ACS announces programs, shares events

AFAP resolves local issue, introduces eight

The Army Family Action Plan is the Army’s grassroots process to identify and elevate the most significant quality of life issues impacting Soldiers (all components), retirees, Department of the Army civilians and families to senior leaders for action.

At the Feb. 29 Garrison Commander’s AFAP Steering Committee meeting; the committee was able to bring closure to an issue brought up at the 2011 Installation AFAP Conference. The issue concerning after-hours medical care and pharmacy services will be marked “complete.”

Barbara Long, chief, Customer Management Division, Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center, stated that “Although Walgreens no longer accepts TRICARE for payment when filling prescriptions, beneficiaries can still use the 24/7 pharmacy if needed. After using the pharmacy, beneficiaries need to submit a claim to TRICARE for reimbursement.”

Further discussion led to an agreement that creating an urgent-care program on all Army installations was not cost efficient in the current fiscal environment and would eventually become unsustainable; therefore that portion of the issue was marked “unattainable.”

Secretary of the Army Gen. Raymond Odierno received eight new quality of life AFAP issues on March 2 at the 2012 Department of Army AFAP conference report-out. To learn more, contact ACS, 533.2330 or go to www.myarmyonesource.com.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership 

More than 95 civilian companies have joined forces to provide military spouses with continuous employment opportunities and is a targeted recruitment and employment solution for spouses and companies that:

• Partners Fortune 500 Plus companies with all military services
• Provides human resource managers with recruitment solutions – military spouses
• Prepares military spouses to become competitive, “job ready” applicants
• Connects military spouses with employers seeking 21st century workforce skills and attributes they possess

These jobs are posted on MSEPJobs.com. Spouses must be on their servicemembers’ orders and have their resume in USAJobs.gov. Visit ACS for information and assistance or contact MilitaryOneSource.com for job-ready information.

EFMP to discuss autism awareness 

Join the Exceptional Family Member Program on Wednesday, 5 p.m. at ACS for Autism Awareness Month, and a discussion to determine preferences for recreational and support activities. Enrollment in EFMP is not required, but attendance is limited to active duty military, retirees and DoD employees. Refreshments will be served at 4:30 p.m.

To register, call 533.2330. For more information, call Audrey Peterson-Hosto, 533.6871.

New Parent Support programs planned

The New Parent Support Program has several events coming up for parent-child interaction. The Parent Tot Playgroup meets Wednesdays, 9 – 11 a.m. at School Age Services for parents and children, 3 and younger. There are crafts, singing, story time, play and networking opportunities for parents.

On Tuesday, the Baby Boot Camp will present “Newborn/Child Safety: if you shake me you will break me and more ways to keep your children protected.” BBC is offered at the ACS/conference room, 3 – 5 p.m. Light snacks are provided.

Those who’d like their own home visitor or for more information, call Peg George, 533.7695 or Gina Kruml, 533.8961.

AER Campaign underway

The 2012 AER Campaign runs through May 25. The total so far is $27,893.23. Donations or contributions can be left at ACS or with your local AER representative.

EFMP represents FH at Sierra VistAbility Day 

By Audrey Peterson-Hosto

Representatives from ACS Soldier & Family Assistance Center and EFMP took part in the 3rd Annual Sierra VistAbility Day, at Buena High School on March 31.

Team ACS provided information on ACS services, transition resources, the EFMP program and learned about beneficial state and local resources from multiple participating agencies.

The event, sponsored by the City of Sierra Vista Commission on Disability Issues, is a community outreach event to provide disability awareness and resource information to individuals and families living with disability.

Upcoming ACS events

Army Volunteer Training will take place April 24, 9 – 10 a.m. at ACS. The topic will be “Recruiting Volunteers.”
 
The Fort Huachuca Army Family Team Building program will host two trainings this month.

• Military Spouse 101 is offered April 27, 9:00 am – 3:30 p.m.
• Spouse of first sergeants or sergeants first class are invited to the First Sergeant’s Spouse course on Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Both classes will be held at ACS. For more information, call ACS, 533.2330.

The Cochise County Career Fair takes place April 19, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Windemere Hotel & Conference Center, 2047 South Highway 92, Sierra Vista. More than 40 employers are participating.
 
Dress for success, and bring resumes!
 
 
Financial Peace University, Today and April 19, 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Murr CC
 
Survivor Outreach Services Support Group, Friday, 11:30 a.m., TBD
 
Playground ribbon cutting, Wednesday, 4 p.m., Murr CC
 
Master Resilience Training, Wednesday and April 19, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Murr CC
 
SOS Support Group, April 20, 3:30 p.m., TBD
 
Unit Sponsorship Training, April 23, 9 – 11 a.m., ACS
 
EFMP Coordinating Committee, April 25, 2 – 3:30 p.m., ACS
 
AFTB Level I, April 27, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., ACS