FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - The 704th Military Intelligence Brigade developed its Life Skills University to help Soldiers develop personal and professional life skills. Each quarter, the discussion panel covers a different topic. Holiday and financial stress was the topic of discussion Nov. 24.
Though most people experience the increased stress of the holiday season, many junior Soldiers are experiencing it for the first time and haven't developed the life skills necessary to navigate the season successfully. But even though there are many challenges that uniquely affect service members and their families, there are many resources that are available to assist military families during tough times.
The 704th Military Intelligence Brigade hosted the latest session of Life Skills University Nov. 24 at McGill Training Center on Fort Meade, Md. The topic of discussion was Holiday and Financial Stress.
The event featured a panel of Soldiers and civilians representing different ranks including enlisted, warrant officer and officers. The brigade chaplain and a master resilience trainer were both on the panel as well as three financial specialists from Army Community services. The panel members shared their experiences and asked Soldiers to share their own.
Life Skills University is a program that the brigade created to develop Soldiers' life skills. The program meets quarterly with a different focus each time. Last summer, the topic was education benefits and the panel included representatives from the Fort Meade education center.
Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Beasley, the brigade S3 noncommissioned officer in charge, hosted the event. She listed some of the resources available to Soldiers.
"AER [Army Emergency Relief], ACS, the chaplain, the FRG [family readiness group], and your coworkers are among the resources available to you," she said. "They are all here to help you."
The session also focused on being careful with credit cards and finances during the holidays. In the back of the room, a display shared holiday events and activities in the area that are free or low-cost.
"What's more valuable than anything money can buy?" asked Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wendy Wayman, the brigade's senior warrant officer. "Time. There are 24 hours in a day and the time I gave my kids, the time I give my grandkids, is more valuable than anything that comes in a box."
Wayman also suggested giving time to volunteer at veterans' organizations and retirement homes.
Beasley agreed, and emphasized the cost of traveling for the holiday season.
"Sometimes the gift you give your family members back home can just be the gift of your presence," she said.
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