News

Plans for increased survivor support unveiled at AUSA family forum
Date Posted: 10/14/2008

By Rob McIlvaine
FMWRC Public Affairs
In the spirit of the Army Family Covenant, the U.S. Army unveiled their plan for Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) Oct. 6 at the AUSA Family Forum I, “Army Family Covenant, A Year in Review.”

Survivor Outreach Services is a joint effort between the Installation Management Command, the Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation Command and the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operation Center (CMAOC).

“We are dedicated to supporting Survivors, and letting them know that the Army will not forget them,” said Lt. Col. Betsy Graham, Chief, Long Term Family Case Management Branch. “They will continue to be part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.”

Following the Chief of Staff of the Army’s opening remarks on the Army Family Covenant, a formal joint briefing on SOS will be presented by Col. Carl M. Johnson, Chief, Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Center, and Ms. Delores Johnson, Family Programs Director at the Family and MWR Command.

“This Army program was largely developed based upon feedback we received from our Survivors,” said Col. Johnson. “It is designed to ensure we take a more proactive approach to meeting the needs of Survivors, while also helping others prepare in advance for the unexpected.”

By expanding and improving services to Families of the fallen, SOS will ensure a holistic and multi-agency approach by providing services at the installation level and across all components to reach Reserve Component and geographically dispersed Families.

Following the formal announcement, a working session will convene in Crystal City, bringing together eight surviving parents, 20 surviving spouses, and six non-governmental organizations, including the National Military Family Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Helping Unite Gold Star Survivors, God Star Wives, Soldier Angels, and Veteranscorp, Inc.

“Our objective for that meeting,” said Vickie LaFollette, FMWRC Chief of Army Family Enrichment, “is to listen to the Survivors’ concerns after presenting the gaps in service we’ve identified and our recommended solutions. Following the meeting, we will present what we’ve learned to Army leadership.”

Survivor Outreach Services will provide additional staff at 33 casualty assistance centers Army-wide, training for casualty assistance officers, and specialized resources to help casualty assistance officers support Families of deceased Soldiers. Benefit specialists knowledgeable of all entitlements and special benefits available to survivors will be added to the Casualty Assistance Center staff. In addition, the Army will hire certified financial counselors to help Families address funeral and estate planning issues.

To ensure survivors receive ongoing support, SOS support coordinators will be available in the Army Community Service centers. These coordinators will provide long-term support throughout the grief process, coordinate support groups, provide information and referral services, coordinate child care as needed, and provide other services as required.

This holistic strategy will streamline and improve the overall process. To inform survivors of the change, CMAOC sent letters to all known survivors this fall.

“But the challenge remains,” said Lt. Col. Graham. “We’ve received approximately 20 percent return on our letters because people move and addresses have changed.

“If you’re a Survivor and you haven’t heard from us, let us know,” Graham said. “Go to your local Casualty Assistance Center and update your information. We want you to know that you’re still included in the Army Family.”

For more information, visit Army OneSource at www.myarmylifetoo.com.

Link for more info: www.myarmylifetoo.com