Editor's note: This is the final article in a yearlong campaign to highlight Army Community Service programs and services each month in the Pentagram. We published monthly articles leading up to the 50th anniversary of ACS, which takes place this month. Look for coverage of that historic moment in coming editions.
Mobilization and deployment are an integral part of the military lifestyle, and Army Community Service on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall offers a wide range of programs to help service members and their families prepare to say goodbye and hello again.
"ACS can provide information and resources on the deployment cycle to service members and their family members in person or through technological platforms," said Carla Moss, ACS Information and Referral Program manager/outreach coordinator. "This service is also provided for non-traditional family members such as parents and fiancees."
Moss said the deployment cycle can be broken down into several phases, including preparation, mobilization, deployment, sustainment, redeployment, post-deployment and reunion. Military personnel and their families should make use of the programs offered by ACS throughout their mobilization and deployment in order to alleviate stress.
"Each stage of the deployment cycle is handled differently and uniquely by the individual involved," she explained. "ACS understands that there are ups and downs to each deployment or separation. Being involved and coping with this aspect of military life is extremely important and very different for each person."
To help service members and their families cope with deployment, Moss said ACS offers a wide range of services that provide support in areas such as emotional and mental readiness, deployment preparation, strengthening relationships, financial planning, communication strategies, post-deployment reunion and additional resources as needed.
"These services are individualized to meet the need of the customer, as one size does not fit all," said Moss. "Some of our programs that overlap and provide supplemental services to service members and their families during a deployment include our financial readiness program, information and referral program, our new parent support program and our relocation program."
ACS offers spouse meet and greets with both Hearts Apart and the International Spouse Group to help families stay in touch while deployed, she continued.
ACS also has a wide variety of materials to help children cope with mobilizations and deployments, said Moss, who added that some local schools even have support groups for military kids.
All ACS programs and services can be accessed by calling 703-696-3510 or by visiting www.facebook.com/JBMHHACS; the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at www.jbmhhmwr.com/army-community-service-acs. You can also call 703-696-3512 to sign up to receive the bi-monthly release of ACS's LifeYouniversity.
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