The following pages include selected resources that may prove helpful to your family as you navigate the military lifestyle and experience deployment and reintegration. We are continuing to expand this glossary of valuable tools and organizations, so if you have recommendations for organizations, online communities, or tools that we should include, we welcome your ideas here.
Department Of Defense Resources
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) www.defense.gov Defense.gov supports the overall mission of the DOD by providing official, timely, and accurate information about defense policies, organizations, functions, and operations.
After Deployment www.afterdeployment.org AfterDeployment.org offers modularized content for service members and their families on common post-deployment issues such as substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), living with physical injuries, employment issues, and reconnecting with family and friends. Users can take assessments, view video-based testimonials, and immerse in narrator-guided workshops.
Armed Forces Legal Assistance legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php Armed Forces Legal Assistance helps to find a military legal assistance office based on geography.
Brainlinemilitary www.brainlinemilitary.org Brainlinemilitary provides military-specific information and resources on traumatic brain injury (TBI) to veterans, service members, and their families.
Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) www.deploymentpsych.org The Center for Deployment Psychology trains military and civilian behavioral health professionals to provide the high-quality care necessary to address the deployment-related needs of military personnel and their families.
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org CSTS pioneers research in neuroscience and the neurobiology of stress to inform prevention, treatment, and resiliency-based interventions for trauma-induced disorders, especially PTSD and the risk and protective factors for suicide.
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) www.dcoe.health.mil DCoE advances excellence in psychological health (PH) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention and care to improve the lives of our nation’s service members and families. DCoE is comprised of three operational centers: Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), Deployment Health Clinical Center (DHCC), and National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2).
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) – MyPay website https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx The MyPay website, sponsored by DFAS, gives each soldier and his or her family access to information about the service member’s pay and Leave and Earning Statements (LES) 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world.
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) www.dvbic.org www.dvbic.org/friends-family (friends and family section) www.dvbic.org/tbi-basics (TBI basics) DVBIC serves active duty military and veterans with TBI, and their family members, through state-of-the-art medical care, innovative clinical research initiatives, and educational programs.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military Terms www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary Browse the DOD’s Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms to search acronyms, terms, and their definitions.
Deployment Health Clinical Center, DHCC www.pdhealth.mil PDHealth.mil, the website of the DHCC, is designed to assist clinicians in the delivery of post-deployment health care by fostering a trusting partnership between military men and women, veterans, their families, and their health care providers to ensure the highest quality care for those who make sacrifices in the world’s most hazardous workplace.
Deployment Health and Family Readiness Library deploymenthealthlibrary.fhp.osd.mil The Deployment Health and Family Readiness Library provides access to deployment health and family readiness topics such as survivor benefits, financial readiness, and legal readiness.
Family Caregiver Curriculum www.dvbic.org/family-caregiver-curriculum DVBIC’s Family Caregiver Curriculum is for caregivers of service members and veterans with moderate to severe TBI. There are four modules in the curriculum, ranging from specific information about TBI and becoming a caregiver to how to access services and benefits. There are print versions of the guides as well as webcasts that can be viewed online.
InTransition www.health.mil/inTransition InTransition provides transition services to service members and veterans receiving mental health treatment who are moving between health care systems or providers (e.g., moving from active duty to veteran status).
Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) www.militaryonesource.mil/jfsap/service-providers The JFSAP’s primary supports families who are geographically dispersed from military installations. Services are delivered in local communities through collaborative partnerships with federal, state, and local resources.
Military OneSource www.militaryonesource.mil Military OneSource is a free service, provided by the DOD for active duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families. The service is private and confidential, with few exceptions. Among other things, services include obtaining contact with military installation family advocacy programs, military benefits, and local resources for military families.
Military Pathways www.militarymentalhealth.org Military Pathways provides anonymous mental health self-assessments for family members and military personnel in all branches including National Guard and Reserves.
The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) www.nicoe.capmed.mil The NICoE is a DOD institute dedicated to providing cutting-edge health evaluation, treatment planning, and education for service members and their families dealing with the complex interactions of mild traumatic brain injury and psychological health conditions.
National Resource Directory (NRD) www.nrd.gov The National Resource Directory is a website for wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, their families and those who support them. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state, and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
Real Warriors Campaign www.realwarriors.net Real Warriors is a multimedia public awareness campaign that encourages help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans, and military families coping with invisible wounds. Launched by DCoE, the campaign is an integral part of the DOD’s overall effort to reduce the stigma associated with psychological health concerns.
Traumatic Brain Injury: The Journey Home www.traumaticbraininjuryatoz.org A project of the Center for Excellence in Medical Multimedia, and sponsored by the Air Force Surgeon General’s Office, this website provides an informative, sensitive exploration of TBI, and includes information for patients, family members, and caregivers.
TRICARE www.tricare.mil TRICARE is the health care program serving service members, retirees, and their families worldwide.
Turbo TAP www.turbotap.org Turbo TAP is the DOD’s official website, providing information and resources for service members about transitioning from military service through the Transition Goals Plans Success (GPS), or Transition GPS program (formerly known as TAP).
United States Special Operations Command’s Care Coalition www.socom.mil The mission of USSOCOM Care Coalition is to provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) warriors and their families with a model advocacy program in order to enhance their quality of life and strengthen the overall readiness of Special Operations.
USA4 Military Families www.usa4militaryfamilies.dod.mil USA4 Military Families is the DOD website for official Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) and seeks to engage and educate state policymakers, not-for-profit associations, concerned business interests, and other state leaders about the needs of military members and their families.
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Air Force Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
The United States Air Force www.af.mil The official homepage of the U.S. Air Force
Air Force Wounded Warrior www.woundedwarrior.af.mil The official homepage of the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. The AFW2 program works to ensure airmen receive professional support and care from the point of injury, through separation or retirement, for life.
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Army Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
The United States Army www.army.mil The official homepage of the U.S. Army
Army Behavioral Health www.behavioralhealth.army.mil Army Behavioral Health is an official website of the U.S. Army providing post-deployment and transition resources for soldiers, families, and friends.
Army Suicide Prevention Program www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide The Army Suicide Prevention Program is the official U.S. Army suicide prevention resource, designed to minimize suicide behavior – thereby preserving mission effectiveness through individual readiness for soldiers, their families, and Department of the Army civilians. The website includes resources about suicide prevention, but is NOT a suicide prevention hotline.
Army Wife Network www.armywifenetwork.com A resource started by Army wives, the Army Wife Network website now includes resources and information including articles and a resource database for all military spouses.
Gold Star Mothers, U.S. Army www.army.mil/goldstarmothers This Army website provides links to resources and information to mothers of fallen soldiers.
Resilience Training www.resilience.army.mil Resilience Training is a strength-based training program designed to strengthen warrior behavioral health. The website features training materials and information for soldiers, leaders, spouses, families, and behavioral health providers.
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Coast Guard Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
The United States Coast Guard www.uscg.mil The official homepage of the U.S. Coast Guard
CG SUPRT www.cgsuprt.com A virtually all-inclusive resource for the Coast Guard, the site includes a hotline to access Coast-Guard specific information. Contact a consultant: 855-CG SUPRT (247-8778); international: country code+800-02478778.
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Marine Corps Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
The United States Marine Corps www.marines.mil The official homepage of the U.S. Marine Corps
Marine and Family Programs Division www.manpower.usmc.mil The Marine and Family Programs Division (MF) of the U.S. Marines is responsible for providing service policies and resources to support commanders in executing quality Marine and family programs.
Marine for Life www.marineforlife.org Marine for Life provides assistance to Marines who leave active duty and return to civilian life. The network – consisting of Marines, Marine veterans, mentors, businesses, and civic and veterans’ organizations – helps Marines make a smooth and successful transition into the community.
Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc The Navy and Marines Public Health Center website covers topics including substance abuse, anger, gambling, and family stress.
Wounded Warrior Regiment www.woundedwarriorregiment.org The United States Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment provides and facilitates assistance to wounded, ill, and injured Marines and sailors attached to or in direct support of Marine units – and their family members – to assist them as they return to duty or transition to civilian life. The Regiment supports active, reserve, and veteran Marines.
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Navy Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
The United States Navy www.navy.mil The official homepage of the U.S. Navy
Navy Fleet and Family Support Program www.ffsp.navy.mil Fleet and Family Support Programs provide a variety of programs for service members and their families related to mental health and wellness – including financial readiness services, employment help, and mental health and family counseling.
Navy Safe Harbor safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil Navy Safe Harbor is the Navy’s organization for coordinating the non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured sailors, coast guardsmen, and their families. The program provides a lifetime of individually tailored assistance designed to optimize the success of recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
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National Guard And Military Reserve Resources
Make sure to check out the DOD, Military Kids, General Governmental, and Non-Governmental resource sections for a full listing of services available to you and your family.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) www.esgr.org ESGR develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense: Reserve Affairs ra.defense.gov The mission of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense: Reserve Affairs is to serve as adviser to the Secretary of Defense on all matters that involve the Reserve components in all branches. This official website provides information on resources targeted towards the Reserve components like the Yellow Ribbon Program, Wounded Warrior Care, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and TRICARE Reserve Select.
Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists (SOFAR) www.sofarusa.org SOFAR is a pro-bono mental health project that provides free psychological support, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and prevention services to extended family of Reserve and National Guard deployed during the Global War on Terrorism, from time of alert through the period of reunion and reintegration.
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program www.jointservicessupport.org/yrrp/YourYellowRibbon.aspx The National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is a legislatively mandated program designed to provide information, services, referrals and proactive outreach programs to service members and families of the National Guard and Reserves throughout all phases of the deployment cycle.
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Military Veterans Resources
Veterans Affairs www.va.gov The official homepage of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Air Compassion Veterans® www.aircompassionforveterans.org The mission of Air Compassion for Veterans® is to ensure that no financially-stressed wounded warrior, veteran, or his/her adversely-affected family member(s) is denied the ability to access any of the following: distant, specialized medical evaluation; diagnosis and treatment; counseling; rehabilitation; service dog acquisition; or any program that promotes healing and restoration for reintegration into a productive life.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) www.dav.org Disabled American Veterans is dedicated to building better lives for all of our nation’s disabled veterans and their families.
eBenefits www.ebenefits.va.gov eBenefits is a web-based portal, provided by the VA, for veterans and service members to research, find, access, and manage their benefits.
Make the Connection www.maketheconnection.net Make the Connection connects veterans and their friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD www.ptsd.va.gov/public This website provides information on trauma and PTSD for veterans, family members, and the general public.
Veterans Crisis Line www.veteranscrisisline.net Phone: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 The Veterans Crisis Line personnel are trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances. Many of the responders are veterans themselves and understand what veterans and their families and friends have been through, including challenges faced by veterans of all ages and service eras.
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Military Child Resources
American Association of School Administrators’ Toolkit: Supporting the Military Child www.aasa.org/MilitaryChild.aspx This toolkit provides guidance for school leaders on meeting the unique educational needs of children whose parents are deployed or in transition.
Daddy Dolls/Mommy Dolls www.hugahero.com Daddy and Mommy Dolls are stuffed dolls created with a photo of the deployed service member, allowing children to “hug” the deployed parent.
Deployment: Strategies for Working with Kids in Military Families Karen Petty PhD (Author) Children with parents in the military face unfamiliar and complicated emotions. This comprehensive handbook is for civilians and military personnel who work with or care for children who experience separation through deployment, death, or divorce.
Dog Tags for Kids www.dogtagsforkids.com Dog Tags for Kids is dedicated to helping United States service men and women in harm’s way connect with their children at home. Service members can request specially engraved dog tags in the appropriate service color – for free – to give to their children.
Early Moments Matter www.earlymomentsmatter.org Early Moments Matter is designed to raise awareness about early childhood attachment, and to provide parents and caregivers with the information they need to help their infants develop secure attachments.
Flat Daddies/Flat Mommies www.flatdaddies.com Flat Daddies and Flat Mommies are life-sized printed posters of parents who are actively serving overseas in the military, creating a way to help families stay connected to loved ones who are deployed.
Kids Journals www.hnfs.com/content/hnfs/home/tn/bene/res/symbolic_links/kids_journals.html Health Net Federal Services’ children’s initiative provides additional resources to help children successful navigate the unique challenges military families face. Users can review, download and print journals related to deployment, military moves, and the death of a loved one at no cost.
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) www.militarychild.org The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a nonprofit, worldwide organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.
Military Families Near and Far www.familiesnearandfar.org Part of Sesame Workshop’s Military Families Initiative, in cooperation with the DOD, Military Families Near and Far is a bilingual website where military families can create, communicate, and stay connected. The site offers suggestions and tools to empower pre-school and school-aged children to express themselves and communicate within their own family networks.
Military Kids Connect (MKC) www.militarykidsconnect.org MKC, an initiative of the DOD’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) agency, is an online community for military children ages 6 to 17, providing access to age-appropriate resources to support children from pre-deployment, through a parent’s or caregiver’s return.
Military Youth on the Move apps.militaryonesource.mil Military Youth on the Move covers topics specifically for military children and teens, including military moves, social life, and school.
National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) www.naccrra.org NACCRRA is the nation’s leading voice for child care, working with more than 700 state and local Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies nationwide to help ensure that families in 99 percent of all populated ZIP codes in the United States have access to high-quality, affordable child care. NACCRRA is working in partnership with the DOD to help military parents locate non-DOD child care.
Operation Military Kids www.operationmilitarykids.org The U.S. Army’s collaborative effort with America’s communities – called Operation Military Kids – supports children and youth impacted by deployment.
Our Military Kids www.ourmilitarykids.org Our Military Kids provides tangible support to children of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel as well as to children of severely injured service members through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring. Such activities help these children cope with the stress of having a parent in a war zone or recovering from injury at home.
Sesame Street for Military Families Visit iTunes and search “Sesame Street for Military Families”. The “Sesame Street for Military Families” mobile application puts all of Sesame’s bilingual (English and Spanish) resources for military families right in your pocket! Use your mobile device to access engaging videos, articles, storybooks, and parent guides to help you support your preschool and school-aged children as they encounter transitions common to military families.
Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) www.stompproject.org STOMP is the only national parent training and information center for military families, providing medical support and advice to military parents regardless of the condition.
Talk, Listen, Connect www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives/emotion Sesame Workshop created the Talk, Listen, Connect initiative to help small children learn about and understand the changes brought on by a deploying parent. Talk, Listen, Connect is a multiphase, bilingual, multimedia initiative that guides families through multiple challenges, such as deployments, homecomings, and changes that occur when a parent comes home – as well as coping with grief.
Tool Kits for Kids www.toolkitsforkids.com Tool Kits for Kids is designed to teach young people emotional life skills, with a focus on reducing anxiety in children and teens, building self-esteem, improving confidence, and strengthening coping skills.
United Through Reading www.unitedthroughreading.org The United Through Reading military program helps ease the stress of separation for military families by allowing deployed parents to read children’s books aloud, and make a DVD recording for their child to watch at home. This program is available to all deploying military units and at select USO locations. It offers parents the chance to make powerful and lasting connections with their children and to parent from afar.
ZERO TO THREE www.zerotothree.org ZERO TO THREE works to increase awareness and collaboration throughout the military community so that parents and professionals can more effectively care for very young children and their families impacted by such deployment-related issues as trauma, grief, and loss.
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Books For Military Children
The following book recommendations are available from Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Independent Bookstores.
Deployment Journal for Kids Rachel Robertson (Author) Deployment Journal for Kids is a special journal created for children to record feelings and events during a loved one’s military deployment.
H Is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet Devin Scillian (Author), Victor Juhasz (Illustrator) Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic, and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets, and the Army Rangers.
Henry Hero Bear www.henryherobear.com Henry Hero Bear is an 11-inch cuddly teddy bear accompanied by a story book designed to help young children cope with the absence of a military parent or loved one during a long deployment.
Heroes! Activities for Kids Dealing with Deployment Susan B Weaver (Author) Heroes! is a beautifully designed and produced activity book offering a loving, creative and healthy way for kids ages 4 to 14 to deal with a parent’s deployment. The author gently walks children and “tweens” through carefully structured activities like drawing pictures, gathering photos, and finding new ways to relax, express anger, and keep in touch.
I Wish Daddy Was Here Katherine DeMille (Author) See how one little girl and her mother find strength through the seasons as they await the return of their loved one.
Love, Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom Lisa Tucker McElroy (Author), Diane Paterson (Illustrator) Lizzie’s mom is serving in the military overseas, and Lizzie really misses her. While they are apart, Lizzie and her mom write letters to each other to help make the separation easier.
Love Spots Karen Panier (Author), Teresa Blomquist (Illustrator) Do you know the real reason camouflage uniforms have all those spots? It’s a story every military dad and mom should share with their children.
My Dad’s Deployment: A Deployment and Reunion Activity Book for Young Children Julie LaBelle (Author), Christina Rodriguez (Illustrator) This 112-page activity book features deployment- and reunion-related mazes, connect-the-dots, counting, matching, coloring, crafts, telling time, and other activities familiar to preschool and early elementary children.
My Mommy Wears Combat Boots Sharon McBride (Author) My Mommy Wears Combat Boots is based the personal experience of a soldier and a mother who was seeking a way to explain why she needed to leave her child again and go to war. The book is for mothers in uniform everywhere that are seeking a way to explain to their children the emotions associated with deployment and a way to positively channel those emotions when they are away.
Night Catch Brenda Ehrmantraut (Author), Vicki Wehrman (Illustrator) When a soldier’s work takes him half-way around the world, he enlists the help of the North Star for a nightly game of catch with his son. Night Catch is a timeless story that connects families while they are apart and offers comforting hope for their reunion.
A Paper Hug Stephanie Skolmoski (Author), Anneliese Bennion (Illustrator) Have you ever said good-bye to someone very dear? Here’s a story about a little boy who figured out the best gift to give his dad who was leaving to serve his country…a paper hug.
We Serve Too! Books and Resources for Military Kids and their Families! www.weservetoo.com We Serve Too! provides books and resources that discuss common experiences of military children. On this website you can purchase the books and download curriculum, coloring pages, stickers, discussion guides, and even specially designed dog tags for children.
A Yellow Ribbon for Daddy Anissa Mersiowsky (Author) A book for military children going through a deployment, this book asks, from a child’s perspective, why Daddy has gone to fight and protect other children and families.
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General Governmental Resources
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) www.dol.gov/whd/fmla The FMLA entitles eligible employees (for example, caregivers) of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) www.ptsd.va.gov The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America’s veterans through research, education and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) www.samhsa.gov SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. Since its founding in 1992, SAMHSA has demonstrated that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover from mental and substance use disorders.
Social Security Administration www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from the Social Security Administration. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the VA.
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Non-Governmental Organizational Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics: Support for Military Children and Adolescents www2.aap.org/sections/uniformedservices/deployment/resources.html This website was developed by military pediatricians and youth-serving professionals working to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all military dependent infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Among other resources, the site contains information about talking to children about deployment and helping children understand war injuries.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. www.goldstarmoms.com American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country and provides community and support for these families.
The American Legion www.legion.org The Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to service members and veterans.
American Psychological Association www.apa.org/topics/military The American Psychological Association website’s military section provides links to useful resources, tips for finding a psychologist, and information on helping children cope with war, deployments, and other stressors.
American Red Cross (Coping with Deployments Course) www.redcross.org/find-help/military-families/deployment-services/coping-deployment-course “Coping with Deployments: Psychological First Aid for Military Families” was developed out of the continuing commitment of the Red Cross to serve military families. This course was designed specifically for the spouses, parents, siblings, and partners of service members.
Armed Services YMCA www.asymca.org The Armed Services YMCA of the USA runs more than 150 programs around the world to ease the burden of nearly 500,000 families of junior-enlisted military personnel each year. The Armed Services YMCA delivers free and low-cost programs through 14 branches, 10 YMCA affiliates, and 9 DOD affiliates.
The Band of Mothers www.thebandofmothers.com The Band of Mothers is a support group for mothers of U.S. Soldiers. The website features an events calendar, photo album, videos, and other resources.
Blue Star Families (BSF) www.bluestarfam.org Blue Star Families is a nonprofit organization created by military families. The organization is committed to helping military families support one another through the unique challenges of military service and asking the larger civilian population to help as well. BSF connects military families regardless of rank, branch of service, or physical location, and empowers military family members to create the best personal and family life possible for themselves.
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) www.biausa.org An organization that exists to advance brain injury prevention, research and treatment, BIAA is dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.
Families OverComing Under Stress™ (FOCUS) www.focusproject.org FOCUS is a psychological health resiliency-building program designed for military families facing the psychological challenges of combat operational stress during wartime. FOCUS’ staff assists families in understanding the effects of combat operational stress on the family unit, how to manage stress, and how to strengthen their family units.
Fisher House™ Foundation www.fisherhouse.org Fisher House™ Foundation provides a “home away from home” for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization of their service member for illness, disease, or injury.
Military Families Learning Network blogs.extension.org/militaryfamilies The Military Families Learning Network serves military family service professionals through engaged online communities that identify and make use of the highest quality best practices, research- and evidence-based information, educational and curriculum materials, and programming activities and efforts.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) www.moaa.org MOAA is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. With about 370,000 members from every branch of service – including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers, and their families – MOAA is a powerful force that promotes a strong national defense and represents the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers.
National Military Family Association (NMFA) www.militaryfamily.org The NMFA speaks up on behalf of military families and empowers spouses/partners and children to understand and access their benefits.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Veterans, current service members, and their families and friends can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press “1” to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline. Professional counselors are available 24/7 to help in cases of emotional crisis, suicidal thoughts, or concern about someone who is. You can also chat live with a VA counselor.
Operation We Are Here www.operationwearehere.com Operation We Are Here creates an awareness of the challenges of families/loved ones of deployed military personnel to offer practical suggestions to churches, communities, and individuals on how to support and encourage the families who remain at home and provides a comprehensive list of resources for families/loved ones of deployed military personnel.
ReMIND.org www.remind.org ReMIND is a public education movement of the Bob Woodruff Foundation that educates the public about the needs of injured service members, veterans, and their families as they reintegrate into their communities.
This Emotional Life www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife This Emotional Life is a multi-media campaign to foster awareness, connections, and solutions regarding mental health and emotional wellbeing. Anchored by a successful PBS documentary series that premiered in January 2010, this ambitious campaign includes a special initiative to promote the critical importance of early childhood attachment as well as a grassroots effort to help service men and women and their families. The project’s campaign for military families is a unique endeavor to build national awareness for the needs of service members and their families while also delivering resources directly to those families.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) www.taps.org TAPS is the 24/7 tragedy-assistance resource organization for anyone who has suffered the loss of a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstance of the death.
USA Cares www.usacares.org USA Cares exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing post-9/11 military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. Assistance is provided to all branches of service, all components, and all ranks – while protecting the privacy and dignity of those military families and veterans who request our help.
United Service Organizations (USO) www.uso.org The USO’s mission is to provide morale, welfare, and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. Services include free Internet and email access, libraries and reading rooms, housing assistance, family crisis counseling, support groups, game rooms, and nursery facilities.
Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The organization is dedicated to: raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women; helping severely injured service members aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members.
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Concurrent Retirement And Disability Pay (CRDP) and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC)
Air Force United States Air Force Disability Division (CRSC) 550 C Street West Suite 6 Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4708 1-800-525-0102 (select option 5,1) www.afpc.af.mil/library/combat.asp
Army U.S. Army Human Resources Command ATTN: AHRC-PDR-C (CRSC), Dept 420 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40122 1-866-281-3254 (select option 4) www.hrc.army.mil/site/crsc/index.html
Coast Guard Commander (adm-1-CRSC) U.S. Coast Guard Personnel Command 4200 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22203-1804 1-202-493-1735 www.uscg.mil/psd/de/crsc.asp
Navy and Marine Corps Secretary of the Navy Council of Review Boards Attn: Combat-Related Special Compensation Branch 720 Kennon Street SE, Suite 309 Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC 20374 www.donhq.navy.mil/corb/crscb/crscmainpage.htm
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Mobile Applications
The American Legion Claims Coach www.legion.org/mobileapps The “American Legion Claims Coach” is a handy, secure organizational tool to help veterans and their service officers through the VA benefits claim filing process.
American Red Cross Mobile Apps www.redcross.org/prepare/mobile-apps The Red Cross provides a variety of mobile applications related to disaster preparedness and response including mobile apps for first aid, shelter finder, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires.
Karoo Visit iTunes and search “Karoo”. The application, created by Care.com, is designed to connect parents with their child’s caregivers as well as record memories.
Life Armor Mobile App www.t2health.org/apps/lifearmor
Through the “Life Armor” application, browse information on 17 topics, including sleep, depression, relationship issues, and posttraumatic stress. Brief self-assessments help the user measure and track their symptoms, and tools are available to assist with managing specific problems.
Military and Money www.militaryandmoney.com “Military and Money” features educational resources and tools to help users make informed decisions about money.
Military Traveler www.miltraveler.com “Military Traveler” is a universal base directory application that contains information like phone numbers, hours of operations, and websites for military installations.
Mood Tracker www.t2health.org/apps/t2-mood-tracker “T2 Mood Tracker” is a mobile application that allows users to self-monitor, track, and reference emotional experiences over a period of days, weeks, and months using a visual analogue rating scale.
MyMilitaryLife www.militaryfamily.org/mymilitarylife.html “MyMilitaryLife,” created by the National Military Family Association, helps military spouses navigate the many adventures of military life.
National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2) www.t2health.org/mobile-apps T2 has developed a host of mobile applications relevant to the military community including those related to PTSD and stress management.
PE Coach www.t2health.org/apps/pe-coach “PE Coach” is designed to be used during psychotherapy provided by a behavioral health professional.
PTSD Coach www.t2health.org/apps/ptsd-coach “PTSD Coach” was designed for veterans and military service members who have, or may have, PTSD.
Tactical Breather www.t2health.org/apps/tactical-breather The “Tactical Breather” application can be used to gain control over physiological and psychological responses to stress.
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