ACS Green Press

Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, NY March 2013

Regarding Resilience,

Tips, Tools and tech-

niques for practicing

resilience every day.

2

Month of the Military Child Proclamation Signing

3

Is There Such a Thing as an Army Food Stamp Program?

4

You Got the Inter-

view...Now What to

Wear?

5

Who’s on the Payroll 5

Spouse in the Spot-light

6

ACS March Calendar 7

ACS Contacts 8

Inside this issue:

~A tree free newsletter Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil

The first day of spring is March

21st! After a long Fort Drum

winter, people are starting to

experience cabin fever. What

better way to step into the

spring season than to get out

and enjoy one of the biggest

north country traditions!

On March 15-17, Watertown

will go green in celebration of

it’s 28th annual Irish Festival.

This yellow ribbon event is held

at the Dulles State Office Build-

ing 317 Arsenal Street.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s day is a

popular American tradition

whether one is of Irish decent or

not. It seems everybody goes a

little green for St. Patty’s day!

Spring Inspiring You to Get Out? Why Not go Green in the North Country?

children from war–torn sec-

tions of Northern Ireland to

stay with families living in

Jefferson County.

Even though feuding has

gotten better through recent

years, there is still separation

due to religious beliefs.

Project Children brings the

children together to realize

commonalities and unity.

If your looking for a fun

event, check out the North

Country Goes Green Irish

Festival. Wear your green

hair extension and support

Project Children!

It is a terrific way to kick off

Spring and begin to enjoy all

the local events and festivals

the North Country has to

offer. For more information

or to look at the scheduled

events, visit:

http://www.ncirishfest.com

The North Country Goes Green

Irish Festival is fun for the en-

tire Family. There is a parade, a

beauty pageant that crowns two

north country teens, a Donegal

Beard Contest, a 5-k and family

fun run, shamrocks, food, fun

and music. The weekend long

events are about the celebration

of culture.

Many Fort Drum Soldiers and

Families have traditionally been

involved in the weekend

festivities. In fact, last year,

Soldiers helped set up and the

Fort Drum Color Guard added

extra green to the festival mak-

ing Watertown even greener

than usual.

Even though the festival serves

as a fun and entertaining way to

spend a weekend, it has a deeper

significance to people other than

north country residents. The

festival raises money for the

Project Children Fund which

brings Protestant and Catholic

Spring is here!! Make an effort to think green this year! Visit https://

protal.drum.army.mil/garrison/pw/environmental/default.aspx for recycling information.

Page 2 ACS Green Press March 2013

There is rarely a day that goes by that I do not see, hear or read something that makes me think of my own resilience factor. Many days it is a blurb that gets me thinking about what I am thinking about. It gives me a moment to assess if what’s been given priority in my mind is productive. If determined it is not, I am normally able to apply an MRT skill help get back on track. But the one thing I often hear, see and read about is the concept of happiness. People often ask others: “Are you happy?” Or they write, “I hope this email finds you happy” and it seems that many commercials start off asking, “Are you happy with your…….” What really is being asked? What does it mean to be happy? The answer seems to indicate a measure of emotion. But what is the measure? And is your measure the same as the one used by everyone else? More specifically, what are your iceberg beliefs on happiness? Perhaps happiness is better understood by looking at its opposite. Most peo-ple will agree that the opposite of hap-

piness is depression or a state of being unhappy. The blurb I read recently that has started me down this path of thought is a statement by Peter Kramer, author of “Against Depression”. Based on his research he indicates that the opposite of depression is resilience; the ability to cope with life’s frustrations without falling apart. I like it! For me it makes the con-cept of happiness tangible. After looking at the measure of happy in this manner, I can now answer the questions with some certainty. Yes, I am happy. I am happy because I have the tools and the ability to overcome the adversity in my life and stay on a productive path. And if I stay with this perception of happiness and I am asked the questions above, I can an-swer yes all the time. That’s good stuff! I am not suggesting that happy is a word we shouldn’t use. I guess I am thinking maybe we shouldn’t use it as a constant measurement. I think happiness is more of a come and go emotion with various levels – excitement, joy, pleasure, con-tentedness, etc…. The constant, you see, needs to be our conscious awareness of

our own resilience factor. Are you working on your resilience? Are you aware of what you’re thinking and how that ties into your “happiness”? I should say that I like the word happy. It sounds good and if used correctly it normally stirs up positive emotion. I just needed to try and understand the meaning of the word. I truly appreciate the fact that it is linked to our resilience factor, because it tells me that if you continue to work on your resilience, you will continue to find many ways to be happy! Thanks for letting me work out my thoughts on this. What are your thoughts on this? Have a wonderful month ~ good luck and good thoughts!

Page 2

Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques for practicing resilience

everyday!

By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848

This May be Out There – But It’s What’s On My Mind….

2013

Master Resilience Training Schedule

4 March Module 4 9:30 am-12:30 pm

22-25 April Spring Marathon all Modules 9:30am - 2:30pm

15 May Module 1 9:30 am-2:30pm

3 June Module 2 9:30 am-2:30pm

8 July Module 3 9:30 am-2:30pm

5 August Module 4 9:30 am-2:30pm

9 September Module 5 9:30 am-2:30 pm

Learn Your Character Strengths and how to use them to increase energy, motivation

and success: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upeen.edu/default.aspx

kick off the month’s events at 6 pm on

March 26 at the Commons with a Month

of the Military Child proclamation signing.

Then, on April 8, at the Commons, ACS

will host Dr. Arthur Becker-Weidman

from the Center for Family Development.

Dr. Becker-Weidman will focus on

connections between parents and children,

specifically fathers, bonding with children.

The event will be open to Soldiers,

Families and the local community. This

seminar will focus on Families and

empowering young Soldiers with the tools

to better connect with their children.

On April 24, ACS will host Mom and

Babypalooza! at the new youth center on

Chapel Drive. Geared toward our young

Family members, this event will offer a

mixture of fun and education with a musi-

cal flair! Young parents will learn how to

make stronger connections with their chil-

dren through utilization of resources from

local agencies, ACS and each other.

It is the intent of ACS to celebrate the

strength of Military Families and focus on

the connections between parents and their

children and resources that make Families

strong. ACS will accomplish this through

a series of articles, training sessions, art-

work and social media. Children ages 4-18

will have the opportunity to express the

answer to the question, “what makes your

Family strong”? through print or video

media. Participants will be recognized for

their art at the proclamation signing. The

deadline to enter is March 19. For more

information contact the Family Advocacy

Program at 772-4929.

Page 3 ACS Green Press March 2013

March 26-Month of the Military Child Proclamation Signing

have states if not countries between them.

This creates the need for interaction with

other adults and support systems challeng-

ing and often military Families must look

outside the Family to do so.

Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist

known for her adaptation of the African

proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”,

noted that not only do children have

needs but that children are needed by

Families and communities. Mead knew

that children, Families and communities

are not independent of one another but

instead, are interconnected. Mead said

“Never doubt that a small group of

thoughtful, committed people can change

the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that

ever has.” In essence, today’s Family is in

itself a small village that exists within the

larger village that is our military commu-

nity. We, as a village, must form and

maintain connections with each other, the

community, the schools, and various re-

sources needed to make military Families

strong.

Army Community Service (ACS) would

like to invite Soldiers, Families, schools,

and community agencies to make connec-

tions this month as they come together to

celebrate our Fort Drum Families. Let’s

remember it takes our community, our

“village”, to raise strong resilient military

children.

One such resource for Families is ACS.

The various programs and services offered

by ACS are designed to scaffold Families

while they build the life skills necessary for

resilience. Through the month of April,

ACS will be celebrating the strength of

Military Families. There will be various

activities centered on connections that

make Military Families strong.ACS will

In 1986, Defense Secretary Caspar

Weinberger designated April as the

Month of the Military Child in

recognition of the sacrifices made by

military children while their parents

serve our nation. Weinberger

understood that military children endure

unique challenges such as frequent

moves, school changes, separation from

loved ones, reintegration issues and

overall uncertainty that make growing

up resilient in an unpredictable Family

challenging. Yet, every day we witness

the strength and successes of the mili-

tary Families that make up the Fort

Drum Community. These Families are

from different cultures, different walks

of life, and different geographic loca-

tions but, for all their differences, there

are certain commonalities, threads that

unite them and make them strong. In

short, Families come in all shapes and

sizes -“the Cleavers” are not the model

of today’s American Family.

The dynamic of the traditional Family

has changed. Whether one’s Family is a

traditional Family, stepfamily, single

parent Family, or a Family whose chil-

dren are already out of the house, one

truth stands true: at one time or an-

other, regardless of the Family dynamic,

all Families need to be strengthened and

nurtured to be successful.

What makes our Military Families

strong? Strong Families build connec-

tions with extended Family and support

systems. The military culture often

makes maintaining connections with

extended Family difficult. Often the

grandparents and other relatives that

serve as a resource of knowledge and

support for most Families are not

within close proximity. In fact, most

Page 4 ACS Green Press March 2013

What’s This? An

Army Food Stamp

Program? FSSA or

Family Subsistence

Supplemental

Allowance is in

place to help

Military Families who may encounter

financial challenges during difficult

economic times. Given the rising cost

of gas and even groceries, this program

provides an allowance to Soldiers to

assist them in funding their Family’s

food costs. If you think you don't

qualify, it might be worth your time to

investigate just to be sure. The pro-

gram was recently updated with lower

qualification requirements and

higher allowances being offered.

The steps to apply are not difficult.

Soldiers who think they may qualify can

visit the website to complete an

application. Upon completion of the

application, you will be immediately

informed if you qualify or not and also

be given the dollar amount of the

supplemental allowance that your

Family qualifies for. The web address

is: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/fssa/

Soldiers who do qualify should then

print the completed application from

the website and contact Army

Community Service (ACS) at 315-772

6556/6557 to schedule an appointment

with Financial Readiness.

After the Soldier has visited with the

Financial Readiness Program, the final

paperwork will be completed. The

next step is for the Soldier to take the

completed packet to their Command

for certification and proper routing to

the local Finance Office. The local

Finance Office will submit the forms

to the Defense Finance and Account-

ing Service (DFAS). DFAS will then

ensure the approved additional FSSA

amount is included in the Soldier’s

pay. It is not a difficult process and

makes all the difference in the world

to a Family who are challenged by

today’s fiscal reality.

The entitlement is retroactive and will

be back dated to the date that the ap-

plication was submitted so do not

delay. Log on the website and find

out if you qualify. If you do qualify,

call Financial Readiness today.

“Think ACS First!”

Is There Such a Thing as an Army Food Stamp Program? By Judee Kelly Financial Readiness Program Manager

Upcoming Survivor Outreach Financial Classes March 22, 1030-1330 Education Resources Available to Survivors & Filling out the FAFSA April 15, 1000-1130 Goal Setting & Finances; MetLife Dental Plan - Eligibility Rules, Enrollment Process & Survivor Benefits Review May 20, 1000-1200 Achieving Your Goals with a Budget Tricare Medical for Survivors updates June 17, 1430-1600 Credit Reports & Scores July 3, 1000-1130 A Survivor’s Guide to Home buying October 16, 1430-1600 Savings & Investment Options for your goals November 15, 1430-1600 Moving Forward: A Financial Guide for Survivors December 19, 1430-1600 Tax Update and Review for Survivors (including tax rules for children)

All classes will be held at the ACS Bldg.

“Take good care of your

future because that’s

where you’re going to

spend the rest of your

life.

~Charles Kettering

American Inventor

Page 5 ACS Green Press March 2013

What you wear everyday is not

necessarily what you should wear

when you are going to interview for a

job. It’s important to present a

professional image which is

conservative, polished, neat and clean.

Don’t overdo the cologne or perfume,

remove facial piercings, and cover any

tattoos you might have. You are

marketing yourself to a potential

employer- and you want them to

BUY!

Unless you’re interviewing for a job at

a nightclub or a Goth clothing store,

stay away from wearing anything

trendy. A classic suit in blue or grey is

a much better investment, and can be

personalized with the right shirt and

accessories. Studies show that blue,

grey, and green are the best colors to

wear to an interview; they help the

interviewer get an impression of

trustworthiness and friendliness.

Don’t wear yellow, orange, pink, or

purple, and use red sparingly-perhaps

as a scarf or tie. A colorful accessory

near the face draws the eye upwards,

which helps you keep your interviewer

attentive. Jewelry should be kept to a

minimum, and your shoes and any

handbag you might have should be

color-coordinated.

Got a budget you need to stick to? Hit

the local thrift shops for suits, shoes,

and handbags galore. A recent visit to

the Fort Drum Thrift Shop revealed

many suit options for less than $10

each! Stop by ACS and pick up a Fort

Drum Area Bargain Guide, which lists

all of the local establishments where

you can buy a new outfit without

emptying your bank account.

On March 7, Employment Readiness,

Outreach, and Relocation Readiness

Programs will be presenting the Dress

You Got the Interview...Now What to Wear?

For Success & to Impress for Less

seminar and fashion show. This

seminar will help educate and pro-

vide insight on how to dress for

interviews and where to find great

accessories on a budget. The

event will include several local

businesses performing demonstra-

tions to include Mary-Kay, Avon,

Stella & Dot, The Fort Drum Spa,

and Employment Readiness will

preview The Classic Closet fashions

for local job seekers. These items

will help job seekers and those

Military Family members looking

to find fashionable business attire

for upcoming interviews.

Remember, getting the interview

is an important first step. Proper

preparation for that interview will

bring the job home. Little details

make a world of difference. If

you are looking for employment,

let Employment Readiness help

you.

“Think ACS First!”

Ameyo Yoplo JCC Library Brenda Konop North Country Urgent Care Stephanie Adams Children’s Home Of Jefferson County Gloria Bowers & Co CPA Philip Eggleston Stream Jamie Elkhill Credo Community Center Amanda Housewright Little Rays of Sunshine Daycare

Look Who’s on the Payroll!!!

Page 6 ACS Green Press March 2013

Palomar de la Llata came to Fort

Drum from Fort Hood TX . Fort

Drum will be her sixth duty station.

Paloma married Carlos De la Llata,

her high school sweetheart, who is a

SFC for 3BSTB. Together they have 2

beautiful children a son age thirteen

and a five year old daughter.

Paloma loves shopping, baking and of

course she loves SHOES!! When I

asked Paloma what advice she would

give to new comers she said.

“Enjoy every minute of this place!

Don’t just limit yourself to the Fort

Drum/Watertown area, venture out

and enjoy all New York State has to

offer.”

Paloma is a full time Family Child

Care Provider. She provides excep-

tional child care to military Families

making sure that all the children in

her care feel loved and learn lots of

new things.

Paloma is extremely hard working

and always keeps herself busy. Her

newest project is working toward

getting her accreditation for NAF

as a Family Child Care provider.

She works after hours as a mentor

to other FCC providers. When

asked what programs she would like

to see offered at ACS she said,

she’d like to see more career

enrichment programs for spouses.

Paloma is an asset to the Fort

Drum Community and Family

Care Provider Program. She’s

energetic and passionate about

offering top quality care to military

Families!!

ACS OUTREACH would like to

send a shout out to this special

Spouse in the Spotlight!!! Paloma

eres lo maximo!!!

Building Community: Spouse in the Spotlight

ACS Outreach Would like to Introduce Paloma de la Llata

“All have wishes, many have

dreams, some have ideas, few have

plans” -William Arthur Ward

Page 7 ACS Green Press March 2013

ACS Event Calendar March 2013

Army Community Service

P4330 Conway Road

Fort Drum, New York

13602

Army Emergency Relief 772-6560, 772-8873 or 772-2855

Army Family Team Building http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122037720

772-6710, 772-9229

Army Volunteer Program Coordinator http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Army-volunteer-Corps/13651504365912

772-2899

Exceptional Family Member Program http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-FMWR-Exceptional-Family-Member-Program /104951319542718

772-5488, 772-0819, 772-0664

Employment Readiness Program http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment

772-9611, 772-2737, 772-1090

Family Advocacy Program (New Parent Support Program) SAPRP

772-4244, 772-6929, 772-2279

772-0596, 772-4070, 772-0748

772-5605, 772-5914

Financial Readiness Program http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-financial-Readiness-ACS/1956662120473

772-0050, 772-5196, 772-8526

Information and Referral 772-6556, 772-6557

Military & Family Life Consultants 212-6919

Mobilization and Deployment http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Mobiliztion-and-Deployment/178420512193448?ref=ts&v=wall

772-2848, 772-0470, 772-2919

Outreach http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-ACS-Outreach/180373271991692

772-5374

Relocation Readiness http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fort -Drum -Relocation -Readiness Program/171335822906429

772-5475, 772-6553, 772-6902

772-6566

Soldier Family Assistance Center http://www.facebook.com/Fort.Drum.FMWR/SFAC

772-7781

Survivor Outreach Services http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumsurvivoroutreachservices

772-6357