Military Family Awareness Month

Excerpt from Presidential Proclamation:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2015 as Military Family Month.  I encourage all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our Nation.”

Read the full proclamation here.


Each year the President signs a proclamation declaring November Military Family Month. This annual proclamation marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of the Military Family in which the Department of Defense and the nation will honor the commitment and sacrifices made by the families of the nation's servicemembers.

Throughout the month of November, military families serving around the world are honored through a variety of observances and recognized for their commitment and the many contributions they make every day in support of the military and our nation. Efforts to recognize the sacrifices of the military family by Active, Guard, and Reserve leaders are being joined and supported by DoD organizations to include the Army Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Commissary Agency, and others.

Community leaders, businesses, and military bases and posts are teaming up to recognize military families through special events such as: open houses, fun runs, family fun nights, and community dinners; discounts at MWR facilities, local business and sporting events; and special recognitions during community activities throughout the month of November.

Military Family Appreciation Month complements the Ready and Resilient campaign which supports the efforts of programs that strengthen the resilience and readiness of Army families. The Army is fully committed to helping families remain Army strong by offering a variety of programs and services through Army Community Services. The programs within ACS keep the Army's commitment to provide Soldiers and their families a quality of life equal with their service resulting in families feeling important, supported and connected to the Army and the nation.

We here at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Community Service would like to take this time to THANK YOU for your service, whether it be on the front lines or the home front.

Disclaimer: Links to external and non-DoD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of Defense endorsement of a commercial entity.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

Domestic Violence is defined as the victimization of an individual or individuals resulting from abuse, attacks, or assault undertaken by their respective partners within the realm of a romantic relationship or courtship. That being said, domestic violence as a general term, is difficult to address, due to the many natures of the act; domestic violence may not only take place within a variety settings, but also through the involvement of a vast array of individuals victimized, as well.

 

Domestic violence can be delivered as a physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or psychological attack. In addition to these various fashions, acts of domestic violence can be initiated on both partners, meaning both the male and female of a relationship.

What is Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

Domestic Violence Month takes place throughout the month of October. During this month, the previously mentioned organizations travel throughout United States to raise awareness of the cruel and debilitating circumstances surrounding domestic violence. 

 

The organizations raise money, supply victims with educational and psychological resources to help those aggrieved parties understand their situations in a rational viewpoint and provide outreach programs to those who fall victim to such acts.

 

Domestic violence awareness month is a crucial timeframe to educate the masses on the dangers involved with domestic violence. One of the primary objectives of the organizations involved in Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to encourage those victims or loved ones of victims to contact authorities or hotlines to make their cases known. 

 

By contacting professionals or organizations like the ones mentioned above, victims of domestic violence can seek help and bring justice to their aggressive counterparts. 

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a full-fledged campaign to distribute resources and professional help to those who fall victim to violent or psychological attacks at the hands of their loved ones. Domestic Violence Awareness Month, through the distribution of resources and education efforts, is a fundamental vehicle to hopefully end domestic violence.

What to do if you or a loved is a victim to Domestic Violence:

 

In the event that you or a loved one has been made aware of an ongoing case of domestic violence, or has been party to domestic violence that has occurred in the past, you are encouraged to contact your local authorities or law enforcement department in order to report the details of the offense. 

Disclaimer: Links to external and non-DoD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of Defense endorsement of a commercial entity.

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week – SEP 20-26, 2015

Every year, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation designates a week in September to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation. Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists all work together to help individuals overcome obstacles and accomplish normal tasks of daily living.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are the experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect peoples’ abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives.

When do you need physical therapy?

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee, ankle or foot problems
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation after a serious injury
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Shoulder problems
• Problems with balance
• Hip fractures
• Incontinence

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy uses goal-directed activity in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose ability to function is impaired by normal aging, illness, injury or developmental disability. Treatment goals in occupational therapy include the promotion of functional independence and prevention of disability.

Who should receive occupational therapy?

• Individuals who have limitations in their abilities to carry out self-care activities
• Individuals whose strength and endurance are at risk
• Individuals whose ability to function in the community has been impaired
• Individuals whose physical, cognitive, or psychological problems prevent them from achieving tasks that are currently meaningful and important to them
• Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, other chronic conditions, mental health problems including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress

Speech Therapy

Speech language pathology, also known as speech therapy, is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapy also evaluates and treats neurological and physical disorders and conditions caused by an injury or illness.

Who should receive speech therapy?

• Individuals that have swallowing difficulties
• Individuals who have trouble with memory or have increased confusion
• Individuals who cannot follow simple commands or have trouble understanding
• Individuals who cannot formulate words and sentences correctly
• Individuals who have slurred speech, are very hoarse, or strain to talk
• Individuals who are having trouble reading and writing
• Individuals that have lip, mouth or tongue weakness, lack of coordination or decreased range of motion

Learn how therapy can help you or your loved one by talking with your doctor. If you need more information on any of these programs or services in your area, please contact our ACS office at 703-696-3510. We will be happy to assist you. 

 

**Links to external and non-DOD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of Defense endorsement of a commercial entity.**

 

2015 National Preparedness Month

Theme: Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

If an emergency occurred tomorrow, would you be ready?
September is National Preparedness Month, and we here at Army Community Services know how important it is for you to plan and prepare. Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. It is important to understand potential risks where you live.

Please follow the links below to read the following messages:

- Lt. Gen. David Halverson, Commander, U.S. Army Installation Management Command and Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management: http://www.army.mil/article/155471/National_Preparedness_Month/.
- Presidential Proclamation – National Preparedness Month, 2015, dated August 31, 2015. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/08/31/presidential-proclamation-national-preparedness-month-2015.

According to Ready.gov (http://www.ready.gov/september), they are asking, “everyone to participate in America’s PrepareAthon! and the national day of action, National PrepareAthon! Day, which culminates National Preparedness Month on September 30.”

Weekly focused themes
• Week 1: September 1-5th Flood
• Week 2: September 6-12th Wildfire
• Week 3: September 13-19th Hurricane
• Week 4: September 20-26th Power Outage
• Week 5: September 27-30th Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day (September 30th )

At the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they advocate the necessity of being prepared. Below are some basic tips on how to prepare.

Get a Kit. If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time. By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and a disaster supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family. Items to include in your kit:
* Water
* Food
* Battery Powered/Hand Crank Radio
* Flashlight w/extra batteries
* Whistle (to signal for help)
* Dust Masks
* Moist Towelettes
* Small basic tool kit
* First aid kit
* Cell phone with charges (preferably solar chargers)

Make a Plan. Make plans with your family and friends in case you're not together during an emergency. Discuss how you'll contact each other, where you'll meet, and what you'll do in different situations. Read how to develop a family disaster plan or fill out the Homeland Security Family Emergency Plan. Some questions to consider whilst making your plan:
* How will my family/household get to safe locations for relevant emergencies?
* How will my family/household get in touch if cell phone, internet, or landline doesn’t work?
* How will I let loved ones know I am safe?
One of the most important things to do, is once you have that plan in place… PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Be Informed. Being prepared means staying informed. Check all types of media – Web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, mobile and land phones – for global, national and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will give you information on such things as open shelters and evacuation orders.

Get Involved. Look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteering to support local first responders. Contact the Medical Reserve Corps, (MRC). MRC are community-based units and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year.

In collaboration with the American Red Cross, CDC's Web site, Emergency Preparedness and You identifies and answers common questions about preparing for unexpected events, including:
• Developing a family disaster plan
• Gathering emergency supplies
• Learning how to shelter in place
• Understanding quarantine and isolation
• Learning how to maintain a healthy state of mind

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Web site offers additional information and resources under topics such as hurricane preparedness, extreme heat, and bioterrorism. CDC continually updates information on recent outbreaks and incidents, and lists emergency resources for the general public as well as for clinicians and public health professionals.

Other Resources
- American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/prepare/nationalpreparednessmonth
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention - http://emergency.cdc.gov/npm/index.asp
- Weather-Ready Nation (NOAA) - http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/prep.html#.VgFHuZf-Xfg


Disclaimer: Links to external and non-DoD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of defense endorsement of a commercial entity.