& F NEWSLETTER 2020.pdfNiki Puls Lead Child & Youth Coordinator 402-309-7338 C: 402-440-6680...

Warrior & Family Support N E WSL E T T ER

Promoting Readiness & Quality of Life for Service Members & Families

FALL 2020

This newsletter contains official and unofficial information. The inclusion of unofficial information has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8M

CPT Joshua HrubyWarrior & Family Support Office

1-800-432-6778

table oF ContentS

letter From the editor ...................1

Child & youth ..............1

Soldier & Family readineSS Support ........2

yelloW ribbon ..............3

r3Sp ..........................4

eSGr .......................5-6

military oneSourCe ......7

FinanCial readineSS ......8

ContaCtS ......................9

Warrior & Family Support has a web page where we post info for our military members & their families.

Come check us out at... http://ne.ng.mil/FPO

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Hello everyone this is CPT Joshua Hruby coming to you from the Warrior & Family Support Office. We are starting up a Newsletter that will be released Quarterly (available the 1st week of that Quarter), that will provide the Units with information about:

1. Events available for Military Families

2. Resilience idea and lessons learned

3. Resources and Guides to help with Family concerns

4. Articles to read and expand your knowledge

This Newsletter will cover Child & Youth Programs, Yellow Ribbon, R3SP (includingSuicide Prevention and Alcohol/Drug usage), Financial advice, Military One Source information, Transition Assistance Advice, and Soldier Family Readiness Specialist events/advice. The articles and events will be fresh and updated every Quarter.

Having this Newsletter in your Readiness Centers and Buildings out in the open for anyone to grab and read will be very beneficial for anyone to get a copy/read. We implore you all to read/glance through the Newsletter and encourage your Soldiers to do the same. We are here to help all Soldiers and their Families.

letter From the editor

Child & youth

upCominG eventS!

• Robotics Club• YMCA Winter Basketball• Fall and Halloween Activities• Virtual Teen Council Meeting• Fall Break Camp• Winter Break Camp

FolloW our FaCebook paGe For more detailS!

www.facebook.com/NENGCYP/

Niki PulsLead Child & Youth Coordinator402-309-7338 C: [email protected]

Emma SteinacherChild & Youth [email protected]

ContaCtS

The mission of the Army National Guard Child & Youth Services is to promote and sustain the quality of life and resilience of Army National Guard dependent children and youth by providing secure, timely, flexible, high-quality support services and enrichment programs

We are currently offering YMCA Winter sports, upcoming break camps, as well as fall family activities. Details can be found on our Facebook page!

There are current openings on our Tenn Council! This is an opportunity for your 12-18 year old to participate on a leadership team with other teens from around the state. Do you have a teen that would be interested in participating? Let Emma know, today!

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Soldier & Family readineSS Support

Family aSSiStanCe CenterS – ChanGinG nameS & ChanGinG FunCtionS

There is a lot of change occurring in the Warrior Family Support Office (WFS).

Beginning in October, the Family Assistance Center will have completely migrated from contract staff to federal (Title V) employees who will now be known as “Soldier and Family Readiness Specialists (SFRS).”

At the same time, areas of coverage will be changing to better serve our Soldiers and Families. A map of our new regions is published above, along with contact information for your SFRS is listed on the "Contacts" page below (Page 8).

Each SFRS will remain seated at their current location (Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, North Platte, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff), but their duties will have changed. We are absorbing the duties of several contract programs, such as Employment Readiness and Family Readiness Support Assistants, and are now able to give our Soldiers and their Families a true ‘One Stop’ shop for all of your Family needs.

Among our new duties:

• Assisting with the formation, regulation, and maintenance of Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRG);

• Assist with the recruitment of new volunteers and ensuring they are recognized for their services;

• Conduct briefings and training at the local and regional area to provide necessary information to leadership, commanders, Soldiers, Families, Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) and community partners;

• Provide support in the event of natural and man-made disasters through the twenty four hour Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC).

• As always, we will continue to provide five star service, on demand and at the convenience of the Soldier, the Family member, and the unit.

The bottom line is this: We are here to support you. Please give us a call at any of the numbers below (Page 8).

Help us to help you.

Jim ChastainLead SFR [email protected]

ContaCt

SiouxDawes

Sheridan

Box Butte

Scotts Bluff

Morrill

Banner

KimballCheyenne

Garden

Deuel

Cherry

Grant Hooker Thomas

Arthur McPherson Logan

Keith

Perkins

Lincoln

Chase

Dundy

Hayes

Hitchcock

Frontier

Red WillowFurnas

Gosper

Harlan Franklin Webster Nuckolls Thayer Jefferson

Phelps KearneyAdams

Clay Fillmore Saline

Dawson Buffalo

Hall Hamilton

Merrick

Custer

ShermanHoward

Valley Greeley

Garfield WheelerBlaine Loup

Brown RockHolt

Keya Paha Boyd

Knox Cedar Dixon

Dakota

AntelopePierce Wayne

Boone

Nance

MadisonStanton Cuming

Thurston

Burt

Platte ColfaxDodge

Washington

PolkButler

Saunders Douglas

Sarpy

CassYork

Seward

Lancaster

Gage

Otoe

JohnsonNemaha

Pawnee Richardson

Scottsbluff

Chadron

Sidney OgallalaNorth Platte

McCook

Lexington Kearney

Broken Bow

Hastings

Grand Island

York

Seward

Beatrice

Nebraska City

O‘NeillWayne

Norfolk

Columbus Fremont

Wahoo

Lincoln

Omaha

Ashland Offutt

reGion 1 (LincoLn) reGion 2 (omaha)

reGion 3 (norfoLk) reGion 4 (kearney)

reGion 5 (north PLatte) reGion 6 (ScottSbLuff)

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The Nebraska National Guard Resiliency Program is dedicated to teaching every Soldier the necessary skills to not only survive the challenges that military life can bring, but to thrive in the face of them. We strive to positively build on the five pillars of Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness: Family, Physical, Social, Spiritual, and Emotional Fitness. To do this, we work to promote the training of Master Resilience Trainers (MRTs) in compliance with the ARNG requirement of one MRT per company headquarters, and to maintain proficiency by providing refresher training opportunities each quarter. These MRTs are NCOs, officers, and warrant officers of upstanding and inspiring character that actively incorporate resiliency into all aspects of military, family, and personal life. The MRT’s goal is to increase mental and emotional readiness and total wellness of Soldiers while decreasing risk of harmful behavior and suicide. The MRT course is a two-week course at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.

Another way to get involved in resiliency training is by attending the three-day Resilience Training Assistant (RTA) course, which certifies Soldiers E-4 and up to assist their unit MRT with unit training requirements; they collaborate with

their MRT subject matter experts on upcoming skills training and help create an engaging atmosphere for learning. It is recommended units have one RTA per platoon and RTA courses are offered once per quarter.

Level 1 MRTs are encouraged to assist with teaching RTA courses as an additional avenue to stay up-to-date on MRT skills and to practice briefing to a group. Select level 1 MRTs may be recommended to attend the level 2 MRT course, which allows them to teach higher levels of MRT and refresher training for level 1 MRTs.

An additional MRT training opportunity includes Deployment Cycle Resilience Training (DCRT), which we offer once per year to level 1 MRTs. This training provides an outline of curriculum to meet the unique resilience training needs of Soldiers, leaders, and families of those that are mobilizing and de-mobilizing.

Getting more information and getting connected with a resilience training opportunity is easy! Contact your unit or the State Resilience Coordinator at (402) 309-7349.

1LT Megan McKennaYellow Ribbon Program [email protected]

ContaCt

yelloW ribbon

reSilienCe iS the ability to GroW & thrive in the FaCe oF ChallenGeS & bounCe baCk From adverSity

• Resilience Training Assistance (RTA)November 11-13, 2020

• 192nd Military Police Det.December 5, 2020

SAVE THE DATE

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FirSt Quarter 2021

reSilienCe, riSk reduCtion & SuiCide prevention

CampaiGnS

red ribbon Week – SChool CampaiGn (Last week of Oct.) Coloring/Poster Contest – “Healthy Me, Drug Free!”

Category 1: Kindergarten - 2nd GradeCategory 2: 3rd Grade - 5th Grade

1St PLACE (Each Category)

• $20.00 Hobby Lobby Gift Certificate.• Poster will be displayed in JFHQ Lobby.

drunk and druGGed drivinG CampaiGn (Nov. - Jan. 1, 2021) Sign the Pledge

I Pledge to...• Get someone help if I recognize signs of alcohol misuse.• Take care of my buddy and help them make better choices.• Never drink and drive.• Organize a safe and sober ride home.• Follow the 0-1-2-3 low-risk guidelines.• Not take any illegal or non-prescribed drugs.• Continue setting a positive example for my peers,

subordinates, and my leaders.

traininG

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)• Master Resiliency Training (MRT)• Ask, Care, and Escort - Suicide Intervention (ACE - SI)• Resilience Training Assistance (RTA)

CounCilS

• Commander’s Ready and Resilient Council (CR2C)• Spiritual Health Working Group (SHWG)• Behavioral Health Working Group (BHWG)• Physical Health Working Group (PHWG)• Social and Family Working Group (S&FWG)

eventS

StronG bondS • October 23-25, 2020 (Lincoln)• January 22-24, 2021 (Omaha)

Bill MacDonaldR3SP Program Manager402-309-7343 C: [email protected]

ContaCt

toI Pledge

5

uniFormed ServiCeS employment & reemployment riGhtS aCt

employerS:

The law applies to all public and private employers in the United States to include federal, state and local governments; regardless of size. Providing that the service member meets all criteria, USERRA requires employers to provide the following:

• Allow employees to participate in military service.

• Prompt reinstatement into a job following military service.

• Accumulation of seniority, including pension plan benefits.

• Reinstatement of health insurance.• Training or retraining of job skills, including

accommodations for the disabled.• Protection against discrimination.

ServiCe memberS:

In general, if the employee is absent from a position of civilian employment by reason of service in the uniformed services, he or she is eligible for reemployment under USERRA by meeting the following criteria:

• The employer had advance notice of the employee’s service.

• The employee returns to work in accordance with USERRA guidelines.

• The employee has not been separated from service with a disqualifying discharge, or under other than honorable conditions.

employer Support oF the Guard & reServe

the uniFormed ServiCeS employment & reemployment riGhtS aCt oF 1994 (uSerra) is the federal law that establishes rights and responsibilities for members of the Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. USERRA affects employment, reemployment, employment benefits and retention in employment, when employees serve or have served in the uniformed services.

eSGr and uSerra: ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities governed by USERRA. ESGR does not have statutory authority to enforce, but serves as a neutral, free resource to employers and service members. ESGR’s trained ombudsmen provide mediation of employment and reemployment issues relating to compliance with USERRA.

Statutory authority: Congress provided the statutory authority for investigating alleged violations of USERRA to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). If DOL finds that an employer has likely violated USERRA and is unable to secure voluntary compliance, DOL may refer the case to the U.S. Department of Justice for legal action against the employer.

continued...

6

reemployment timetable:To be eligible for protection under USERRA, the service member must report back to work or apply for reemployment within the following guidelines:

1-30 days of service Report next scheduled work day*

31-180 days of service Apply for reinstatement within 14 days following completion of service.

181+ days of service Apply for reinstatement within 90 days following completion of service.

*After 8 hours rest plus normal travel time from military training site to place of civilian employment.

Bill NelsonESGR Support Technician [email protected]

ContaCt

ombudSman ServiCeS: The ESGR Ombudsman Services Program provides information, counseling, and mediation of work place issues relating to compliance with USERRA. ESGR ombudsmen are neutral parties in resolving disputes between civilian employers and their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. They work to resolve issues, in compliance with USERRA, to the agreement of both parties.

Hundreds of trained ombudsmen, located in each of the ESGR State Committees in all 50 U.S. states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, are available to promptly respond to inquiries presented by employees or their civilian employers. Since many problems result from a lack of familiarization with the rights and responsibilities of each as defined by law, most of these requests for assistance are resolved quickly. When an ESGR ombudsman is unable to facilitate a resolution, parties are notified of the option to seek assistance through the Department of Labor/Veterans’ Employment and Training Service for formal investigation and the option to seek private legal counsel.

uSerra QueStionS?Our customer service center operates from 8am to 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to provide answers to USERRA questions, or refer cases to a trained ombudsman.

Call our customer service center toll-free at 1-800-336-4590. Questions may also be asked at www.ESGR.mil by completing a USERRA Assistance Request Form.

employer Support oF the Guard & reServe

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military oneSourCe

reSourCeS For underStandinG SuiCide prevention in the military

Service members put their life on the line to protect our country. However, serious risks may lurk in everyday life for some with intense trainings or as the pace of military life suddenly gets faster and for prolonged periods. It can be even harder and more confusing to deal with as a loved one.

Suicide is a serious issue in the military. Significant life changes, stress and unique challenges of military life can make service members feel isolated, and some may be at greater risk for suicide.

You can make a difference in a loved one’s life by understanding when a service member is most at risk and knowing where to turn for help.

Learn when a service member may be at risk for suicide: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/health-wellness/mental-health/suicide/when-a-service-member-may-be-at-risk-for-suicide

timeS When a ServiCe member Can Feel added iSolation or StreSS

As part of their network of support, it is important to be aware of the moments in a service member’s life that can add stress on their mind or body. Service members do not have to be diagnosed with PTSD to be at risk for harming themselves.

Mental health issues can happen to anyone, at any time. Here are some points in a service member’s life when they can feel especially alone, agitated or anxious:

• Around times of deployment or difficulty readjusting following deployment

• Loss of a family member, friend or fellow service member

• Career setbacks or disciplinary actions• Difficulty in a marriage or family life• Transitioning from military to civilian life• Financial difficulty• Major life changes

Some WayS to be there For your ServiCe member in tryinG timeS

As a loved one, you know your service member

best. Trust your instincts and talk to them if you think they may be having suicidal thoughts.

• Mention the signs that prompted you to talk to them. Stay calm and let them know you are here to help.

• Do not counsel them yourself. Ask questions and listen – but encourage them to get professional help if there is a threat.

• Communication needs to be mostly listening, but ask direct questions without being judgmental, such as:

• Are you thinking about killing yourself?"• Have you ever wished you were dead or wished

you could go to sleep and not wake up?"• Have you ever tried to end your life?"• Do you think you might try to kill

yourself today?"

reSourCeS & mental health help are available

Knowing the risk factors, warning signs, and where to turn is the best thing you can do for your service member. Support is available 24/7 both for your loved one in distress and yourself. If someone you know is suicidal or in a state of crisis, the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1). Crisis experts are available via online chat or text (838255). Another resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

It is important to take care of yourself when supporting someone through a hard time. If you also need support, contact the Lifeline at the link below: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-someone-else

You can learn more about suicide prevention through the Defense Suicide Prevention Office: https://www.dspo.mil

Lori SymonsbergenMilitary One Source State [email protected]

ContaCt

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FinanCial readineSS

perSonal FinanCial CounSelorS

are here to Support you virtually

Chet BennettsPersonal Financial [email protected]

ContaCt

PFCs offer a wide range of training and workshops on topics such as money management, budgeting and developing spending plans, debt and credit card management, consumer rights and obligations, homebuying, retirement and estate planning, taxes and more.

PFCs can provide face to face counseling and/or deliver presentation to Service Members and their families using telephonic or electric modes like the Zoom platform.

PFCs are:

• Professionals with experience and specialized training

• They hold a minimum of a bachelor degree• They hold National certifications for financial

counseling and education

Follow the oFFice oF Financial Readiness

https://www.facebook.com/DoDFINRED

https://www.twitter.com/DoDFINRED

https://www.instagram.com/DoDFINRED

https://www.youtube.com/DoDFINRED

www.FINRED.USALEARNING.GOV

https://www.medium.com/@DoDFINRED

Are you off a military installation, but still desire financial support? Would speaking to a professional, virtually, give you peace of mind? Are you ready to boost your monetary might?

Did you know personal Financial Counselors (PFCs) can provide no-cost support services virtually?

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ContaCtS

Warrior & Family Support proGram (WfS)CPT Edward BoslandState Family Program Director2000 N. 33rd St, Lincoln, NE402-309-7331C: [email protected]

CPT Joshua HrubyFamily Program [email protected]

SSG Jonathan MusilekWarrior & Family Support [email protected]

Soldier Family readineSS Support (SfrS) SpeCialiSt'S• SFr lead

Jim [email protected]

• reGion 1 (LincoLn)Mathew [email protected]

• reGion 2 (omaha)Michaela [email protected]

• reGion 3 (norfoLk)Nicole [email protected]

• reGion 4 (kearney)Carey [email protected]

• reGion 5 (north PLatte)Scott [email protected]

• reGion 6 (ScottSbLuff)Paul Kennedy402-309-8566paul.j.kennedy20.civ.mail.mil

yelloW ribbon proGram


Child & youth proGram (cyP)Niki PulsLead Child & Youth Coordinator402-309-7338C: [email protected]

Emma SteinacherChild & Youth [email protected]

reSilienCe, riSk reduCtion & SuiCide prevention proGram (r3SP)Bill MacDonaldR3SP Program Manager402-309-7343C: [email protected]


Chelsea WellsSuicide Prevention Program Manager [email protected]

army SubStanCe abuSe proGram (aSaP)Shawn HumphreyAlcohol and Drug Control [email protected]

Ricky MosesPrevention [email protected]

Survivor outreaCh ServiCeS (SoS)Stephanie WhislerSOS Support [email protected]

Raechell Eddy-JimersonSOS Support Coordinator402-309-7251C: [email protected]

reliGiouS Support

COL Philip [email protected]

FinanCial readineSS proGram

Chet BennettsPersonal Financial [email protected]

tranSition aSSiStant proGram

Bonnie BesslerTransition Assistant [email protected]

employer Support oF the Guard & reServe (eSGr)Bill NelsonProgram Support Technician [email protected]

TRICARE reSourCe oFFiCe

Bryan Kummer TRICARE NCO402-309-8199bryan.j.kummer2.mil@mail

SPC Richard PiperState TRICARE RepresentativeC: [email protected]

military oneSourCe

Lori SymonsbergenMilitary One Source State [email protected]

Nebraska National GuardCreated by

& F NEWSLETTER 2020.pdfNiki Puls Lead Child & Youth Coordinator 402-309-7338 C: 402-440-6680...

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