Operation Ancestor Search NSSAR Program Overview

Program Description Operation Ancestor Search (OAS) is a free genealogy training program for Wounded Warriors and their families who are responsible for their care. OAS is open to all armed service members in a patient status, their accompanying family members, and their military care givers. OAS does not charge any participant for the resources or training provided. OAS is not a recruiting tool for the SAR. OAS does not limit participation based on potential eligibility to our society. The research potentially does open them up to join the numerous lineage societies in the United States.

Program Description (con’t) The genealogy expertise within the SAR can be used to give back to the U.S. service members who were injured in service to our nation. Many of the wounded soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines have a long road to recovery and spend months, if not years, recuperating from their injuries at military hospitals. OAS provides these brave men and women a respite from the constant reminders of their injuries. OAS is a volunteer program.

Resources Agreement with Ancestry.com to provide free access and software to OAS participants. Agreement with Fold3.com to provide free access to OAS participants. Donations of support from local genealogy societies. Collaborate with genealogical societies, lineage societies, local libraries and other organizations as appropriate for support of training, reintegration and mentoring.

Benefits Since the inception of the program, OAS has assisted more than 250 Wounded Warriors and their caregivers with genealogy research. The success that the program has achieved has been recognized by both the local and national organizations, as well as military organizations that support the Wounded Warriors and the Wounded Warriors themselves.

Benefits (con’t) The benefits of the program have also won strong support from the military medical cadre. Besides offering a reprieve to the participants, the research the warriors conduct acts as a stress reducer and nearly always puts them in touch with their families. In several cases, participants have even connected with distant relatives who have lived close enough to the military hospitals to visit the injured service members. Participation in the program also provides a personal connection with their family history and participants are often proud to discover their ancestors also served in the military.

Benefits (con’t) Can be done while at health care facility. Provides a sense of accomplishment, independence and fulfillment. Establishes a personal connection with the past – in many cases to other relatives who served in the military. Stress reduction. Social outlet. Reintegration back into hometown community.

History May, 2010 – DCSSAR initiated the first OAS program at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). Mar., 2011 – NSSAR formally adopted Operation Ancestor Search as a National Veteran Project and established the National OAS committee. Sep., 2011 – DCSSAR program was one of the first non- profits to transition with the patients to two new locations as WRAMC closed. Sep., San Antonio Chapter, TXSSAR began the first OAS expansion program at Fort Sam Houston’s Warrior Family Support Center.

OAS Program Director Rick Kincaid Native of Louisville, Kentucky Hired at NSSAR Headquarters April, 2013 Professional experience in public relations and communications media Active with numerous genealogical and historical societies. Looking forward to expanding Operation Ancestor Search nationwide.

OAS What’s New? Web Access: Website: Face book:

What OAS Needs from State Societies and Local Chapters Appoint a State OAS Representative who will be in direct contact with Program Director Rick Kincaid. Identify volunteers to work with the Wounded Warriors. Keep track of the volunteer hours to ensure proper recognition with the appropriate certificates and medals.

The Future for State Chapters The expansion of OAS in all 50 States. There are approximately 1,800 military hospitals, VA hospitals and clinics throughout the United States so all chapters should be able to participate. We see many State and local chapters being able to reach out to Wounded Warriors who are interested in using OAS.

OAS Future Programs The OAS Committee is working with local chapters to expand OAS to various locations, including: –San Diego, California (3 military hospitals) –Fort Lewis, Washington –Tampa, Florida (VA hospital) –Poly-Trauma Centers throughout the United States. –State VA Hospitals as well as smaller VA clinics (approx. 1,756) –After treatment, the wounded warriors will return to their local communities –The potential impact by many SAR State and Local Chapters is unlimited!

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