Get The Military Family Network News Delivered right to your email with Google News Alerts:
INSERT Add Google Logo
http://www.google.com/alerts?hl=en&q=emilitary.org&ie=UTF8 (Click here to subscribe)
The Art and Science of Caring for Others without Forgetting Self-Care
Charles R. Figley
“Each day as we read accounts of our American troops fighting, dying, and getting hurt in the current wars so far away, my heart goes out to them and their families. But my heart also goes out to the physicians, nurses, and technicians who will be working with these war fighters. It was with them in mind that I offer this brief article on compassion fatigue.” To read more, please visit Gift From Within at http://www.giftfromwithin.org/html/artscien.html.
Note: Gift from Within is a non-profit organization dedicated to those who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals; develops and disseminates educational material, including videotapes, articles, books, and other resources through its website; maintains a roster of survivors who are willing to participate in an international network of peer support; is designated by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) public charity, eligible to receive tax-exempt grants, gifts, and donations.
Libraries – A Forgotten Treasure
Do you have a library card? If not, sign up for one this month. To find your nearest library, visit USA.gov’s Libraries page and enter your ZIP code in the “Library Search” box.
Getting a library card is simple and allows you to borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and more. You can also benefit from the expertise of your local librarian whenever you have questions about doing research or using library resources. In fact, you can even ask a librarian online! Ask A Librarian
Military Youth Coping with Military Deployment
This program is designed especially for teenagers and young adults whose parents or family members are deployed. The Department of Defense is aware of the challenges of being in a military family and appreciates all that you do to support your deployed family member. Read more http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12371
Rainy Day? Kids Inside? No Problem! Check Out Kids.gov and Leave Boredom Behind!
Kids.gov, the official kids’ portal for the U.S. government, has a new look and offers expanded resources. With links to more than 1,200 government web pages, Kids.gov makes it easy for children to learn, explore, and have fun.
Does The Military Family Network have a favorite? You bet! National Geographic Maps – Tools for Adventure just can’t be beat!
http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/toolsforadventure/games/index.html
(Produced in concert with the The Children's Museum of Indianapolis)
SibKids Listserv Gets Siblings of Kids with Special Needs Conencted
http://www.siblingsupport.org/
SibKids is the internet's first listserv for young brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and emotional needs.
SibKids is also a great place to meet other young brothers and sisters from around the world. On SibKids, members talk about their siblings with special needs, favorite music, friends, local sports teams, school—just about anything!
SibKids members say they enjoy talking about the good parts and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with other kids who "get it!" After all, no one knows what it is like to be a sib of a kid with special needs better than another sib!
Find our how http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12380
Feds Prohibit Creditors from Charging Percentage Rates Over 36% for Payday, Title and Tax Refund Loans
Starting October 1, 2007 , a new federal regulation prohibits creditors making payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax refund anticipation loans to active duty Service members and their dependents with annual percentage rates over 36 percent.
The final rule regulates the terms of payday loans, vehicle title loans and tax refund anticipation loans when extended to active duty Service members and their dependents, known as 'covered borrowers'. These three products have high interest rates, coupled with short payback terms.
Read more http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12365
Military Spouse Unemployment Compensation Bill Passed
Governor Jon Corzine signed the bill, after it was passed with very strong majorities in both the New Jersey House and Senate in June. New Jersey joins 10 other states that have changed their policies on Unemployment Compensation since the beginning of the Department of Defense's "USA 4 Military Families" State partnership initiative three years ago. The new law becomes effective in New Jersey on December 9 (2007). Read more: http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12369
A Guide for Spouses in Leadership Roles - Spouses' Project 2007
Today's military serves a Nation at War.The Battle Book III: A Guide for Spouses in Leadership Roles offers a wealth of information and resources that address the tough requirements of our times. This handbook represents the caring work of spouses of students of the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) Class of 2005 and was recently updated by the USAWC student spouses of the Class of 2007.It is designed to help Families learn about the military and better understand the Soldier's mission.
Passport Changes in October
U.S. citizens flying to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean will need to present a passport (the temporary accommodation, which allowed citizens to present a photo ID and proof of passport application, ended on September 30, 2007). For more information on the latest travel requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State. You can also learn how to apply for a passport or check the status of your passport application.
Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Get Involved!
In case you were too busy last month with back-to-school activities, September was National Preparedness Month. But it’s never to late to "Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Get Involved!" Read More http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12379
Tools for Becoming an Effective Advocate
In addition to the plethora of information and resources on the website, there is another superb tool that can help you on your path to becoming a stronger advocate for your loved ones. The Advocating for Your Child module of the DoD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit will help you:
- Improve your communication skills
- Organize your Medical and educational files
- Learn about medical and educational Advocacy
- Write professional letters
- Learn about important legislation
- Understand assessments and scores
- Be an effective participant in the IEP process
- Teach your child to self-advocate
- Influence Public Law
TRICARE Update
Service Members Urged To Set Up Family Member Accounts Before Deployment
Deployable and TRICARE Remote service members should consider setting up Family Member Accounts enabling their family to access medical, pay and human resource Web sites in their absence. Read more http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12266
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that, in 2007, an estimated 178,480 women and 2,030 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer? This year, approximately 40,460 women and 450 men in the U.S. will die of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder to get screened—early detection saves lives! Screening for breast cancer includes self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms. Speak with your doctor to find out when you should begin having mammograms. For more information on breast cancer, including risk factors, screening, and treatment, visit USA.gov’s link to the National Cancer Institute.
Veterans
New Federal Tool Lets You Find a Gravesite
Use the new Veteran Gravesite Locator box to search by name for burial locations of veterans and their family members. You’ll get results from military cemeteries and private cemeteries in cases where a grave is marked with a government grave marker.
VA Reaches Out to Former Prisoners of War
Do you know any former prisoners of war (POW) or their family members? If so, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs your help. Read More http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=12285
Resources for Caregivers
Check out USA.gov’s newest page, Caregivers’ Resources. Anyone who takes care of a parent, child, spouse, or other loved one with special needs can use this page to:
• Find help providing care.
• Search for government benefits.
• Get information on long-distance caregiving.
• Find legal information and end-of-life resources.
• Get support for caregivers.
| 
