FREE ASSISTANCE FOR OUR MILITARY HEROS AND THEIR FAMILIES, free help for national guard families , those in active service ,and veterans ;financial help , assistance with medical needs , day-to-day living challenges , food , dealing with loss , education , and more as it is found.
* “The soldier above all others prays for peace,for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war “
–Douglas MacArthur *
06/21/08
Free camp for children with parents in military service !
OPERATION PURPLE
"These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with war-related stress and fostering relationships with others who know what they are going through."
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=op_default?&from_www.operationpurple.org
06/02/08
This is very important information for the mental health of our military heros . Nothing should keep people from seeking help for their health , mental or physical .
The following consists of excerpts from the article . To read the complete article , follow the link at the end of the excerpts.
E-News from Washington Vol. 08-21 May 9, 2008 Department of Defense Announces New Policy on Disclosure of Mental Health Treatment
.........................On May 1, 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that military personnel will no longer have to disclose any service-related mental health treatment they have received when they apply for security clearance. The security question, referred to as “Question 21,” has been an obstacle to members of the military seeking mental health care. ..........
..........................Previously, military personnel and others applying for the clearance who had sought treatment for PTSD and other mental disorders had to respond “yes” and provide details of the treatment. . In 2007, a report by the Army’s inspector general found that soldiers were hesitant to seek treatment because they worried about losing their security clearances .........
.........................In addition, an April 2008 report released by Rand Corporation found that approximately 20 percent, or 300,000, of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan report symptoms of PTSD or major depression, but only slightly more than half have sought treatment. This survey and others have shown that a major reason service members do not get help is the fear that it will harm their careers. ................................
...........................“It’s time for leaders of all stripes to step forward,” adding, “You can’t expect a private or a specialist to be willing to seek counseling when his or her captain or colonel or general won’t do it.” .......................
E-News from Washington is provided for informational purposes only by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Beth Powell Director, Public Policy and Professional Issues American Mental Health Counselors Association The only organization working exclusively for mental health counselors 801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304 Alexandria, VA 22314
Website: www.amhca.org
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06/02/08- Another wonderful source from Elaine of TSA
Here is a very important organization . I have quoted quite alot from their site because it is so crucial that we pay attention to what they have to offer :
"REALifelines for Injured Vets
Recovery, Respect, and Success for Injured US Veterans |
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Our Mission
Since 2004, REALifelines has been dedicated to providing our nation's injured veterans with a return to civilian life that respects their sacrifices and honors their right to live full, productive lives.
We understand that injured US veterans want to contribute to society with the same dedication they showed as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
Our promise is to work tirelessly to meet that objective for you, and for every injured veteran.
Real Help, Right Now
Click on the links to the right to learn about the assistance programs, employment opportunities, and awareness initiatives that are meeting the needs of injured US veterans and their families.
Provide a REALifeline
If you represent a company, non-profit, small business, or similar organization interested in improving the lives of injured veterans and their families, please contact the federal Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) in your state"
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How to contact the DVET ?
Simple ! Go here :
http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/realifelines/One_on_One_map.asp
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05/08/08
This site is from the BBB . They include helpful links for all areas of the armed forces .
http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=3d3286aa-873a-4584-8e73-3b222088ef62
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04/08 April
April is Military Month for children . Here is a page with TONS of resources for military parents and their young children
http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_military
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04/20/08
Do you have a son or daughter in the Marines ? Show your pride ! Here is a page that will help you.
http://parents.marines.com/page/ParentsForm.jsp
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03/24/08
If you are currently in the position to help financially , here is a good place to put your money. This is a special kit for spiritual guidance :
http://give2.ccci.org/featured/rdk-ct/
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"Operation Happy Note
is a volunteer effort to send musical instruments to our deployed service men and women throughout the world.
Steve and Barb Baker from Fergus Music started Operation Happy Note after their son was deployed to Iraq. They had sent him a guitar and then a buddy wanted one.
These soldiers were so pleased with having these instruments over there that Steve and Barb wanted to find a way to get more instruments to our troops, hence “Operation Happy Note”.
Since March of 2005 we have sent hundreds of instruments including guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins, harmonicas, and accessories. Steve also wrote a lesson program with CD for those who don’t know how to play.
“We can’t stop now!” says Barb, just because her son is now back home with his family. There are just too many requests that keep coming in, these soldiers need the joy that music brings to them."
http://www.operationhappynote.com/index.phpid=1
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This is a refreshing organization to find , and it is much needed . It is for military in Afganistan and Iraq :
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Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans. IAVA is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any groups other than our sister (c)4, IAVA ACTIN FUND.
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http://www.iava.org/for-oif/oef-vets
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Are you a member of the military who has to leave a much loved pet ? Here is an organization that will help .
A NationWide & Global network of Individual Foster Homes that will house, nurture and care for
the dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for all the Military personnel Only.
(Foster: to give temporary nurture, care and shelter.)
As of April, 2002 ALL the Pets of the Military are now classified as "Part Of The Family"! "-A quote from the site. To access the program , go here :
https://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php
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FOR VETERANS AND THOSE IN THE MILITARY CONSIDERING CIVILIAN LIFE This is another wonderful resource courtesy of Elaine of TSA. Transitions from military to civilian life are made smoother with the assistance of the Veterans Resource Central . They provide everything at a very low cost or free to veterans and their families.
Veterans Resource Central
The VRC provides information
and guidance to veterans transitioning to civilian life, to military families challenged by life
issues at home, as well as to active duty individuals considering civilian careers. We introduce
veterans to a network of community business leaders many of whom are veterans, family
members of veterans or who just care about veterans and want to help you with your transition.
. The goal of VRC, a Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization, is to
help returning veterans adjust to civilian life and discover appropriate career options. We have
consolidated many resources in a central clearinghouse and continue to incorporate additional
resources.
Our Services
VRC combines technology and people helping people. The support VRC provides veterans is at
a low or no cost to them. Through our partners, we provide the following services:
• Career planning
• Job placement
• Business start up
• Family support
• Peer-to-peer assistance and support
• Stress management consulting
• Financial advice and counseling
• Career networking
http://www.veteransresourcecentral.org/index.shtml
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THE SOCIETY OF MILITARY WIDOWS (SMW) was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces
http://www.militarywidows.org/
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A site called "Ancient Mariners and Forgotten Soldiers" . This has poems , memories and stories , as well as links by and for america's military
http://www.jacksjoint.com/military.htm
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Living a life with disabilities , I sometimes need mental health counseling. I imagine that in the armed forces , you also would find times that working on your mental health would be crucial to living a full life. Here is a great program for free counseling. ( ANOTHER HIGH FIVE FOR ELAINE OF TSA FOR THIS ONE !)
http://www.giveanhour.org/cms/index.php
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Here is a special kit , including a DVD , for the children of those that are being deployed . This is free.
