FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Before 1965, Army community support services were led by volunteers, primarily Army wives. From lending closets to nurseries, these spouses helped to raise funds for the needy, trained the inexperienced, provided care to the sick, and overall, contributed to the stability of the Army community.
However, as it happens so often today as it did back then, Families moved or discontinued their service to the Army, and when this happened, assistance was suspended until another volunteer stepped up to help.
Because the Army recognized the importance of these services, most continental U.S. installations had begun to initiate Army Community Service centers by 1967, and by 1969, 155 ACS centers and points of contact were established Armywide.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of ACS to be commemorated July 24. To help celebrate, the Fort Campbell ACS is hosting an essay contest. The theme for this essay is "How has Army Community Service positively impacted my life."
"We thought it would be a great way to find out just how ACS has impacted our military community," said Becki Mastrian, ACS Outreach Program coordinator, of the essay contest. "It's nice to hear the stories of how we have made a difference."
By making a difference, Mastrian means fulfilling the important task of taking care of Soldiers and their Families.
"ACS can help Soldiers focus on their mission because when they know their personal lives are taken care of and their Families are taken care of then they can just focus on what they need to focus on," she said. "If we can help them financially or with Family situations or even with getting a volunteer position to help them have an outlet to be creative or to help other people that can benefit them."
"When Families are happy, then Soldiers can focus," she added.
Soldiers, military retirees, military survivors, civilian employees and Family members can submit an essay, said Mastrian. Participants must be 18 or older, and the winner will receive a $50 Morale, Welfare and Recreation gift card.
In addition to the essay, 50th anniversary celebratory events will include an open house from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., at all five ACS buildings, July 24. An information table will be on display in the front lobby of each building with ACS program brochures, plates of cookies, bottle of water and balloons.
The celebration will continue with a cake cutting event at the main ACS building at 6733 Air Assault St., from 10 until 10:30 a.m., and ACS staff will recognize its longest serving employee and volunteer with certificates of appreciation, said Mastrian.
Additionally, there will be a tree planting and time capsule burial at the new ACS location at 2601 Indiana Ave., from 1 until 1:15 p.m.
To submit an essay, email Keith Smith at keith.smith17.civ@mail.mil or Becki Mastrian at rebecca.m.mastrian.civ@mail.mil. The deadline for submitting an essay is July 10.
ACS resources
Grown from the early days of ACS centers, programs and services include:
Army Emergency Relief
Army Family Action Plan
Army Family Team Building
Army OneSource
Army Volunteer Corps
Employment Readiness Program
Exceptional Family Member
Family Advocacy
Family Readiness Group training
Financial Readiness
Information and Referral
Mobilization and Deployment Program
New Parent Support Program
Relocation Readiness
Sexual Assault and Response
Soldier and Family Assistance Center
Spouse Employment
Survivor Outreach Services
Transitional Compensation
Victim Advocate Program
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