Outreach Team Help Veterans

Outreach Team Help Veterans
Find Programs and Benefits

 

 

A team of six outreach specialists are blanketing the communities of North Dakota in search of Veterans from all services to aid them in finding programs and incentives available to them. The Outreach Team for North Dakota Veterans is a confidential service that follows up with Veterans within the state and provides care by working in conjunction with local Veteran organizations including County Veterans Service Officers, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Vet Centers.

 

"What we do is connect North Dakota Veterans from any service, or any time of service, with resources they need," said Angela Christensen, military outreach specialist. "These resources can include information on educational programs, financial assistance, marital counseling, help with substance abuse and a variety of other areas."

 

The Military Outreach program was initiated to support the North Dakota National Guard's Reintegration Program, which is designed to support North Dakota Guardsmen and their families as they return home from active-duty mobilizations.

 

1^{st Lt. Rachael Walters, North Dakota National Guard Reintegration officer, said the Military Outreach program was an obvious and necessary addition to the Reintegration Program.}

"While we make every effort to care for Soldiers and Airmen in the North Dakota National Guard upon their return from deployments, oftentimes we find that there are a number of Veterans who are not aware of the programs and benefits available to them," Walters said. "By launching the Military Outreach program we are able to foster a community that takes pride in giving our Veterans the proper welcoming home they deserve."

 

Christensen said the outreach team finds clients through referrals made by the different Veterans organizations as well as Job Service North Dakota and homeless shelters. They also contact Veterans via phone calls and by dropping off business cards with local vendors. Walters said word-of-mouth and reaching out to the communities helps reveal the benefits that the Military Outreach team can provide.

 

In addition to meeting with North Dakota's Veterans, the Outreach Team can assist family members and employers.

"We're more than happy to meet with anyone," Christensen said. "We may not always be able to give them what they're looking for, but we can evaluate their needs and find out who can best help and serve them."

 

While the Military Outreach program has only been operational for two months, the Outreach Team has established a number of long-term goals including initiating contact with every North Dakota National Guard Veteran who has served in the Global War on Terrorism by telephone or letter. So far, they have reached 90 clients whom they have helped with various resources, including Veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War and even World War II.

 

Christensen said another goal is to reach Veterans who live in the rural communities of North Dakota. These service members do not always have access to information about Veterans' programs and incentives.

 

"Programs and resources are always changing, too," Christensen said. "It makes it very difficult to keep up on these benefits. We're glad to be able to help out with that."

Walters agrees.

 

"Sometimes an ear is all we need to provide. It's nice to know that someone is there to listen. We strive to help Veterans help themselves through kindness and support as well as benefits and care services," she said.
 
Outreach Team
Gary Moore
Northeast Region
(Grand Forks, Devils Lake)
Phone:
701-213-6138
E-mail:
gary.d.moore1@us.army.mil
 
Angela Christensen
Southeast Region
(Fargo, Jamestown)
Phone:
701-212-6088
E-mail:
angela.christensen@us.army.mil
 

John Czapiewski
Northwest Region
(Minot, Williston)
Phone:
701-340-1895
E-mail:
john.czapiewski
@us.army.mil
 
 
Gary Schulz
Southwest Region
(Bismarck, Dickinson)
Phone:
701-425-6451
E-mail:
gary.schultz@
us.army.mil
 
Melissa Seitz
Southeast Region
(Fargo, Wahpeton)
Phone:
701-212-0466
E-mail:
melissa.seitz
@us.army.mil

Gerard Schwan
Southwest Region
(Bismarck, Dickinson)
Phone:
701-425-6678
E-mail:
gerard.schwan
@us.army.mil

 
 
 
 
 
 

Celebrity Holiday Video Messages

From GreatAmericans.com

 

Holiday Greetings to our fantastic Military Support Organizations!

 

The holidays are a special time….a time to reflect on the blessings we have, the freedoms we enjoy, and the people we love. During this holiday season, let's remember the great Americans serving our country. Take a moment to send a special thanks to someone close to you.  GreatAmericans.com is providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Americans to send recorded celebrity messages of thanks to their personal great American serving in uniform. This is made possible through the support and participation of music artists including John Ondrasik, singer/songwriter and founder of the band Five for Fighting and Kim Cameron, lead singer of the Side FX Band, whose personalized video messages are available at http://www.greatamericans.com/blog/posts/12091.   Simply click on the artist's name to view the holiday message and then click the "Email" tab to send it to your great American. 

 

Please share this email and holiday opportunity with your organization and friends!  If you'd like to further promote this holiday campaign, I've attached a logo for use on your web site and/or in an e-newsletter.   Please have the logo linked to this URL:  http://www.greatamericans.com/

Thanks for all you do for the men and women in uniform and Happy Holidays! 

 

Holly Fantaskey

..... Saturday, December 20- Tribute to the Troops show airing on NBC at 9 pm ET/8 pm CT

Soldiers' Angels is excited to share the news that WWE's sixth annual Tribute to the Troops program airs Saturday, December 20 at 9/8 CT on NBC

 
This annual production features matches from Raw, SmackDown and ECW Superstars' live performance in the Middle East. WWE's mission to bring its unique form of entertainment to the U.S. servicemen in Iraq also bridges the American public with those who continue to fight in the name of freedom. Tune in to NBC at 9/8 CT this Saturday for this poignant holiday special.
 
http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/tributetothetroops/

 

Trailers of the airing....

 

 

WWE Tribute to the Troops: Letters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FIFBvRbCe4

WWE Tribute to the Troops: Heroes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXTCouw_6T4

Here's the link to the Tribute to the Troops landing page

http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/tributetothetroops/

What North Dakota Leadership has to say about ISFAC...

What North Dakota Leadership has to say about the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC)

 

 

 

Governor John Hoeven says...

"Our soldiers and their families make enormous sacrifices for us, too often in what Winston Churchill called "blood, sweat, and tears." As our soldiers put their lives on the line—and on hold—to protect our country, their families and friends must muster their strength and courage and stand strong for their loved ones who are deployed, even as they face their own fears and confront their own doubts. ISFAC knows that behind every soldier is a wife, a husband, a parent, an employer – a family and a network of friends and neighbors who support them; and, behind them is ISFAC. I have so much admiration for this group. They are there for the families when it may seem like too much; they help our soldiers' loved ones remain resilient and hopeful in these challenging times. To the ISFAC, we say thank you, for you, too, make sacrifices for our country."

 
 
 

U.S. Senator Kent Conrad says...

"While North Dakota's bravest are fighting to protect our freedom, the men and women of ISFAC are caring for those that matter most to those servicemen and women. They work tirelessly to ensure those families have the support they need while their loved one is away from home. From employment and education benefits to family support, ISFAC provides a helping hand to the families of our soldiers in their time of greatest need."

 

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan says...

"I am very impressed with the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee and what they have done to help so many military families during the deployment of their loved ones. I've watched the ISFAC work tirelessly to reach out, to help out, and to lift up those families with strong and continuing support while their loved ones are away. During wartime there are a lot of Americans who serve in various ways, but there should be special recognition of the extraordinary service to our country offered by those who run the ISFAC support group."

 
 
 

U.S. Congressman Earl Pomeroy says...

"The members of our military make tremendous sacrifices when they are called to duty, regardless of whether they serve in the Guard, Reserve or Active Duty. Often less noticed are the sacrifices made by their families as well, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Groups such as the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee are an essential part of the strong support network needed to ease the burden put on our military families.

 

NDNG Major General David Sprynczynatyk says...

"My number one priority is taking care of family members and service members.The Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee, or ISFAC, clearly shows howcommunities and groups can help bridge the support to families. With eachNorth Dakota deployment and redeployment, Soldiers and Airmen are asked toanswer the call to duty. The ISFAC, in turn, recognizes and responds to thecall by assisting affected families. Community support is critical inhelping families carry the load of deployments. I thank the members of theISFAC for their commitment to supporting our heroes and their families."

 

 

USAF Colonel John Michel says...

"As we think of the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe, the willingness to deploy anywhere, anytime serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister, friend. So as it turns out, deployments reflect all that makes this country great as they remind us of what can be accomplished when people choose to think less about themselves and more about others-simply because it's the right thing to do!"

 

 

USAF Colonel Joel S. Westa says...

"Families are the foundation of our Air Force. If it weren't for the dedication and sacrifices of our military families, service members would not be as prepared to focus on the mission. We are blessed with strong, resilient families - and an incredibly supportive community that we call Team Minot. We are deeply thankful for the support these Airmen, their families and their friends willingly give to this great nation day in and day out."

 
 
 
 

What does ISFAC stand for?

The Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) is a voluntary military cooperative partnership organized to provide multi-service networking for training and assistance to ensure Total Force Family Readiness.

Our purpose is to provide assistance to families regardless of service component.

The goal of the ISFAC is to strengthen existing family assistance delivery systems in the event of mobilization, deployment, or natural disaster through the interaction of committee members.

 

 

Many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states. Across the nation current focuses are being developed in regards to spouse employment, including unemployment compensation for transferring military spouses, in-state tuition allowances, financial readiness, education, and the pressing needs of severely injured service members and their families. Many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, and we look forward to making significant progress in the future.

North Dakota ISFAC is currently focusing on six key topics; family support, educational benefits, license and registration benefits, tax and financial breaks, state employee
benefits and other special protections.

 

 

 

 

For more information contact:

ISFAC Chair Person: CW4 Shelly Sizer
Shelly.Sizer@us.army.mil

ISFAC Moderator: MAJ Davina French
Davina.French@us.army.mil


ISFAC FACTS Newsletter Editor and Blog/Facebook Director:
Shelle Michaels
ShelleMichaels@SoldiersAngels.org



 
www.ISFAC.blogspot.com

 

 

Colonel Joel S. Westa says...

Colonel Joel S. Westa says...

"Families are the foundation of our Air Force. If it weren't for the dedication and sacrifices of our military families, service members would not be as prepared to focus on the mission. We are blessed with strong, resilient families - and an incredibly supportive community that we call Team Minot. We are deeply thankful for the support these Airmen, their families and their friends willingly give to this great nation day in and day out."

Send a note of thanks to the troops...

Send a note of thanks to the troops...
 
With just a moment of your time, you can send your greetings to the troops, thanks to Moment of Thanks!
 
Christmas, Hanukkah and other special holidays are around the corner, and we know that not everybody will have all their loved ones present to receive presents this year. In the middle of the shopping and wrapping, let's take a minute to say Happy Holidays to all of our troops around the world who are far away and won't be able to come home to celebrate.
 
At Moment of Thanks, it takes just a moment to share some photos, send some notes, and give our troops a little cheer. Moment of Thanks has even created a special page just for greetings from Soldiers' Angels!
So, what are you waiting for?  Go say "Happy Holidays" to the troops!

http://soldiersangels.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=235&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=15

USAF Colonel John Michel says...

Colonel John Michel says...

"As we think of the many selfless actions demanded of military members and their loved ones across the globe, the willingness to deploy anywhere, anytime serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice being made in homes across America every day. Every deployment reflects the deep commitment of not only the deploying member, but of the many friends and loved ones who are left behind to aid in answering our nations call. Selfless men, women and children who are called upon to set aside their personal comfort and convenience to support the heroes they call mom, dad, father, mother, brother, sister, friend. So as it turns out, deployments reflect all that makes this country great as they remind us of what can be accomplished when people choose to think less about themselves and more about others-simply because it's the right thing to do!"