Support for Military Members
We are grateful for the wonderful support that has come from churches to chaplains and military members and their families. Many churches have connected with individual chaplains through our office seeking ways to support deployed military members. Our denominations have posted articles on supporting families while the military members are deployed. We've been collecting resources for families.
The following is an article that demonstrate the need for support for our military personnel and families:
A few helpful websites are the following:
- You can send a box of helpful articles for our troops in Iraq
-
http://welcomethemhomebook.com/
I've found one terrific book that details first how military are being stressed psychologically and spiritually, then suggests many interventions for churches, and finally has some good assessment tools and bibliograp hies. It's “Welcome them Home, Help them Heal” written by a VA Chaplain/Navy Reserve Chaplain and other health care providers in a VA center. I've used it in church conferences and will use it at my chaplains' retreat this summer. -
http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/06/04/22085-civilian-clergy-resources-ministering-to-families-affected-by-military-deployment/
A solid internet based book on caring for military and families both on active duty and scattered around our country as Reserves, Guard, and veterans. -
http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/dclm/milfam.htm
Military Family Program as compiled by spouses at the Army War College. This constantly updated source has information on almost any topic needed on military families, deployments, healing, etc. -
http://www.militaryfamily.org/
National Military Family Association. They are a non-profit advocacy group for military families. They also have solid publications and links. -
http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/health-programs/military-medical-benefits-overview
military benefits from a military related publication -
http://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/health-programs/military-medical-benefits-overview
Linked on this Evangelical Lutheran Chaplains page are a powerpoint presentation complete with video clips to interpret military family issues to churches and a link to the program itself. The powerpoint is terrific. -
http://www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/HomePage
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon originated in the Minnesota Natinal Guard. It is now a book and a much more broadly based program to support families during and after deployments. The National Guard is charged in each state to work with churches to support widely dispersed Guardsmen and families.