FORT mCPHERSON, Ga. - Although many Families rely on their Soldier's "Army strength" to survive, who will help them to move forward if that Soldier dies'
That's the question the Survivor Outreach Services program was made to answer.
The program, created October 2008 and stood up at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem in November 2008, is designed to help support Families by making them aware of benefits and helping to streamline the benefits process.
Although the program was initially designed for those affected by the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is also open to those affected by other conflicts, said Ledell Simpson, Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem SOS support coordinator.
The SOS' purpose, their purpose is to deliver the Army's commitment to Families of the fallen by connecting people with professionals who can help them cope with loss. Some of these professionals are: benefit coordinators, who provide expertise on local, state and federal benefits; financial counselors, who provide investment and estate planning; and support coordinators, who facilitate support groups, provide life skills education and connect survivors with counseling resources.
By defining the roles and responsibilities for all agencies and components involved, SOS also helps streamline the assistance process for Families.
"We're constantly remaining in touch (with survivors) and always make them feel like part of the community," said Kyla Alexander, a casualty and mortuary affairs coordinator with the Fort McPherson Casualty Assistance Center.
"We work hard, long hours to take care of our military Families."
As part of her job working with SOS, Alexander helps survivors understand benefit entitlements, death gratuity, Soldiers' Group Life Insurance, Army survivor benefits and Veteran Affairs' compensation.
Money received from these services can go a long way toward creating financial stability, said Michael Fines, Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem SOS financial counselor.
"Some may not know or have skills to manage their finances," he said, noting this can happen where the deceased took care of all finances. "We need to give help before the money burns a hole in someone's pocket."
So far, in his five weeks working on Fort McPherson, Fines has helped two surviving spouses and one disabled dependent.
"I work with their needs and wants," he said, adding he tries to get clients to see the long term, focusing on budgeting and retirement. "It can help take pressure off of many living a stressful life."
Fines meets with survivors by appointment weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 464-2475.
SOS also gives survivors to opportunity to meet with other survivors facing similar hardships.
"Some are glad to come out and meet other survivors, people who know what they are going through," Simpson said.
Meetings between survivors are held quarterly, with the remaining meetings for the year occurring June 15, Sept. 14 and Dec. 7.
All meetings take place from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Room 206 of Army Community Service, Bldg. 62 on Fort McPherson. Additionally, Simpson said the SOS staff tries to hold other outings and invites its members to functions and special events on post.
"People grieve in different ways," he said, adding he tries to bring different players and outside entities to help in this process.
For some people, Simpson said getting over grief means moving away from the source of their grief. While this may work, it can also cause some problems as SOS support coordinators may lose track of Family members.
Simpson encourages survivors to remain in contact, if only to be able to get in touch with another coordinator if they ever need help.
"There are support coordinators all around the Army," Simpson said. "It helps if survivors let us know where they move so they are not lost in the system."
Simpson said although it is entirely up to the individual if he or she want to take part in the program, those who do will have a lifelong ally.
"If they want help, then we'll give it to them," Simpson said. "SOS is here for survivors as long as they desire."
For more information, call Simpson at 464-4211 or visit www.myarmyonesource.com, and click on "Family Programs and Services" for the surviving Families link.
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