1. Welcoming Congregations Veteran Friendly Congregations (VFCs) Becoming a VFC, issues that exist, the role of clergy, and resources to help 1 Peter McCall Exec Dir, www.CareForTheTroops.org petemccall1@gmail.com 770-329-6156

2. Introduction and Ground Rules This is not a political forum Questions are encouraged for group discussion Be respectful of others If the discussions, material, or videos at any time become too disturbing feel free to leave the room till you feel comfortable enough to return 2

3. Sources of Materials 3 CareForTheTroops 2009/2010 Military Culture 101 Workshop The Fraser Counseling Center Staff, Hinesville, GA Dr Blaine Everson, Clinical Dir, Samaritan Counseling Center, Athens, GA Chris Schmink, LPC Major Chris Warner, Winn Army Community Hospital, Fort Stewart, GA Spiritual Wounds of War material Kent D. Drescher, Ph.D., National Center for PTSD – Menlo Park LTC Peter E. Bauer, MS USAR, LMFT, currently at Ft Hood Chaplain Bill Carr, D. Min., LMFT, VA Hospital, Atlanta, Ga Alan Baroody, LMFT, Presbyterian Minister, Exec Dir Fraser Counseling Center VA Website 2010 AAMFT Annual Conference Workshop 303 TriWest Healthcare Alliance “Help From Home” DVD Tricare South / Value Options “Care For Returning Vets” presentation from the ELCA Bureau for Federal Chaplaincies Other citations on charts and handouts

4. Presentation Goals There are 5 goals of this presentation: Understand the basics of the military culture and veteran issues Review key issues that can impact the mental health of a military family Understand better the role that clergy and congregations can play in support of military families Provide knowledge of resources available and how CFTT and others can help your efforts Ultimately, build more credibility for working with military families and gain your commitment to become a VFC. 4

5. Veteran Issues and Concerns 5 1.Multiple deployments 2.PTSD, TBI, or significant Mental Stress 3.Mental health, marriage, and family problems 4.The impact on military children and teens 5.Where Did They Come From? Family Income? Active NG/Reserve Small Town 44% 40% Large Town 27% 30% Urban Area 29% 30% 6.Active 33% < $42K / year 50% $42K - $65K / year 7.NG/Reserve median income=$46K / yr 8.Suicide is rising 20-29 8.4% 50-59 21.2% 30-39 10.8% 60-69 31.8% 40-49 16.3% 70+ 55.8% 9.Addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, violent crimes 10.Military Sexual Trauma (MST) – includes Assault, Coercion and Unwanted Attention 11.DoD and VA facilities are stretched 12.Unemployment rate among post 9/11 veterans as 15.2% in January 2011, well above the 9.6 percent rate for non-veterans. 13.Homelessness 14.More Reservists & Guardsmen are serving than previous wars 15.Rand Study (‘08) estimates that PTSD and depression among service members will cost the nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment.

6. Veteran Issues 6 Multiple deployments are common causing stress and family attachment issues. – As of Oct 2008, multiple deployment breakdown: 60% = 1x 36% >= 2x 4% >= 4x – As of Mar 2013, NG and Reserve deployments: 62% = 1x 24% = 2x 8% = 3x 6% >= 4x – “Typical Deployment Durations” Army and Marine1 year** Navy 6-9 months Aviation and Spec Forces 4-6 months Air Force ~6 months ** In 2012 Army went to 9 months – but in 2014 expected to be back to 12 months An April ‘08 Rand Study reported 37% have either PTSD, TBI, or significant Mental Stress (5% all 3). Some estimate >50% return with some form of mental distress – Feb 2013 CRS Report…17% have a TBI Diagnosis (77% of these are Mild) (CRS=Congressional Research Study) – Mar 2013 VA Report… 20% of patients have PTSD vs 7-8% in general population per the NC-PTSD – Mar 2013 NC-PTSD Report indicates Vietnam Vet lifetime rates are 27% for women, 31% for men – 2013 GWU Report indicates PTSD increases one’s healthcare costs 3.5x …. $8,300 in the 1 st year Other mental health, marriage, and family problems often occur with or leading up to PTSD requiring attention so they don’t get worse – July 2012 Med Surveillance Report indicates that Top 3 diagnosis over past 10 years are 1. Depression 2. Adjustment Disorder 3. Alcohol Abuse/Dependence – Insomnia has risen from 7.2 per 10K to 135.8 per 10K

7. Veteran Issues 7 In 2009, military children and teens sought outpatient mental health care 2 million times, a 20% increase from ‘08 and double from the start of the Iraq war (‘03) – 43% of Service Members have children – Average number of children per military family is 1.97 (AAMFT 2010 Annual Conference) –42% rise in children’s visits in 2009 over 2004 per Tricare –During deployments, 1 in 5 coped poorly or very poorly –84% of Regular Military Service Members’ children attend public school, not DoD base schools Casualties – a Feb 2013 CRS Report indicated that 98% were male OIF - 31,925 OND - 295 OEF - 18,230 Where Did They Come From? Family Income? -- based on nccp.org report as of May 2010 – Active NG/Reserve Active 33% < $42K / year Small Town 44% 40% 50% $42K - $65K / year Large Town 27% 30% Urban Area 29% 30% NG/Reserve has a median income of $46K / year

8. Veteran Issues (cont.) 8 Suicide is rising. In 2010: military suicides exceeded civilian suicides. – Army and Marine have higher suicide rates than Navy and Air Force – More are occurring Stateside and many go unreported for insurance reasons and are post-discharge – Female suicide rate triples when deployed (recent NIMH study), though still lower than male rate – In GA, per the CDC from 2006-2008, 500 suicides of people identified as current or former military. This represents 19.4% of all suicides during those years. The Age breakdown is as follows: 20-298.4%50-5921.2% 30-3910.8%60-6931.8% 40-4916.3%70+55.8% – VETS: On average, 18 Vet suicides out of 30 attempts per day; 5 are already being treated by the VA. – ACTIVE DUTY: On average there has been 1 suicide per day (2013 GWU Report) – Women try more with less success than men …Army Times 04/2010 – 2013 IAVA Report indicates: 30% have considered suicide 37% know someone (IAVA – Irag Afghan Vets of America) Addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, violent crime rates are rising: – Illicit drug use in the military was 5% in 2005, but now nonmedical use of prescription drugs is the most common form of drug abuse. SPICE is becoming very common. – PBS and others in Oct 2013 reported the VA in several locations is over prescribing pain killers – 24.8% reported binge drinking >1x per week in the past 30 days vs 17.4% for same-age civilians – SAMSHA reports: half of substance abuse treatment admissions among Veterans aged 21 to 39 involve alcohol as the primary substance of abuse (vs 34% non-vets). Marijuana and Other Opiates were at 12.2% each

9. Veteran Issues (cont.) 9 Military Sexual Trauma (MST) – includes Assault, Coercion and Unwanted Attention – 2008 Rand Report indicated the rate was 16-23% – VA Report in December 2012 breakdown as follows: Women Men Assault 3% 1% Coercion 8% 1% Attention 27% 5% Total 38% 7% – Almost as significant among males as among females (Newsweek, April 2011) – Mostly enlisted personnel under 25 yrs old (DOD 2010 Annual Report) – Single strongest predictor of PTSD in women - whereas combat is for men (Natelson, 8/05/10). – 80% of assault victims fail to report the offense. (Natelson, 8/05/10) DoD and VA facilities are stretched … – the Aug 2009 VA claims backlog was 900,000; – the April 2010 backlog was improved to 605,000 – the April 2011 back up to 756,000 with 450,000 claims taking over 125 days (USA Today, Apr 2011) – the Nov 2011 rise to 864,000 with 529,000 claims taking over 125 days (AJC, Nov 10, 2011) – The Oct 2013 backlog is 725,000 with 420,000 over 125 days (VA Weekly Report) – The VA Goal is 98% under 125 days by end of 2015.

10. Veteran Issues (cont.) 10 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the unemployment rate among post 9/11 veterans as 15.2% in January 2011, well above the 9.6 percent rate for non-veterans. – The 2013 IAVA Report is 16% with 45% > 1 year The VA said in Dec 2010 that more than 9,000 OIF/OEF vets were homeless (UPI) – Women are the fastest growing segment of this population. – Jan 2012 VA Report indicates 62,619 homeless vets and 180,000 are at risk – 2013 nchv.org Homeless Report: 13% are vets 20% of male homeless are vets 51% have disabilities 70% have substance abuse issues 51% are white males vs 38% of non-vets 50% are > 51 years old vs 19% non-vets Many more Reservists & Guard than previous wars (54% as of mid ‘08) and they and families are more distant from DoD and VA support facilities. This may be one of the most significant factors affecting the future mental health impact on our communities and our society – Current numbers are in the 40-45% range – By design, approximately 33% should be Guard and Reserve – With 2013-14 budget cuts, NG/Reserve numbers may come down further and faster than Active Duty – A large number of civilian contractors are also part of the deployed forces Rand Study (‘08) estimates that PTSD and depression among service members will cost the nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years after deployment. Investing in proper treatment would actually save $2 billion within two years.

11. Fraser Center Experience www.frasercenter.com www.frasercenter.com 11 THE FRASER CENTER SETTING: 1.Clients include Veterans, Active Duty Soldiers, and Military Dependents 2.Clients primarily from FT Stewart (3 rd Infantry Division) and Hunter Army Airfield GENERAL OBSERVATIONS MADE BY FRASER CENTER THERAPISTS WHO WORK WITH OIF/OEF VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY SOLDIERS, AND MILITARY DEPENDENTS: 1.The children of military families are often the first to be brought in for therapy – secondary trauma. “Is daddy going to die?” 2.The length, number, and frequency of deployments decreases family resiliency upon re- deployment (returning home from a deployment). 3.The number of engagements “outside the wire” increases the likelihood of Combat Stress Symptoms (transient, acute, & PTSD). 4.Over time, the constant threat of incoming mortar rounds and IED incidents increases likelihood of CSS and PTSD for those who remain primarily in “green zones.” 5.The primary concerns of combat troops are: Mission First, staying safe, keeping their buddies safe, getting home, and what is happening at home with their spouse and families.

12. Fraser Center Experience www.frasercenter.com www.frasercenter.com 12 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS (continued…): 6.While deployed, soldiers also fight on the homefront via internet and cell phone with their spouses. Homefront stressors may be higher than combat stressors. 7.Viewing internet pornography and internet sex chat is becoming a norm for deployment and effects marriages upon return. 8.Many soldiers maintain their unit bonds following re-deployment to the detriment of their family bonds. 9.Returning soldiers rarely talk with spouses about combat experiences. 10.There is a high rate of infidelity among soldiers and spouses during deployments. This is not necessarily the “deal breaker” that it might be in civilian life. 11.Illegal/prescription drugs and alcohol are prevalent and are used as common coping mechanism by soldiers (deployed and at home) and by their spouses. 12.While deployed, many soldiers are constantly sleep deprived and share each others medications (i.e. ambient, provigil). Hooked on Energy Drinks. 13.The suicide rate of re-deployed) soldiers and spouses is on the increase. 14.Most soldiers know of at least one other soldier in their unit who “ate his gun” or was blown up by an IED. 15.There is a high incidence of rape and sexual molestation of deployed female soldiers. 16.Soldiers and spouses express a great deal of anger toward perceived incompetency in the chain of command, or in procedures, which have a direct negative impact upon their lives.

13. Fraser Center Experience www.frasercenter.com www.frasercenter.com 13 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS (continued…): 17.Home is no longer a safe place to live. Many now carry weapons when not on military installations at home. 18.The vast majority of returning troops are filled with undifferentiated anger and a short fuse. 19.There is a statistically verifiable increase in domestic violence and child abuse among military families. Child abuse increases as the stressors increase in the life of the non-deployed spouse. 20.A primary therapeutic issue is the soldier’s inability to re-connect emotionally with spouse and children. (exacerbated by anger and lack of patience). 21.Chaplains are the mental and spiritual health “first responders” at home and in the combat arena. 22.Special attention needs to be given to National Guard and Reserve Chaplains. There is a high incidence of their leaving the ministry. 23.Both spouse and soldier recognize that the soldier is “changed” by combat deployment. 24.Important family milestones and transitions have been missed. 25.Soldiers may pursue activities which replicate the adrenaline rush of combat and sometimes re- enlist without spousal consultation in order to maintain the rush. 26.Spousal dissatisfaction and resentment: power control issues upon redeployment. “I didn’t sign up for this.” The military spouse sacrifices education and career 27.With increased monetary incentives and a lowering of recruitment standards the quality of the troops has been increasingly lowered: no GED necessary, accepting recruits with DSM-IV diagnosable conditions and on meds, increase of gangs in the army.

14. Fraser Center Experience www.frasercenter.com www.frasercenter.com 14 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS (continued…): 28.Due to young age, immaturity, and low educational levels, many soldiers and spouses have poor life skills: money management, parenting, communication, etc. 29.Some soldiers return to empty bank accounts and houses. 30.The military has greatly increased mental health support resources at home and abroad. The Army recognizes that it is still not adequate. 31.The military is going out of their way to encourage soldiers to seek out mental health treatment, yet the stigma against seeking help continues to exist. 32.Spirituality is an important tool in the healing process as it is an important issue among those who have been in combat. It may not be express in typical “religious” language.

15. Discussion Who are the children? A 9 minute video from the TV Show “Sunday Morning” that aired in February 2014. www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeMZ7AH5BQw How significant a role can Pastors play in addressing the needs of veterans? (4.5 min) http://www.dvidshub.net/video/151300/american-veteran#.UvGCBWJdWa8 Must a Congregation have deployed military as motivation for getting involved and being knowledgeable? 15

16. Military Ministry 16 Each Congregation has its own demographic mix Active Duty Guard / Reserve Active / Inactive Veterans Which War? Which Era? Male / Female Family Members Nearby / Remote Multi-Generational Civilian Contractors

17. State Defense Force Georgia Department of Defense President National Guard Bureau Governor Nathan Deal Commander-in-Chief Army National Guard Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Jim Butterworth Adjutant General 11,000+ Soldiers2,800+ Airmen 800+ Members 460+ State Employees State Operations

18. The National Guard Guardsmen serve for one-third the cost of their active duty counterparts ​Consumes only 11% of the Army budget, yet provides 32% of Army’s total personnel ​Guardsmen serve longer and retire later than active counterparts for increased return on investment ​ 85% of Guardsman are traditional part- time service members

20. Military Culture Regular/Active Duty vs Reserve/Guard Units 20 Units are small & based in local communities. Part-time soldiers, often working with local police, fire, and EMS. Families may be left in a town with little or no support services. Mostly support units in Georgia (transport, MP, etc) Likely to work within local communities Can’t relocate easily when activated Lack of military related health services Need to make use of family or local supports (church, etc.) though FRG’s are very helpful Units are based at major military installations. Full-time soldiers who expect to be deployed. Families are left at their post where a variety of support is in place both on- post & in communities. Live on-post or nearby; other family support Less need to relocate when deployed Access to a variety of health, welfare, & educational services Support groups in-place through soldier’s unit Reserve / GuardRegular / Active

21. The Veteran Experience Why is this war different? Volunteer vs. draft Multiple deployments Type of suicide bombings Never any safety, no real recovery time Use of civilians as shields and decoys by the enemy Deliberately targeting our moral code COMMUNICATION! Internet, cell phones, etc. IEDs, RPGs (TBI, hearing loss, neuro-chemical effects) Advancement in medical treatments Nation-building activities and interactions with local leaders 21

22. The Veteran Experience Profile of Differences by Era 22 Vietnam military cohorts relatively homogenous enlisted and drafted fewer Reservists/Guard fewer civilian contractors average age 18-22 not married no children no career developed adolescents— early stages of development one tour (12-13 mos) were typical communications via phone, mail wounded/killed ratio 3:1 no appreciation for service or sacrifice OIF / OEF not homogenous---heterogeneous Active duty Reservists/Guard- joined for variety of reasons likely did not expect to be deployed Large number of civilian contractors wide age range: 18-60+ married parenting/grand-parenting job/career financial responsibilities (e.g. mortgage, family) multiple deployments with unknown duration are typical instant communication more indirect combat e.g. IEDs and suicide bombers, constant threat wounded/killed ratio 15:1 Korea and World War II ???

23. The Veteran Experience Realizing the bridge is down… “Home—the place many think is the safe haven to find relief from the stress of war—may initially be a letdown. When a loved one asks, ‘What was it like?’ and you look into eyes that have not seen what yours have, you suddenly realize that home is farther away than you ever imagined.” Down Range: From Iraq and Back, by Cantrell & Dean, 2005 23

24. Deployment Cycle Chris Warner’s Sources of Stress 24 Warner CH, Breitbach JE, Appenzeller GN, et.al. “Division Mental Health: It’s Role in the New Brigade Combat Team Structure Part I: Pre-Deployment and Deployment” Journal of Military Medicine 2007; 172: 907-11. ---  >> Number of Months

25. 25 Soldier Deployment Separation Stress – Depression & Anxiety Family Adjustment w/o Soldier in Home – Out-of- Ordinary Behaviors Pre-reunion Stress – anxiety and worry about behavior away Reunion and homecoming – joy and anticipation Revitalize Relationships and “honeymoon” Family readjusts - Consequences for behavior Pre-deployment Conflict & Previous Stressor pile-up Pre-deployment Stress – anxiety and concern The Military Deployment Cycle … or The Military Family Life Cycle

26. 26 Military Family Life Cycle (…Career View) Transitions are often marked by crisis points in the family life cycle. -Courting - Pregnant -Marriage Deploy Mid-tour leave New family begins in absentia Parental adj & young children Return & Reunion Resume normal routines Deploy Family w/ school agers Return & Reunion Relocation Families w/ teens & possibly steps ETS or Retire

27. Resources 27 Go to the following link and find all the presentation and handout material used and referenced today. Look for items beginning with the letters “PI” http://www.careforthetroops.org/library_training.php

28. Resources – CareForTheTroops 28 A 501c(3) established in Marietta, GA Began operating in May, 2009 Run completely by volunteers Currently provides access to 70+ congregations mainly in GA and TN Currently provides a 200+ database of licensed therapists in GA

29. Resources – CareForTheTroops’ Approach 29 Person in need of support Spouse SiblingsGrandparents Parents Children Military Member

30. Resources - Programs 30 A Comprehensive Web Site Feeds and Supports Our Programs Clinicians / TherapistsCongregations / Clergy Military Culture 101 Conference Workshops EMDR Weekends 1 & 2 On-Line Training Training Calendar Information Resources Articles / Reports / Presentations Therapist Database Information Workshops Military Ministry Programs -Veteran Friendly Congregation -Lead Congregation -Program Guidebook Clergy/Lay Leader Training - Signs of Trauma and Spiritual Wounds - Referral Source Information

31. This is the top of the Home Page CareForTheTroops.org 31

32. What is a Veteran Friendly Congregation (VFC)? 32 www.CareForTheTroops.org/about_programs.php A VFC is making a commitment to have a Military Ministry that provides support to the veterans and their families A VFC means making the following 3 commitments: Agree to adopt or implement one or more Military Ministry Programs. Agree to communicate the existence of the Military Ministry Program(s) at least twice a month Annually, renew your commitment with the two provisions above A VFC will receive a certificate, suitable for framing and display in a prominent location so that it can be seen by all. Also, 1 copy of the book “Welcome Them Home, Help Them Heal” is provided that helps one understand a military family’s needs and how congregations can respond.

33. Current VFCs in GA and TN www.careforthetroops.org/congregation_directory.php 33

34. Military Ministry 34 Purpose The ministry approach is intended to address all the extended family members associated with the person that is or has been in the military. The ministry has the following goals: Help the congregation members maintain an awareness of the existence and needs of those sacrificing their time and effort to support our country Create an environment of acceptance within the congregation for any extended family member who worships or visits the congregation; acceptance of their needs (physical, material, and spiritual), and a willingness to join in their struggles, whatever they might be A Military Ministry is a commitment by the congregation to the military families and to themselves to provide support. It is not a commitment to the CareForTheTroops organization.

35. Military Ministry 35 Each Congregation Can Act on Their Own (or in collaboration with nearby congregations) The way this is setup: no faith has to act in any way like another faith no congregation has to act like another congregation no congregation has to have a Ministry like any other congregation every Military Ministry is completely customizable to each congregation's desire to act

36. Military Ministry 36 Each Congregation has its own demographic mix Active Duty Guard / Reserve Active / Inactive Veterans Young / Old Male / Female Family Members Nearby / Remote Multi-generational Civilian Contractors

37. Guidebook For Leaders of Military Ministry Congregation Programs 37 Table of Contents Part 1 – Step by Step Implementation Guide Part 2 – Congregation Program Templates Program 1: Prayer List Identification - Spiritual Support and Care Day of Worship Bulletin and/or Newsletter Article - Example Prayer List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church - Example Military Deployed List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church - Example Returned Home List used by St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church - Example Military Deployed List used by Peachtree Presbyterian Church - Example Program 2: Dedicating An Existing Program To The Military Serving Overseas Program 3: Ministry Connectivity - Leverage Existing Ministries Program 4: Partners In Care (PIC) – A National Guard Outreach Program Program 5: Care Packages to Deployed Service Members Newspaper Article Where the Care Package Idea Originated Program 6: Operation International Children – School Supplies Kits Program 7: Assistance and Practical Help to Congregation Members Program 8: Assistance and Practical Help Outside the Parish Program 9: Recognition of Congregation Veterans Program 10: Books for Soldiers Program 11: Workshops Conducted by The ArtReach Foundation, Inc. ® Program 12: Writing Our Way Home Part 3 - Veteran Friendly Congregations and Lead Congregations Part 4 – Other Program Suggestions, But Not Documented

38. 38

39. Resources – Resource List 39

40. Resources – Partners in Care 40 Partners in Care A National Guard Program A GA NG and CareForTheTroops joint effort

41. Resources Webinars and On-Line Training 41 Beginning in 2011, large, well funded, well supported organizations began making Webinars available that are of high quality. Appropriate topics and expert speakers are being made available to all of us interested in the issue of helping veterans and military personnel and their families. I have listed here two organizations that I suggest you consider “enrolling” with so that you can get reminders sent directly to you. http://www.dcoe.health.mil/Training/Monthly_Webinars.aspxhttp://www.dcoe.health.mil/Training/Monthly_Webinars.aspx - past sessions available back as far as 2011 http://www.aosresourcecenter.com/http://www.aosresourcecenter.com/ - recordings available upon request Additionally, the CareForTheTroops website keeps a calendar of these and other events and also brings together on-line training modules from Alliant University, the VA, Army OneSource, and the Pam Woll Series. http://www.careforthetroops.org/search_events.phphttp://www.careforthetroops.org/search_events.php - the calendar http://www.careforthetroops.org/training_online.phphttp://www.careforthetroops.org/training_online.php - training modules

42. Resources DCoE Webinars 42 Army OneSource Example: Wed, Sept24, 2:00pm – 3:30pm “The Critical Role of Faith Communities in Supporting Our Military” 2014 DCoE Webinars Jan 16 Cumulative Concussion Jan 23 Imagery Rehearsal Therapy and Treating Sleep Disorders Feb 13 Joint Theater Trauma Systems Practice Guidelines/Recommendations Feb 27 Smoking Cessation in Military and Veteran Populations Mar 13 Simulation Technology and Functional Assessment: Use of Standardized Technology-mediated Performance Measures Mar 27 Mild TBI and Co-occurring Psychological Health Disorders Apr 10 Family Functioning and TBI Apr 24 Military Children, Mild TBI and PTSD May 8 Post Traumatic Headache May 22 The Role of the Chaplain on the DODs and Veterans Affairs Mental Health Team Jun 12 Unique Male Risk Factors for Mild TBI Jun 26 Depression and Men in the Military Jul 10 Safety and TBI Jul 24 Safety and PTSD Aug 14 TBI and ICD-10 Coding Aug 28 Empowering Patient Engagement in Care Sep 11 Suicide and TBI Sep 25 Supporting Family Members Surviving Suicide Oct 9 Gender Difference and TBI Oct 23 Mental Health and Women in the Military Nov 13 Technology Intervention for TBI Nov 20 Technology Interventions for Psychological Health Dec 11 TBI Prevention and safety Awareness Dec 18 Military Culture 101: What Does the Health Care Provider Need to Know

43. Resources – Star Behavioral Health http://starproviders.org/states/georgiahttp://starproviders.org/states/georgia

44. Suggested NEXT STEPS What are the steps involved in making this decision 1.Gain Agreement from the Congregation’s Leadership for the Ministry 2.Recruit and Assign a Lay Ministry Leader 3.Sign-up as a CFTT VFC 4.Recruit and Form a “team”, “group”, “committee” 5.Decide which Programs to begin and/or enhance (GA NG Partners in Care Program) 6.Consider being a Lead Congregation and work with CFTT 44

45. Resources 45 Go to the following link and find all the presentation and handout material used and referenced today. Look for items beginning with the letters “PI” http://www.careforthetroops.org/library_training.php

46. In Closing Presentation Goals There are 5 goals of this presentation: Understand the basics of the military culture and veteran issues Review key issues that can impact the mental health of a military family Review the role that clergy and congregations can play in support of military families Provide an understanding of resources available and how CFTT and others can help Ultimately, build more credibility for working with military families and gain your commitment to become a VFC. 46