on children were tabulated early this year and released to USA Today. The survey had a margin of error of +/-4 percentage points. Army documents show that 600,000 active duty Soldiers have deployed once since 2001 and 110,000 have gone twice, and 38,000 have been deployed 3 times. The stress of deployment is a pressing issue for military families and will be addressed at this year’s Association of the US Army’s Family Programs Military Family Forums. To read the complete article, follow the link: http://www.magnet101.com/ls.cfm?r=180191835&sid=6929591&m=771430&u=AUSA&s=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/06/ap_military_kids_062509/

(ACBSM HAS SUPPORT FOR MILITARY FAMILIES IN OUR LOCAL AREA-PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY FOR ASSISTANCE)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide hotline.  The hotline is available to anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis.  When an individual calls in, they will be able to speak with a professional who will refer the caller to the nearest crisis center and other mental health services.  Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the website at http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

 Army Publishes First National Guard Retirement Guide

The Army has published a 56 page retirement guide for National Guard Soldiers and their Families, which covers subjects ranging from retirement point credits to how to apply for retirement pay.  The Army National Guard Information Guide on Non-Regular Retirement was a collaborated effort between the Army G-1 Retirement Services division and the National Guard.  To view the guide please visit: http://armyg1.army.mil/retire

Compact to Ease Transitions for Military Children

Last week in Washington, legislators unanimously approved the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, an agreement that standardizes how states deal with record transfers, enrollment, graduation requirements, extra curricular activities as well as a host of other related issues. Virginia, which has the country’s second-largest military population, is the 12th state to sign the bill. To learn more about this legislation and funding follow the link http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/compact-ease-transitions-military-children.

 Handy "Contact Us" Page at TRICARE.mil

Since TRICARE uses several different contractors to administer healthcare, pharmacy and dental benefits around the world, it often becomes difficult for beneficiaries to find the contact information needed.  In addition to telephone numbers, the contact page provides links to locate the nearest military treatment facilities, beneficiary counseling and assistance coordinators, and debt collection assistance officers.  The contact information can be found at http://www.tricare.mil/contactus.

Subject:  Looking for Military Families to Help
 Should you have any questions or need any assistance please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Andrew Tramontana
The American Legion
National VA&R Commission
Assistant Director of DoD Outreach
Heroes to Hometowns Program Coordinator
Office:  (202) 861-2700, ext. 1408
Mobile:  (202) 631-9924

Hello, As you may be aware, Rebuilding Together and Sears Holdings have for combined forces to assist veterans and military families in need with free home repairs and modifications through the Heroes at Home program. I am hoping you can let these heroes in need know that help is available and direct them to their local Rebuilding Together affiliate.

We are actively seeking more veterans to assist.  The program is open to low-income and disabled veterans of various military backgrounds, military widows and active duty military families.  We are writing today because we need your help in spreading the word about our services.

Please ask veterans in need to contact their nearest Rebuilding Together affiliate as soon as possible. Affiliates can be easily found at http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/content/organization/map 

Since the inception of Heroes at Home in 2007,  we have completed nearly 300 projects across the country with a combined market value of over 3.8 million dollars.  In 2009, we plan to complete hundreds more projects and we need your help to find more veterans who need assistance.  If you would like to learn more about our program, or if you have a veteran to recommend for our services, please contact any one of Rebuilding Together¢s Veterans Housing team,

Vanessa Georgeson mailto:vgeorgeson@rebuildingtogether.org> ,

Hyewon Kim <mailto:hkim@rebuildingtogether.org> ,

or T.J. Cantwell <mailto:tcantwell@rebuildingtogether.org> ,

who will be happy to assist you. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.rebuildingtogether.org/heroesathome

With the assistance of people like you, we will continue to help our veterans and service members remain comfortable and safe in their homes and give back to those who have given us so much

Guide to Getting Credit for Military Service

The American Council of Education (ACE) has produced a new publication, A Transfer Guide:  Understanding Your Military Transcript and ACE Credit Recommendations.  This new publication will assist Servicemembers and veterans in understanding academic credit and how it can be awarded by institutions of higher education for military training and occupational experiences.  The publication is available in PDF at http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsServices/MilitaryPrograms/Transfer_Guide.htm

The National Military Family Association http://www.nmfa.org/   Salute Our
Services runs a mentor program for parents going through a deployment
for the first time, at http://www.saluteourservices.org/   The USO maintains a
list of resources on the "Family and Friends" page of its website  http://www.uso.org/   

Honor and Remember - Mission: To create, establish and promote a nationally recognized flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation's inception.  http://www.honorandremember.org/

Defenders Own: A site exclusvely for military family and friends to connect and share. Weekly blog forums and discussions. http://www.defendersown.com/