Baumholder
Newsletter
Early Winter Edition 2011
ACT NOW p.5 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Block Leave p.8 The Successful Interview p. 9
Spouse Sponsorship p.11
Resilience [ri-zil-yuh ns, -zil-ee-uh ns]
p. 12 ACS Class Calendars
p. 13-16
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Baumholder Army Community Service Health Clinic Complex, Bldg 8746 DSN: 485-8188, CIV: 06783-6-8188 Open M-F 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
In This Issue 3
The Dish from Dan
Notes from the Baumholder ACS Director
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Emergency Placement Care
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ACT NOW!
Together We Can End Domestic Violence
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Exceptional Service for Exceptional Families
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Block Leave
Can you Afford it?
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The Successful Interview
Tips to Making a Good Impression at an Interview
10 Are you an Army Strong Spouse? 11 Sponsorship
Sorry isn’t enough!
A Way to Improve our Communities
12 Resilience [ri-zil-yuh ns, -zil-ee-uh ns]
13 ACS Class Calendars Take control of Domestic Violence October – December 2011
* Cover photo courtesy of www.camo-in-kids.com
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The dish from dan Notes from the baumholder acs director Let’s Eat! Sometimes, when I go to a restaurant, the smell and aroma in the dining room really get the juices flowing. I get distracted trying to connect the smell to what is written on the menu. Then a waitress comes by with someone else’s order and it looks fantastic! I start to try and figure out what it is that they ordered and it disrupts my decision making on what food I want. Sometimes if I have already ordered, it makes me second guess myself. In all actuality, it’s the smell and sight of the food around me that makes my meal a significantly more satisfying experience. Living in Europe is similar to being in the restaurant, in the sense that if you fail to go out, see and do while you’re here, you’ll miss out on the taste and smell of living in Europe! That is especially true while stationed in Baumholder! That’s right! Baumholder is a great location from which to travel. You can have lunch in France or even spend the day in Holland or Belgium. Hahn Airport is very close and those ridiculously cheap flights are within most Soldiers budget. If that still doesn’t spark your travel interest and you find yourself needing a shopping “fix”, just remember that only a half hour away is the biggest AAFES Exchange in our solar system. If all of these options seem a bit overwhelming, and you’d like to learn the ropes and get started with the customs and culture of Germany, as well as how to move around on public transportation, then our Culture College class is for you. No matter how long you have been here in Germany, you can come to Culture College and still learn a thing or two. If after you “graduate” from Culture College, you still have some reservations about getting out and about or would like some German culture advice, ACS is always here to help! An experienced chef will say that you eat with your eyes. If this is true, then Germany and Europe offers a wonderful array of visual appetizers for you to enjoy. I encourage you to use the available resources to make your stay in Europe satisfying and not forget to take in the smell and taste of the experience that is unique to overseas living! Guten Appetit!
Take care,
Dan Furlano ACS Director 3
Emergency Placement Care Providers Needed in Baumholder Written by Enaida Lizde Family Advocacy Program Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some kids live with both parents, others with just one parent or grandparents. Then there are children that live with a foster Family. In the United States, state agencies help organize the Foster Family Program. The overseas military community has the Emergency Placement Care (EPC) Program. The EPC provides temporary care for children who have been removed from their home. There are a number of reasons why children might be removed from their home, to include abuse and neglect. The overall the goal of EPC is reunification, not adoption. In addition, the EPC Program is in need of Families that can provide a loving and supportive environment for children who need temporary care. Children needing emergency placement care range from infants to teenagers. The EPC Program is designed to provide children with a temporary nurturing home, providing stability and security when Family circumstance warrants a short term change of environment. If a military Family is not available for temporary care, the child/children have to go through the German Foster Care System and regaining custody of these children can be a long and streaming process. There are many benefits in becoming EPC providers to include free parenting classes, free CPR/First Aid course and becoming a registered Army Community Service volunteer and a monetary stipend. The volunteer hours claimed can be added to your resume as vital work experience. Below are some FAQ’s regarding becoming a provider: Who may become an Emergency Placement Care Provider? EPC Providers must be over 21 years of age and be in good physical health. Providers must have adequate income to meet the needs of their own Family as well as those of the child(ren) placed in their care. There must be adequate space in the home to comfortably accommodate the child(ren). Single parents, working parents, and childless couples are all welcome to participate. What are EPC Providers Responsible for? EPC Providers are responsible for the day to day care of the child(ren). It is expected they take an active interest in their physical needs, emotional well being, and school performance. When a placement begins, if a child does not have all the items necessary for their proper care, there are resources available to obtain them. What are the requirements of my home? 1. The home should not present any hazards to the safety of the child(ren). 2. A separate bedroom for the child(ren) is NOT required. However, the home should be comfortable and offer privacy to the child(ren). 3. Each child will be required to have his or her own bed. 4. Children of the opposite sex cannot share the same bedroom. 5. The home must be in a location that has ready access to schools, medical treatment, recreation, churches and other community resources. 4 If you are interested in becoming an EPC provider, please contact the EPC Coordinator at ACS,
ACT NOW! Together We Can End Domestic Violence Written by Rikki Lee-Perales Family Advocacy Program Did you know that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month? It began from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women to advocates across the nations who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence has aimed to improve the prevention and response to domestic violence. In accordance with the recommendations the Army has established a comprehensive, 24 hour a day/7days a week Victim Advocacy Program within the Army Community Service (ACS) Family Advocacy Program that began in 2004. Army Victim Advocates provide 24/7 non-clinical advocacy services, crisis intervention, safety planning, information, referral, and support throughout the medical investigative and legal process to victims of domestic violence. Domestic Abuse is an offense under the UCMJ involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of force or violence against a person of the opposite sex who is a current or former spouse, a person with whom the abuser shares a child in common, or a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares or has shared a common domicile. The types of abuse include emotional, psychological, verbal, physical, financial, and sexual. Military Families are vulnerable to domestic violence and the victims often do not report abuse for fear that it will impact their spouse's career. The National Coalition against Domestic Violence complied statistics about domestic violence in the military. The following is a sample of some of the statistics they have complied: •
84% of spousal abuse (reported) incidents involved physical abuse.
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Domestic violence homicides in the military from 1995-2001 include 32 in the Air Force, 54 in the Navy and 131 in the Army. 5 Article continues on next page.
Continued from previous page
In 2001, more than 18,000 incidents of spousal abuse were reported to the Department of Defense’s Family Advocacy Program. Few military personnel are prosecuted or administratively sanctioned on charges stemming from domestic violence. No one knows exactly why some people are abusers but we do know that it does not discriminate and can happen to you, your neighbor, someone at church or in your FRG. If you know someone who is being abused, it may be hard to approach them, but let them know there are resources that are available to support and guide them if they choose to reach out.
Each October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to develop a month-long campaign to foster awareness of domestic violence, reporting options, and available services. Purple has been chosen as the Domestic Violence Awareness color. By wearing a purple, you can show your awareness of the problem, your support of the victims who are still in abusive relationships, remembrance of the victims lost, and your support for changes in laws to end the domestic violence problems. During the month of October, take the time to stop by our outreach tables that will be at various locations to include the CMR, ACS, and the PX. We would love to answer any questions you may have during that time. There will also be an 80’s themed party on October 21, 2011 from 6 – 10 p.m., at the Hill Top Theater. All are encouraged to dress up and join us in some fun with music, karaoke, and dancing. If you see or hear of Domestic Violence, REPORT IT! USAG Baumholder Victim Advocacy DSN: 485-8188 or Civ: 06783-6-8188 24/7 Hotline: 0162-270-8390 USAG Baumholder Military Police DSN: 485-7546 or Civ 06783-6-7546
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Exceptional Service for Exceptional Families Exceptional Family Member Program What is the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)? The EFMP is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical and personnel services to Families with special needs. What is an Exceptional Family Member (EFM)? An EFM is a Family member (child or adult) with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disability that requires treatment to include specialized therapy, educational assistance, medical services, training or counseling. What is Systems Navigation? Systems Navigation is a community support component of the EFMP that connects Families with special needs to the systems of care they need, both on and off the installation. Who is a Systems Navigator? Systems Navigators are Army Community Service EFMP staff members located on the installation. They are trained and knowledgeable about the systems of care used by Families with special needs. The primary role of a Systems Navigator is to navigate Families through the available systems of care. How can an EFMP Systems Navigator help your Family? Identify your EFM and Family strengths and needs. Help identify and prioritize your EFM and Family goals. Develop a Family Service Plan to reach your Family goals as well as the goals of your EFM. Make referral to required services. Provide information about disabilities or medical conditions of concern. Find transportation to appointments related to the Family Service Plan. Identify support groups and social activities. Strengthen your ability to advocate for your EFM. As a military Family you will have to move about every three years. As a Family this is stressful in itself as a move implies a new location, a new house, new friends, new support etc. Having a family member with a special need however makes things a bit more complicated. Identifying the resources at the new location that are needed for the continuous support of an EFM is critical for his or her well being as well as for the Family’s well being. Let the Systems Navigators relieve some of your stress between moves and help you get connected with the services that are so critical for the continuous care of your EFM. Please contact the Exceptional Family Member Program for Systems Navigation Services at 06783-68188 or 485-8188. 7
Can you Afford it?
Written by Mary Johnston Financial Readiness Program Manager
Deployment will soon be over, Soldiers will be home, and block leave will be authorized. What are your plans for block leave? Do you want to travel to the States, explore Europe, or relax at home? Have you made an honest assessment of the cost? Can you afford it? Whether you are making plans only for yourself, or for you and your Family, here are some costs to consider: Transportation – How are you going to get there and back? If Space A…what if you cannot get a flight? Lodging – Where are you going to stay? If you are staying with Family or friends, that can still incur a cost with thank you gifts or picking up the tab for other activities. Meals – Will you be eating at a restaurant each meal? Will you buy groceries? Will some meals be provided? What are your costs? Activities – This category can be a big expense. Include entrance fees, souvenirs, gifts for yourself and others.
Make an honest assessment of the total cost. Add another 10% for unanticipated expenses. Now that you have estimated the cost, decide if you can afford it or if you need to adjust your plan. How much do you have saved? Are you willing to spend all your savings on block leave? What could you do with that savings if you did not spend it on block leave? What is your monthly surplus after paying bills and other monthly expenses? Can you pay off the cost of block leave within 90 days? What other expenses will need to be covered by the surplus? Something to consider- If you cannot meet required expenses and pay off block leave within 90 days, you cannot afford it and need to adjust your plan. Block leave is well-deserved after deployment. Make sure that you can enjoy it without financial guilt or incurring debt that will create financial problems and stress in the future. For more information or assessment, contact the Financial Readiness Program. 8
The Successful Interview Tips to Making a Good Impression at an Interview Contributed by Employment Readiness
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ou’ve been applying to jobs in the local Baumholder community and finally the phone rings… You did it! You received the call that you’ve been waiting for! Your interview is in the coming days, so now what? Most of us have been in this same situation when excitement suddenly turns into terror and apprehension. In this article, Pam Watson shares some tips which have proven true for many job hunters. “You've probably read numerous job interview tips which list the ways to respond to the difficult interview questions: Tell me about Yourself; What are your work-related weaknesses?; Why are you leaving your current employer? These are the usual dreaded questions that we all expect to hear from interviewers. Typically interviewees are advised to create well-prepared and rehearsed scripts to respond to these dreaded questions. And so, during the course of the interview, interviewees sit on the edge of their seats waiting to respond, trying to remember the correct answers. And consequently, the interview becomes a race, a highly tense setting designed to stay one step ahead of the other with scripted conversation and pre-planned positioning and second-guessing. The possibility of authentically assessing the merits of the position and being able to evaluate how you might fit within the company's culture and mission is minimized in this scenario. Optimally, the interviewer and the interviewee should operate within the same mental space. To effectively hire someone who fits within the organizational game plan, as well as the specific position, the interviewer needs to ensure that the questions will provide opportunities for detailed, authentic discourse. At a minimum, the interviewer is looking for information regarding situations/projects/tasks/assignments in which you've handled, the specific steps undertaken to achieve results, and the direct results accomplished. As an interviewee, you have to be able to deliver this information....no matter the question. Additionally, as an interviewee, the only way you'll be able to respond with full confidence (without referring to a script) is by ensuring that you've done your homework. To confidently manage the interview, it's important to know where you're heading - - to know your vision. Everything else should flow directly from your career or personal vision. Every tactic you undertake to find the new job, the new career opportunity, or the promotion should emanate from your established vision. In this manner, you will be able to hit the answers to those dreaded questions without feeling nervous because the interview is not the most important tactic - - it's one step within a strategy. It's your well-crafted vision that's essential, not a wellprepared and rehearsed script based on someone else's words. Authentic interviews happen when you're able to effectively convey your vision, your passion, and your success stories.”
Want to learn more? Additional tips and details provided in the Help Wanted class, offered every Wednesday, 3 p.m., at ACS.
Are you an Army Strong Spouse? Written By Ciara Luna AFAP/AFTB/AVC Program Manager
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very day, military spouses are faced with unique challenges and experiences that civilian spouses cannot possibly comprehend. The challenges presented can either defeat you or make you stronger and your ability to know which resources are there to help, to problem solve, to cope with crisis and grief and to build strong relationships with people you meet at every duty station are what set you apart from those spouses who complain about being separated from their partner during a two week business trip.
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n order to honor your contributions as an Army spouse and help you fulfill your duties Baumholder ACS is announcing the Spouse Academy, a series a of classes designed to help you understand your important role in the Army mission and prepare you to be resilient in any situation. Attendees start their education with the Freshman class and graduate through to the Senior class where spouses can become volunteer instructors themselves and carry on the timeless Army tradition of selfless service. Spouse Academy is brought to you by Army Family Team Building and contains elements of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness featuring Master Resiliency Trainers.
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he first Spouse Academy Freshman class will be held December 12 -13, 2011. Advance reservation is required. Childcare vouchers are available for attendees who have children in the CDC. For more information or to sign up for class contact ACS or email: Ciara.luna@us.army.mil. 10
Sponsorship
A Way to Improve our Communities Written By Will Luna Relocation Readiness Program Manager
Baumholder ACS recently instituted a new way to help newly arriving Spouses feel welcomed and informed in our community by creating the Spouse Sponsorship Program. The program is designed to empower newly arrived Spouses with the knowledge and skills they will need in order to successfully transition to life on "The Rock" ! Spouse Sponsors are trained volunteers, who have resided in our community for at least 6 months. As Spouses, our sponsors know what it is like to arrive to a new community with no support or without a proper welcome. They work hard to ensure all new Families do not go through this challenge. They are knowledgeable about our installation and the local community. Most importantly, they care about making our community better! So what is it that Spouse Sponsors do? They orientate the newly arrived Spouse to Baumholder by showing them both the the easy to find and not so easy to find spots. They also assist in identifying resources and immediate needs. Acclimating to European living can be difficult; luckily our Spouse Sponsors are there to answer questions, provide feedback and assist in the learning process. Of course, no sponsorship experience is complete without a stop by ACS! Once the new Spouse is settled in, their Sponsor takes them to at ACS where they are escorted on a walking tour through the facility. From there, they meet available program managers and learn about all the terrific resources, counseling and classes ACS has to offer. Special emphasis is placed on the Lending Closet, Swap Shop, Culture College and Home On The Rock: A Spouse's Welcome. Convinced have what it takes to be a Spouse Sponsor? To become one, you must complete annual training through ACS as well as have a knowledgeable and positive outlook regarding our community. Sponsors agree to provide services to the Spouse in two week intervals and also help welcome newly arrived Soldiers and Families when the "S Bus" arrives. All Sponsors are volunteers and as such must complete Volunteer Orientations through ACS and log their hours through VMIS. Still think you're up to the challenge? The ACS Spouse Sponsorship Training is held monthly.! Call 067836-8188 to RSVP your training slot today! 11
Resilience [ri-zil-yuh ns, -zil-ee-uh ns] Written by Scott Ehrhardt Mobilization & Deployment Readiness
Resilience [ri-zil-yuh ns, -zil-ee-uh ns]: 1. the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity. 2. The ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy. Origin: 1620–30; < Latin resili ( ēns ), present participle of resilīre to spring back, rebound. Resilience seems to be the cool new watch word in the Army. We have resilient Soldiers, resilient Families and even resilient children. So what is all the hub-bub about anyways? Is everyone supposed to be like Rocky Balboa, Lance Armstrong or Oprah Winfrey? And really, I already feel resilient so why all the emphasis? The reason for all the emphasis, you ask, is simply this…to make you a better person than you already are. Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (you know those cool banners you see around post), is a highly developed program to help people communicate, bounce back from adversity and identify possible traits or thinking patterns that keep them from reaching their full potential. The awesome thing about this program is that both Soldiers and Spouses can take the same class. At ACS we call it Fight Club, but the material is the same whether Soldier or Spouse. The Army is hard enough life style to live in to begin with, so why not develop some tools that will help ease the level of stress and increase the communication between you and your loved ones? In Fight Club we give you a number of tips, clues, and practical exercises so that you can better develop how to communicate, manage your thoughts, and be more in control of your future. Now of course we are not promising to make everything hunky-dorey with rainbows and flowers, but we can help make some things just a little bit better and easier to manage. And isn’t that better than the way it is right now? By the way, when the Soldiers come back from deployment, they will be inundated with Comprehensive Soldier Fitness and will learn it anyways. So if you are a Spouse or Family Member, wouldn’t it be nice to know what they are going to learn? So join us for Fight Club and see what this resiliency stuff is all about. Remember you can always drop in or contact us on Facebook at 12 www.facebook.com/BaumholderACS and let us know how we can lend a hand. We are here for you!
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