Dear Brave Rifles Family Member,
Congratulations! Your soldier is almost home after serving a very successful rotation with the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. The Regiment has accomplished much during this mission, providing vital support of Operation New Dawn We know how excited you must be to get your soldier home safe and sound. While we can’t give an exact date of when he or she will be home, we can provide you with some useful information to help you prepare for his or her return. We know this makes it extremely hard to plan your trip here if you are coming from far away, but hopefully some of the information we provide you in this packet will help you with your planning process. Included in this booklet is a wealth of information about traveling to the Fort Hood area, the actual homecoming ceremony as well as the events that follow and tips for helping your Soldier adjust to being back home. The information in this booklet is subject to change and varies by Squadron. For the latest information about your particular Soldier’s unit, there are contact emails and phone numbers for your convenience on the last page.
Have a safe trip and a very happy reunion! BRAVE RIFLES!
LTC J. Shawn Perry CSM William Burford
FLIGHT NOTIFICATION You will receive an automated call, via the eArmy Messaging System, approximately 72 hours prior to the flight’s ceremony time. This will provide you with a flight name and an approximate ceremony time. We will be updating families again once the plane is en route to Fort Hood. Please note that flights are highly subject to change. Please stay in contact with your FRSA and the Redeployment Hotline. We can only contact the person annotated by the Soldier on his Returning Flight Point of Contact Sheet. Talk to your Soldier to ensure your information is updated properly. There are several options for tracking the flight arrival after you get the call: 1. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/3dACR . 2. The 3d ACR website (http://www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr ) will also contain updated ceremony times. 3. Regimental Redeployment Hotline number can be reached 24 hours a day at 254-2885557 or 254-553-3269. We highly encourage families to check in frequently with the Hotline to verify any updates or changes to the Welcome Home Ceremony times. They will have the most up to date information. Contact your Family Readiness Support Assistant, FRSA and ensure that your contact data is updated in the system. The FRSA for each Squadron is listed on the last page.
eArmy Family Messaging System is a new initiative by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, Family Programs Directorate to keep Soldiers and Army Families informed. Q: How do I know if my information is in the system? A: You can contact your FRSA or speak with your Soldier. Each Soldier was given a flight form to establish a point of contact for re-deployment notification. The person chosen by the Soldier will be uploaded into the system and contacted. No information will be given to anyone other than the point of contact on the flight form. Q: What if I am not home and miss the call? A: You can call back the number and it will read the last message sent to your telephone number. 281-207-4890. ( You have to call from the same phone the call came in on). Q: Will the message cut off while playing? A: Yes it will. If it is too noisy in the background it will start over. If it restarts one too many times, it will disconnect. Q: What type of report is there to ensure that there’s 100% contact? A: This system generates a report immediately after the calls are finished. The system will call back the “no answer” and “unreachable”. The system can also report answered or machine answered. Our information is only as good as we receive it. Q: What if the number shows up on my phone as unknown? How can I replay my message if I don’t have a number to call back on? A: The eArmy Messaging System phone number is 281-207-4890. You can call this number at any time to replay your message. However, in order to retrieve the message you have to use the same phone the system called. Remember, you can only retrieve a message if one was sent. Q: Will I receive a phone call if there’s a change with the arrival time? A: Yes, if the flight time has changed more than two hours.
WELCOME HOME CEREMONIES The Welcome Home Ceremony will take place at field 9400 on Battalion Ave near the Regimental Headquarters, between 19th and 16th Streets. Upon arrival at Fort Hood, proceed to the Marvin Leath Visitor’s Center at the Bernie Beck Main Gate. They will issue you a one-time use pass which can be extended for a few days if you would like to pick it up the day prior to get you through the gate. The Visitor’s Center will need to see: 1. Your current valid driver’s license 2. Your vehicle registration 3. Your proof of insurance. Please view the below website to the MARVIN LEATH VISITORS CENTER at: http://www.hood.army.mil/visitors.center.aspx?2 You'll find a complete list of information on how to gain access to the base. Directions to Field 9400 from Main Gate Once you have passed the entrance of the Main Gate, proceed to the 4 th light where you will take a right on Battalion Ave. Continue down this road until you come to 19 th Street. You will pass the Regimental Headquarters on your right and families can park in the parking lot adjacent to the Shoppette and the 3d ACR Regimental Headquarters. There will be additional parking available near the Chapel and Mabry Hall. Road guards will be on hand to direct parking. Please notify someone if you need Handicap assistance. On the east side of the Shoppette will be an enclosed football field, directly across the street from Sabre Squadron. In field 9400, you will see a large white tent. Traffic will only flow east on Battalion Ave. prior to/after the Ceremonies. Have your ID on you just in case. Please follow the directions of the road guards. Allow enough space in your vehicle to transport up to 2 duffle bags home with you!
DOs AND DON’Ts •
Do arrive at the parade field at least one hour prior to the scheduled ceremony times! Field 9400, across from Mabry Hall on Battalion Ave.
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Do dress in layers. Texas weather is infamous for changing. There will be bad weather tents for the family members. Please remember it will be VERY Hot!. The tent will be air-conditioned but remember to be prepared for anything.
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Don’t forget to stay connected with the website http://www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr or our Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/3dACR
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Do try to make arrangements with your Soldier to meet at a certain spot or bring something that distinguishes you from the rest of the crowd. It’s pandemonium when they’re released.
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Don’t expect a long ceremony. From the time the Soldiers get off the bus to the time they are in your arms is about 10 minutes.
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Don’t expect your Soldier to be able to take a large amount of leave (vacation) right away. There are trainings and other mandatory events that they will have to go through before extended leave is allowed.
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Do expect the Soldier to be able to take leave once all those trainings and events are completed.
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Do bring your camera and someone to take photos for you. You will be busy enough hugging your Soldier.
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Don’t forget about your kids. An hour or two is very long for the little ones, bring something to keep them busy, don’t forget water, it will be hot out there.
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Do make sure you make room in the car to take your Soldier’s bags home. Most of them travel with 2 large duffel bags
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Do ensure that you allow enough time to get your visitors pass at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center; it can take up to 1 hour to get your pass. It is advised that you get one early and go check out the 3d Cavalry Museum and Gift Shop on Battalion Ave near 27th Street, next to Division West Headquarters, to take up some time prior to the Welcome Home Ceremony and learn a bit more about the distinguished history of the Regiment your Soldier is a part of.
TRAVELING TO TEXAS? Fort Hood Quick Facts Fort Hood rests in the beautiful 'hill and lake' country of Central Texas between Killeen and Copperas Cove and is approximately 60 miles north of the capital city of Austin, 50 miles south of Waco, 160 miles south of Dallas, and 150 miles north of San Antonio. Fort Hood covers a total of 340-square miles and supports multiple units, a corps headquarters and a robust mobilization mission. Fort Hood also meets the training and support requirements for many smaller units and organizations, thus maintaining a vital defense force for the United States of America. Check out this wonderful link: http://www.hood.army.mil/traveling.aspx Airlines at the Greater Killeen Airport (GRK) American Eagle - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-433-7300 Continental Airlines - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-525-0280 Delta Connection - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-221-1212 Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) is only 50 miles south of Killeen and offers far more options and sometimes cheaper fares. Taxi Service A courtesy phone is available in the arrival area to contact the Killeen Taxi and Cove Cab companies. Cove Cab: 254-542-8626 Rental Cars Advantage Rental www.arac.com Avis Rental www.avis.com Enterprise Rental www.enterprise.com Hertz Rental www.hertz.com National Car Rental www.nationalcar.com Thrifty Rental www.thrifty.com
254-501-6150 254-501-6130 254-501-6140 254-501-6110 254-501-6120 254-501-6120
PLACES TO STAY Killeen/Harker Heights Baymont Inn and Suites Best Value Inn & Suites Candlewood Suites Comfort Suites Days Inn Executive Inn Suites Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hampton Inn Hawthorn Suites Limited Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Howard Johnson La Quinta Inn Motel 6 Plaza Hotel Quality Inn & Suites Residence Inn Royal Inn Shilo Inn Suites Hotel Killeen Sleep Inn & Suites Super 8 Motel Towne Place Suites by Marriott Copperas Cove Best Western Inn & Suites Howard Johnson Express Inn Relax Inn
254-554-3615 254-634-3101 254-501-3990 254-634-5560 254-634-6644 254-699-4081 254-526-3333 254-554-7110 254-634-7795 254-554-3900 254-690-5511 254-526-4343 254-526-8331 254-634-4151 254-634-1555 254-554-6633 254-634-1020 254-519-7966 254-699-0999 254-616-2345 254-634-6868 254-554-8899
2506 Trimmier Road 1100 S Fort Hood Street 2300 Florence Road 2709 Cunningham Drive 810 E Central Tx Expressway 1601 E Central Tx Expressway 200 E Central Tx Expressway 2702 O W Curry Drive 1502 E Central Tx Expressway 2704 O W Curry Drive 300 E Central Tx Expressway 803 E Central Tx Expressway 1112 S Fort Hood Street 800 E Central TX Expressway 1721 E Central Tx Expressway 404 S Fort Hood Street Florence Road 610 E Central Tx Expressway 3701 S WS Young Drive 700 E Central Tx Expressway 606 E Central Tx Expressway 2401 Florence Road
254-518-3363 254-547-2345 254-542-6615
321 Constitution Drive 302 W Hwy 190 1714 E Hwy 190
*This is not a complete list of hotels and in no way endorses any particular hotel. For more information go to:. http://members.killeenchamber.com/list/category/hotels-motels
Temporary On-Post Lodging Soldiers coming to Fort Hood can call IHG Army Hotels at (254) 532-5157 or 1-877-711-8326 for reservations, or visit WWW.IHGARMYHOTELS.COM. All facilities are non-smoking. Pet rooms are available at an extra charge. Pet vaccination records must be provided at check in. A continental breakfast is provided. Each Wednesday the hotel hosts a barbeque for all guests of the hotels on post.
HOMECOMING TIPS FOR CHILDREN
Possible Children's Reactions to Soldier's Return Reactions
Techniques Birth to 1 year
Cries, fusses Pulls away from soldier Clings to spouse or caregiver Has problems with elimination Changes their sleeping or eating habits Does not recognize soldier
Hold Hug gently Bathe and change Feed and play Relax, go slowly 1 to 3 Years
Shyness, clinging Does not recognize soldier Cries Has temper tantrums Regresses-no longer toilet trained
Don't force holding, hugging, kissing Give them space Give them time to warm up Be gentle and fun Sit at their level 3 to 5 Years
Demonstrates anger Acts out to get soldiers attention Needs proof soldier are real Is demanding Feel's guilty for making parent go away Talks a lot to update soldier
Listen to them Accept their feeling Play with them Reinforce that parents love them Find out the new things on TV, at preschool, books Reinforce that soldier love them Sit at their level 5 to 12 Years
Isn't good enough Dreads soldiers return because of discipline Boasts about Army and parent
Review pictures, school work, activities, scrapbooks Praise what they have done Try not to criticize 13 to 18 Years
Is excited, may be rebellious Feel's guilty because they don't live up to standards Is concerned about rules and responsibilities Feels too old or is unwilling to change
Share what has happened with soldier Listen with undivided attention Don’t be judgmental Don’t tease about fashion, music Respect privacy and friends
HOMECOMING TIPS FOR ADULTS Whether you are a single or a married soldier, a single-parent soldier, a spouse, or a child, you may face certain stressors associated with Homecoming and Reunion. Below are some of the normal stressors you may face, along with some hints to help you adjust to the changes in your life.
Possible Stressors · Emotional letdown · Restlessness or sleeplessness · No one understands what I have been through · Was my spouse faithful? · Did my spouse miss me? · My friends seem different · I didn’t expect things to change · Other people’s concerns seem petty · I feel like a stranger at home · How will the children react? · Will the role I have filled change? · Were my children treated well by their guardian? · Can I make up for lost time? · Did I handle things the right way? · When will things feel normal again? · I am concerned about finances · I am concerned about future deployments · The children appear confused and uncertain
Helpful Hints · Accept that things may be different · Talk about your experiences · Go slowly—don’t try to make up for lost time · Spend quality time with your children · Reassure your children; change often frightens them · Curb your desire to take control or to spend money · Accept that your partner may be different · Intimate relationships may be awkward at first · Take time to get reacquainted · Forget your fantasies; reality may be quite different · Take time to readjust · Communicate with your partner and family
DANGER SIGNALS: · General irritability, hyper excitability, depression · Pounding of the heart · Dryness of mouth and throat · Impulsive behavior, emotional instability · Overpowering urge to cry or run · Inability to concentrate, flight of thoughts · Feelings of unreality, weakness, dizziness, fatigue · Floating anxiety, being afraid and not knowing why · Emotional tension and alertness · Trembling, nervous tics, easily startled · High-pitched, nervous laughter · Stuttering, other speech difficulties · Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth · Insomnia · Hyperactivity, increased tendency to move about · Excessive sweating · Frequent need to urinate · Diarrhea, indigestion, queasiness, vomiting · Migraine headaches · Pain in neck or lower back · Loss of appetite or excessive appetite · Increased use of prescribed drugs · Alcohol or drug abuse · Nightmares · Accident proneness
TIPS FROM THE CHAPLAIN First 3 days-celebrate and renew your love for one another-have fun-be careful with your spendingdon’t incur unnecessary debts Within the first week-Plan a major “family conference” to assess how the year went-spend a few hours speaking and listening with each family member; do not become overly critical, but seek to encourage. Understand that EVERY family has challenges and problems. Look at the problems as an opportunity to work together as a family. Come to a consensus on your shared goals and make a practical plan to reach them successfully. During the first month-begin to assume and share responsibilities that define the normality of your family. DON’T just take over or give up responsibilities, but talk to one another about what needs to be done and how each person can assist with “the doing.” Before block leave, plan to take opportunity to attend one of the marriage retreats. A lot of good tools for making marriages and families successful are shared. If fighting, arguing and other problems surface, resist the temptation to hurt the other person through words that you will regret saying. Do not threaten divorce simply because the car doesn’t run anymore. Should the fighting become too frequent and out of control, contact the chaplain or a helping agency for counseling. Walk away from any fight that becomes potentially physical and violent. Get help immediately. Be considerate of each other and remember that reintegration is about the members of a family becoming “one” again. Finally, don’t forget that the Living God is the Designer of both marriage and family. Through prayer, reading Scripture and attending chapel, you can move towards real success. No one is ever beyond the reach of God. Watch for: Fireproof: a movie night of sorts-that way we begin to "synchronize" the mood, vocabulary and understanding of our folks on both sides of the world. Strong Bonds marriage retreats as well as family retreats upon return in the early phase of the redeployment cycle. Please check with your Rear-D Chaplain for dates of upcoming retreats. 254-287-2690
B.A.T.T.L.E.M.I.N.D FOR SPOUSES Spouse Battlemind is the Spouse’s ability to face deployments with resilience and strength, allowing easier separations and smoother reunions. The skills taught will increase your and your family’s resiliency throughout the military deployment cycle. Bonding (Social Support) Adding/Subtracting Family Roles Taking Control Talking it Out Loyalty and Commitment Emotional Balance Mental Health and Readiness Independence Navigating the Army System Denial of Self (Self-Sacrifice) CUES FOR HELP If any of the following are severe, persistent or interfering with daily life: Spouses: Feeling depressed, down, angry, tense, irritable, hopeless or resentful; repeated crying episodes, sleep problems or appetite changes; Using medications, illegal drugs or alcohol to cope; taking out frustrations on others; Suicidal or homicidal thinking, intent or actions; Isolation or withdrawal from important relationships and activities; Family, coworkers or friends tell you that you need help. Soldiers: Strong memories, nightmares or other sleep problems, easily startled; Conflict, arguing, anger or hostility; Aggressive driving; Excessive use of alcohol or other substances; Performance problems at work or home; Distant from family, talking of divorce/separation unwanted by Spouse; Feeling down, unable to enjoy life, not making future plans; Suicidal or homicidal thinking, intent or actions; Family, NCOs, or friends tell you that you need help. Children: Irritability; Problems controlling temper, fights, hitting/biting/kicking; Attention problems; Withdrawal, sadness; Academic problems; changes in behavior. For more information and the full training go to: www.battlemind.army.mil Don’t forget to check out the wonderful referral services available here on Fort Hood and on the Web. www.behavioralhealth.army.mil www.hooah4health.com www.afterdeployment.org www.strongstar.org www.hoodmwr.com
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES FRG Homepages: Secure pages hosted on AKO for each FRG. You must be logged in to AKO to access: 3d ACR: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/473246 Non-Secure Pages FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/3dACR 3d ACR Webpage: www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr In addition, some units have Facebook Pages. Please check with your FRG Leader, FRSA or Rear Detachment Command for more information. 3d ACR Military and Family Life Consultant: Email:mflc.3acr@gmail.com, Phone: 254-383-9282 Located at the Brave Rifles Soldier and Family Readiness Center, Bldg 9409, free on-site or off-site counseling, confidential Army OneSource: www.myarmyonesource.com New website merging services from MyArmyLifeToo.com and MilitaryOneSource.com. Central location that links to homepages for Army Family Programs such as ACS, EFMP, AFTB, and more. Includes access free e-learning classes and volunteer tools. 1-877-811-ARMY Military OneSource: http://www.militaryonesource.com Website that offers Military, personal, financial, parenting, employment, legal and general resources for Military Families all over the world, including translation services, printed materials, webinars, service providers, and MUCH more. 1-800-342-9647 Fort Hood Homepage: http://www.hood.army.mil Information and links to agencies and units on Fort Hood Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org Homepage for the American Red Cross, including information on emergency services and military assistance. 1-877-272-7337 TriCare: https://www.tricareonline.com Homepage for TriCare, the military’s health insurance. Website allows you to book appointments at your military treatment facilities as well as change providers and much more! PTSD Hotline: Hotline for Soldiers and Family Members to call with problems following a deployment. If you or someone you love is suffering from nightmares, sleep problems, they’re numb, angry or are just not themselves, call for help! 1-800-796-9699 Fort Hood R&R Center: Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program The Warrior Combat Stress Reset Programs is designed to help address common and normal reactions to war experiences. The emphasis is on helping to calm your mind, body and spirit after returning from war. 254-553-2288 / 553-2287 / 553-2286 or 285-6347 Fort Hood Resiliency Campus: http://www.hood.army.mil/resiliencycampus/ st A city-block size complex located at 31 Street and Battalion Avenue that creates resilient Soldiers and Families by focusing on 3 core values: body, mind and spirit. 254-285-5693 Unit or Family Life Chaplains : http://www.hood.army.mil/CHAPLAIN/Chap_Family.htm Confidential counseling for individuals or families including marriage, children, family wellness, etc. 254-287-CHAP (2427)
REAR DETACHMENT
CONTACTS
3d ACR "BRAVE RIFLES" POSITION
NAME
PHONE AREA CODE- 254
EMAIL ADDRESS
CDR
LTC James Perry
287-0691
james.shawn.perry@us.army.mil
CSM
CSM William Burford
287-0598
william.burford@us.army.mil
CHAPLAIN
CH (CPT) Mark Edwards
415-5982
markey.edwards@us.army.mil
FRSA
Amanda Rosener
286-6729
amanda.rosener@us.army.mil
MFLC
Marsha Caraway
383-9282
Mflc.3acr@gmail.com
RHHT (Remington Troop) CDR
CPT Benjamin Lazo
1SG
1SG Matt Pizzi
287-5144
benjamin.lazo@us.army.mil
288-6619
matthew.p.pizzi@us.army.mil
1-3 (TIGER) CDR
CPT Robert Stillings
286-6618
robert.w.stillings@us.army.mil
1SG
1SG Jerry Cockrell
286-6618
jerry.d.cockrell@us.army.mil
POC
SSG Martin Duarte
681-8824
martin.e.duarte@us.army.mil
2-3 (SABRE) CDR
CPT Jason Atkinson
681-8847
Jason.c.atkinson@us.army.mil
1SG
SFC Sean Harding
681-1228
sean.n.harding@us.army.mil
FRSA
Belinda Edwards
288-0759
belinda.edwards@us.army.mil
3-3 (THUNDER) CDR
CPT Jeremy Glosson
553-4003
jeremy.w.glosson@us.army.mil
1SG
SFC William Nolan
288-5601
william.nolanjr@us.army.mil
FRSA
Joni Schildman
681-7401
joni.schildman@us.army.mil
RSS (MULESKINNERS) CDR
CPT Stacy King
553-1580
stacy.king@us.army.mil
1SG
1SG Shauna Flowers
553-1580
shauna.flowers@us.army.mil
FRSA
Tracie Mayshack
553-1739
tracie.mayshack@us.army.mil
3d ACR Staff Duty 254-286-6683 3d ACR Redeployment Hotline 254-288-5557