Deployment Handbook from Beyond Yellow Ribbon

Deployment Handbook

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

is united to bring Servicemembers all the way home

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INTRODUCTION What is Beyond the Yellow Ribbon? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILYPlanning for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Preparing Children for Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Reconnecting with Loved Ones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Coping with Relationship Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Single Servicemembers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8FAMILY PROGRAMSFamily Assistance Centers (FAC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Family Readiness Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Youth Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Youth Support Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Defense Enrollment Eligibility System (DEERS) . . . . . 12

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Minnesota State Laws Regarding Family . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

MILITARY LEAVEPreparing For Military Leave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

EMERGENCY READINESSDD93: Record of Emergency Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Red Cross Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Servicemember Injury or Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Military Notification of Deceased Servicemember . . . . . 16

How to be Prepared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTHRecovering from Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Physical Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Mental Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Substance Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Combat Stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Identifying Suicidal Tendencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Domestic Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Sexual Assault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Tuberculosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Leishmaniasis (parasite) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

BENEFITSFederal Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Minnesota State Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

TRICARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Free Stuff and Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

YELLOW RIBBON COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNYellow Ribbon Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LEGAL/ FINANCEThe Office of the Judge Advocate (JAG) . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

EMPLOYMENTEmployer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Minnesota Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) . . . . . . . . . . . 30

DEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Unemployment Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

EDUCATION Higher Education Veterans Program (HEVP) . . . . . . . . . 31

New GI Bill (Chapter 33)/ “Post 9/11” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

State Tuition Reimbursment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Minnesota Online Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

MN State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

RESOURCESCounty Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Transition Assistance Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Military & Family Life Consultants (MFLC) . . . . . . . . . 34

Military Onesource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Chaplain Corps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Veterans Administration (Medical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Vet Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Minnesota LinkVet Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

MY WORKBOOKPre-Deployment Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Post-Deployment Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Servicemember Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Emergency Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Essential Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Goal Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

A Letter for a Military Child’s Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Record of Emergency Data DD93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Copies of Important Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org

The Minnesota National Guard has pioneered a comprehensive approach to providing support, training, services and resources to Servicemembers and their families across all branches of the military, throughout the deployment cycle . The name Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, stands as a reminder that supporting Servicemembers needs to continue once they return home from deployment and the symbolic yellow ribbons are untied .

The program was envisioned by Major General Larry Shellito, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General (Ret .) in response to his personal experience of reintegration after the Vietnam War . His vision gave Beyond the Yellow Ribbon three main areas of focus: Yellow Ribbon Training for Servicemembers and their families; the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign and Wellness Programs for Servicemembers and their families .

What is Beyond the Yellow Ribbon?As a comprehensive program Beyond the Yellow Ribbon creates awareness for the purpose of connecting Servicemembers and their families with community support, training, services and resources by:

• Creating awareness through the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign and synchronizing sustainable community support networks

• Connecting and coordinating organizations, agencies, and companies to provide resources and support to Servicemembers and their families

• Delivering a series of formal Yellow Ribbon Training events to Servicemembers and their families before, during and after deployment

• Providing an opportunity for Minnesotans to support Servicemembers and their families

Introduction to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s

Deployment Cycle Support

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The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program facilitates continuous support of Servicemember and family education and awareness using:

• Pre-deployment Family Readiness Planning Conferences and Family Preparation Academies

• Deployment support in the form of Family Reintegration Academies and advanced Family Readiness Groups (FRG) and Family Assistance Center (FAC) training

• Reintegration Training consisting of Initial, 30-Day, 60-Day, 90-Day and One Year events for Servicemembers (family training is included in the 30-Day and 60-Day events)

• Many additional resources and programs (like the Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat, Youth Camps and Youth Retreats) are available to Servicemembers and families

PLANNING FOR SUCCESS

How do you view your deployment? Do you see it as an endless separation from “real” life where progress amounts to little more than marking days off the calendar? Or do you see it as a rare opportunity to achieve goals that will give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction?

Setting deployment goals is an excellent way to gain a sense of control over your life . Achieving those goals builds resiliency and value, whether you are the Servicemember who is away or the family member who is waiting at home .

The key to effective goal setting is to develop SMART goals, goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely .

Consider setting goals that relate to six categories: 1 . Finances 2 . Relationship development 3 . Professional/Education 4 . Fitness

5 . Personal interest 6 . Spiritual development

Develop an action plan for those goals and create a monthly tracking chart to measure your progress . While you are achieving your goals, don’t forget to plan for a celebration to reward your success!

Creating and achieving goals not only allows you to bring a personal, relevant focus to your deployment, it will also enhance your career and your life . Simply put, it works . Does finishing up a deployment with more money in your bank account, better physical fitness, more credits toward your diploma, closer relationships with significant others, a stronger faith and a new hobby or personal interest sound appealing to you? You can make the deployment experience work for you . The choice is yours to make .

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR DEPLOYMENT

A military deployment can be especially difficult for children . They may feel a sense of loss or abandonment that they find difficult to express . It’s important to keep an open line of communication with them, answer their questions and offer reassurance .

How your children react to deployment depends on their age, personality and their past deployment experience . The American Academy of Child Psychiatry, in conjunction with a prominent child psychologist, offer these recommendations: • Don’t minimize your child’s fears and concerns • Make absolutely sure your children know why you are

leaving• Don’t be closed-mouthed about your own feelings• Children know when you not telling them the whole truth• Stay connected

Planning For Success ForYou & Your Family


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HELPING CHILDREN THROUGH A DEPLOYMENTParents can help children understand and accept separation and their feelings about it by planning ahead, anticipating problems, and discussing them with the entire family .

Before the SeparationThe pre-family separation period is stressful for parents and children . 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 . Children are not very good at expressing fears and feelings in words . Anger and a desire for revenge, as well as guilt for feeling that way, are often demonstrated in the child’s behavior . Change is puzzling to children . They want everything to remain the same . When changes occur, children usually have no other way to release anxieties, and nowhere to go for help . At a time when the separated spouse’s responsibility to the military becomes more demanding of their time and energy, the remaining spouse may feel overwhelmed, as they prepare to solely support the children and home .

Releiving StressCommunicate with your child; talk to your children about the assignment or deployment before it happens . Communicate your thoughts and feelings about the separation . Be open and honest . Some parents worry that advance warning will only give the child more time to fret . However, children can sense when something is about to happen and worry more when they are left in the dark . Knowing about the assignment or deployment in advance helps in adjusting to the idea .

Build on Your Emotional BondThe departing parent needs to spend some quality time with each child before they leave . Younger children (under 8) will be willing to accept a half hour of face-to-face communication . Don’t be afraid to hug your child . A display of affection is powerful communication . Older children (8 and over) appreciate being consulted when deciding how long and where this “special” time together can occur . Use this time to share pride in your work, your unit and the purpose for your assignment or deployment . Children of school age are beginning to understand that some events must happen for the good of everyone . It is a little easier to let go if mom or dad’s job is seen as essential to the mission of the military .

Often when asked if something is bothering them, a child will say “no .” But there are ways to get through . Make some casual reference to your own worries or ambivalent feelings about the

impending assignment or deployment, something that enables parent and child to share similar feelings . It also helps a child to realize their parent is a real person who can cry as well as laugh, and it models an appropriate way to release feelings-- talk about them .

Visit Your Child’s Teacher Frequently children react to the assignment or deployment by misbehaving in class or performing poorly in their studies . A teacher who is aware of the situation is in a better position to be sensitive and encouraging . Consider filling out the generic letter announcing a deployment to a teacher in the workbook in order to have better communication about your child during the deployment .

Show Them Your WorkplaceVery young children need to see where mom or dad eats, sleeps, and spends some of their day when away from home . You can do this through pictures or videos . This provides them with a concrete image of where the parent is when they can’t come home . Older children can learn a great deal from the parent about the function of his or her job, the sophisticated technology, interdependence of each division of the military with the other and of course, career direction, (statistics indicate that about 30% of our present day military personnel were raised in a military family) .

Plan on CommunicatingExpect children to stay in touch with the departed spouse . A lively discussion needs to take place before departure . Encourage children to brainstorm the many ways communication can occur in addition to letter writing, such as cassette tape exchanges, photographs with their parents, encoded messages, “puzzle messages” (a written letter cut into puzzle parts that must be assembled in order to read), unusual papers for stationery and pictures drawn by preschoolers .

Plan for the DepartureWhile the spouse is packing their bags, allow your children to assist you in some way . Suggest a “swap” of some token, something of your child’s that can be packed in a duffel bag in return for something that belongs to the departing spouse . Discuss the household chores and let your children choose (as much as possible) the ones they would rather do . Mother and father need to agree with each other that division of household chores is reasonable . The role of disciplinarian needs to be supported by the departing member .

During the SeparationParenting while away from home is not easy . The most important aspect of parenting from a distance is making

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those small efforts to stay in touch . Doing something to say the parent is thinking about and missing the child is what is most important . Some separated parents find it so emotionally difficult they withdraw and become significantly less involved in the lives of their children while they are apart . This, of course, is not good either for the parent or the children, not to mention the difficulty it causes the parent/ caregiver who is at home alone .

Practical suggestions to help keep the absentee parent involved:Letters and cards from mom or dad are important . The length and contents are not nearly as important as the presence of something in the mail from the absent parent . When sending picture post cards, make little notes about the place or write that you stood right here “x” in the picture . Any small thing that makes the card personal will have tremendous meaning to children at home .

Cut out and send things from the local paper or magazines . This is a tangible way to help them feel connected and give them an idea of what life is like there .

For older children, a subscription to a favorite magazine is a gift that keeps on giving .

Use a tape recorder or video camera to sing “Happy Birthday,” tell a story, read scripture, take it with you on your job or when visiting with other members of your unit . Make sure you describe the surroundings, the time of day, and what you are doing, etc .

Try not to forget birthdays and special holidays that would be important to a child, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day .

Try to schedule phone calls when children are likely to be at home . Keep a mental list of things you want to talk about with each child, such as their friends, school, ball games, etc . Ask each child to send you something from the activities they are involved in at school, home or outside activities like dance lessons, youth groups or scouts .

Send an age appropriate gift for each child . It should be something special just for them . Some interesting and creative gifts include a special notebook for school, a book for coloring or reading, or something unique from where you are stationed .

Tips for the Parent/Caregiver Left BehindIt is very possible you will admit feelings of sadness, self-doubt, fear, or loneliness to your spouse and children . Most

parents will agree that these are acceptable risks, and the feelings revealed are much easier to deal with when they can be expressed within the comfort and security of the family .

Give children a method of measuring the passage of time . Families use such techniques as a ceremonial crossing-off of each day on a calendar as it passes, or of tearing a link off a paper chain consisting of the number of days or weeks the departed spouse will be away .

Make sure the departed spouse stays well informed . Do not make the mistake of depriving your spouse of knowledge of what is happening at home, or the way things are being handled, out of fear of “distracting” or “worrying” him or her on the job . (One parent was “spared” the knowledge that his or her son had to be hospitalized for emergency surgery) .

Be responsible for all disciplining . Do not fall into the trap of using “Just wait until your father or mother gets home” as the ultimate threat . How can a child be expected to greet a parent with joy and affection when that parent’s arrival has been held over their head for months as the ultimate punisher?

There are times that you need to be a little selfish . But, don’t think of it that way . When you find ways to take care of yourself during the deployment, you are actually being a good steward of your resources - and the greatest resource you have is YOU and your physical, emotional, and spiritual health .

Take time out for yourself . Be a bit selfish . Find things fun to do . Attend a college course you have always wanted to take .

Stay healthy – exercise, eat right, and learn how to deal with stress and the conflict that comes from a separation .

Stay positive – There are many negative things involved in deployment . Spend time with positive friends and get together with other Guard spouses and other loved ones .

After the SeparationReconnecting: Take Time For Yourself.Tell your story . Talk . What you’ve done is so huge, and something that very few have done . You’re a part of history no matter what your job was, your contribution was important . Now that you’re home, you’re still important . Value yourself and your family . Take advantage of all you have learned and experienced . Keep in mind you have been away and changed, as have your family and friends . If you are having challenges making the adjustment from warrior to citizen find someone to talk to . Tell your story and learn from your experience . Find ways to manage stress—diet, exercise, recreation—and

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definitely take care of yourself!

Make time to rest . Negotiate the number of social events to attend . Limit your use of alcohol . Remember alcohol was restricted during your deployment and your tolerance is lowered . Depend on family, your unit, and friends for support .

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

Go slow! It takes time to reconnect . Be patient and be flexible .

Listen, learn and let go! Listen to your partner’s experience . Learn how they’ve been living life while you were separated . Let go of your expectations of how they should have behaved, what they should have done and accept the person they have become .

Time, time, time! Make your Spouse/significant other your priority . Time spent with them is an investment in your future .

Learn the new routine . Your partner probably developed a new way of life while you were gone . Learn their routine and negotiate new routines based upon the changes that have occurred .

Celebrate! Both the Servicemember and the family have endured a marathon . Celebrate each other’s victories and let them know you are proud .

Fight fairly and resolve conflict! Do not get discouraged about having disagreements . Most people go through an adjustment process because change does not come easily . Work the conflict through to a healthy resolution . If you need support to continue your relationship, reach out for it .

Attend a Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat if you are married .

Invest in your relationship . There are many things a couple can learn from taking advantage of an outside resource . A counselor and/or chaplain can help improve communication, resolve conflict, assist with parenting skills, etc . Don’t feel that seeking marriage counseling means that the relationship is in trouble . Instead it means you’re making an investment .

STRONG BONDS MARRIAGE RETREATSStrong Bonds Marriage Retreats provided by the State

Chaplain’s Office, are equipping married couples with the tools needed to successfully grow through the stress and strains of

deployment. The retreats are a free, educational and practical opportunity to learn what works in marriage and what

continues to make marriages last. The weekend retreats can be completed in lieu of a drill weekend and are held at first-rate

Minnesota hotels.

Strong Bonds retreats use a straightforward approach to focus on communication skills; engaging you in special discussions

and practicing communication skills. The workshop and material teach couples skills to nurture a lasting love.

Key topics include communication, expectations, problem solving, commitment, forgiveness, friendship and sensuality. Strong Bonds is not therapy and there are no “encounter” groups or sharing of personal concerns. It is a no-pressure

approach.

By attending a retreat you and your spouse will:• Learn the secrets of keeping busy lifestyles from crowding

out the fun in your relationship • Learn the danger signs that can lead to marital discord

• Discover how to express your concerns constructively and how to examine hidden issues

Strong Bonds increases family readiness by cultivating family wellness.

For more information visit: www.StrongBonds.orgor call 651-282-4287

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR PARENTSIt’s likely that your parents felt isolated and concerned for your safety while you were deployed . They want to reconnect with you, try these tips:

Negotiate new roles/responsibilities . Your parents may want you to be the way you were before you left . That isn’t possible, we change daily based on experiences . Parents may want to resume their role as “care giver” which is probably not what the Servicemember desires . Let them grow to understand the person you have become .

Share with them what is appropriate. Do not shut your parents out of your life . Share what you can with them about your deployment . Let them know your plans and your whereabouts . If you have younger siblings . Be respectful of your parents’

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rules for them and be aware that you are a role model for your siblings, whether you want to be or not . Remember, your military ‘language’ may not be appropriate .

Celebrate! Realize your parents sacrificed a lot while you were gone . They worried about you and supported you . Celebrate their accomplishments and thank them for their support . Let them be proud of you .

Anticipate . Your parents may want to celebrate your return and want to reconnect you with your relatives and their friends . This may be overwhelming for you . Make your parents aware of what you are comfortable with and ‘negotiate’ to a “win” for all .

Participate in a military family event together .

PARENT CLASSESA new pilot program began in Minnesota in 2011. After

Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Skills Training (ADAPT) is an educational program for military parents of children between

the ages of 5-12 that runs for 14 weeks.

Participants will learn how to cope with the stressors of deployments, how to re-adjust to changes in routines after

deployment and help parents align to provide encouragement and appropriate discipline.

We do not know the long-term impact of a parent’s deployment

on children but they are undoubtedly affected. Through ADAPT you have the opportunity to not only understand how your children are affected but to take action which increases

the resiliency of your youth.”

For more information, visit www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org and click on Family & Wellness.

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILDREN

Learn all you can about your child’s life while you were gone . Let them share pictures, crafts, stories and memories .

Accept that you have missed some family events . You will never get those opportunities back to attend those events .

Be patient with your child and yourself . It is normal for children to feel anger towards a parent who has been gone . Talk to your child, build trust, and love your child . It will take time to reconnect and rebuild trust . Frustration, as a parent, is normal . Violence and verbal abuse is never acceptable .

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth are celebrated for their important role in the military family. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon youth programs include numerous camps and retreats available for a variety of age groups. They provide opportunities for youth to participate

in activities that teach life skills while helping them cope and connect with peers.

Visit www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org/ and click on “Family & Wellness” for camp and retreat info and registration forms.

Negotiate your role as a parent . While you were gone, your spouse or your child’s guardian took the place as a parent . You can’t take over all at once . Work your way back into the parent role…one step at a time . Respect what was done while you were gone .

Remember your child is not a Servicemember! Learn the developmental stage your child is in and use age-appropriate parenting techniques . ‘One size doesn’t fit all .’ Your child is unique, so parent uniquely .

Accept guidance from your spouse or your child’s guardian . After being deployed for more than a year, you may need to retrain . Listen to the person with the most experience with your child .

Take a parenting class with your child . You learned to become a warrior; you can learn to become a better parent . Your local school district will have information on parenting classes . Sign up and invest in your child’s future .

Enroll your child/children into a military youth camp or retreat that will let them learn about your experiences and your military duties .

COPING WITH RELATIONSHIP LOSS

Many Servicemembers and families experience loss throughout the deployment cycle . This includes death of a loved one, separation from close friends, the end of a relationship or divorce . Whenever a significant relationship ends the people involved need to be allowed to grieve .

There are many different feelings associated with an end to a relationship, especially divorce, some of the most common are:• Numbness: the sense that none of this is real• Expecting your “ex” to come back• A sense of anger and/or injustice• Feelings of emptiness, loneliness, or despair• Lack of focus or trouble concentratingCoping with a divorce or a lost loved one is challenging but

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when it is during or immediately following a deployment it can be very difficult . Some things that you can do to help throughout this time are:• Allow yourself to grieve• Think about what helped you with other losses in your life• Let friends and family know how they can help• Take care of yourself• Look for healthy ways to express your feelings

Follow your own emotional timetable through a variety of means:• Celebrate the memories• Make major changes slowly• Talk about it!

When children are involved in a divorce situation, there are some specific things to think about and rules to follow:• Jointly tell them about your decision to separate/divorce• Don’t substitute gifts for time and attention• Refrain from using your children as messengers between

parents• Support relationships with both extended families• Allow your child to communicate openly• Find additional support for your child if needed

(counselor, support group, etc .)• Don’t argue with your spouse in front of the childrenSupport with life’s challenges is available to military members

and their families . The support is free and having a non-judgmental third party maybe exactly what you need . You can also meet with your chaplain or a mental health resource/professional to discuss further assessment and/or treatment .

SINGLE SERVICEMEMBERS

As a Servicemember who is just coming home, you are probably both excited and nervous about the homecoming . You‘ve certainly missed your family and friends, and they have missed you . Let them be a part of the reunion but balance your needs . You will have a period of readjustment when you return home . Some things will have changed at home while you were gone . You may have to accept marriage in your family or with friends, new babies born, new neighbors or changes in relationships . Changes in the household or routine may be stressful . Go slowly in trying to make the adjustment to being home again . Your parents and family may have been very worried about you . Give them time and special attention . You may experience a change in job assignment or move, trying to meet new people or looking for a new relationship . Look at your goals and plans for achieving them, take action and don’t allow yourself to become isolated .

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FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS

Family Assistance Centers (FACs) are geographically dispersed throughout Minnesota to offer resources, referrals and confidential support to all Servicemembers and family members . The FAC staff is connected to your communities and the military units in the surrounding area . They understand that asking for support is difficult for military families; they also know that challenges occur that require outside support . No matter what the challenge or question, the FAC supports military families .

WHAT CAN A FAC PROVIDE?• Information on the Military Family Care Initiative• Connections for support within the community• Basic information on military legal or pay• Referrals for financial counseling and applications for Minnesota Military Family Foundation grants• Referrals for home maintenance• Official information regarding the unit’s deployment• Basic information on TRICARE health benefits• Information on child and youth activities• Resources for parents• Connections to local Yellow Ribbon Networks• 100% confidentiality• And much more!

Minnesota National Guard Family Assistance Centers (FACs) offer one stop assistance and referral support for individual families . There are many operational FACs located throughout Minnesota:

FAC CONTACT INFORMATIONState Family Programs Office8180 Belden Blvd .Cottage Grove, MN 55016651-268-8200

Bemidji1430 23rd St . NWBemidji, MN 56601651-282-4031

Brooklyn Park5500 85th Ave . N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443651-282-4055

Camp Ripley15000 Hwy . 115, Bldg . 15-1Little Falls, MN 56345320-616-3117

Family Programs


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Detroit Lakes 915 Lake Ave .Detroit Lakes, MN 56501218-844-1721

Duluth 4015 Airpark Blvd .Duluth, MN 55811218-723-4852

Mankato 100 Martin Luther King Jr . Dr .Mankato, MN 56001651-268-8413

Marshall 500 Timmerman Dr .Marshall, MN 56258651-268-8475

Rochester 1715 Marion Rd SERochester MN 55904651-268-8587

Rosemount 13865 S . Robert TrailRosemount, MN 55068651-282-4748

St. Cloud 1710 8th St . NSt . Cloud, MN 56303320-255-2454

Stillwater 107 E . Chestnut St .Stillwater, MN 55082651-282-4138

133rd Airlift Wing ~ Air National Guard 631 Minuteman Dr . St Paul, MN 55111 612-713-2367

148th Fighter Wing ~ Air National Guard 4680 Viper St . Duluth, MN 55811 218-788-7833

934th Airlift Wing ~ Air Force Reserve 760 Military Hwy . Bldg 727Minneapolis, MN 55450 800-231-3577

For more information visit,www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.

FAMILY READINESS GROUPS

Your unit Family Readiness Group (FRG) is a formally recognized and chartered volunteer group of unit family members and loved ones supported by unit officers and enlisted personnel . The group provides information and support for families and members of the unit, especially during periods of separation . Knowing that the FRG is there for support when the Servicemember is away can be a big relief .

Anyone with a connection to the unit is welcome to be a part of the FRG: Spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, friends, significant others, aunts, uncles, etc . Your level of involvement is strictly up to you depending upon your personal interests, time and commitment .

WHAT DO FAMILY READINESS GROUPS DO?• Serve as a point of contact for families throughout the

deployment cycle • A communication network to get information to families

quickly, consisting of email information letters, a “telephone tree,” and a website

• Outreach programs for families that have little knowledge about benefits

• Organize social activities to relieve stress of everyday life and encourage bonding among families and others significant to the Servicemembers

• Training to help families deal with deployment and separation

• Support groups for spouses, parents, children and other loved ones

• Fosters increased levels of cohesion, confidence, and commitment between the chain of command, Servicemembers and family members

A Servicemember’s unit can be your strongest information and support resource for parenting, employer challenges, coping with separations and experiencing homecomings and reunions .

FAMILY READINESS SUPPORT ASSISTANTS Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) serve as an assistant to Battalion and higher level Commanders, ensuring that Servicemembers and families are entitled, informed,

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educated, assisted, and made ready for the unique demands of military life before, during, and after deployment .

They work with Commanders to bridge a gap between the FRG Leaders and the units, ensuring that the Commander’s Family Readiness Plan is carried out .

The FRSA is not the first person for families or Servicemembers to call, however they are the conduit between the FRG and the unit .

VIRTUAL FRG WEBSITE The Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) website is a secure site available to MNNG Servicemembers and their

family members. It is a tool to access documents, view photos/videos, participate in forums, all customized to a specific unit.

To subscribe to a unit’s vFRG site as a family member, follow these four easy steps:

Go to: www.armyfrg.org

1. Click the “Find an FRG” button. 2. Select your FRG’s location.

3. Click on your FRG’s name from the list. 4. Enter your information and your

Servicemember’s information.

Family Readiness Support Assistants1/34 BCT: Bloomington 651-788-1545 34th ID: Inver Grove Heights 612-281-055234th CAB: St . Paul 612-961-2568347th RSG: Roseville 651-308-90582-135 IN: Mankato 651-261-99112-136 IN (CAB): Detroit Lakes 218-329-18781-94 CAV: Duluth 612-963-53601-194: Brainerd 651-253-008584th TC: Montevideo 651-252-78271-125 FA: New Ulm 507-276-6798

YOUTH PROGRAMS

OPERATION MILITARY KIDS (OMK)OMK is the U .S . Army’s collaborative effort with America’s communities to support children and youth impacted by deployment . Regardless of whether families are experiencing deployment for the first time, the second time or another in a series of multiple deployments, OMK’s goal is to connect military children and youth with local resources in order to achieve a sense of community support and enhance their well-being .

Through a network of National, State and Local Partners, OMK provides access to youth programs and support services where military children live . OMK Partners organize special events, provide transportation to military kids to sporting events or other extracurricular activities and participate in the Hero Pack initiative . In addition, as part of the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project, OMK is a vital part of supporting the Army Family Covenant, the Army Community Covenant and the Army Soldier Family Action Plan .

SPEAK OUT FOR MILITARY KIDS (SOMK)SOMK is a community service opportunity for OMK State Teams to train military and non-military youth to establish Speakers Bureaus to advocate for military-connected youth affected by deployment . The expected outcomes for SOMK are: • Raise community awareness of issues faced by

geographically dispersed military children and youth• Foster community support for the sacrifices military

Families make• Youth acquire knowledge and skills in developing creative

and informative presentations using a variety of different media

• Youth gain leadership, research, organization and public speaking skills

There are many camps and retreats for youth and even families. A complete description of camps, dates and qualifications

and registration information is available at www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org.

YOUTH SUPPORT GRANTS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHILD CARE RESOURCES & REFERRAL AGENCY (NACCRRA) NACCRA provides child care fee assistance for National Guard and Reserve who are activated or deployed and whose children are enrolled in non-DOD licensed childcare programs .

How it helps • Help locating licensed child care options in your

community • Reduced child care fees, through a subsidy • Eligible to participate during the period of the

Servicemember’s deployment period and for 60 days after the return of the Servicemember

• Provide a subsidy for 60 days while a non-military spouse is looking for work

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You can register for NACCRA at,www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org, click on Family & Wellness .

CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND & REFERRAL (CCR&R)CCR&R assists in finding Military Families monthly Respite Care . State licensed providers volunteer 2-4 hours twice monthly for FREE childcare and located throughout the state . Find the representative for your area www .MNChildCare .org to take advantage of this program .

MN PROJECT BACKPACKProvides free backpacks of school supplies for K-12 students.

Visit mnveteranfamilysupport.org for more information.

FREE SAT/ACT PREP PACKAGESProvides free SAT/ACT preparatory courses for all active duty

and retired Servicemembers and their dependents. Visit www.eknowledge.com/military for more information

OUR MILITARY KIDSOur Military Kids is an organization whose purpose is to supply the families of deployed Servicemembers with funding so that they can either start or continue extracurricular activities while parents are deployed . The grant is in the amount of $500 and covers youth sports, fine arts, and tutorial programs, as well as activities such as beauty pageants and school trips . This is for youth ages three to 18 whose parents are deployed members of the National Guard or the Reserves . Each child is eligible for one $500 grant and if the deployment is for year or longer, each child is eligible for two grants .

To apply visit www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org and click on the family & wellness tab or call 703-734-6654 .

EDUCATOR RESOURCESThe Beyond the Yellow Ribbon team, along with the Minnesota

Department of Education, provides resources for educators to assist them in supporting their military students and their

families.

For more information on Youth Programs and Educator resources, contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Youth Programs

at, [email protected].

DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELIGIBILTY SYSTEM (DEERS)

If you are a Servicemember, retiree, or dependent, DEERS registration is the key to getting your TRICARE benefits

eligibility established . DEERS is a computerized database of military sponsors, families and others worldwide who are entitled under the law to TRICARE benefits . All newborns must be added into DEERS as soon as possible or they will fall off of TRICARE after 90 days .

DEERS LOCATIONSCamp Ripley, MN (MN ARNG) 320-616-2728Detroit Lakes, MN (MN ARNG) 218-847-1517Duluth, MN (MN ANG) 218-788-7212Fargo, ND (USNR) 701-232-3689Fargo, ND (MEPS) 701-451-2244Fort Snelling, MN (USAR) 612-713-3202Grand Folks, ND (USAF) 701-747-4902La Crosse, WI (WI ARNG) 608-788-2565Mankato, MN (MN ARNG) 507-389-6219Minneapolis, MN (MN ANG) 612-713-2043Minneapolis, MN (USAFR) 612-713-1507/1085Montevideo, MN (MN ARNG) 320-268-9284Rosemount, MN (MN ARNG) 651-282-4925Sioux Falls, SD (SD ANG) 605-988-5845Sioux Falls, SD (USNR) 605-336-2402Sioux Falls, SD (USAR) 605-977-2900/2911St. Cloud, MN (USAR) 320-268-8755St. Paul, MN (MN ARNG) 651-282-4579Watertown, SD (SD ARNG) 605-882-9330

MILITARY FAMILY LEAVE PROVISIONS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)

Certain employees whose family members are in the military are eligible for special rights and benefits under FMLA .

If a military Servicemember is your:• Husband/Wife• Son/Daughter• Father/Mother

And your job meets the following guidelines:• You have worked at least 1,250 hours in the last 12 months

(about 24-25 hours/week)• You have worked for your employer for at least 12 months• Your employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles

You are eligible for:Special leave consideration when your military family member is called to active duty . With the exception of military caregiver leave, employees are entitled to up to 12 workweeks of FMLA leave when a family member is called to active duty .

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Some of the reasons you may take FMLA leave during your loved one’s deployment:• Attending military-sponsored functions (such as “Yellow

Ribbon” events)• Arranging for alternative childcare• Taking up to five days of leave during the military

member’s leave• Military caregiver leave (see below)

Military Caregiver Leave is taken by an eligible employee to care for a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty . Eligible employees may take up to 26 workweeks during a single 12-month period for military caregiver leave .

You must notify your employer whenever you intend to take FMLA leave . Open communication with your employer is key to maintaining a good relationship and avoiding problems . For more information about this law, contact the US Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division offices at 612-370-3341 or visiting their website www .dol .gov/whd/fmla .

MINNESOTA STATE LAWS REGARDING FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY

Minnesota law covers all military family members (spouses, parents and children), but does not offer as many benefits and rights . Minnesota law requires all employers to allow family members of the military unpaid leave to attend:• Departure or return ceremonies• Family training or readiness events sponsored by the military• Events held as part of official military reintegration programs (“Yellow Ribbon Training”)

This type of leave may not exceed two consecutive days and a total of six days in a calendar year . Your employer may not require you to use accumulated but unused vacation for this type of leave .

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PREPARING YOUR FAMILY FOR YOUR SERVICEMEMBER’S LEAVE

During a deployment, every Servicemember is authorized to take military leave . This is an exciting reunion, but because the Servicemember’s leave is very short, this can also be a very stressful period . How can you and your family prepare for leave?

CONSIDERATIONS• Discuss leave plans prior to making arrangements• Remain flexible; flight schedules in and out of theater often

vary due to weather and mission requirements - this may cause dates to change

• Leave may add additional stress to family- especially the children

• The Servicemember may not want to take leave or may feel pressure to take leave at home

• The Servicemember may worry about those left behind• Leave might be neither restful nor relaxing

PLANNING FOR LEAVE• Communicate expectations prior to arrival• Look at the time you spend with your Servicemember as a

vacation and plan accordingly • Realize it’s okay to spend time without each other• It’s okay to say no to social engagements• Realize that everyone will have different emotions, that’s

okay• Ensure both the Servicemember and spouse have a passport

if leave will be outside the US DURING LEAVE• Make time to have unhurried, from the heart conversations

with significant others• Find ways to create happy memories• Practice patience• Stick to your budget

• Try not to do too much• Avoid “honey-do lists”• Don’t make major changes in routine

FOLLOWING LEAVE• Expect behavioral changes in youth• Expect to feel anger, sadness, relief, etc . • Continue to use positive self-care and coping skills• Re-implement your long distance communication plan

When Your Servicemember is on

Military Leave

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Being prepared for emergencies makes sense . The following topics and information will give you an understanding of military notification procedures for both Servicemembers and family members .

IMPORTANCE OF THE DD93: RECORD OF EMERGENCY DATA

At different times in your loved one’s military career he or she has been given the opportunity to make choices with regard to notification of next-of-kin, payment of death gratuity, unpaid pay and allowances, and disposition of remains in the event he or she become a casualty . The Department of Defense Form 93 captures this information . The Department of Defense is required to follow applicable laws and the instructions of your loved one with regard to these benefits and entitlements .

A conversation between the Servicemember, their spouse and parents, and those designated on the DD 93, is recommended so that all intentions of the Servicemember are understood and the information furnished to the military is correct . You will find a copy of the DD 93 in the workbook .

RED CROSS NOTIFICATION

When a military family experiences a crisis, the American Red Cross is there to help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year . The Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to Servicemembers stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea, at embassies and remote locations .

Red Cross emergency communication services keep military personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, the birth of a Servicemember’s child or grandchild or when a family faces other emergencies .

Wherever their military service takes them, he or she knows that the Red Cross will deliver notification in times of an

emergency at home . Even if the Servicemember receives an e-mail or phone call from home, Red Cross-verified information assists commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave . Without this verification, the Servicemember may not be able to come home during a family crisis .

Contact the Red Cross for Assistance by calling (877) 272-7337 if you are in the U .S . or visit www .RedCross .org to find your local Red Cross chapter .

The Red Cross will need information to verify your emergency! Help is there if you have to make a Red Cross call, your local

FAC can assist or even place the call for you.

SERVICEMEMBER INjURY OR ILLNESS Although safety is a primary concern, a Servicemember can still get an injury or illness . A military notification process to the family will take place with serious incidents, in the instance of minor injuries or illness it’s possible the Servicemember will make calls home to inform family members .

If the Servicemember is more seriously wounded or ill, the Servicemembers rear-detachment Officer in Charge (OIC) will call the Primary Next of Kin (PNOK), as identified on the DD93 . This is normally the spouse for married Servicemembers and the parents for unmarried Servicemembers . The following process will occur with the PNOK:

• The Rear-detachment OIC will receive the report of a wounded, injured, or seriously ill Servicemember

• Rear-detachment OIC will notify the PNOK telephonically• Servicemember will be assigned a Case Manager at the

Military Treatment Facility (MTF) if they are returned to a MTF in the United States (ie: Walter Reed, Fort Sam Houston, etc .), this Case Manager will assist the family with questions and updates on Servicemember condition

Emergency Readiness


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• Family travel to the MTF is not advised and will not be funded until the Case Manager gives approval and orders are issued

• The Rear-detachment OIC and FAC are the family’s best resources for support

MILITARY NOTIFICATION OF A DECEASED SERVICEMEMBER

When a Servicemember dies while on active duty the military takes great care in following Department of Defense policies and legal requirements, while giving utmost honor and respect to the family . In all death and missing cases, the PNOK is notified first in person, along with the Secondary Next of Kin (SNOK) and any other people listed on the DD93 .

A Casualty Notification Officer (CNO) will be assigned immediately and the PNOK and SNOK will be notified within 24 hours of the Servicemembers death, if the PNOK cannot be located, the Army Casualty & Mortuary Affairs Operations Center will determine when to notify the SNOK . The notification will take precedence over all other responsibilities the CNO has .

A Casualty Assistance Office (CAO) will immediately be designated and will contact the PNOK by phone to arrange for a personal visit, usually the next day . Services provided by the CAO include, but are not limited to, information and assistance concerning the return of remains and belongings, funeral/memorial services and filing for benefits and entitlements . The CAO will help ease the family through this difficult time and see that the deceased Servicemember receives all the honors he or she is entitled to .

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICESThe Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) coordinator will become

the long term support system when the Casualty Assistance Officer completes his or her duties. The SOS coordinator will

assist with benefits, grief and financial counseling, support groups/events and any other issues that arise for the surviving

family.

To find out more information or contact an SOS coordinator visit BeyondtheYellowRibbon.org

and click the Family & Wellness tab.

HOW TO BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME

Talking about the worst case scenarios can be difficult, but can also bring comfort and relieve your mind of ‘what if’s’ during deployment . Taking care of business up front will allow you to focus on the daily joys of hearing from your loved one, exploring other opportunities for adventure and growth, and help you sleep better .

The following are important topics of discussion to have with your Servicemember before he or she deploys:• Wills• Trusts• Guardianship of dependent children • Designations on the DD 93 and SGLI• Other life insurance• Does someone have a Power of Attorney?• Special requests for funeral planning

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RECOVERING FROM INjURIES

If you believe you have a service related disability from a deployment while on Title 10 status, you should contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) . The CVSO can help you through the process of filing a VA disability claim . There is a Veteran’s Service Officer in each county in the state of Minnesota . See a complete contact list on page 39 .

“The nightmares of war don’t always end when our loved ones return home...Sometimes the deadliest wounds are the ones you cannot see, and we cannot afford

to let the unseen wounds go untreated.”

-PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA (2009)

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Every Servicemember desires to leave the demobilization station and return to the families and homes as soon as possible . Unfortunately, this process may cause a Servicemember reluctance in bringing up minor medical concerns . Remember that an untreated condition may worsen over time and; if an injury or illness occured while deployed, a line of duty (LOD) investigation is required to substantiate service connection and the military to pay associated medical bills .

LINE OF DUTY INVESTIGATIONS (LOD)

What is an LOD?LOD’s are essential for protecting the interest of both the individual concerned and the U .S . Government, where service is interrupted by injury, disease or death .

When do I need an LOD?LOD investigations are conducted to determine whether misconduct or negligence was involved in the disease, injury or death and, if so, to what degree . Depending on the circumstances of the case, an investigation may or may not

be required to make this determination . Investigations can be conducted informally by the chain of command where no misconduct or negligence is indicated, or formally where an investigating officer is appointed to conduct an investigation into suspected misconduct or negligence .

Who do I contact if I am injured?You need to let your First Line Leader (FLL) know you have been injured . Next your Unit Administrative NCO will need to be made aware of the situation so they can assist you with this process . They will inform you of what your rights are, help you fill out paperwork, and can answer any questions you have .

If I get an LOD does that mean I will be taken off my mission?LOD investigations and determinations are not intended to inhibit members from participating in normal activities . LOD investigations are only meant to document the injury and to look out for not only the Servicemembers best interests, but the military’s as well .

If I complete an LOD will I get a profile?Profiles depend on the severity of the injury or disease . If you have an injury that does not prohibit you from completing your everyday job or prohibit you in any way then no, you will not need a profile . If your injury or disease does prohibit your performance, then possibly . You would need to go through a Fit for Duty (FFD) process to determine a possible profile .

POST DEPLOYMENT HEALTH ASSESSMENT (PDHA)The PDHA will be completed within 30 days of leaving OCONUS or at the DEMOB site; the Post Deployment Health Re-Assessment (PDHRA) will be completed during your 90 day event .

If you have any deployment related health issues you must note them on your PDHA or PDHRA . You will then discuss your issues with a doctor . Make certain that you ask for a referral on the PDHA or PDHRA . This referral could allow you benefits

Taking Care of Your Health

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and access the VA medical system for your health concerns .

For PDHRA questions or concerns, please contact a Minnesota ARNG representative at 651-282-4086 .

If you have questions about a deployment related medical condition, contact a Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) at

[email protected]. They provide assistance to Servicemembers and their families in understanding and

obtaining benefits and services through Veterans Affairs and the military health system.

MENTAL WELLNESS

Every Servicemember and their family will probably experience adjustments associated with the transition back home . Most will be able to adjust and will be stronger from the experience, however a small percentage of Servicemembers will have complex challenges, such as combat stress, traumatic brain injury, or operational stress reaction . No matter how small or large the challenges appear, there are resources available . It takes strength to ask for support, strength that a Servicemember has .

Combat Stress results from changes in mental functioning or behavior due to the challenges of combat and its aftermath . These changes can be positive and adaptive (e .g ., increased confidence in self and peers), or they can be indications of distress or loss of normal functioning .

For more information on Mental Wellness, visit www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org . Click on the Family & Wellness tab to view the “Mental Wellness 2010 - PMCS your mind” video .

Many people turn to alcohol or other unhealthy substances to help ease stress . This form of self medicating will lead to other problems . Problematic drinking is one of the greatest challenges we face and it leads to deeper and greater challenges . If you or a loved one is concerned about use, seek resources sooner not later . If a Servicemember or family member needs support to address that they may have a problem there are many resources available . SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon utilizes Masters Level Licensed Clinical Counselors which include Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) and the Director of Psychological Health . They augment existing military services and work with families, individuals, couples, and children to provide nonmedical counseling services . Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Clinical Counselors offer short term, solution focused counseling, education, and referral .

ALCOHOL ABUSEWhen Servicemembers are deployed, their access to alcohol has been limited . They may feel the desire to party hard upon returning home . When you drink, have a battle plan to moderate your drinking! When is alcohol use abuse?• Is drinking making your home life unhappy?• Is a loved one concerned about your drinking?• Is drinking affecting your reputation?• Have you ever felt remorse after drinking? • Have you had financial difficulties as a result of drinking?• Does your drinking make you careless of your family’s

welfare?• Has your ambition decreased since drinking?• Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?• Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?• Do you drink alone or lie about your drinking?• Have you ever had a loss of memory as a result of

drinking?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, you may need to seek professional help call the MN State Prevenion Coordinator at 651-268-8909 .

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) AA is an organization with meetings in literally every city in the United States . It is dedicated to helping people stop drinking . Members are anonymous and only go by first names .

Your unit chaplain or leader may be able to help the Servicemember get enrolled . For more information, visit the AA web site at www .alcoholicsanonymous .org .

DRUG ABUSE

You may have experienced some “adrenaline highs” during your deployment . You should not allow yourself to replace those “highs” with drug abuse . Methamphetamine or “meth”, cocaine and crack cocaine are very dangerous .

Drug use is not only not tolerated in the military, but it is dangerous . If you or someone else suspects that you are addicted to drugs, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is dedicated to help people stop using . Please visit www .na .org for more information .

For more information visit www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org

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COMBAT STRESS

COMBAT OPERATIONAL STRESS (COS) Combat Operational Stress is characterized by acute and chronic stress faced by those who have experienced combat or other military activities such as training, deployment, peacekeeping, humanitarian missions, stability and reconstruction, and government support missions . Combat Operational Stress differs from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has specific methods that returning veterans need to know in order to adapt . Combat Operational Stress consists of potentially irreversible changes in the brain and mind due to combat or operational stress that exceeds the ability of the individual to adapt . Symptoms of stress injury are normally resolved over time as the injury heals, however, in some cases intervention may be needed to promote healing . Combat Operational Stress Injuries (COSIs) can be of three types:

1 . Traumatic stress injury2 . Fatigue stress injury3 . Grief

Many COSIs include components of more than one type of stress injury; since trauma, fatigue, and grief are not mutually exclusive . Servicemembers should seek professional support when dealing with prolonged stress symptoms after combat .

Combat Operational Stress Reaction (COSR)COSR is something all Servicemembers experience after combat . It consists of a broad group of physical, emotional, and mental reactions as a result of COS, which are considered normal reactions for high stress situations . Although you may feel uncomfortable or worried, it is natural and is not a cause for alarm .

Some common COSR reactions include:• Feeling detached from your family and friends• Not feeling comfortable in large crowds• Feeling worried, overwhelmed, depressed, irritable, and

frustrated• Loss of interest or motivation• Difficulty talking about what you experienced in combat• Feeling jumpy or easily startled

If COSR symptoms become more pronounced and start to interfere with your ability to complete daily activities, you might be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . If the reactions listed above last longer than six to eight weeks, then it is time to get professional support from a mental health counselor or medical professional .

Possible Combat Stress Symptoms

AngerIt is common for Servicemembers to feel some anger after returning home from a deployment . Anger is an important emotional tool for surviving in a combat operational environment . Some Servicemembers, however, may find it difficult to shift out of that high-intensity emotional response when returning home . Others experience anger when they begin to realize the extent of the changes that have occurred at home and in their community while they have been away . Regardless of the reason, intense, persistent anger can lead to aggression if it is uncontrolled .

Is your anger out of control? Ask yourself these questions:• Do I feel tense a lot of the time?• Do people often tell me to calm down?• Do minor troubles tend to annoy me more than they do

most people?• Do I still feel angry about things that happened to me in

the past?• Do I sometimes feel out of control and want to hit

something or someone?• Are my children, spouse, or friends ever afraid of me?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, chances are you could use some help in working through your anger . Taking a proactive attitude and seeking assistance in managing your anger will serve you far more than allowing it to become a destructive force in your life .

DepressionDeployment challenges and unmet expectations and adjustments after returning from a deployment can sometimes be overwhelming and discouraging . Even the most upbeat Servicemembers or family members can experience times of feeling down or “blue .”

If your depressed mood persists, however, it may require you to get additional help . Do you:• Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much?• Find it difficult to concentrate or to do simple tasks?• Have a loss of appetite or want to eat all the time?• Feel hopeless and helpless most of the time?• Have a poor self image?• Have thoughts that life is not worth living?

Answering yes to these questions may indicate that you are depressed and in need of additional support . The good news is that depression is very treatable . Psychotherapy, medication, and self-help techniques are all ways to ease depression . If you feel depressed, seek treatment from a health-care provider or

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a mental health professional . Eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and staying connected with supportive friends and family will help, too .

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)PTSD is a clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witness of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or violent personal assaults (rape) .

As time passes, most survivors of trauma return to their normal life style . However, some people will have stress reactions that do not go away, or may even worsen over time . These individuals may develop PTSD .

People who suffer from PTSD often relive the past event through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged . These symptoms can be severe and last over an extended period of time to significantly impair the person’s daily life .

Inability to SleepAfter a deployment, Servicemembers may have a hard time falling asleep, wake up frequently in the night or wake up in the morning feeling as if they didn’t sleep at all . There are tools, such as the “Chill Drills” series that can support you and ease your mind and stress levels . For more information visit www .militaryonesource .com .

Compulsive Disorders Gambling can be found in more places than just casinos . Even at the convenience store, lotto is a type of gambling . There are many online gambling sites as well . Not everyone who gambles has a gambling problem . If you are experiencing any of the following signs related to your desire to gamble, seek help .

Some warning signs of a gambling problem might include:• Looking for the “high” that comes from gambling• Increasing isolation from family and friends• Declining work performance• Neglecting basic needs like money for food and rent• Pressuring others for money as financial problems arise• Lying about how money is spent• Escaping to other excesses (alcohol, drugs, sleep)• Denying there is a problem• Borrowing/stealing money (credit cards) to gamble

Unintentional Injury / SafetySome Servicemembers, especially those returning from deployment, might have a “need for speed” and will engage in risky behaviors that could ultimately hurt them or others .

Attempting to channel that energy into positive activities is well-intentioned, but the bottom line is that some counseling from a professional might be in order .

IT TAKES STRENGTH TO ASK FOR HELPLife is full of challenges and sometimes Servicemembers or their families can find the challenges overwhelming. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call 1-888-LINKVET . It takes a strong

Servicemember to ask for help and asking for help is alright!

IDENTIFYING SUICIDAL TENDENCIES

If you or someone you love has any of the following warning signs you may need to seek professional support:

• Irritable and inappropriate disruptive behavior• Extreme emotional reactions to recent losses • Talks about suicide or not having purpose and value • Appears to be tired, tardy, demonstrates less energy for no

reason • Abuses drugs and/or alcohol• Deliberately injures him/herself

IF YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE HAS A SUICIDE PLAN CALL 911 AND FOLLOW THE STEPS OF ACE:


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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is violence that involves physical harm, (slapping, kicking, pushing, throwing things, sexual assault, threatening with a weapon) or emotional and verbal abuse . It may come from a person’s need to feel powerful and in control of another person’s behavior and actions .

If a Servicemember or family member believes that he/she is a victim of domestic violence, their first priority is to ensure that they are safe and remain safe . Networks of assistance are in place throughout the state that may provide shelter .

SEXUAL ASSAULT

All Servicemembers have the option and are encouraged to disclose a sexual assault or sexual harassment with complete confidentiality . The Minnesota National Guard will treat all victims of sexual assault with dignity, fairness, and respect . Every sexual assault or sexual harassment report will be taken very seriously by following proper guidelines .

The Minnesota National Guard has a full-time Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) who assists victims with medical care, counseling, and legal processes to overcome a sexual assault . Resources are available to victims who are either on- or off-duty at the time of the assault and their dependents . The SARC can be contacted 24/7 at 612-208-5299 .


TRAUMATIC BRAIN INjURY (TBI)

TBI (aka: concussion) is the damage caused by a brain-shaking event . It may occur at the time of a nearby blast, like an IED or VBIED . TBI can also be triggered by basic head injuries unrelated to combat action .

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Include (but may not present themselves immediately): • Blurry or double vision• Depression • Difficulty concentrating or thinking • Difficulty finding words or understanding the speech of

others • Dizziness • Headache • Loss of memory • Sleep difficulties (more or less sleep than pre-injury) • Tingling, numbness, pain, or other sensations • Sense of spinning (vertigo )

• Weakness in one or more limbs, facial muscles, or on an entire side of the body

The VA Medical Center in Minneapolis is one of the premiere medical institutions on TBI . A medical examination is recommended for TBI symptoms . TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

TB is a potentially severe contagious disease that is spread from person to person through the air . The TB germs may spray into the air if a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sneezes . Anyone nearby can breathe TB germs into their lungs .

At your 90-Day Reintegration event, you will receive a TB tine test . If you test positive for TB, you will be directed by the State Surgeon’s office on what directives to follow .

LEISHMANIASIS

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies . The most common forms are cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores, and visceral leishmaniasis, which affects some of the internal organs of the body, (spleen, liver, bone marrow) .

CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASISPeople who have cutaneous leishmaniasis have one or more sores on their skin . The sores can change in size and appearance over time . They often end up looking somewhat like a volcano, with a raised edge and central crater .

VISCERAL LEISHMANIASISPeople who have visceral leishmaniasis usually have fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver (usually the spleen is bigger than the liver) . Some patients have swollen glands . Certain blood tests are abnormal .

TREATMENTIf you suspect you are infected with leishmaniasis, consult a physician . There are treatments available for leishmaniasis . You will need to inform your physician that you were in a combat zone known to have leishmanisis . They may need to call the Center for Disease Control to obtain information on treatment .

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Benefits

FEDERAL BENEFITS

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSThe Department of Veterans Affairs, which is commonly referred to as the VA, is a federal agency divided into three branches, each with their own distinct operations . They are the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) .

Veterans Health Administration (VHA)The VHA provides a full range of healthcare for veterans, to include prescription, surgery, counseling, and rehabilitation .

New combat veterans are eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for any illness potentially related to their service in the combat theater . Servicemembers may take advantage of this benefit for a TWO YEAR period following separation from military service, even if there is insufficient medical evidence to conclude that conditions are attributable to such service .

Dental ExamServicemembers are eligible for a free dental exam through the VA Medical System . You need to apply for the dental exam at your nearest VA Hospital WITHIN 180 DAYS of de-mobilization to be eligible for the free dental exam and any necessary treatment . Once you have applied for the dental exam, you will be contacted by the VA to receive your exam and necessary treatmnet .

Women’s ProgramsThe VA provides specialized physical and mental wellness programs for women veterans . The Minneapolis Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Center (WVCHC) is a flagship program for the treatment of female veterans . An interdisciplinary clinic with staff members from Internal Medicine, Surgery, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, Dietetics, and Medical Administration provides comprehensive care for women veterans .

Women Veterans Coordinators are available at all VA facilities to assist women seeking treatment and benefits . VA medical centers have made many structural changes to ensure privacy for women veterans . For more information ask to be connected to the Women Veterans Coordinator .

The VA Medical Centers that service the surrounding area:VA Medical Center, Minneapolis: 612-725-2000VA Medical Center, Saint Cloud: 320-252-1670VA Medical Center, Sioux Falls: 605-336-3230VA Medical Center, Fargo: 701-232-3241Online: www .va .gov/health

VET CENTERSVet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone . Services are also available for their family members for military related issues . Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family . The Vet Centers are located in the community, outside of the larger medical facilities .

Vet Centers that service the surrounding area:Duluth Vet Center: 218-722-8654Saint Paul Vet Center: 651-644-4022Fargo Vet Center: 701-237-0942Sioux Falls Vet Center: 605-330-4552For more information: 800-905-4675 VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION (VBA)The VBA administers federal benefit programs . The programs include, Disability Compensation, Life Insurance Benefits, Home Benefits, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits . Disability CompensationDisability Compensation helps veterans with conditions resulting from their military service . Veterans receiving

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Disability Compensation will receive free care for their service-connected conditions, may receive a monthly payment, and may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation to help them return to work .

Receiving compensation payments does not bar continued service in a reserve component . Many Guard/Reservists receive payments while they are actively drilling . Their compensation is adjusted annually, as you cannot receive disability compensation on days that you are on active duty status for any reason .

Life Insurance BenefitsIf you are in the military or have recently separated from the military, you may be eligible for life insurance . Insurance programs are currently available to new policyholders . For more information about insurance topics, call the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia at 1-800-669-8477 or visit the VA web site: www .insurance .va .gov

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)This program is open to active-duty members and reservists of the uniformed services . Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)This program is open to individuals released from active duty and to separated reservists if applied for within 16 months of release or separation . SGLI can be converted into VGLI or a commercial policy upon separation . Early partial payment of proceeds is available to terminally ill policyholders . Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI)This program is open to service-connected disabilities . Application must be made within two years of service-connected disability rating . Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)This program is open to veterans who are granted specially adapted housing grants .

Home Loan Benefits VA does not directly loan money, but it guarantees the lender against loss if the borrower fails to repay the loan . VA loan guaranties are made to Servicemembers, veterans, reservists, and unmarried surviving spouses to purchase, construct, repair, or improve a dwelling that the veteran will own and occupy as his or her home . This includes the purchase of a townhouse or condominium unit in a project that has been approved by the VA . Loans may also be made to refinance an existing loan on a home that the veteran owns and occupies . Except for manufactured (mobile) homes, a down payment is generally not required if the purchase price is less than the reasonable

value of the property . For more information about the Loan Guaranty Program or other related home benefits topics call 1-800-827-1000, or visit the web site: www .homeloans .va .gov .

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits (VR&E)The VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities by offering them services and assistance to prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment . Through the VR&E program, a veteran may receive:

• Assistance in finding and maintaining suitable employment• An evaluation of abilities, skills, and interests• Vocational counseling and planning• Training such as on-the-job and non-paid work

experiences (if needed)• Training such as certificate and two or four-year college• Supportive rehabilitation services and additional

counseling For more information, visit the Veteran Affairs web site: www .vba .va .gov .

MINNESOTA STATE BENEFITS

LOCAL SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, FINANCIALThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) have launched a nation-leading case management program to ensure essential, community-based services are provided at no cost to veterans, military members and families across Minnesota . The C .O .R .E . Program (Case Management, Outreach, Referral, and Education) will also provide resources to previously underserved rural areas around the state .

The scope of services includes individual and family counseling, financial counseling, debt management, addiction assessments and referral, disability services and in-home counseling . LSS case workers are based in field offices around the state, including the Twin Cities metro area, Alexandria, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Fergus Falls, Mankato, Moorhead, St . Cloud and Willmar .

To use the C .O .R .E . program call 1-888-881-8261 .

COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERIn each Minnesota county there is a Minnesota County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) who is dedicated to serving veterans and are veterans themselves . The CVSO is usually located in the county courthouse or government center, and is a

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valuable initial contact for state and federal claims for veterans . These CVSO offices advise and assist all veterans and their dependents with state and federal benefits including:

• Alcohol/Drug Dependency Treatment • Disability Compensation• Dental Treatment• Disability Insurance • Discharge Reviews • Death and Burial Benefits• Education and Training• Education Benefits & GI Bill • Financial Assistance • GI Life Insurance• VA Home Loan Guarantees• Medical Care• Survivor and Dependent Education • Vocational Rehab for vets with disabilities

To contact your local CVSO visit, www .macvso .org or see page 33 for a complete contact list of CVSO’s .

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCEThe Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA) was strengthened in the 2009 spring Legislative Session . New laws require state agencies to grant interviews to the top five veterans who have been deployed since 9/11/2001, provided they are qualified for the position . Veterans Preference Law will also now be applied to teachers . For more information contact MDVA’s Veterans Preference Officer at 651-757-1568 or visit www .mdva .state .mn .us . For information on state positions that may be available visit www .careers .state .mn .us . LICENSE PLATESMinnesota veterans and members of the military with Iraq and Afghanistan campaign medals, and recipients of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary or Service medals may now purchase a special license plate to show pride in their service to our country . Apply for personalized plates at a deputy registrar office or by mail . To be eligible complete a special plate application and provide a copy of the Servicemember’s DD-214 (discharge documents) or orders showing they have been awarded the appropriate medal . For more information call 651-296-6911 or visit www .mdva .state .mn .us .

MINNESOTA GRANTS/CREDITS

Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF)Minnesota says thanks! The nonprofit and nonpartisan Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) is a statewide fundraising initiative that shows our troops respect by providing cash grants to all Servicemembers deployed in

combat zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other places where they are in harms way . To apply for the one-time grant, visit www .thankmntroops .org .

Minnesota Military Family Foundation (MMFF)The Minnesota Military Family Foundation distributes money through grants or loans to Minnesota Military Families of deployed Servicemembers that need financial support . For more information contact the nearest Family Assistance Center, see page 11 .

Department of RevenueMilitary personnel often have questions about their Minnesota income tax obligations . When they are stationed in a place other than their state of residence, they have questions about:

• Which forms to file• Which sources of income are taxable• What refunds or credits they are entitled to• Credit for military service in a combat zone (link to Form

M99) • Tax debt relief for deceased active duty military • Market Value Exclusion on Homesteads of Disabled

Veterans• Subtraction for Active Duty Military• Credit for military service in a combat zone

If you served in a combat zone or hazardous duty area any time on or after Sept . 11, 2001, you may be eligible for a credit of $120 .00 for each month you served .

Visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue web site at www .taxes .state .mn .us and click on “members of the military” or contact their office at 651-556-6610 for more information .

TRICARE

Eligibility for TRICARE is determined by the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) . The Servicemember must be on continuous Active Duty orders for 31 consecutive days or more, and is responsible for keeping the information in DEERS updated with their personal, dependent and Active Duty order information . For information on TRICARE, please call the TRICARE West office at 888-874-9378 or the J1 Medical office at 651-268-8846/8841 .

Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) Provides medical coverage for 180 days after returning from deployment, you must enroll in TAMPS . To be eligible the Servicemember must have served at least 90 days on Active Duty orders in support of a Contingence Operation . Enrollment is required .

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TRICARE RESERVE SELECT (TRS) TRS is a premium-based health plan that qualified National Guard and Reserve members may purchase . TRS, which requires a monthly premium, offers coverage similar to TRICARE Standard and Extra .

Key features include:• Available worldwide to most Selected Reserve members

(and families) when not on active duty orders or covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program

• Must qualify for and purchase TRS to participate • Must pay monthly premiums, failure to pay monthly

premiums on time may result in disenrollment and an enrollment lockout

• Freedom to manage your own health care, no assigned primary care manager

• Visit any TRICARE-authorized provider or qualified host nation provider (if located overseas)

• Pay fewer out-of-pocket costs when choosing a provider in the TRICARE network

• No referrals are required, but some care may require prior authorization

For additional information visit www .tricare .mil .

TRICARE DENTAL PROGRAM (TDP) TDP is available to active duty dependents, Reserve/National Guard Servicemembers (Select Reserve) and their dependents . TDP is a premium based program that allows sponsors to select coverage for themselves and/or their eligible dependents (i .e . spouse and children up to age 21 or 23 if enrolled in school as a full-time student) .

Current TDP enrollment and monthly premium information can be found at their web site: www .tricaredentalprogram .com or by calling 888-622-2256 .

AFTER TITLE 10 ACTIVE DUTYIf you become Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and/or a technician working fulltime for the Minnesota National Guard or Reserve, you may inquire about the TRICARE benefits below:

TRICARE Standard is a Cost-Share Program with yearly deductibles and co-pays .TRICARE Extra is a Cost-Share Program with yearly deductibles and co-pays like TRICARE Standard; however the beneficiary saves 5% over TRICARE Standard . These services are available at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VMAC), St . Cloud VAMC and Grand Forks AFB . (No enrollment required for dependents .)

TRICARE Prime/Prime Remote (TPR) TPR requires enrollment and pays 100% of covered services . TPR has a maximum allowable charge with no yearly deductible, no cost-share and no co-pays, except for pharmacy for dependents .

FREE STUFF AND DISCOUNTS FOR MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

There are many businesses and corporations throughout Minnesota and the Nation that recognize the sacrifices that Servicemembers and their families make . They offer discounts and deals to show their support and thanks . For a list of free stuff and discounts in Minnesota and nationwide visit, www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org and click on Events and

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While only one percent of Americans serve in the military, the responsibility to support them rests upon all of us . The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign is designed to establish community based networks of support for Servicemembers and military families by connecting existing organizations, agencies, and programs and leveraging available resources and the ground swell of support for our Servicemembers .

Within every community there are existing resources that have the capacity to support.The Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign creates awareness of the challenges faced as a result of military service and assists communities in synchronizing their existing resources to provide a synergized and sustainable network of support that is locally accessible . Networks are community based and can include cities, counties and companies .

YELLOW RIBBON COMMUNITIES

WHAT IS A YELLOW RIBBON COMMUNITY?A Yellow Ribbon Community unites all areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting Servicemembers and military families .

WHY BECOME A YELLOW RIBBON COMMUNITY?Since 9/11, thousands of Minnesotans have served our country . By developing a Yellow Ribbon Network, communities unite to honor and embrace those affected by military deployments . The outward showing of support enables successful transition all the way home . The community’s effort transcends the military to any group in need and builds a stronger, more compassionate community .

HOW TO BECOME A YELLOW RIBBON COMMUNITY?Each community will develop a sustainable action plan demonstrating their commitment to Servicemembers and military families . The community will identify and connect leaders in key areas across the community, leverage existing support activities, build awareness throughout the community and take action .

From helping a spouse of a deployed Servicemember fix their car to holding events for Servicemembers upon arrival home, and everything in between, Yellow Ribbon Communities play an integral role in the deployment and reintegration process .

To get a current list of contact information for communities, counties and companies have been proclaimed Yellow Ribbon visit, www .BeyondTheYellowRibbon .org and click on the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign Section . There you’ll find the processes for new communities, counties and companies to become Yellow Ribbon .

Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign


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Legal/Finance

THE OFFICE OF THE STAFF jUDGE ADVOCATE (jAG)

JAG can assist you with a variety of legal issues, some of these include:

LAWSUITSIf there was a temporary order, permanent order or default judgment taken against you while on deployment you may be able to reopen or vacate the order or judgment.

FAMILY LAW ISSUESYou should speak with a JAG attorney if you are facing such issues as marital dissolution, custody issues, paternity issues, and child support or child protection. They may be able to assist you in solving the issue, or can provide referrals to family law attorneys who are familiar with Servicemember’s rights and concerns.

Any changes to your custody or child support orders while you were deployed or due to military service need to be evaluated. You may be entitled to a vacation of the judgment or modification.

CONSUMER ISSUESContact the JAG office if you have questions about your consumer bills, mortgage, insurance, third-party collections, interest rates, consumer or business loans, or installment contracts.

MILITARY OR CIVILIAN CRIMINAL MATTERSIf you have a military criminal matter you are entitled to JAG representation. If you have a civilian criminal matter you should contact a JAG attorney immediately. JAG can identify issues that may affect your military career and future, and provide referrals if needed.

JAG can also assist with referrals to civilian attorneys

who have experience with Servicemembers. If you meet certain income restriction guidelines you may qualify for pro bono legal counsel. Contact Division Legal at 651-282-4915 for more information.

TAXESThe JAG office does not prepare tax returns, however attorneys are available to assist you with specific questions and many organizations offer free or reduced rate tax preparation.

For free tax preparation and filing for Servicemembers and their families watch www.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org for more information and special offers to Servicemembers.

Tax benefits from Military OneSource:• Free tax consultations and e-filing for

Servicemembers and their family • Free financial planning and counseling • Tax Filing Services

POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA)You should destroy or revoke your POA upon return home from deployment. If you have specific concerns regarding the use of the document while you were gone, contact JAG.

CLAIMSYou may be reimbursed for damage to personal property lost or damaged during deployment, or while stored by the government during deployment. Claims are processed through Personnel Claims at Fort McCoy, to contact them call 608-388-5756.

SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACTAny debt or obligations you may have incurred prior to entering into active duty qualifies for a 6% interest rate reduction. If you did not utilize this act prior to active duty, you may still take advantage of its benefits.

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Servicemembers must provide written notice to the lender and a copy of military orders no later than 180 days after your termination or release from active service.

If you served in a combat zone or hazardous duty area any time on or after January 1, 2007, you may be eligible for a credit based on the number of months served:

For service on or after Jan. 1, 2009, the credit is equal to $120 for each month (or partial month) served. For service during 2007 and or 2008, the credit is $59 for each month (or partial month) served.

The deadline for claiming a credit based on military service in a combat zone between Sept. 11, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2006 has passed.

HOW TO CLAIM THE CREDIT FOR 2007 TO PRESENT:Complete Form M99, Credit for Military Service in a Combat Zone, for the year in which you served in a combat zone. You will need to include documentation with your form.

To file for the credit based on services provided in a combat zone during 2011, use the 2011 Form M99. For additional years use the corresponding year for the time served in the combat zone.

To claim a credit due a deceased taxpayer, complete Form M23, Claim for a Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer.

MILITARY ONESOURCE Military OneSource offers 12 free non-medical counseling

sessions for individuals or couples which will address and aid you with any of the below listed issues plus many more:

• Budgeting and Basic Money Management• Child Care• Fraud and Identity Theft• Financing for Education• Saving and Investing• Taxes

Visit www.MilitaryOneSource.com or call toll free 1-800-342-9647 for more information.

FINANCES

A Servicemember with tough financial problems can see it carry over into relationship issues, so quick intervention is best. Various programs are available throughout the state, but the bottom line is that money

problems don’t go away if they are ignored. In fact, they get worse.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCESDuring the 30 and 60-Day reintegration events, Certified Public Accountants provide workshops to help you understand your finances and live within your budget. Servicemembers and families can also receive one-on-one help by e-mailing [email protected].

UNDERSTANDING THE LEAVE AND EARNING STATEMENT (LES)Servicemembers receive several different types of pay and allowances during deployment. Each situation is unique, so be sure to check resource websites and with your individual Servicemember to see what types of pay and allowances your Servicemember qualifies for.

Basic PayThis is determined by a Servicemember’s rank and years of service. Servicemembers receive an increase on their service anniversary. The pay chart also increases by at least 1.4% each January.

Housing Allowance (BAH)This is a non-taxable allowance based on the location of a Servicemembers home of record and pay grade for Servicemembers with dependents (units can provide more information).

UniformDeployed Servicemembers receive a special allowance for uniforms.

Family Separation AllowanceThis allowance is for soldiers with dependents and is $250 per month.

Deployment Extension Stabilization Pay (DESP)This special pay is for Servicemembers whose contracts will end during the deployment. When theycomplete certain paperwork prior to a deployment, they have the opportunity to receive an extra $350-$500 per month.

Other Special PayCertain Servicemembers may qualify for other special pays such as Hazardous Duty Pay, Hardship Duty Pay, Imminent Danger Pay and more.

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Employment

Members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Veterans have many resources available to them to protect their employment rights or assist in the search for employment.

STEPS TO FINDING A jOB

STEP ONE: Visit the Minnesota Workforce Center, and get a Veteran Employment Representative. Representatives are located across the state in Minnesota’s 49 Workforce Centers. As Veterans themselves, they are the heart of the connection between Veterans and all of the services available throughout the employment and training system in Minnesota. They offer one-to-one assistance to eligible Veterans in areas such as, skill identification and assessment, resume writing, interview preparation, job search and training services. They also offer several effective workshops and seminars on a variety of job search topics.

STEP TWO: Complete the MyMilitary GPS Lifeplan. This helps Veterans, Servicemembers and their families set goals and design plans that will lead them to the success they desire. There is no starting or ending place; you can determine the areas that are most important to your needs. There are five areas of the MyMilitary GPS Lifeplan: career, education, finance, leadership and personal.

STEP THREE: Post your resume on MinnesotaWorks.net. It is a system operated by Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for job seekers who want to connect. Veterans looking for jobs can post their resume for employers to review, an also browse upwards of 60,000 job openings listed by validated employers.

STEP FOUR: Dedication, smart planning and strategic networking will lead to a job.

EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE (ESGR)

ESGR is a Department of Defense organization whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service through recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law through free education, and if necessary, resolving conflicts between Guard/Reserve members and their employers through mediation. For more information please call 651-282-4285 or visit www.esgr.mil.

RECOGNIZE YOUR EMPLOYERIf your employer has gone “above and beyond” in supporting your military service, nominate them for a Patriot Award at

www.esgr.org.

UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT (USERRA)

As a uniformed service member, you have rights and responsibilities under USERRA.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES• Provide prior verbal or written notice to employer of

service• Serve under honorable conditions• Return to work in accordance with USERRA

guidelines

YOUR RIGHTS• Military leave of absence• Prompt reinstatement of civilian employment• Accumulation of seniority• Reinstatement of benefits• Training or retraining of skills• Protection against discrimination

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REEMPLOYMENT TIMETABLETo be eligible for USERRA protection, you must report back to work within the following timelines:• 1-30 days of military service - Next scheduled

workday• 31-180 days of service - Return to work within 14

days after completion of service• 181 or more days of service - Return to work within

90 days after completion of service

MINNESOTA LAWS REGARDING EMPLOYMENT AND MILITARY SERVICE

If you are an employee of the State of Minnesota, you may be eligible for other benefits relating to your military service. Minnesota State employees are guaranteed 15 days of paid military leave per year and differential pay; meaning, if your military base pay is less than your civilian pay, the State of Minnesota will make up the difference during your military service.

THE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

The Transition Assistance Program is a two-day workshop focusing on employment goals, job search and related services. The workshop is presented by trained facilitators that have experience working with veterans. Workshop attendees learn to conduct effective job searches, write resumes, develop effective interviewing skills, and use labor market information to negotiate a wage. Details and workshop registration are on the web at www.deed.state.mn.us/veterans.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DEED)

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. The agency’s programs promote business recruitment, expansion and retention; workforce development; international trade; and community development. The agency’s mission is to support the economic success of individuals, businesses, and communities by improving opportunities for growth. Visit www.deed.state.mn.us for more information.

WORKFORCE CENTER/DEVELOPMENTWorkers, employers, students and those looking for a first job or returning to the workforce will find that nearly all services are offered at no cost.

The Workforce Development Division works with local and statewide partners to provide training and support to unemployed and dislocated workers. They provide financial assistance for businesses seeking to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Additional services include, state services for the blind, rehabilitation services, local labor exchange and disability determination. Many of these services are provided at Minnesota WorkForce Centers located throughout the state. Visit www.mnwfc.org or call 1-888-438-5627 for more information.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT SERVICEThe staff assists veterans in accessing all services at Minnesota Workforce Centers. Dedicated staff members work one on one with veterans and their spouses to address employment issues, and obtain employment. Your Veterans Employment Service representative can be reached at 1-888-GET JOBS or www.deed.state.mn.us/veterans.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

The Unemployment Insurance Division provides a temporary partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. It is an economic stabilizer and stimulator during economic downturns and helps maintain an available skilled workforce. Visit www.uimn.org or call 1-877-898-9090 for more information.

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Education

Education benefits for veterans have never been better! Many of the programs available have time limits for enrollment and may appear complex. Prior to making any decisions regarding your education or enrolling into any courses or schools, contact a representative at Higher Education Veterans Program or a representative from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) Veterans Services.

HIGHER EDUCATION VETERANS PROGRAM (HEVP)

The Minnesota Legislature enacted a number of initiatives addressing the unique and often complex needs of students who are veterans. To assist Minnesota’s colleges and universities in fulfilling these requirements, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs established HEVP. HEVP provides higher education information and support information to veterans, Servicemembers and their families.

The program has regional coordinators across the state who work with colleges to: • Create veteran friendly policies and procedures• Create on-campus Veterans Resource Centers• Coordinate campus and community services and

information• Serve as a partner with the military and other

community providers with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration activities

To receive one-on-one assistance from a regional coordinator in your area, call 1-800-456-8519 or visit www.MyMilitaryEducation.org.

NEW GI BILL (CHAPTER 33)/”POST 9/11”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit package since the original GI Bill was

signed into law in 1944. Individuals who are eligible for the new benefit began using the it August 1, 2009.

ELIGIBILITYOnly active duty service performed after September 10, 2001, may be considered for determining eligibility for this new benefit. To be eligible, a Servicemember or Veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty.

BASIC BENEFITSThe maximum basic benefit provides the following: • Cost of tuition and fees, not to exceed the most

expensive in-state undergraduate tuition at a public institution of higher learning in the state you are attending school

• Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing payable to an E-5 with dependents, in the same zip code as the school

• Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000 per year

Because of the complexity of the new Chapter 33 Education Benefits, before making a final decision about which GI Bill benefits to use, visit with a Higher Education Veterans Programs Regional Coordinator at 1-800-456-8519 or call an operator at the GI Bill Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.

For more information visit www.MyMilitaryEducation.org.

STATE TUITION REIMBURSMENT (STR)

Servicemembers who were deployed and now satisfactorily completed their service contract in the Minnesota National Guard can use STR for a period of 2 years plus the deployment time. The lifetime maximum STR benefit is 208 quarter or 144 Semester credits.

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To apply send an email to [email protected] requesting information on STR Extended.

FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE (FTA)

The Army National Guard is currently funding Federal Tuition Assistance at 100% of a member’s tuition and authorized fees (this is further limited by semester hour/quarter hour caps and annual limitation). FTA is paid upfront and directly to the school after ADD/DROP date. For current rates and to apply go to www.virtualarmory.com.

MINNESOTA ONLINE MILITARY

Military students, those on active duty, retired, in the states, or abroad have a wealth of people waiting to help them with their military, professional and education goals at Minnesota Online.

The state of Minnesota and the Department of Veterans Affairs are working with the Minnesota Online Call Center to help Servicemembers find the information, resources, and the people they need to talk to.

The distance counseling and advising team at the online military education support center is open seven days a week and provides advice and information on: • Academic and career counseling to make educational

decisions• Educational advising on programming, admissions,

transfer, financial aid, and getting started online• Assessment and testing for career planning, basic

skills, and college readiness• Personalized services connecting you to specialists

on military education• Referrals to help to address personal, family, and

other issues

For more information, visit www.MinnesotaOnline.org or call 1-800-456-8519.

MNSCU (MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES)

The 31 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer excellent, affordable education on 54 campuses in 47 communities across the state. The MnSCU system is the largest single provider of higher education in the state of Minnesota. With more than 3,800 educational programs, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer many choices at a great value.

For more information, visit Minnesota State Colleges and Universities website at www.veterans.mnscu.edu or call 1-800-456-8519.

MNSCU VETERAN’S SERVICESMinnesota State Colleges and Universities has a long history of providing education and training to veterans and those on active duty who are seeking to gain new skills and translate skills learned in the military for use in the civilian world. As times have changed, the focus of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has shifted to meet the needs of returning veterans. For more information, call MnSCU Veteran’s Services at 1-800-456-8519 or visit them on the web at www.veterans.mnscu.edu.

MYMILITARY GPS LIFEPLANFeel like you need a little more direction? Ready to set a course and map your route to success? Looking for resources and information to help you get on track or stay on track? Researching military education benefits to finance your education?

MyMilitary GPS LifePlan helps veterans, Servicemembers and their families set goals and design plans that will lead them to the success they desire.

This site is a partnership between the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, the Minnesota National Guard and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Higher Education Veterans Programs.

For more information, visit www.gpslifeplan.org/mnscumilitary/.

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COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS (CVSO)

All Minnesota counties have a Veterans Service Office and all veterans, even those currently enlisted in the National Guard, are encouraged to use their services . See the list of CVSOs below or visit the CVSO web site at www .macvso .org for more information, services and contacts .

County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone NumberAitkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-927-7320Anoka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-323-5290Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-846-7312Beltrami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-333-4177Benton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-968-5044Big Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-839-3507Blue Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-304-4246Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-233-6636Carlton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-384-9173Carver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-442-2323Cass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218-547-1340 x314Chippewa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-269-6419Chisago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-674-5725Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-299-5041Clearwater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-694-6618Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-834-8326Cottonwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-831-5522Crow Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-824-1058Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-554-5601Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-635-6140Douglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-762-3883Faribault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-526-6268Fillmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-765-4937Freeborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-377-5184Goodhue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-385-3256Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-685-4801Hennepin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-348-3300Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-725-5805

Hubbard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-732-3561Isanti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-689-3591Itasca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-327-2858Jackson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-847-4774Kanabec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-679-6380Kandiyohi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-231-6226Kittson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-843-2198Koochiching . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-283-1179Lac qui Parle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-598-3445Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-834-8326Lake of the Woods . . . . . . . . 218-634-2219Le Sueur . . . . . . . . . . . 507-357-2251 x279Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-368-4256Lyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-537-6729Mahnomen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-935-5062Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-745-4303Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-238-3220McLeod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-864-1268Meeker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-693-5445Mille Lacs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-983-8203Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-632-0290Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-434-2712Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-836-6148 x154Nicollet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-934-0408Nobles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-295-5292 Norman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-784-5494Olmsted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-328-6355 Otter Tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-998-8605Pennington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-683-7034Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-216-4250 Pipestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-825-6771Polk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-281-3066Pope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-634-5734Ramsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-332-2545Red Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-465-4656Redwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-637-4034Renville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-523-3763Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-332-6117Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-283-5061

Resources

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Roseau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-463-3308Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-496-8176Sherburne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-241-2742Sibley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-237-4090St . Louis –Duluth . . . . . . . . . 218-725-5285St . Louis - Hibbing . . . . . . . . 218-262-6090St . Louis - Virginia . . . . . . . . 218-749-7110Stearns – St . Cloud . . . . . . . . 320-656-6176Stearns – Melrose . . . . . . . . . 320-256-1435Steele . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-444-7461Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-589-7419Swift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-842-5271Todd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-732-4419Traverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-563-4411Wabasha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-565-3864Wadena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-631-7617Waseca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-835-0680Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-6895Watonwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-375-1254Wilkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-643-7134Winona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-457-6455Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-682-7325Yellow Medicine . . . . . . . . . . 320-564-3134

TRANSITION ASSISTANCE ADVISORS

Transition Assistance Advisors (TAAs) provide information and assistance to Servicemembers and their families in understanding and obtaining benefits and services through Veterans Affairs and the military health system . TAA’s perform non-clinical case management of wounded and injured Servicemembers returning from contingency operations . For more information, contact Beyond the Yellow Ribbon team at ngmn .taa@ng .army .mil or call 651-282-4234 for the north area POC and 651-282-4667for the southern area POC .

MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS (MFLC)

MFLC’s are Masters or Ph .D . level Licensed Clinical Counselors who augment existing military services and work with families, individuals’, couples, and children to provide non-medical counseling services . Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Clinical Counselors offer free, confidential, short term, solution focused counseling, education, and referral .

Contact the office of the MFLCs at 651-282-4288 or 218-844-3695 or ngmn .mflc@ng .army .mil .

The Minnesota National Guard has a Director of Physiological

Health for both the Air and Army . This person is available for counseling to Servicemembers and their families .Army Servicemembers contact: 651-282-4029Air Servicemembers contact: 612-713-2099

Military Personal Financial Counselor helps Servicemembers with financial issues . You can schedule an appointment for finanacial counseling free of charge . For more information or for an appointment, please call 651-491-3695 or email MinnesotaPFC@gmail .com .

MILITARY ONESOURCE

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families . It is a virtual extension of installation services .

Whether its help with child care, personal finances, and emotional support during deployments, relocation information or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for Servicemembers and their families 24/7/365! Military OneSource offers 12 free counseling sessions for individuals or couples which will address and aid you with any of the above listed issues .

Visit www .militaryonesource .com or call 1-800-342-9647 for more information .

THE CHAPLAIN CORPS

Chaplains serve both God and country by bringing their unique gifts with which they are endowed by God, to the Service Members of our nation . They can provide support to both Servicemembers and families during challenging, diverse and ever-changing environments . Contact your unit Chaplain through your unit or call 651-282-4291 for the State Support Chaplain.

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION (MEDICAL)

The Minnesota National Guard has worked hard to develop relationships with the VA Medical Centers and Clinics over the past several years . While it can certainly look daunting to a Servicemember from the outside looking in, the bottom line is that there are people within the VA who have and will continue to work with the MNARNG on issues as they develop .

MN VA Medical OIF/OEF Outreach Coordinators: 612-970-

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5784 .

VA Medical Outreach Coordinator: 612-467-5087

On Call Phone: 612-919-8240 .

VA MEDICAL CENTERS: VA Medical Center Minneapolis: 612-467-3929 VA Medical Center St. Cloud: 320-255-6480 ext. 6453VA Medical Center Fargo: 701-232-3241 ext. 93787VA Medical Center Sioux Falls: 605-336-3230 ext. 96983

VA OUTPATIENT CLINICS:Brainerd: 218-855-1115Chippewa Falls, WI: 715-720-3780Fergus Falls: 218-739-1400Hibbing Area: 218-263-9698

Maplewood: 651-290-3040Montevideo: 320-269-2222Ramsey: 612-467-1100Rochester: 507-252-0885St. James: 507-375-3391

VET CENTERS

Vet Centers have a distinguished history of helping combat veterans with emotional and behavioral issues that can develop during and after deployments . These facilities are very military friendly .

VET CENTER LOCATIONSFargo Vet Center: 701-237-0942St . Paul Vet Center: 651-644-4022Duluth Vet Center: 218-722-8654Sioux Falls Vet Center: 605-330-4552

VET CENTER CONTRACT FEE PROVIDERSCounseling Associates, Inc ., St . Croix Falls, WI: 715-483-3544

ASC Psychological Clinic, Mankato: 507-345-4679

Center for Effective Living, Rochester: 507-288-5675

Northland Counseling Center, Grand Rapids: 218-326-1274

Sioux Trails Mental Health Center, New Ulm: 507-354-3181

South Central Human Relations Center, Owatonna: 507-451-2630

MINNESOTA LINKVET LINE

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MNDVA) offers the LinkVet call center provided by trained staff . During business hours, MNDVA staff will provide information on veterans’ benefits, healthcare, education, and reintegration . The line will roll to Crisis Connection counselors for 24-hour, seven days a week coverage (including holidays) for immediate crisis intervention and psychological counseling .

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My Workbook


PRE-DEPLOYMENT CHECKLIST

It is important to know where all your documents are . We encourage you to keep copies of documents in this book, and note exactly where the originals are; in what safety deposit box, in a safe at home, etc .

LEGAL / ADMINISTATIVE

Ѓ Family ID cards

Ѓ Servicemember’s general and/or special power of attorney

Ѓ Birth certificates

Ѓ Marriage certificate

Ѓ Adoption papers

Ѓ Social security cards

Ѓ Insurance policies

Ѓ Stocks, bonds or other securities

Ѓ Deeds for property

Ѓ Wills

Ѓ Does SM/ spouse have a passport?

Ѓ Notify employer of mobilization

FINANCE

Ѓ What accounts is the Servicemembers pay deposited into?

Ѓ Servicemember mypay account PIN

Ѓ What bank accounts do we have?

Ѓ What credit cards do we have, so we can notify them if lost

Ѓ Where is the safe deposit box key?

Ѓ Where is the Servicemember’s special power of attorney for finance?

MORTAGE/ RENT

Ѓ Home equity loan

Ѓ Telephone

Ѓ Cell phone

Ѓ Water

Ѓ Electricity

Ѓ Trash collection

Ѓ Home insurance

Ѓ Car insurance

Ѓ Taxes

Ѓ Gas/ heating fuel

Ѓ Student loan

Ѓ Personal loan

Ѓ Cable

Ѓ Internet

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Ѓ Car payment

MEDICAL

Ѓ Ensure family DEERS is current

Ѓ Where are family immunization records?

Ѓ Where are family medical and dental records?

Ѓ Does family understand TRICARE?

AUTOMOBILE

Ѓ Name and address of loan company

Ѓ State drivers license expires on?

Ѓ Duplicated set of keys is?

Ѓ Where to I bring them for routine maintenance?

Ѓ Information on all vehicles

Ѓ Vehicle type

Ѓ Title/registration location

Ѓ Insurance policy location

Ѓ Insurance policy expiration

Ѓ License renewal date

POST-DEPLOYMENT CHECKLIST

Ѓ Check your driver’s license and vehicle tabs to make sure they haven’t expired

Ѓ Reactivate your vehicle insurance

Ѓ Service your vehicle and complete preventative maintenance checks, especially if it has been stored for a year

Ѓ Check your status with TRICARE and any other medical insurance you may have – see Benefits tab

Ѓ Register your DD-214 with your County Veterans Service Officer (usually located at the county court house) and

keep a copy of for yourself, this is the key to all Veteran Benefits

Ѓ If Employed – Notify employer and set a date to return to work

Ѓ If Unemployed – File for MN unemployment Insurance - see Employment tab

Ѓ If you are a Student – Check status at school - see Education tab for benefits

Ѓ Notify creditors you are no longer eligible for 6% interest rate (Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act)

Ѓ Rescind Power of Attorney

Ѓ File State and Federal taxes

Ѓ Set up VA Dental exam within 180 days – see Benefits tab

Ѓ Verify and review personnel and medical records for accuracy and completeness by updating with your new awards, promotions, and/or re-enlistments

Ѓ Remember there are many resources out there, so if you need support ask!

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SERVICEMEMBER INFORMATION

Use this area to fill out essential information with your Servicemember before the deployment so you have quick access incase you need to reference it during the deployment. In addition to our suggested information, blanks spaces have been included incase there is more information you would like to record. Make sure you keep this in a safe place because of the sensitive information included.

Full Name (include maiden name if applicable)Rank

Branch of Service

Social Security Number

Date of Birth

Place of Birth(City, County, State, Country)

Information on the Home Unit

Unit Designation and Address

Information on the Deployed UnitAddress during MOB Station

Address during Deployment

E-Mail during Deployment

Civilian Place of Employment and AddressCivilian Job Title and DescriptionCivilian Supervisor Contact Information

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EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Ambulance/Fire/Police 911

Local Police Station

Local Fire Station

Emergency Red Cross #

Home Insurance

Auto Insurance

Legal Advisor

Poison Information Center

Church or Pastor

Gas

Electric

Water

Names and numbers of nearby friends, relatives or pastor to be notified immediately in case of an emergency or casualty notification:

Names and numbers of childcare, employers, schools or other immediate needs for notification:

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ESSENTIAL CONTACT INFORMATION

Rear Det OIC

Rear Det Chaplain

Nearest FAC

FRSA

FRG Leader

DEERS Location

vFRG Website ArmyFRG.org

BTYR Website BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org

JAG Contact

Private Attorney

Names & Phone numbers of contacts who will assist and support in the first days of need:

List all the groups to which you belong, especially groupsthat could be helpful to your family in an emergency:

GO TO LIST

Write names and contact information for the people that you and your Sevicemember have coordinated with to assist you during the deployment if needed:

Service Contact NumberReal Estate

Plumbing

Electrical

Handyman

Lawn service

Auto Repair

Pick up sick child at schoolBabysitter

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GOAL SETTING

The key to effective goal-setting is to develop SMART goals: goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Consider setting goals that relate to six categories: 1. Finances2. Relationship development3. Professional/Education

4. Fitness5. Personal Interest/Hobby6. Spiritual development

Develop an action plan for your goals and create a monthly tracking chart to measure your progress. While you are achieving your goals, don’t forget to plan for a celebration to reward your success!

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4

Finance

Relationship Development

Professional/Educational

Fitness

Personal Interest/Hobby

Spiritual Development

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A LETTER FOR THE TEACHER OF A MILITARY CHILD WHO’S PARENT IS DEPLOYING

Date

Dear______________________,

This letter is to inform you that a parent of _____________________ is being activated to military duty and will be/has deployed .

We wish to make you aware of this so that as educators and care givers to my/our child, you can be aware of the possible changes that may occur . During this time there will be phases of Pre-Deployment, Deployment & Separation, and then Reunion .

We hope through our communication and scheduling these transitions will be easier for our child . If there should be problems at school, such as changes in behavior, problems with grades, increased sadness or anger, please contact us .

We also wish to set up a way the deployed parent will be able to communicate with you if the need arises . When computer access is available the deployed parent can be reached via email at

______________________________@us .army .mil .

Sincerely,

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DD-93 RECORD OF EMERGENCY DATA

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DD-93 RECORD OF EMERGENCY DATA (2ND PAGE)

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COPIES OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Your ‘Ready for Anything’ list of DocumentsIf there would be an emergency that would require you or a family member to go to the hospital, resolve a legal issue, or simply provide some information, you’ll be prepared. Either put all of these documents in a folder that you can grab at a moment’s notice, or note beside each item where it can be found.

“Be prepared, work hard, and hope for a little luck.Recognize that the harder you work and the

better prepared you are, the more luck you might have.”-ED BRADLEY

Now is the time to pull together…• Military ID Cards• Power of Attorney• Marriage Certificate• Birth Certificates for all family members• Social Security Cards or numbers for all family members• Citizenship papers, if any• Adoption Papers, if any• Divorce Decree, if any• Court orders relating to divorce, child support, custody, alimony or property division, if any• Passports, if any• Power of attorney• Immunization records(up to date) for all family members• Family Medical and Dental Records • Wills, Trusts• Health Care Directives• Family Care Plans• Insurance Policies (both government and civilian) with a list of companies, policy numbers, types of

coverage, addresses and phone numbers of agents or companies• Vehicle Titles• List of all credit cards with account numbers and passwords/pins• List of all bonds and stocks and where the certificates are located• Real estate documents-leases, deeds, mortgages and promissory notes, closing papers• Copies of any sales or installment contracts and finance agreements• List of bank accounts with account numbers and passwords/PINS’s• List of all utility, Satellite, cell phone companies, etc.• Servicemember needs to call and add Spouses/parents name to all utility companies so they have access to

bills • Federal and State Tax records for the past three(3) years• Nine copies of your soldier’s mobilization orders (paper and digital)• Current address and telephone numbers of all members of immediate families of both you and your spouse

(immediate family includes father, mother, children, brother(s), sister(s)• Print Monthly LES’s from MyPay• Print all Explanations of benefits (EOB) from Medical Insurance sources• Copy of the Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) form 8286 and DD Form 93 with explanation,• Produce a video of all valuable and serial numbered property• School registration papers

February 2012 Edition

Deployment Handbook from Beyond Yellow Ribbon

Documents

Transcript of Deployment Handbook from Beyond Yellow Ribbon