Fort Drum ACS Monthly Newsletter.

1. Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, September 2012
ACS Green Press
~A tree free newsletter
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil
Army Community Service –More Than Just a
Band aide
Army Community Service ACS offers opportunities for con- ACS offers something for
Inside this issue: (ACS) is often thought of as the tinuing education, volunteerism, everyone in any stage of life.
place to go when you’re going self exploration and self develop- Our goal is two-fold. First,
Regarding Resilience 2
through some sort of crisis. For ment. Our secondary goal is to that in times of need Soldiers
Can You Really instance, when you are experi- develop and promote these op- and Families “think ACS
Bounce Back?
encing a financial emergency portunities to our community first!” Second, that Soldiers
BOSS Grand Open- 3
ing
you visit Army Emergency Re- members as a way to develop a and Families think of ACS as
lief, or when you are having sense of community and belong- more than just a quick fix
relationship problems your first ing while simultaneously strength- during times of need. In-
New You Now-a 4 thought is to utilize the Family
Road to Somewhere
ening independence and personal stead, we want Soldiers and
Advocacy Program or a Military strength. While that may seem Families to come by ACS and
In the Spotlight 5 Life Consultant. We are proud like an oxymoron, it makes per- explore the many possibilities
to offer these services to our fect sense. Any whole is greater for personal growth and self
Working From 6 Soldiers and Families and it is than its individual parts. We live development.
Home our primary goal that all Soldiers with mission in mind therefore, If you’re interested in learning
and Families in need seek help, supporting our Soldiers and Fami- more about what ACS has to
Benefits of Early 7 first and foremost, from ACS. lies in turn supports our mission. offer, come by our building
Literacy –Family
Advocacy Program
ACS offers many programs de- The continuing education like for a personal tour and a list
signed to enhance resilience and parenting classes, stress and anger of upcoming events, classes
EFMP Summer 8 independence in the Soldiers, management and master resilience and meetings.
Camp 2012 Families, retirees and DOD training strengthens us as indi-
civilians that make up the com- viduals, parents and spouses. The
ACS Events and 9
munity of Fort Drum. These classes offered through Employ- “Think ACS First!”
classes
programs promote Family ment Readiness and Army Family
ACS Contacts 10 physical, mental and emotional Team Building can develop skills
wellbeing and financial security. to enhance our resumes and in-
The programming is, of course, crease our employment market-
available in times of crisis but it ability. The spouse groups offer
is equally important to note that an opportunity to form friend-
ACS offers programming that is ships, develop networks and serve If you have an hour, will you
more than just a band aide. as an outlet to de-stress, socialize, not improve that hour,
give and gain support. All in all, instead of idling it away?
Lord Chesterfield

2. ACS Green Press September 2012
Page 2
Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques for practicing resilience
everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848
Can You Really Bounce Back by Using Resilience Skills?
Boy did I have a moment this past ranted more to anyone who would listen. I learned a lot from this experience.
weekend that made me remember a Then I took a moment to think about what Most importantly was the satisfaction of
key fact about resiliency – you do not had just happened and listened to not only knowing that I can slip off the resilient
just know it, you have to practice it. the words coming out of my mouth but path, but get back on it rather quickly if I
Even though I am a master resilience also to that little voice telling me that I was just take the time to think. I also learned
trainer and teach resilience skills on a not handling this activating event in a pro- that trying to ignore challenges and hide
daily basis, I still have to be reminded ductive way. The resilience rocket had fi- them from others is not the resilient way.
to put it all to use in my own life. nally hit me. I felt so good when I sat off to the side
This was just one of my wake up calls: and thought of a list of several names of
I walked away, sat by myself for some time folks who could help me. I had exposed
On Sunday, I was watching my son’s and worked through several of the resil- my frustrations and now had to deal with
baseball game. All was well. My mind ience practice skills. Was I caught in a them. The anxiety left me and I no
was a little heavy with some everyday thinking trap? No not really. Did I go longer felt agitated. I was ready to apolo-
life realities, but I was using the time directly from activating event to emotion gize to my son. I truthfully explained
to let all that go and enjoy the game. and not think about what got me there? what was really behind my reaction and
My son is very into sports. He enjoys Yes, I did. I was feeling a sense of danger told him that I would get him a new bat
playing, practicing and always wants (something bad is going to happen and I once I had taken care of a few necessities.
the latest and greatest tools to play the can’t handle it) which led me to feel anxiety He hugged me, right in front of his team
game. This included a $129.00 wood and agitation. Then I thought about my and said, “thanks, mom.”
bat. He told me, “it was unbreak- iceberg beliefs and I became conflicted. I
able”, I bought it for him. believe in teamwork and giving 100% for Side note – life is truly good. I actually
the team. My son allowing a teammate to found the 2 month old receipt for the bat
So, a few innings into the game an- use his bat is ok and I also believe in being and found that the bat was warranted for
other player took a swing and upon a realist - the bat is made of wood, they 90 days. The sporting goods store re-
making contact, the bat he was using break. So what was I really upset about? I funded my money. All worked out, as it
split in two. Moments later I found asked the tough “what” questions – par- usually does, but still holding off on buy-
out that he had used my son’s bat that ticularly – what is it that is really bothering ing another bat!
time up to the plate. I lost it. I me? I was in tune with the answer almost
walked right INTO THE DUG OUT immediately. It was part of my everyday Do you have a similar story to share?
and asked my son if that was really his life realities that was the problem. I had Email me as I would love to share it with
bat that was broken. He looked at me been stressing over my budget for a little others, Jennier.e.eichner.civ@mail.mil
in total embarrassment (as the rest of while. I was trying to fix things and I was
the team of 15-18 year old boys were not finding myself on the road to success. Practice your resilience. And when it
also sitting in the dugout), and simply I tucked away this reality to watch the does not go so well, bounce back and be
said, “Yes, mom it was”. I rolled game, but when the activating event oc- even better!
right on with my out of control emo- curred, it is precisely what I reacted to. I
tions and informed all the boys in the was anxious about being asked to purchase Have a great month – good luck and
dugout, that “contrary to popular be- another bat. The bat cost money and good thoughts!
lief, I do not pay to outfit anyone else money and I were not in a good place at
on the team but him.” I walked and the present time.
MRT Fall Marathon! 17-20 September
All modules covered, 9:30—2:30 pm held at the Workforce Development Building

3. Page 3 ACS Green Press September 2012
ACS Outreach attended the grand opening of
the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers
(BOSS) Satellite building located at the Jack T.
Sweet Complex on Fort Drum.
The Family of PFC Jack T. Sweet, cut the ribbon
for the new facility housed in the Complex
named for their son. PFC Jack Sweet served with
2-22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Team, when he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his
country on February 8, 2008. Jack a native of
Alexandria Bay, NY, entered the Army in April
2007. His awards and decorations include the
Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, Na-
tional Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon
and Combat Infantryman Badge.
BOSS and Army Community Service extends a
CSM Mark Oldroyd, Glenn Sweet and Penny Hawley cut heart felt thank you to PFC Jack T. Sweet, and
the ribbon officially opening the new satellite BOSS center. all service members who serve their country.
We are proud to serve you!
Looking for what the North Country has to offer you?
North Country Exploration Expo! (formerly Super Sign-up)
Local Chambers
Tourism Councils
Employers
Clubs
Volunteer Opportunities
September 6, 2012
9 am - 2 pm
The Commons

4. Page 4 ACS Green Press September 2012
The New You Now Women’s Empowerment Group–
a Road to Somewhere
People often make a trip to ACS hope you will find not only enter- tography and fitness to just name a
only when they have an emergency. taining but educational and empow- few. This is a group that drives
ACS is much more than that, it is a ering. Within the ranks of the mili- itself. The intent is to learn from
building where you can take classes, tary spouses there is an incredible each other, to uncover and share the
learn to sew, and make new friends. and diverse group of people. They gifts unique to each group member.
Relocation Readiness has the oppor- are smart, talented and beautiful.
Like everything in life, this group
tunity to meet new Soldiers and However, too often as military
requires you to be discerning, to
Family members when they first wives theses same incredible people
take responsibility for yourself, to
arrive at Fort Drum. During these put their husband, their husband’s
listen to the voices that question if
first encounters, one thing always careers, their children and even the
something is right for you or
stands out- spouses bring with them Family dog above and before their
whether that behavior or activity is
a vast array of experiences and tal- own needs. When they do that, they
one that will ultimately benefit you
ents from every walk of life. When forget how incredible they are. New
and others around you. New You
we thought about these new com- You Now hopes to help you set
Now can be a vehicle for change, a
munity members, it struck us that intentions for you; not for you to be
chance to give back, an opportunity
we needed to provide an avenue to lost in the shuttling of children,
to learn, but ultimately it is a vehicle
network them with each other so back to school worries, or the fears
that the participants can steer in any
that they could share their talents and uncertainties that arise with a
direction.
and experiences to empower each looming deployment. New You
other. It was with this in mind, that Now teaches Spouses to remember Come join our group and bring your
New You Now group was envi- to take care of themselves. talents to the table. For more infor-
sioned. Through this group, ACS is We will begin the group with vision mation call 772-5374/6566/6902 or
offering an opportunity to foster boards, each one of us will decide 772-6902.
awareness, to get to know yourself, when and where we see ourselves
make new friends, to learn from going. Vision Boards can be power-
each other and to make conscious ful visualization tools that help the
choices in your life. creator begin to manifest their
dreams into reality. There will be “A woman is a full circle.
The New You Now is a group of-
fering the opportunity to have fun opportunities to learn about cook- Within her is the power to
and learn new things; things that we ing, health, nutrition, make up, pho- create, nurture and
transform.”
-Diane Mariechild
author
“Ifnothing ever changed, there’d be
no butterflies”
~author unknown

5. Page 5 ACS Green Press September 2012
Building Community: In the Spotlight
ACS welcomes Kaya and Tala Zehler to Our Community!
with the 63rd Ordinance Battalion and new adventure. They played with the
their mom Suzette. ACS Relocation Readiness Program
“Think ACS First” Stress Cows while
The girls are both excited and appre-
their mom signed up for the New-
hensive about starting first grade in the
commer’s Tour and learned about all
Carthage School District. “I don’t
the great ACS programming available
want to get shots” Kaya explained.
to her and her Family.
However, she is looking forward to
math, lunch and recess where Kaya What struck me about the Family was
enjoys playing on the monkey bars the their positive attitude. They viewed
best! Tala on the other hand, is look- Fort Drum as their next great adven-
ing forward to counting and working ture. It was a pleasure to meet the
with numbers, and art because she Zehlers and welcome them to the Fort
loves to color. Tala explained that she Drum Community!
Recently, Kaya and Tala Zehler visited
is pretty good at counting in Spanish.
Army Community Service Relocation
Readiness with their mom. The girls Both girls are full of energy (they re-
moved here from Fort Bliss with their ferred to themselves as the “rock and “Think ACS First!”
Dad Michael who is a Sergeant Major roll twins”) and are ready to start their
Dancing at the Farmer’s Market
International Spouse Group
Visited the Carthage Farmer’s Market

6. Page 6 ACS Green Press September 2012
Thinking About Working From Home?
Gain Personal Freedom – You can Increase Productivity & Job En-
shape your work around your life: richment – With less time comment-
work at night, work on the weekends, ing there is more time to work! Most
and best of all do what you like! To importantly you work for yourself and
succeed you will need good time man- want to have your business shine! You
agement skills and be disciplined to are also given the opportunity to be
push yourself to work hard! creative; you are not only the business
owner, but the boss, marketing spe-
Be with Your Family – Many busi-
cialists, secretary and budgeting ex-
ness owners decide to start their at
pert.
home business to be with Family mem-
bers and have their Family members If you find any of the listed benefits of
involved in their businesses. You may working from home appealing, maybe
still need daycare arrangements so you you should consider working from
As you get ready to send the kids off to home as an option for you.
can really concentrate on your work;
school are you thinking about how you
however you can change your work The Army Community Service Em-
will keep yourself busy? Have you
hours to best fit your Family’s needs. ployment Readiness Program (ERP)
thought about working from home?
Reduce Stress – Working at home has designed an employment event
Working from home is the wave of the geared for those who wish to work
can reduce the stress of juggling the
future, government reports show from home. ERP has lined up people
demands of work and home life. You
working from home has increasingly who work from home to come to
can take your 15 minute break and do
become an option for many men and ACS for an informational career fair.
dishes, or start dinner. Since you often
women. People are looking for ways to This event provides those interested in
work alone there are no office politics
combine their careers with their home working from home, a forum to dis-
and deadlines that you would need to
life in order to spend more time with cuss the possibilities with people who
stress over. You only need to follow
their families and less time commuting have a first hand knowledge of the
the deadlines and goals YOU set for
to and from work. For many military process. For more information on
yourself!
spouses, working from home is an ideal working from home and to talk to
way to make money without worrying Financial and Tax Advantages –
business owners attend the ACS Em-
about juggling your work schedule and The convenience of not having to
ployment Readiness Program Work
long list of responsibilities of running drive to work, or shop for expensive
From Home Career Fair on Septem-
your household during deployments. work clothes, along with the tax write
ber 26 from 9:30-11:30 at ACS.
off of having an at home office can
Here are some reasons why it is great
increase your income just by working
to work from home:
from home.
“All have wishes, many have dreams,
ACS – Employment Readiness some have ideas, few have plans” -
Program Informational Work William Arthur Ward
from Home Career Fair on
September 26th from 9:30-11:30 at
ACS.

7. Page 7 Newsletter Title September 2012
Benefits of Early Literacy-Family Advocacy Program
September 8, is International shop is for parents between niques calms and relaxes
Literacy Day. When people the ages of 1 and 4. In this your baby so he can pay
think about literacy, the big- workshop, parents will attention to the world
gest thing that comes to mind learn: around him. This relaxed
is the act of reading. Often state is a wonderful time for
 Techniques to build
one does not think about the you to read to your infant.
strong bonds through
deeper meaning of literacy. Books written for infants
understanding them-
There have been countless selves and their children include sweet, repetitious
studies to determine the phrases that when said in a
 Identifying effective soothing tone can be very
benefits of reading to your
“There are many little ways to child. Not only does reading parenting styles beneficial.
enlarge your child’s world. Love of to your child benefit them  How to encourage posi-
books is the best of all
If you would like to learn
cognitively by fostering a love tive behavior some of these techniques or
-Jacqueline Kennedy
for reading, increasing vo-  Strategies to be active are interested in other par-
cabulary, and building the parents through their enting resources and classes
language neural connections child’s growth and de- offered through the Family
in their brains but also devel- velopment Advocacy Program, call 772
There are many little ops a bond between you and -4244 or 772-0748.
your child. The act of read- Another class offered
ways to enlarge your ing to your child promotes a through FAP’s New Parent Remember, the formative
sense of intimacy and well- Support Program that nur- years pass quickly, use every
child's world. Love tures a bond with your child tool available to you in or-
being.
of books is the best early on in the formative der to build a strong foun-
The Family Advocacy Pro- years is the Infant Massage dation for your child’s
of all." gram (FAP), along with New class. Research shows the bright future.
Parent Support, have many
~ Jacqueline benefits of infant massage
resources to support you and include nurturing babies’
Kennedy your child through their de- psychological, physiological
“Think ACS First!”
velopmental years. and developmental growth.
The Active Parenting Work- Using gentle massage tech-
Active Parenting Workshop
September 11,12 & 14
9am to 11am
ACS

8. Newsletter Title September 2012 Page 8
Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) Summer Camp 2012
EFMP Summer Camp 2012 was, conducted
between 6-10 August. This year 39 Campers
participated in a week of activities that in-
cluded white water rafting, roller skating,
games, arts and crafts as well as a trip to Old
Forge Water Safari and a Fishing Derby.
The highlight of the week was the interaction
between the children with special needs and
the 76 Soldier and civilian volunteers that self-
lessly gave their time to enhance the lives of
the EFMP campers. The volunteers devel-
oped an appreciation of the challenges and
joys of caring for a child with special needs.
Perhaps the best comment heard that week
was from a spouse who volunteered with her
Soldier who said “My husband and I have got-
ten so much out of this experience, he said he
now has a greater appreciation of what I do on
a day to day basis as a parent of our special
needs child.”

9. Page 9 ACS Green Press September 2012
ACS Events Calendar September 2012

10. 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 772-6710, 772-9229
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122037720
Army Volunteer Program Coordinator 772-2899
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Army-volunteer-
Corps/13651504365912
Exceptional Family Member Program 772-5488, 772-0819, 772-0664
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-FMWR-Exceptional-
Family-Member-Program /104951319542718
Employment Readiness Program 772-9611, 772-2737, 772-1090
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment
Family Advocacy Program 772-4244, 772-6929, 772-2279
(New Parent Support Program)
SAPRP 772-0596, 772-4070, 772-0748
772-5605, 772-5914
Financial Readiness Program 772-0050, 772-5196, 772-8526
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-financial-Readiness-
ACS/1956662120473
Information and Referral 772-6556, 772-6557
Military & Family Life Consultants 212-6919
Mobilization and Deployment 772-2848, 772-0470, 772-2919
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Mobiliztion-and-
Deployment/178420512193448?ref=ts&v=wall
Outreach 772-5374
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-ACS-
Outreach/180373271991692
Relocation Readiness 772-5475, 772-6553, 772-6902
http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fort -Drum -Relocation -Readiness
Program/171335822906429 772-6566
Soldier Family Assistance Center 772-7781
http://www.facebook.com/Fort.Drum.FMWR/SFAC
Survivor Outreach Services 772-6357
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumsurvivoroutreachservices