SOS:There when families are in need

By Ms. Marie Berberea (TRADOC)September 1, 2015

Symbols of remembrance
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (Aug. 20, 2015) -- Survivor Outreach Services, or SOS, extends help to family members in their time of need. Although the family's service member has passed away, their connection to the Army family

has not.

"We just try to make sure the survivors know we're here. If they don't need something now it doesn't mean they may not need some support down the road. So we're here for them as long as they need us and as long as they want to remain connected to the Army. SOS is here for you," said Ralph Lassa, Fort Sill SOS financial counselor.

Lassa along with Cheryl Wehner, SOS support coordinator, offer services like grief counseling, financial counseling and entitlement coordination to all survivors.

"We provide nonclinical counseling. We offer as much as we can. I look at Survivor Outreach Services as an advocate for the survivors. If we can't help you directly with what you need we're going to find somebody who can. That's where our main value lies,"said Lassa.

Joining the SOS team here last year, Lassa is the only financial counselor for Oklahoma and Arkansas. He helps 2,000 survivors with their financial management questions.

"What I'm seeing aside from the grieving process is the spouse is now dealing with everything on their own. The financial side, taking care of the kids if there are kids, estate management; so many things to deal with that maybe the other spouse dealt with before."

Fort Sill SOS contacts the survivors in 23 counties in the southwest part of Oklahoma for upcoming events specifically meant for them.The events build camaraderie among the Gold Star Mothers, spouses and family members who share a bond that many others do not.

"No one else really can understand what they've been through. It's going to take someone who's been through it to provide, I think,the most helpful support. I've heard story after story from people that it just made all the difference,"said Lassa.

Gold Star Mothers are invited to attend a painting and wine event Sept. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Patriot Club. All expenses are paid for by SOS.

Survivors are invited to come to the Run for the Fallen hosted by the 428th Field Artillery Brigade Nov. 25 on post.

Symbols of remembrance

Last year, the Hall of Remembrance was opened to all survivors and friends as a place to take time to honor the fallen.

One hundred and eighty photos are currently in the hall which is located inside the Fort Sill Welcome Center, Building 4700, Mow-Way Road.

Survivor Outreach Services is still accepting photos of service members who were killed in combat or from combat-related injuries.

"We try to help honor the families and the fallen Soldiers and help educate the general public on the installation about SOS and the different symbols survivors have and can wear,"said Lassa.

Gold Star/Next-of-Kin pins

The Fort Sill service area has 350 survivors who may be seen wearing the Gold Star or Next-of-Kin pins.

In 1947, Congress approved the use of the Gold Star Lapel Button as a way to recognize the families of service members who lose their lives while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. In 1977, the Army approved issue of the lapel button for the next-of-kin of deceased personnel to honor those who lost their lives while serving on active duty or while assigned in a Reserve or National Guard unit in a drill status. Issue of the button is retroactive to March 29, 1973.

Family members of deceased service members who are entitled to receive and wear these symbols are the widow or widower; each child, stepchild, and child through adoption; each brother, half brother, sister, and half sister; and each of the parents (this includes mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents in loco parentis).

For more information about Fort Sill's Survivor Outreach Services call 580-442-4282.