Mobilization

&

Deployment

Family Readiness Group

Weekly Bulletin

What is inside:

• Fort Gordon Events/Information

• Children Events-Information

• Military Programs Updates

• Highlight News /Updates

• Fort Gordon-Sources of Assistance

• Helpful Websites

• Emergency Info

25 September 2015

By Liz Acevedo, 116th MI Brigade

FORT GORDON INFORMATION/UPCOMING EVENTS 1

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will hold Military Family

Forums on October 12 - 14, 2015. The event will be simulcast at the Gordon

Conference and Catering Center. Senior Army leaders want to hear your

voice! Spouses will have an opportunity to submit questions regarding

military life to the senior Army leaders who will respond during the live

event. Please register for the forum(s) in which you wish to participate.

Spouses are invited to participate in the following forums:

Forum: Monday, October 12, 1400-1600

“A Town Hall with Senior Army Leaders”

Family Forum II: Tuesday, October 13, 0900-1100

“The Healthy Home Part 1 – Healthy Base Initiative”, will highlight the pillars

of the HBI; improved nutritional choices, increased physical activity, obesity

reduction and decreased tobacco use.

Family Forum III: Tuesday, 13 October, 1400-1600

“The Healthy Home Part 2 – Resilient Families”, will focus on the mental

health of Army families and effective initiatives aimed at building resilience.

Family Forum IV: Wednesday 14 October, 0900-1100

“Soldier and Family Readiness – A System of Support”, will showcase real

solutions designed to fit the needs of Army Families from all components in

keeping families resilient and Total Army Strong.

Forum V: Wednesday, 14 October, 1400-1600

“Transitioning to Veteran or Retiree Status – What Spouses Need to Know”

NEW! Forum V is designed to provide information to Army spouses on what

they can expect when their soldier transitions to veteran or retiree status.

Spouses may register for the forums at EventBrite using the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ga--augusta/ausa-military-family-

forums/?view=list

*FREE CHILDCARE! Children must be registered with CYSS prior to

attendance at this event. Participant is responsible for registering and

reserving slots for youth at CYSS. Reservations should be made no later

than 23 September, 2015 for this event. Please contact Connie Preston @

706-791-1305 to reserve childcare slots.

Fort Gordon Oktoberfest - October 1-4. Don’t miss out on the festivities at this year’s Oktoberfest! There will be 4 days

of fun and frivolity with an official keg tapping, traditional food and drinks as well as shopping and live entertainment.

Be sure to visit our sponsor tents for fun opportunities and giveaways. Don’t forget to use #Oktoberfest15 so we can

see all the fun you are having! For more information, please call 706-791-4300. Download Flyer

AUSA Military Family Forums DENTURE PATIENTS NEEDED Fort Gordon Prosthodontic Residency Program is

looking for complete denture patients (no teeth

remaining in the upper or lower jaws). Must have a

valid military ID card (family member or retired). The

staff prosthodontists will consider if individuals are

qualified for the purposes of residency training. If

selected, patient will receive a new set of dentures at no

cost with a limited amount of follow-up care. Please

call (706) 787-5102 on Monday, from 12:30- 4 p.m.;

Wednesday or Thursday from 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. or

12:30 p.m.- 4 p.m. to set up a screening appointment.

FORT GORDON INFORMATION/UPCOMING EVENTS 2

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Fort Gordon Thrift ShopOur three buildings are filled with quality items

from around the corner and around the world.

Stop by and see why the Fort Gordon Thrift Shop

won’t be a secret for long. Location: Building

39102, (Behind the Fort Gordon PX, Avenue of

the States and 40th St). Tuesday & Thursday,

from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and the 1st Saturday of

each month (Oct-May), from 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

www.fgscc.com/thrift-shop

OKTOBERFEST PUMPKIN PATCH

October 3, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Bring the little

ones out to the Pumpkin Patch at the Indoor

Pool! There will be pumpkin picking, swimming,

pizza and bouncy houses. For more information,

please call 706-791-3034. Download Flyer

PUPPY HOWL-O-WEEN PARTY

October 17, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Grab your furry

family members and make sure they are wearing

their best costumes because Howl-o-ween is here,

and we are celebrating in style! The party will be

held at Fort Gordon, new dog park. To enter the

contest is $5.00/pet, however you could win

prizes, gifts and treats galore from our vendors.

For more information, call 706-791-4300.

Download Flyer

BOSS IRON UNIT COMPETITION

October 23 at 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Can your

team claim victory at this year’s BOSS Iron Unit

Competition? Build your 5 member team and

join BOSS on October 23rd at 730 am for this

grueling test of your physical and mental

endurance. Who will claim victory? For more

information, please call 706-791-6433 or 762-206-

6354. Download Flyer

October 3, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It’s that time once

again to reserve your vendor space for the Fort Gordon

Fall Flea Market. Prices vary and are as follows: Corner

Space $55, Outside Drive-Up & Park Space $45, Center

Space $30, Active-Duty E6 & Below (ID required) Center

space only) $20. Spaces are limited so we encourage

you to reserve your space as soon as possible. Download

the application, here. This event is OPEN TO THE

PUBLIC. For more information, call 706-791-4300.

Download Flyer

September 26, 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The Tutus for Cancer

5k and 1 mile walk will be at DDEMC and Fisher House Rd.

Make sure you wear your pink gear and tutus. You can

register online at www.fortgordonrunseries.com or before the

event between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. For more

information, please call 706-791-4300. Download Flyer

--------CSRA Festivals & Events---------

Westobou Festival - September 30-October 4. A celebration of fine and performing

arts, featuring dance, theater, visual arts, film, spoken word and music performances.

Various locations. 706-755-2878. www.westoboufestival.com.

Boshears Skyfest & Fly-In! Welcome to the 22nd annual Boshears Skyfest & Fly-In!

Boshears' 22nd Annual Skyfest will be held October 17th & 18th, 2015. This year's

theme is "Love at First Flight!" Excitement is in the air and on the ground, with lots of fun

for the entire family! Gates open at 9:00 am and opening ceremonies are scheduled for

1:30 p.m. each day. Location: Daniel Field, 1775 Highland Avenue, Augusta.

www.boshears.com

Augusta Hispanic Festival - October 9-11. Enjoy folk groups, music bands, authentic

food stalls of various Hispanic countries, crafts, and activities for children, other family

attractions for two straight days. It’s an event were the attendees are always delighted

by folkloric groups, musical groups, authentic food stands from several countries, arts

and crafts, activities for children, and other attractions for the family. Admission $5.00.

Children 10 and under are free. ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY WITH ID AND ACHA

MEMBERS ARE FREE. Free admission if you are dressed in an authentic typical

costume of your country (head to toe). Lawn chairs are welcomed. No coolers and pets

are allowed, except service dogs. Location: The Augusta Common, 836 Broad St,

Downtown Augusta. www.elcervantino.org.

Combined Federal Campaign kick off The 2015 Combined Federal Campaign is in full swing on

Fort Gordon and runs through Nov. 30. Contributions can be

made through unit or organization project officers, through

the Defense Finance and Accounting Service MyPay program

or through www.cfcnexus.org/csra. For more information

about the campaign, go to www.opm.gov/combined-

federal-campaign or call (706) 791-8664.

FORT GORDON INFORMATION/UPCOMING EVENTS 3

FORT GORDON JOB FAIROctober 6, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

US Army Reserve Center, 719 15th Street

Fort Gordon, Georgia 30905

Sponsored By: The Soldier for Life Transition Assistance

Program (SFL-TAP), Army Community Service (ACS); and

Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL)

ALL JOB-SEEKERS (Active Duty Military, National Guard,

Reserve, Retirees, Veterans, Family Members, and Civilians)

OVER 50 COMPANIES REPRESENTEDSee Reverse and Apply for Employment Now!!!

3 Quick Tips:

Bring Plenty Copies of Resume

Bring A Smile and Positive Attitude

Practice Your 30-Second “Sales Pitch”

For more information, call the SFL-TAP Center at 706-791-7333/7356

Fort Gordon Christmas House 2015The Christmas House Program stared in 1966. A group of nurses form DDEAMC developed a

program to assist military families who were unable to travel home for the holidays and were

financially unprepared to purchase toys and holiday menu items.

OUR GOAL IS TO RAISE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO PROVIDE

TOYS AND MEAL TO AT LEAST 300 FAMILIES THIS YEAR!!!

ACS is accepting applications from October 1st - November 2nd. Applications will be available on

www.gordon.army.mil/acs starting October 1st. Open house will be November 20 at 10:00 a.m.at

the Fort Gordon Tax Center. For more information, contact Teri Ryan 706-791-3579.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

The Reconnection Workshops are confidential

small-group modules, led by licensed mental health

professionals. The workshops focus on building

skills that enhance the likelihood of positive

reconnections among family members, as well as

the successful reengagement of the service member

in civilian life, by increasing interactions and

developing additional sources of support.

The workshops are free and available to all those

impacted by a military deployment from all

branches of the Armed Forces, which includes

Reserve, National Guard, active duty service

members, veterans and their families, including

spouses, parents, siblings, significant others and

close friends.

The American Red Cross is kicking off its annual

Holiday Mail for Heroes program. If your units are

interested please contact The American Red Cross

at 787-6311.

Shop, run errands or just relax as we take care of your little ones

Day Out, 10:00-3:00 p.m. and Night Out, 6:00-11:00 p.m.

Open to all CYSS registered children, 6 weeks to 18 years

old. Pizza, Crafts & Games. Cost is $20.00 per child. For

more information call 706-791-4722/4455. Reservation

required one week prior. See below calendar.

The Army Community Services (ACS) offers NEW

PARENT SUPPORT PARENTING CLASSES AND

SUPPORT GROUPS. Classes are scheduled at the

Family Outreach Center from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

* 2nd Tuesday: PRENATAL SUPPORT

* 3rd Tuesday: BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT

* 4th Tuesday: SINGLE PARENTING SUPPORT

PLAYGROUP (0-12) Wed, 1000-1130

(12-24) Thurs, 1000-1130

(24-48) Tues, 1400-1530

For more information, and to register, visit the ACS

front desk or call 706-791-3579.

4CHILDREN EVENTS ~ ACTIVITIES

Fort Gordon Exceptional Family Member

www.facebook.com/FtGordonEFMP

Zumbini is designed to let you and your little one wiggle, sing and

learn together. Zumbini registration is ongoing & open to

families with children 0-3 years old. Classes meet in the Family

Outreach Center (Behind fort Gordon Library). Bond with your

child, meet other parents and watch your baby learn. For more

information, please call 706-791-5220.

ACS PARENTING CLASSES

Home-School Military & Community Resources for Military Families

Home schooling means that you, as parents,

assume responsibility for directing your child's

education and use your home as the base for

that education instead of a traditional public or

independent school. Home schooling may

appeal to some military families who are

concerned that frequent moves and new school

systems might disrupt their children's education.

If you are thinking about educating your child

at home or have already made the decision, the

Fort Gordon School Liaison will help you find

the resources you need in order to make

informed decisions regarding your child's

education. Fort Gordon Contact Information:

School Liaison Office, Building 44401, 44th

Street, Fort Gordon, Ga 30905. Phone: (706)

791-7270. Hours of Operation: 0800-1700

(Monday – Friday).

Youth Sports & FitnessChild and Youth Services offers a variety of competitive

sports leagues for both boys and girls throughout the

calendar year. Ages 3-18, Cost is $20-$65. Child(dren)

must be CYSS eligible to register – Register for FREE

with Parent Central Services or Register Online.

Open to dependents of Active Duty, Retired, DoD

Civilians and Contractors.

Interested in Volunteering? We are always looking for

volunteers to have a positive impact on children’s lives!

The Fort Gordon Youth Sports Program is recruiting

Head Coaches to take the healm of Fort Gordon youth

sports teams. For Volunteer opportunities and program

information please call 706-791-5104 /5127.

MILITARY PROGRAMS UPDATES 5

Confidential Face-to-Face Non-Medical Counseling

What is confidential non-medical counseling?

Confidential non-medical counseling is short-term (up to

12 sessions) and solution-focused. It is intended to prevent

the development or exacerbation of lifestyle conditions that

may compromise military and family readiness. Non-

medical counseling programs provide confidential, short-

term counseling to active duty members, National Guard

and Reserve service members, and their families.

Confidential non-medical counseling addresses issues such

as improving relationships at home and work, stress

management, readjustment following a deployment,

marital problems, parenting, grief and loss. Counseling is

available through both Military OneSource and the

Military and Family Life Counselor program. Learn more: www.militaryonesource.mil/counseling?content_id=267023

Fire up Your Future with My-CAA for Military Spouses

Department of Defense-sponsored programs, like the

MyCAA SCHOLARSHIP, help military spouses get

started down the path to a rewarding career that suits a

mobile military life. The future is bright for military

spouses. They have the skills, motivation and work ethic to

set the world on fire. All they need is a little spark.

Programs like the Department of Defense-sponsored

MyCAA Scholarship can provide that spark.

Spouse Education and Career OpportunitiesA program offered to all military spouses, through Military

OneSource, which offers employment assistance with

exploring portable career options; education, training,

financial aid and state occupational license/credential

requirements; career readiness to include interview skills,

resume building, etc.; and links to employment sources such

as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership & USAjobs.

As a sponsor, you are key to a service member's successful move.

But, where do you begin? The all-new eSponsorship Application and

Training will walk you through your sponsorship duties and help you

find the resources and information your newcomer is going to need.

Here's what you'll get with the new eSAT:

Easy access — You can access the eSAT course 24 hours a

day, seven days a week through My Training Hub using your

Common Access Card.

Details about your role as a sponsor — You'll learn all about

your new responsibilities and find what you need for effective

sponsorship.

The most current tools and resources — The new eSAT

course has the most up-to-date information and resources, so

you can be confident in what you're passing along.

Customizable resources —Through the eSAT training, you can

access and download a sponsor checklist, a newcomer needs

assessment and customizable letters and emails.

A certificate of completion — Once you've finished the eSAT

course, you can download and print your completion certificate.

My Training Hub even stores your completed course information

so you can keep track of all your trainings.

Sponsorship for your family — Families can be an important

part of the sponsorship process. If your family members want to

learn more about it, they can access the eSAT course through

My Training Hub with an email address and password.

As a sponsor, you're a direct representative of your unit and

installation. With the new eSAT, you can approach those duties

with confidence knowing you have the latest information and

resources.

The New eSponsorship

Application and Training

Adoption Information and ResourcesYour heart is open to having a child in your lives or adding to

your family. You’ve talked about it and agreed that adoption is

the route you want to take. Arm yourself with information before

you even call an adoption agency. There is a lot to learn about

the adoption process. Search out other military families in your

community who have adopted. See more at:

http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-

resources/#sthash.s9wR7D0W.dpuf

Disposing of Your Mobile Device, Thinking of upgrading

to a new mobile phone or device? It’s important to delete

any personal information you stored on the device. How to

Remove Personal Information? Your mobile device

probably holds sensitive information like addresses and

phone numbers, passwords, account numbers, email,

voicemail, and text message logs. When getting rid of your

old device, it’s important to take steps to help ensure this

information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Kids + DeploymentDeployment and separation will always be part of life in the military. While most families accept this as a routine

fact of life, the deployment of a service member still comes with challenges – especially when the service member is

a parent. Our Association commissioned a study of military children which revealed that kids who experience the

deployment of a parent often show higher levels of stress and anxiety than their civilian friends. Younger children

may not have the tools to understand where Mom or Dad has gone or when they’re coming back. Older kids feel the

burden of having to worry about the absent parent while they take on extra responsibilities at home. Military parents

know there’s no way to make deployments easy for their kids. However, there are great resources available to help

parents and children get through the months apart. Here are a few tried and true programs that have helped many

military families survive – and thrive – during deployment. - See more at: http://www.militaryfamily.org/kids-

operation-purple/deployment.html#sthash.FQtB4ZfZ.dpuf

Thinking Long-TermThinking Long-Term Some service members will transition smoothly into civilian versions of the jobs they did in the

military. Others will be looking at a career shift. Either way, it’s important to carefully consider your family’s

financial needs. See more at: http://www.militaryfamily.org/info-resources/leaving-the-

military/#sthash.tAY5RhxH.dpuf

Build a Relationship With Your Child's SchoolBuilding a good relationship with your child's school and teachers shows your commitment to education. Become an

active participant in the school community by using the tips and resources in "How to Build a Relationship With

Your Child's School When You're in the Military.“

HIGHLIGHT NEWS AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION 6

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

It's impossible to prevent a random accident or natural disaster, but you still can minimize your risk. Help keep your

family safe by developing a family emergency plan so you are prepared for whatever comes your way. Since military

families often face emergencies while their service members are deployed or away for extended periods, it is essential

to have an emergency plan and assemble a reliable network of support in preparation for a potential crisis.

Look, no one wants to think about worst-case scenarios. However, while planning for the unexpected may not be the

most appealing activity, you’ll be glad to have the peace of mind. So, find the time, make the commitment, sit the

whole family down and work together to create an emergency plan that everyone feels comfortable with.

Planning for the unexpected begins with the whole family talking about what you would do in a serious emergency.

Do this in a calm way that will not make children or older relatives anxious. Here are some tips for creating an

emergency plan:

What needs to be included in my family emergency plan?

Which important documents do I need to take with me?

What should I include in my go-bag?

What else can I do to ensure emergency preparedness?

*You may not be able to keep disasters from happening, but you can control how you prepare for them. So, what are

you waiting for? Get that family meeting scheduled today.

Find out the emergency procedures for your installation and sign up for installation alerts.

www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil

http://www.militaryonesource.mil/on-and-off-base-living/disaster-preparedness-recovery?content_id=281015

FORT GORDON ~ SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

Have you seen the Fort Gordon Community Resource Guide? Fort Gordon is committed to building a strong and healthy

community that supports Military Service Members, Families, DA Civilians, Retirees, and Contractors. The Fort Gordon

Community Resource Guide is a reference tool for contacting agencies responsible for providing assistance to individuals

and families. Off-post agencies are occasionally listed to provide a full range of resources available within the Fort Gordon

area. Interested? Just click the following link, http://cybercoe.army.mil/index.php/health-promotion-office.

The Military and Family Life Consultants (MFLC)

may be able to provide you or your Family Member

counseling. They can be reached at 706-288-5488. The

MFLCs provide non-medical, short term, situational,

problem solving counseling services; education on life

skills such as anger management, conflict resolution,

communications, parenting, relationships, decision

making and work productivity. Also, they help with

issues specific to the military lifestyle such as deployment

stress, reintegration: warrior to citizen, relocation

adjustment, separation, coping, building resiliency,

homesickness and loss and grief; provide services on a

flexible schedule on or off post and can provide support

to individuals, couples, Families and groups.

SEE THE LATEST SIGNAL NEWSPAPER AT www.ftgordonsignal.com

FORT GORDON FYI MAGAZINE CHECK OUT SUMMER http://www.issuu.com/fyi_magazine

FORT GORDON BALFOUR BEATTY COMMUNITIES www.ftgordonfamilyhousing.com

FORT GORDON FAMILY AND MWR SERVICES

Family and MWR support services range from child development and after school programs to deployment assistance,

relocation aid, career services, financial management, family counseling and social/support networks for single

soldiers, families, retirees and civilians. MWR leisure services include sports programs, fitness centers, parks and

recreational facilities, libraries, restaurants, clubs, concerts, community events, travel services and leisure travel

lodging, as well as auto skills and arts & crafts centers. www.fortgordon.com

www.fortgordon.com/events

7

MILITARY & FAMILY LIFE CONSULTANTS

FORT GORDON CHAPLAIN SERVICES

The Chaplain Family Life Center (FLC) offers many services to

help community members. The FLC and Chaplains provide

free, unlimited and confidential counseling. The center is open

from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hourly sessions are available for

individuals, couples, and families who either need to address

concerns or who seek education, relationship enrichment, and

personal improvement, religious and spiritual growth. For

more information, call (706) 791-7421.

8

www.gordon.army.mil

Army One Source www.armyonesource.com

Military One Source www.militaryonesource.com

Army FRG www.armyfrg.org

My Army benefits www.myarmybenefits.us.army.mil

Kids.Gov http://kids.usa.gov

Army Wives Network www.armywifenetwork.com

SpouseBUZZ http://spousebuzz.com

Visit Augusta Georgia www.visitaugusta.com

Explore Georgia www.ExploreGeorgia.org

Fort Gordon Military Police: 706-791-4380

Fort Gordon Emergency Room: 706-787-2264 or CALL 911

Fort Gordon Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 24hr hotline: 706-791-6297 or 1-877-995-5247

Chaplain after duty hours call 706-791-9747

Fire: 706-791-1201

Army Emergency Relief: 706-791-3371

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Military One Source Hotline: 1-800-342-9647

Military Family Life Consultants: 706-288-5488

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Georgia Missing Children Hotline: 1-800-282-6564

HELPFUL WEBSITES AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION

This FRG Bulletin contains official and unofficial information: The inclusion of some unofficial information in

this FRG Bulletin has not increased the cost to the Government, in accordance with DOD 4525.8-M

Emergency Contact Information

Helpful Websites

By Liz Acevedo, 116th MI Brigade

DISCLAIMER: The Family Readiness Group Weekly Bulletin is for informational purposes only. It provides family readiness

resources, events information and educational articles as a service to our Family Readiness Groups. Often these articles come from

sources outside of our organization. Although all of the articles have been selected for their content, the publishing of such articles

within this newsletter does NOT constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the products or services mentioned or advertised

within those articles. However, we take no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, any changes in information, dates, schedules

and/or locations made by third parties which are out of our control. Please check the websites and/or telephone numbers provided

to ensure the information is current.

Vacation Ideas? Explore Georgia! From bustling cities to a relaxing coastline and breathtaking mountain scenery, Georgia boasts all types of rich and unique experiences. The state's official tourism website can help you uncover great trip ideas across the state. The site offers interactive trip planning tools, a booking engine, events calendar and so much more. Destinations, accommodations, attractions, activitiesand dining are all available your fingertips. Come to Georgia and discover the unexpected, visit www.ExploreGeorgia.org

Welcome to Augusta GA Webpage!The Official city government page. Displayed are

elected officials, employees, job opportunities, new

residents information, departments, meetings, road

closings, online bids and contacts. Visit us at

Augusta, Georgia - Official Site.

What to Do In Augusta?Known worldwide for golf, Augusta has all year

around a variety of activities that are sure to please

the whole family. Kids can learn while they play at

the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, or spend some

time in history at the Boyhood Home of President

Woodrow Wilson. For more information visit

Augusta Visitor Center, 1450 Greene Street

downtown Augusta. Visit Augusta Website!

New Resident in Columbia County?Visit us at www.columbiacountyga.gov

New Resident in Aiken County?Please visit the new Aiken County Government

Website. https://aikencountysc.gov

What to Do in Aiken?Discover something great to do in Aiken South

Carolina on every day of the week! Aiken SC is the

premier travel destination in the Southeast.

www.visitaikensc.com/calendar