Beacon of Hope/July/Aug'12

BEACON of Hope July/August 2012 www.JBLMmwr.com/acs_sos.html 1

B E A C O Nof Hope

Survivor Outreach Services • July/August 2012

Resources

Race For A Soldier

Time of Remembrance4

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Swim To Live2

BEACON of Hope July/August 2012 www.JBLMmwr.com/acs_sos.html2

M y family was recently on va-cation in Las

Vegas. Our daughter was our “tour guide” since she has been there many times. It was hot, but an overall good time away. Be-cause of lack of park-ing, we explored the

world famous “Strip” mostly on foot. De-spite the heat we managed to stay cool go-ing from one air-conditioned casino to an-other. However, these large, crowded and often dark casinos became a challenge to navigate, even for our experienced daugh-ter. As we made our way through one casi-no maze after another, I wondered whether I would ever find my way out. It truly felt like being lost. Eventually, we saw the light of day and the anxiety that comes from feeling lost disappeared.

Grief is the same way. The feeling of be-ing lost without our loved ones inevitably overwhelms us, often weighing us down to the point of helplessness. We go from one day to another feeling like we will never find our way out and many times helplessness gives way to hopelessness. We feel lost. It is a natural thing for most of us. Yet when that time comes, we have a choice: learn-ing to manage grief. We need to seek the light within our soul; the light that allows us to see the hope that can emerge from the dark shadows of grief. And in the process, we are honoring our loved ones. The grief remains, but with a hopeful purpose.

Gene Fowler (Chip)SOS Support Coordinator

I t e m s f o r F a m i l i e s o f F a l l e n S e r v i c e M e m b e r sQuilts of Honor: www.sew-it-seams.com; (719) 773-0332 Freedom Quilts: http://freedomquilts.net/Portraits from Project Compassion: www.heropaintings.com; (435) 835-9429 Portraits from Military Fallen Heroes Project: www.pencil-portrait-drawing-artist.com/id175.htmlHero Portraits: www.heroportraits.org/; (615) 499-1292 Presidential Memorial Certificates: http://www.cem.va.gov/pmc.aspHome of the Brave Quilt Project: http://www.homeofthebravequilts.com/Operation Thankful Nation: http://operationthankfulnation.com/ Operation Remembrance: http://www.operationremembrance.org/ (provides memory boxes)


Are you a fan yet? facebook.com/sosftlewis

Swim To Live2012 Josh Fueston Memorial

The 2012 Josh Fueston Memorial Swim To Live takes place August 27 @ 8 a.m. at Bellingham Bay, Squalicum Boat-house, 2600 Harbor Loop Bellingham, WA. The event honors Josh Fueston and all Service Members who lost their battle with PTSD as well as embracing all those who courageously continue to fight the battle within.

Swimmers depart from Squalicum Har-bor and will be taken by boat to one mile SW of the post point buoy. Swimmers will enter water and swim one mile to post point buoy, then straight into Squa-licum Harbor for a distance of four miles. This is a relay form swim. Each swim-mer will have the opportunity to swim.

Josh Fueston was born and raised in Bellingham, WA. He was a member of the Bellingham Bay Swim Team from 2000 to 2005. During this time period, he volunteered over a 1,000 hours at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center as a Junior Lifeguard. He worked with the physically and mentally challenged adults in a swim program at the pool. Josh’s passion of wanting to help people was inspired by others who had given generously to him.

In December 2004, Josh was honored and received the American Red Cross Hero’s Award for making a difference in his community. In 2006, Josh was hired as a paid life guard at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. He also became a swim instructor. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2006 and was a member un-til December 2007 when he enlisted and joined the Army. In February 2009, after Josh had been home for R&R from Iraq, and on his way back to Iraq, everything went black. His body began to shut down. He was convulsing. He was taken to Kent General Hospital in Dover, Delaware.

When he was stabilized he was trans-ported by a medical team to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. There he was assigned to the Wounded Warriors Transition Brigade. On Septem-ber 13, 2009. Josh lost his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) taking his life in Washington, D.C.(excerpt from active.com/swim-meet/bellingham-wa/josh-fueston-memorial-swim-to-live-2012)

Additional event information:

Swimmers must be at least 18 yrs. old.Swimmers must be at Squalicum Boat house no later than 8 a.m. Swimmers must sign on-site Release of Liability agreement.

Swimmers must wear adequate wet suit for 55 degrees or colder water. No wet suits with exposed skin.

Registration Fee: $40Registration Deadline: August 23, 5 p.m.

Your swim registration fee includes one ticket to dinner & tribute event, T-shirt, and commemorative pin, following the swim at the Lakeway Inn & Conference from 6 to 9 p.m. in Grand Ballroom.

To register for the 2012 Josh Fueston Memorial Swim To Live event visit: http://www.active.com/swim-meet/bellingham-wa/josh-fueston-memo-rial-swim-to-live-2012


T i m e o f R e m e m b r a n c eA s k S t a c e y . . .

QA

QA

What is a “Blue Card” and How do I get one?

What is an SOS Decal and How do I get one?

The Blue Card is unique to Joint Base Lewis-McChord Surviving Family Members. The intent is to allow the cardholder PRIORITY AS-SISTANCE, authorized by the Garrison Commander. The card may be used at the following JBLM facilities: ID Cards, Vehicle Registration, ACAP Services, Stone Edu-cation Center, and *MWR. *10% discount at the Cas-cade Community Club lunch/dinner, $5.00 discount daily golf green fees. Blue Cards can be obtained from the JBLM SOS office or Casualty Assistance Center.

Survivor Outreach Ser-vices created a vehicle de-cal to authorize Surviving Family Members access to Army installations. Here at JBLM, the process hap-pens in three steps for non-ID cardholders, such as Surviving Parents. Step 1: Contact the JBLM SOS of-fice for an application.Step 2: Take application to the JBLM Visitor’s Cen-ter with valid Driver’s Li-cense, for a security back-ground check. Step 3: Take stamped application with vehicle registration, proof of insurance and driver’s license to Waller Hall’s Ve-hicle Registration section to obtain decal and Installa-tion Access ID.

Stacey Pennington is a Financial Counselor with the Survivor Outreach Services at JBLM.

Shirley Schmunk, Stephanie and Clarissa Groepper

Time of Remembrance Candle Light Vigil 2011

Time of Remembrance is a gathering that recognizes the families of our fallen service men and women in these times of Global War on Terrorism. Each of the Fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief. A gathering as

“Time of Remembrance” demonstrates that they need not suffer their grief alone. www.timeofremembrance.org


T i m e o f R e m e m b r a n c eTime of Remembrance is a gathering that recognizes the families of our fallen service men and women in these times of

Global War on Terrorism. Each of the Fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief. A gathering as “Time of Remembrance” demonstrates that they need not suffer their grief alone. www.timeofremembrance.org

Upcoming EventsGolf TournamentSept. 28, Shot Gun Start @ 12:30 p.m. Columbia Point Golf Course, Richland, WA$75 to play in tournament includes steak dinner. Call 509-845-1442 for details.

Candle Light VigilSept. 29 @ 7:30 p.m. Columbia Park, Kennewick, WAHonoring Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii Fallen at the Region Veterans Memorial.

Memorial CeremonySept. 30 @ 11 a.m. Flat Top Park, West Richland, WAMemorial Ceremony with inspirational keynote speakers, music and recognition ceremony at Flat Top Park, Bombing Range Road.


RACE FOR A SOLDIERSept. 23

Gig Harbor, WADay of Race Packet Pick Up: 6:30 a.m.National Anthem and Welcome: 7:45 a.m.Half Marathon Start: 8 a.m.Kid’s Fun Run Start: 8:15 a.m.Two Mile Run Start: 8:30 a.m.

www.raceforasoldier.org

Stacey PenningtonSOS Financial Counselor

Irena KorditSOS Financial Counselor

Jarred Lathrop-WeberSOS Support Coordinator

Mara Barthel (on the left)SOS Volunteer

Gene Fowler (Chip)SOS Support Coordinator

Congratulations Mara!2012 JBLM

Retiree Volunteer of the Year

Meet the WA SOS Staff

Shirley SchmunkSOS Support Coordinator

Megan CarolusSOS Support Coordinator

Mara, seen here with Lori Parker, JBLM Volunteer Program Manager, at the Volunteer Award Ceremony on April 26.


BEACON of Hope Editor/Graphic Design:

Johanna [email protected]

Suppor t Resources

Get the latest JBLM event info at www.JBLMMWR.com/calendar

BEACON of Hope is an authorized unofficial community information source published for surviving mem-bers of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any com-mercial sponsor. Editorial content is provided by Survivor Outreach Services Program, Army Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation offices. Submissions are welcome, but will be edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. BEACON of Hope is a bimonthly publication. Circulation: 1000. Send sub-missions to: [email protected]. Policy: We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withholding the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contribute to informational interest. We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force protection and grammar.Although the information in the issue is current at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activity for confirmation.

Important DocumentsDD Form 1300/”Report of Casualty” (provided by your Service Casualty Officer)

DD Form 2064/”Certificate of Death (overseas)”

Civilian Death Certificates (may be purchased through funeral home; 12 copies recommended)

Marriage Certificate

Divorce Decree

Immigration Documents

Naturalization Papers

Adoption and or Custody Documents

Social Security Number/Card (for all family members)

Wills and Deeds of Trust

Insurance Policies (life, home, vehicles, etc.)

Income Tax Records (past three years)

Documents Referring to Bank Ac-counts, Loans, Securities, etc.

References to Safe Deposit Boxes

References to Outstanding Debt

Army and Air Force Exchange Service www. aafes.com

Army Casualty Assistancehttps://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/CMAOC

Army Emergency Reliefwww.aerhq.org

Chaplain Assistancehttp://www.chapnet.army.mil/

Commissarieshttp://www.commissaries.com/

locations.cfm

DEERS Updates1-800-538-9552

Fax: 1-831-655-8317

Dental (Active Duty)http://www.ucci.com/was/ucciweb/tdp/

tdp.jsp

Dental (Retiree)http://www.ddpdelta.org

Identification Cardshttp://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/

Legalhttp://www.jagcnet.army.mil/legal

Medical (Medicare)http://www.medicare.gov/Supplier/

Home.asp

Medical (TRICARE)http://www.tricare.mil/

Military and Civilian Payhttp://www.dfas.mil/

Retirement Serviceshttp://www.armyg1.army.mil/rso/

default.asp

Social Security Administrationhttp://www.socialsecurity.gov

Taxeshttp://www.irs.gov/

U.S. Armyhttp://www.army.mil/

U.S. Air Forcehttp://www.af.mil/

Veterans’ Affairshttp://www.va.gov/sta/guide/home

National Cemetery Administrationhttp://www.cem.va.gov

1-800-827-1000Memorial Programs Service

1-800-697-6947Presidential Memorial Certificate Prg.

202-565-4259Head Stones and Markers

1-800-697-6947

Arlington National Cemetery877-907-8585

To obtain certified copies of a State Death Certificate, check with any Funeral Director, who can assist you in the process. There may

be a fee for extra state Death Certificates.


Support Resources

JBLM Survivor Outreach Services

JBLM Casualty Assistance Center

JBLM Retirement Services

ACS AnnexBldg. 2166, Liggett Ave. and

S. 12th St.253-967-7501

Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.www.lewisarmysos@

conus.army.mil

The Survivor Outreach Service provides long term assitance and offers financial counseling and referral services to address the needs of Surviving Family Members.

Waller HallBldg. 2140, Liggett Ave.

253-966-5890Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

[email protected]

Provides assistance to the Next-of-Kin (NOK) of deceased Soldiers in obtaining mortuary entitlements, insurance claims, Survivor Ben-efits, Veteran’s assistance and other benefits to which the NOK is entitled.

Waller HallBldg. 2140, Liggett Ave.

253-966-5881Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

www.lewis.army.mil/rso

Provides counsel to Survivor’s of Active Duty Soldiers and completes all neces-sary forms for the Survivor Benefit Plan.

Army Reserve SOSSeattle

404-903-7760/903-7852

Northern California404-903-7798

National Guard SOSWestern Washington

253-202-0982

Eastern Washington253-376-1889

Oregon503-932-7903/309-3334

Northern California916-854-3472

Idaho208-272-3512

Montana406-324-3243

Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors (TAPS)

1-800-959-TAPSwww.taps.org

Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.1-888-751-6350

www.goldstarwives.org

Gold Star Mothers, Inc.www.goldstarmoms.com

Bereaved Parents of the USAwww.bereavedparentsusa.org

National Military Families Assoc.www.nmfa.org

Military One Source1-800-342-9647

www.MilitaryOneSource.com

Vet CenterBereavement Counseling

1-202-273-9116www.vetcenter.va.gov

Give An Hour(enter zip code to locate a counselor)

www.giveanhour.org

The Soldier’s Project NW206-290-1035

[email protected]

TriCarewww.tricare.mil

Grief, Inc.1-253-929-0649

www.griefinc.com

Society of Military Widows1-800-842-3451

www.militarywidows.org

The Moyer Foundation206-298-1217

www.moyerfoundation.org

Dougy Center for Grievingwww.dougy.org

I Cried Toowww.icriedtoo.org

GriefNet.orge-mail support groups

Kids-to-Kids (under 12 yrs.)K2K-Teens ( 13 - 18 yrs.)

Bridges: A Center for Grieving Children

253-272-8266

American Association of Suicidology

1-202-237-2280www.suicidology.org

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)

1-888-511-SAVEwww.save.org

National Suicide Prevention1-800-273-TALK (8255)

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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Beacon of Hope/July/Aug'12

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Transcript of Beacon of Hope/July/Aug'12