SDNG February 2019 Focus by Christian Johnson

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

2019

February Family Focus Mission: Service Member & Family Support enhances and empowers the lives of our customers with consistently exceptional service & support.

Service Member & Family Support Phone: 1-800-658-3930 THE FOCUS IS FOR SERVICE MEMBERS & FAMILIES, VETERANS, RETIREES & SURVIVORS

IN THIS ISSUE

Stress Relief Tips Reprinted from Military OneSource

The good news is that once you recognize the signs of stress, you are well on your way to managing it. Try this simple Chill Drill designed by a therapist specializing in working with service members and their families to help reverse the symptoms of stress. You can also use these stressmanagement techniques to help minimize your symptoms: •Focus on the things you can control. When you feel stressed out by a situation, think about what you CAN control. Give yourself some action steps. If your actions will have no impact on the situation, then learn to accept it for what it is. •Exercise. Commit to a regular workout. Run. Lift. Swim. •Make time for your favorite activity. Treat yourself to some “me” time. Continue doing those activities that give you pleasure. Try to fit leisure activities and hobbies into your day. •Simplify your life. Do whatever you can to simplify your life. Say no to social commitments you don’t enjoy and limit your time on email and social networking sites. •Laugh often. Look for the humor in everyday life. Rent your favorite comedy or laugh with a friend.

You can take your military duty seriously without taking yourself seriously. •Breathe deeply. By taking long, slow breaths, you increase your oxygen and calm yourself down. Even a few deep breaths can relax tension throughout your body. •Stay in the present. Try to be aware of what is happening in the present moment and focus your attention on what you are doing in any given moment. When your thoughts turn to the past and the future, gently try to bring them back to the here and now. •Learn how to relax. Try some visualization exercises, such as picturing yourself in a relaxed or happy setting like the beach. Go for a walk. Listen to music. Read a book. •Find and give support. Reach out to others in similar situations or in your community. Your community can be your installation, neighborhood, religious community, coworkers or just a community of close friends. •Seek out confidential counseling. Talking with someone can sometimes help problems seem smaller and more manageable. Free and confidential non-medical counseling is available through Military OneSource. Call 800-342-9647 at any time. If you need immediate help or are experiencing a crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and Press 1.

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Disclaimer: The announcements that appear on this page(s) or attached are intended to inform Soldiers, Airmen, veterans, and their families of special offers provided to Service Members, veterans and their families and are not intended to constitute an endorsement by the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the United States Army, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense. It is strictly intended to be used for informational purposes only.

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

Ages 12-14. 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 28 June Ages 9-11. 15-19 July Location: Black Hills, SD

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

2019

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See next page for Registration Form!

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

https://sbavets.force.com/s/b2b-course-information

Boots to Business (B2B) Classes The two-day â&#x20AC;&#x153;Introduction to Entrepreneurshipâ&#x20AC;? course introduces participants to key elements of small business ownership to assist in determining if entrepreneurship is a feasible and practical transition strategy.

What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Learn The curriculum provides assistance to those interested in exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities by leading participants through the key steps for evaluating business concepts and providing foundational knowledge required to develop a business plan. Participants are introduced to a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial business concepts and the resources available to access start-up capital, technical assistance, contracting opportunities, and more.

B2B Registration Process Step 1: B2B classes require contacting the Transition Service Manager (TSM) on the military installation responsible for administering the TAP program in order to complete registration. Step 2: Interested participants must first create an account on the B2B Community Portal. Minimum required information is 1) First and Last Name, 2) An active civilian email address, and 3) Current zip code. Participants can choose to provide supplemental information to fill out their Community profile. Once logged in, participants can identify and confirm their interest in a particular B2B class/location on the upcoming B2B course calendar, receive class notifications, and download class curriculum materials.

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

2019

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

Strong Bonds Workshop 2019 Registration Form To reserve your spot – Please complete this form and: Mail to: State Chaplain’s Office, 2823 West Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702-8186 or Email to: lynn.j.wilson.mil@mail.mil

Strong Bonds for Couples ____ 23-24 March 2019 – Sioux Falls SD Strong Bonds for Families Active Military Families (Saturday 0800-1600 and Sunday 0800-1200) Registration Deadline: As soon as possible for planning purposes Room Reservation Deadlines are 2 weeks prior to workshop Service Member’s Name: ______________________________________________ Rank:______ Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________ Phone (+ Area Code) ______________ E-mail _________________________________________ Military Unit: _____________________________________________________________________ Spouse Name: ______________________________________ Phone:______________________ Spouse E-mail: ___________________________________________________________________ Childcare Requested:

______YES

_______NO

Number of Children: __________________

(For approved events only)

Children’s Names/Ages/Gender: _____________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

A follow up letter confirming your registration and further details will be sent to you upon receipt of this registration.

Questions or additional information - Contact CH Lynn Wilson. Email: lynn.j.wilson.mil@mail.mil or 605-431-5182

FEBRUARY FAMILY FOCUS

Did you know? The Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) Program serves Active and Reserve Component service members of ALL branches of the military AND Veterans who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. The programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principal role is to provide direction to Reserve Component service members so that they can secure all benefits, entitlements, and services earned through their military service with the compassion of someone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been there. You may not need assistance at this time, but you may have a friend or family member that could use some assistance.

Common services provided are: -

Requesting Military Service records Enrollment into the VA Healthcare Counseling on Education Benefits Supporting deploying and returning units Employment Tricare State specific benefits Navigating local, state and federal programs

I am a current service member in the SDARNG, an OEF-Afghanistan veteran, former full-time Soldier, education counselor and will put to use my skills and relationships to ensure your needs are met. Contact your TAA today at 605-737-6669 or christian.m.johnson.ctr@mail.mil

February Family Focus

Service Member and Family Support South Dakota National Guard 2823 W. Main St, Rapid City SD 57702

1-800-658-3930 Have suggestions of thing you would like to see in a future issue of the focus? Please contact us! We also recommend that you like and follow us on Facebook as we continuously update new and exciting information.