I&RŠMilitary Deployments and War - AIRS · childcare, counseling, financial assistance, legal...

Alliance of Information & Referral Systems

I&R�Military Deployments and War A guide to supporting individuals, families

and communities.


I&R�Military Deployments and War

A guide to supporting individuals, families and communities.

Acknowledgements:

AIRS thanks long-time I&R professional Beth Pline for her leadership in de-veloping the guide and on-line training. Additional recognition goes to Gary Strickland, military liaison for his ongoing guidance and support. The infor-mation provided in this guide has come from a variety of sources; AIRS ABCs of I&R, disaster training guides, military websites, independent web-sites and local experiences. While every effort has been made to review the information included in the guide for both relevance and accuracy, AIRS is not responsible for errors or omissions.

AIRS does not endorse or warrant the information provided on any of the websites listed in this guide. The guidebook and website addresses are pro-vided as a convenience for our members. I&Rs should independently validate information found on websites.

Copyright © 2003 by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems



Table of Contents

Introduction 4 Military Personnel and I&R Support 6 Emotional Support 7 Family Support Center 10 American Red Cross 12 Personal Readiness & Planning Checklist 13 Important Numbers Checklist 14 Important Papers Checklist 15 Coordination of Community Efforts 16 Potential Collaboration Partners 18 Communication Tools 20 Related Websites 21



Introduction The deployment of active duty and reserve military personnel has a significant and immediate impact on individuals, families and communities. The massive mobilization of reservists and deployment of troops creates an increase in demand for social services from families who have been dependent on two incomes and must now survive on one. The services most commonly requested include subsidized childcare, counseling, financial assistance, legal services, anger management, counseling and access to loved ones in the military (a result of heightened security measures). Information and Referral (I&R) services have a history of providing services to military personnel and communities in both peace time and war. I&R played an important role in during Operation Desert Storm over a decade ago. Experience gained at that time shows that those most likely to be impacted include, young families, lower ranking military personnel and their families of reservist. Many of their needs can be met by the military community. However, it is likely that they will also require access to additional community resources. Community based information and referral services should prepare to respond to these requests.



This training guide is designed to provide training and tools that can be used to:

• Build community and I&R staff awareness regarding the needs of

military personnel and families • Identify and collaborate with community partners • Identify and expand appropriate I&R services • Review available I&R tools and services • Develop a communication and community outreach strategy • Supply information and/or I&R services via the telephone,

websites, media outreach and printed guides.

Most communities are impacted by massive deployments, whether or not they are located near a military base. This is because National Guard and Reserve personnel live and work in communities all across the country. To determine the number of National Guard and Reserve units mobilized from you area go to:

www.msnbc.com/news/638803.asp.



Military Personnel and I&R Support

Information and referral services can help ensure that military personnel and their families maintain a state of personal readiness for deployment or extended temporary duty, and can help family members be prepared for deployment of a military member. Being prepared can reduce stress, minimize financial and legal problems and ensure a smooth transition for individuals and families. The role of I&R in personal readiness includes:

• Understand the emotional cycles of separation. • Identify potential needs of personnel and their families as related

to personal readiness.

• Identify service organizations that support military personnel before, during and after deployment.

• Educate the community though outreach and advocacy.



Emotional Support Military deployments are never easy on families. During times of conflict the emotional stress is understandably higher and may not be fully recognized as individuals focus on day-to-day issues. I&R specialists may see family members who are very troubled at what they are experiencing. It will be important to share with them that these feeling are not uncommon and perfectly normal. I&R specialists should become familiar with the emotional stages that military families experience during deployments. (Adapted from �The 7 Emotional Cycles of Deployment� By Jennifer L. Hochlan, Navy Lifelines Services Network) Pre-Deployment: Anticipation of Loss Individuals may experience moodiness, depression, stress and anxiety. They may also feel guilty about these negative feelings and should be assured that what they are feeling is normal. Pre-Deployment: Detachment and Withdrawal The period just before deployment is a very difficult time. It is difficult to find the time or energy to complete even small tasks. Individuals in the family may distance themselves from their partners without consciously knowing it. There are services on the base to provide assistance. However, families living in the community may need local supportive services.



Emotional Support Continued� During Deployment: Emotional Disorganization Often the partner of deployed personnel enjoys the freedom of living alone. However, guilt may set in as they realize that they have enjoyed this time while their spouse is in harm's way. They may feel frustration and guilt if they are having trouble balancing family responsibilities. During Deployment: Recovery and Stabilization Soon a pattern of communication, via phone calls and e-mail, provide both comfort and strength. Individuals also gain confidence as they discover their abilities. During Deployment: Anticipation of Homecoming There is both happiness about the impending homecoming and concern regarding the impact the separation has had on the relationship. After Deployment: Renegotiation of the Marriage Contract The period of reestablishing the relationships and communication. After Deployment: Reintegration and Stabilization

Relationships are stable and life is back-to-normal

Single Military Personnel The information in this section has focused on separation issues involving couples, deployments can be just as demanding for the single military member. They experience all the emotions and relationship stresses discussed in this guide; plus they have the challenge of finding a reliable individual to handle their personal affairs during their absence.



Emotional Support Continued� The importance of understanding separation issues, having a will and addressing other matters is just as critical for single members as it is for their married counterparts. In addition, all personnel may be responsible for the care of a parent. The Aging Information and Assistance program in the community will be an important resource for these individuals.

Children The pre-family separation period is stressful for parents and children. According to the AIR Force Crossroads, Predeployment Guide�A Tool for Coping �Confronted with an extended absence of a parent, family members sense a loss of continuity and security. Children may not fully understand why one of their parents must leave. Very often young children may become confused and fearful that Mommy or Daddy will desert them.� Visit http://www.afcrossroads.com/famseparation/index.cfm to view to view the complete guide that describes how children react to deployments and how parents can relieve the stress of the pre-family separation period.



Family Support Center

Military families may not be fully aware of the services available to families located on or near the base. Reserve families may not be near a base and will need to determine how to access available resources. The Family Support Center provides I&R and other services that may include: emergency financial assistance, financial counseling, spouse employment assistance, volunteer opportunities, relocation assistance, and transition assistance.

• Emergency notification procedures

• Emergency assistance

• Squadron points of contact

• Benefits/programs/Services

• Emergency financial assistance

• Financial counseling

• Information and referral

• Spouse employment assistance

• Volunteer opportunities

• Relocation assistance



• Transition assistance

The Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Reserves provide websites that offer a variety of supportive services and information. Visit these sites for more detailed information regarding deployment readiness/services guides and available resources/services. Each branch provides information specific to deployments. Military Family Resource Center - www.mfrc.calib.com While not targeted to individuals this site has very helpful information for service providers. It also provides program directories with contact information for Family Centers, Child Development Centers, Youth Programs, and Family Advocacy Programs on all military installations. http://www.mfrc.calib.com/famres.cfm#prog Air Force Family website - http://www.afcrossroads.com Excellent service information and family readiness guides. Army Family Liaison Office - http://www.aflo.org Navy Lifelines Services Network - http://www.lifelines2000.org Excellent site for accessing user friendly information, guides and service information. Marine Corps Community - http://www.usmc-mccs.org Reserve Officer Association - www.roa.org Provides a 24 page guide to reserve benefits and another guide to the Soldiers' and Sailors' CivilRelief Act (SSCRA).



The American Red Cross (ARC)

The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) provides emergency services to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Some of these services include: • Emergency Communication - transmits or receives messages at no cost to service personnel or their families 24 hours a day, • Providing military members and their families access to aid society interest-free loans and grants, if needed, when urgent personal crises arise, such as a death in the family • Providing information verification to assist service members in obtaining leave time during family crises. • Aiding veterans with access to financial assistance from appropriate military aid society. • Providing veterans appropriate information and referral resources for military or civilian benefits. • Offering counseling and other social services to military families.



Personal Readiness & Planning Checklist

Many of the most common problems related to deployment or economic disruptions can be prevented or minimize through careful planning. Things as mundane as house and car repairs need to be considered. Who to contact if the car breaks down. This is a good time to get an extra set of house keys, and also an extra set of car keys. What about yard maintenance? Suppose somebody needs to sell a car? Family members who are left behind need to have the car title and registration. The checklists on the following pages can be used to educate staff/agencies/employers, create guides for the community, publish on websites, etc. Detailed checklists are also available at the family support websites listed in this handbook.

� Do you have a budget? � Does it take into account changes during deployment? � Do you know how much to expect in allotments? Other income? � Do you have a cycle established for payment of bills? � What kind of checking account will you have? (If you choose a

joint account, you will need to have a way to keep track of the balance.)

� Do you have an emergency fund? � Do you understand emergency notification procedures? � Do you know where to go for help if you need it? � Do you have an extra set of car/house keys?



Important Numbers Checklist

It's very important that the family knows who to contact and has emergency phone numbers. The Squadron is the point of contact, so family members will need the name and phone number. There is also a reserve family support person in each state for each branch of the military

� Squadron point of contact:

� Emergency phone numbers:

� Home/Renters Insurance: � Home Repairs - heat/cooling/plumbing: � Home Services - trash/lawn services/landlord:

� Automobile Insurance: � Automobile repairs: � Automobile car loan or title:



Important Papers Checklist

Important papers should be identified and organized for easy access. Military papers such as; ID cards, dog tags, line badge, the emergency data card must be current and accessible. Please note that personnel should not wait to request documents as it may take a month or more to secure ID cards and papers due to current backlogs.

Other important papers include insurance policies, powers of attorney, a will, marriage and birth certificates, tax forms and mortgage papers. In case of something unforeseen like theft or a natural disaster a personal property inventory is useful for the insurance company.

CURRENT MILITARY DOCUMENTS:

� ID cards

� Dog tags

� Line badge

� Emergency data card

OTHER DOCUMENTS:

� Car title and registration

� Insurance policy

� Powers of attorney � Last Will and Testament

� Marriage/birth certificates

� Tax forms

� Mortgage papers



Coordination of Community Efforts I&Rs should participate in collaborations and partnerships designed to identify and address community needs during this time. Collaborations provide an opportunity for I&Rs to educate service providers and community leaders regarding the impact the war is having on individuals and families in the community. They are also an important tool for coordinating, leveraging and expanding the resources. The structure of your local collaborations or partnerships should be determined by local conditions, not by a national model. The composition should be shaped by the type and strengths of agencies in your community, the overall impact the war is having on the community and the number of military families located in your service area. Whenever possible, use existing human services coalitions or work with community partners to convene groups as needed. Begin by contacting the American Red Cross (ARC). The ARC is mandated by Congress to provide support to military personnel and should be part of any partnership. The United Way of America is encouraging local United Ways and their corporate partners to provide additional community support. Contact your local United Way to determine their plans and the best way to work together.



If your I&R does not have the necessary relationships for a community collaborative, this may be a good time to develop them.

• Don�t try to go it alone, instead try the following approaches: • Work through existing human service networks • Work with the local United Way • Work one-on-one with key agencies • Call a town meeting • Visit www.airs.org for a list of best practices (will be added to

website as the information becomes available).



Potential Collaboration Partners United Way - United Ways (www.unitedway.org) serve as both fund raiser and community convener for groups collaborating to provide assistance to the community. United Ways bring agencies, corporations and foundations together to plan and prepare for the provision of services. United Way may also be able to coordinate in-kind gifts and volunteers to address specific needs related to deployment or war. Faith-Based Organizations - Faith-based organizations have a commitment to serve their communities in times of need and war is no exception. If a local interfaith ministry group exists in the community they may have begun preparation for cooperative service. Health and Human Service Agencies - Contact agencies to determine if they can offer additional or expanded services. In Virginia the YMCA is offering free memberships to military families and the Salvation Army is providing financial assistance. Corporations - Local companies are an important source of financial and non-financial resources. Be creative. Identify a specific unmet need and approach local companies to discuss ways that they can help. Media - Use the media to get the word out regarding unmet needs and ways that the public can help.



Organize your outreach and collaborating efforts using a table or other tool.

Organization

Out-reach Activity

Service Provision

Resource Request

Other Activity

Contact Person

Military Bases/Services

Local/State Agencies

Community Organizations:

United Way

Volunteer Org.

Service Providers

Businesses

Foundations

Media

Newspapers

Radio

Television

Other



Communication Tools

Prepare communication materials that you can use to for community outreach, resource development and agency collaborations. The following list identifies commonly used materials.

Fact Sheets and Frequently Asked Questions - Describe the impact that deployments or war is having on the community. Describe the role of your agency and any activities that you are leading or participating in. Use these as attachments to letters to agencies or other community partners. Media Advisory - Media advisories can be used to educate the public about your services and to request additional resources. News Release - A news release to describe activities or and announce new services. Presentations � Ask to speak to the reserve unit in your area about I&R and community services. Individual Preparedness Guides � Provide a planning handbook or guide using the materials provided manual. Ask a sponsor to print the materials and then distribute them through the local, website or other distribution channel.



Related Websites. http://mfrc.calib.com/snn - Special Needs Network - Offers support for Department of Defense and military families who have members with special health or education needs http://www.tricare.osd.mil - Tricare � Military Health System http://www.militaryacclimate.com - Provides assistance in the logistics of relocating. http://dod.mil/mapsite- Military Assistance Program � provides information and interactive resources to assist military families in relocating, money management and job search at a new location. http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mtom - Military Teens on the Move � assists teens with relocating http://www.defenselink.mil/sites/c.html#civjobs - Links to 16 websites with civilian job opportunities in the military and federal government, including http://dticaw.dtic.mil/mapsite/jobs.html especially for military family members http://www.commissaries.com - Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) website provides assistance in making the most out of the military commissary benefit http://dticaw.dtic.mil/prhome/das_mcfp.html - Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy http://www.defenselink.mil/sites/t.html#transition - Links to sites that can assist military families in transition. http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/handbook/userra.htm US Department of Labor - site regarding laws protecting military reservists

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