Veterans & Wounded Warriors Advanced Seminar For many veterans and Wounded Warriors, including those who are returning from military service with visible and invisible disabilities, national service provides an opportunity to transition back to civilian life, obtain skills, and fulfill personal aspirations of continuing to serve their country. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has tasked national service programs with reaching out to returning military and their families, including those individuals with disabilities, to help them accomplish these goals. As programs work toward successfully recruiting veterans and Wounded Warriors, what strategies and practices, materials and resources encourage participation in national service? For programs who already have veterans and Wounded Warriors, what additional information would help recruit and retain more participants? Using CNCS’ goals as a guide, and hearing from multifaceted viewpoints such as the national service network, military personnel, Operation ABLE Community, and alumni, this session will explore how to reach out to these groups and establish national service as a desired transition option for returning military members. Training Objectives By the end of this seminar, participants will: 1. Increase knowledge of the Corporation’s goals and initiatives for recruiting and retaining veterans with disabilities in national service; 2. Deepen knowledge of issues related to veterans and Wounded Warriors and discover the military’s goals for their reintegration to civilian life; 3. Identify promising practices from the military, national service programs, and national service participant perspectives to successfully recruit and retain veterans with disabilities; and 4. Strengthen the ability to navigate different perspectives on “disability” in order to sustain collaborations that support soldiers-in-transition and veterans.
Transcript
Veterans & Wounded Warriors Advanced Seminar For many veterans and Wounded Warriors, including those who are returning from military service with visible and invisible disabilities, national service provides an opportunity to transition back to civilian life, obtain skills, and fulfill personal aspirations of continuing to serve their country. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has tasked national service programs with reaching out to returning military and their families, including those individuals with disabilities, to help them accomplish these goals. As programs work toward successfully recruiting veterans and Wounded Warriors, what strategies and practices, materials and resources encourage participation in national service? For programs who already have veterans and Wounded Warriors, what additional information would help recruit and retain more participants? Using CNCS’ goals as a guide, and hearing from multifaceted viewpoints such as the national service network, military personnel, Operation ABLE Community, and alumni, this session will explore how to reach out to these groups and establish national service as a desired transition option for returning military members. Training Objectives By the end of this seminar, participants will:
1. Increase knowledge of the Corporation’s goals and initiatives for recruiting and retaining veterans with disabilities in national service;
2. Deepen knowledge of issues related to veterans and Wounded Warriors and discover the military’s goals for their reintegration to civilian life;
3. Identify promising practices from the military, national service programs, and national service participant perspectives to successfully recruit and retain veterans with disabilities; and
4. Strengthen the ability to navigate different perspectives on “disability” in order to sustain collaborations that support soldiers-in-transition and veterans.
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Monday, December 10, 2012 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Time Topic Presenter
9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome and Introductions
Paula Sotnik Joanne Cohen
9:15 - 9:30 AM Focus on Veterans with Disabilities: Briefing on Operation ABLE Community
Koby Langely Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde
9:30 - 10:00 AM Wounded Warriors and Veterans: Impact of TBI and PTSD
Nancy Freeman
10:00-10:45 AM Bridging Different Perspectives to Achieve Common Goals
Lisa Stern Michael Brown Paula Sotnik Moderator: Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde
10:45-11:00 AM BREAK
11:00-12:00 PM The Military Perspective on National Service: A Viable Tool for Reintegration
LTC Paula Smith Michael Robinson Lisa Stern Moderator: Joanne Cohen
12:00 – 1:00 PM Luncheon Plenary
1:15 - 1:45 PM Promising Practices Market
Paula Sotnik
1:45 - 2:45 PM What Works: The National Service Perspective
Brian Lock Suzanne Potts Rachel Leah Roberts
Moderator: Paula Sotnik
2:45 - 3:45 PM What Works: Veterans, Members & Alumni
Perry Jefferies Jeff Trice Alex Villalta Moderator: Paula Sotnik
What key topics were covered? What parts of the agenda stick with you?
What light bulbs went off and what were the “aha” moments for you?
What will you take home and do because of this? How will you inspire your teams? How will you keep the momentum going? What actions/small steps will you take?
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: Focus on Veterans with Disabilities: Briefing on Operation ABLE Community Speaker(s): Koby Langley & Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde Notes:
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: Wounded Warriors and Veterans:
Impact of TBI and PTSD
Speaker(s): Nancy Freeman Notes:
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: Bridging Different Perspectives to Achieve Common Goals Moderator: Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde Speaker(s): Lisa Stern, Michael Brown & Paula Sotnik Notes:
List the event or what you are “editing”
What key topics were covered? What parts of the agenda stick with you?
What light bulbs went off and what were the “aha” moments for you?
What will you take home and do because of this? How will you inspire your teams? How will you keep the momentum going? What actions/small steps will you take?
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: The Military Perspective on National Service: A Viable Tool for Reintegration
Moderator: Joanne Cohen Speaker(s): LTC Paula Smith, Michael Robinson & Lisa Stern Notes:
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: Promising Practices Market Facilitator: Paula Sotnik Notes:
List the event or what you are “editing”
What key topics were covered? What parts of the agenda stick with you?
What light bulbs went off and what were the “aha” moments for you?
What will you take home and do because of this? How will you inspire your teams? How will you keep the momentum going? What actions/small steps will you take?
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: What Works: The National Service Perspective Moderator: Paula Sotnik Speaker(s): Brian Lock, Suzanne Potts, Rachel Leah Roberts Notes:
Advancing Service as an Option for Veterans with Disabilities
Discussion Topic: What Works: Veterans, Members & Alumni Moderator: Paula Sotnik Speaker(s): Perry Jefferies, Jeff Trice, Alex Villalta Notes:
List the event or what you are “editing”
What key topics were covered? What parts of the agenda stick with you?
What light bulbs went off and what were the “aha” moments for you?
What will you take home and do because of this? How will you inspire your teams? How will you keep the momentum going? What actions/small steps will you take?
Facilitator: Janis Glenn, Paula Sotik & Jewel Bazilio-Bellegarde Notes:
About NSIP
The National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP) is the national training and technical assistance provider on disability inclusion, (cooperative agreement #08TAHMA001) for the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. NSIP partners with the national service and disability communities to enhance the participation and leadership of people with disabilities in national service and volunteerism.
Project Mission and Impact
The National Service Inclusion Project strives to:• Build the capacity of national service grantees and the volunteer sector to meaningfully include
and support individuals with disabilities in all activities and service programs.
• Increase knowledge of disability inclusion in areas of recruitment, accommodations, legal compliance, accessibility and management.
• Build the capacity to create measurable progress toward inclusion through the facilitation of strategic planning among a diversity of organizations including service, disability and veterans organizations.
Target Audiences
NSIP works with CNCS grantees, state service commissions, disability organizations, volunteer organizations, veterans’ organizations, non-profits and individuals with disabilities.
Activities and Resources
NSIP develops the capacity of the above audiences in many ways via-
In person and simulcast events, including:• Training from our Train-the-Trainer Manual and the CNCS Inclusion Manual
• On-site technical assistance
• Conducting yearly Institute Train-the-Trainer events
• Leading strategic planning sessions for your state commission
• Providing poster sessions at events about inclusion in national service
• Providing accessibility assistance at events
Online and virtual events and resources, including:• Live webinars and online presentations based on relevant topics of the field as well as topics
conducted at the field’s request
• Real-time technical assistance via email, phone, website, and SecondLife
• Presentations in Second Life
• Availability of online courses based on Train-the-Trainer inclusion topics
National Service Inclusion ProjectFact Sheet
Creation of materials for use in your inclusion needs, including:• Sharing member stories and successes
• Fact sheets and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) documents
• Issue briefs
• Personalized videos and inclusion resources relevant to your state/program
Communications with the field, including:• Follow up after training, technical assistance, or other communication with any materials
and any needs
• Updates in the field through listservs and social media
• Inclusion Weekly newsletters
Engagement of Veterans in national service, including:• Research on speaking about national service as an option for Veterans
Collaboration with our partners, including:• Association on University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
• Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
• Center for Technical Assistance and Training (CTAT) at Rocky Mountain Human Services
• Operation TBI Freedom
• Virtual Ability Island, Inc. (VAI)
• National Service to Employment Project (NextSTEP)
Helping You Leverage Inclusion Needs
• If you have a question about inclusion: access, accommodations, outreach and recruitment, interview and selection, government benefits, and more
• If you would like to discuss onsite or simulcast training options for your program or organization
• If you would like to form, modify and/or strengthen your inclusion team;
• If you would like to be informed of national service events, as well as new and archived materials
• Second Life: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Health%20Commons/202/10/22
Supporting and Engaging Veterans and Military Families
DISASTER SERVICES | ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY | EDUCATION | ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP | HEALTHY FUTURES | VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES
Service members make tremendous sacrifices and learn invaluable skills while protecting and serving our nation — they build a stronger America. Yet many veterans face challenges in translating those skills into meaningful community engagement, and too often, our industry leaders fail to make strong connections to one of America’s greatest assets. When service members are deployed, they leave behind families who must try to maintain life as usual. Frequent moves can make it difficult for military families to feel a part of their new community, and there are veterans who return home struggling with both visible and invisible wounds of war as they transition to civilian life. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is not only here to support our heroes, but to engage and learn from them for the betterment of all Americans through innovative initiatives, grants, and volunteer programs that span the nation.
Service Is a Strategic Imperative Supporting and engaging veterans and military families is a strategic priority for CNCS. Volunteer service can help address the challenges military communities face, while providing opportunities for every American to give back to our veterans and military families. Our goal is not only to increase the number of veterans and military families who are served by CNCS-supported programs and initiatives, but we must also improve our programs by leveraging the unique and valuable skills of our veterans.
Engaging Our Military Community in ServiceAt CNCS, we are utilizing the talent and leadership of veterans to solve problems at home by engaging veterans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other programs.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT:
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Vet CorpsIn 2009, the Washington Commission for National and Community Service partnered with the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs to launch the first CNCS-funded Vet Corps program in the nation to engage veterans in AmeriCorps national service positions.
Veterans’ mission continues through their civilian national service experience, which enables them to make a positive difference in communities across Washington State while aiding their reintegration back into the community following their military service.
Serving Military Families and VeteransVolunteers and national service participants provide critical support to veterans by connecting them to jobs, housing, health care, and other benefits. Volunteers support our troops here and abroad by writing letters, sending care packages, and donating calling cards. We are also increasing economic opportunities for military spouses and providing educational support for military children. Now, as part of the expanded mandate of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and our new Strategic Plan, we are increasing our support of programs that serve veterans and military families and engage veterans in service. Through grants, special initiatives, days of service, and other efforts, we are committed to assisting those who have bravely served our nation.
EACH OF CNCS’ PROGRAMS ADDRESS THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS FACE:
AmeriCorps programs — Vets helping Vets. More than 16,000 veterans have served in AmeriCorps since its inception, helping other veterans and military families access benefits and services; obtain job training and conduct job searching; provide safe and affordable housing; and mentor and tutor children of service members.
More than 500 Senior Corps projects and 8,000 volunteers serve at more than 700 Veterans Affairs facilities every year, assisting elderly and disabled veterans, helping military retirees acclimate to life after service, and providing transportation to those in need of medical treatment.
AmeriCorps NCCC has supported more than 50,000 veterans through special service projects, special events and disaster relief/recovery. More than 2,000 veterans received the support of relief services in the Gulf after hurricane Katrina.
Our Strategic Objective: Increase the number of veterans and military families served by and engaged in CNCS supported programs in order to strengthen and improve the services we provide for the betterment of all Americans.
WE BELIEVE:
Supporting our nation’s troops, veterans, and military families is critical to our national security.
Meaningful connections to our veterans and military families strengthen our communities.
Veterans are valuable assets and will improve volunteerism and service to the benefit of all Americans.
Volunteer service improves meaningful transitions to life after service for our nation’s veterans and their families.
It is our duty to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community by volunteering in their honor.
National Service in Action: » AmeriCorps members — mostly veterans — supporting the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs host support groups for veterans and military families, connect them to vital services available, and promote education and employment opportunities.
» Senior Corps volunteers at the Salt Lake County on Aging Services help veterans and military families continue to live independently in their own homes by connecting them to primary care and caregiver support.
» Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellows assist veterans and their families by helping to stabilize their living situations, secure financial and medical benefits, and provide legal representation.
1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20525202-606-5000 (800-833-3722 TTY)NationalService.gov | [email protected]
November 2011
Operation ABLE Community!
National Service: A Pathway for Successful Transition from Soldier to Civilian Background The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is embarking on OAC, a pilot to demonstrate the benefits of a National Service experience for veterans with disabilities who are re-entering civilian life. National Service can provide direction and purpose, allowing veterans to continue contributing their skills and expertise to improving lives. Program Goal Through a national service experience, veterans with disabilities are allowed the time to continue to serve their communities while simultaneously building their resumes and the professional and personal networks that will ease their transition back to civilian life. National service enhances the ability to gain employment or continue education. Examples of Program Activities • Analyze relevant DOD and CNCS
practices, policies and procedures to mitigate possible barriers to national service for veterans with disabilities
• Build the capacity of veterans’ transition care coordinators to include National Service in the array of options offered to veterans in transition.
• Build the capacity of National Service program pilot sites to create and maintain veteran-friendly service environments.
• Identify and match veterans to service program sites.
• Provide on-going support including peer assistance to pilot program sites
• Document effective practices and lessons learned to take the program to scale
Key Program Success Indicators • Within 18 months of pilot implementation, at
least 68% of participating wounded, ill, or injured transitioning soldiers are positively impacted -- as evidenced by achievement of a transition plan goal related to their national service opportunity.1
• A minimum of 12 national service programs successfully enroll and graduate participating veterans with disabilities.
• National Service is seamlessly integrated into the array of options offered by at least two wounded warrior transition units.
• Demand for engagement in National Service programming is identified and projected across the Future Year Defense Program.
Anticipated Program Partners • CNCS, including State Offices and NCCC
Campuses and State Service Commissions • Department of Defense (initial engagement
with Wounded Warrior programming) • Department of the Army – Army Wounded
Warrior • Department of the Navy – Navy Safe
Harbor • United States Marine Corps – Wounded
Warrior Regiment • The National Service Inclusion Project
(NSIP), ICI at U Mass, Boston • Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS)
1Demonstration pilots related to full transition assistance for wounded, ill or injured service members have shown an ability to positively impact 68% or more veterans with reintegration into employment or educational opportunities. This should be the benchmark for service and/or volunteer oriented interventions. [National Organization on Disability (2011). Wounded Warrior Careers Demonstration Program. Retrieved from http://nod.org/assets/downloads/WWCareersBrochure.pdf ].
Child and Family Programs Adult Programs Caregiver Support
Traumatic Brain Injury Support Military Support Programs
Center for Technical Assistance & Training
Mission and VisionRocky Mountain Human Services, Inc., serves humanity, provides opportunity and encourages a world of compassion and hope.
Addendum – Speaker Biography
Please note the following valued speaker has been added to our program.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Paula T. Smith, PT, DPT US Army Medical Specialist Corps LTC Paula Smith is a native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and has thoroughly enjoyed her career as an Army officer and physical therapist over the last 17 years. She is currently the Health Director for the Soldier for Life Program, Office of the Chief of Staff, US Army. LTC Smith has served in the positions of Chief, Physical Therapy at Army Medical Treatment Facilities, Brigade Combat Team Physical Therapist, Basic Training Company Commander, Installation Physical Therapist and Chief, Department of Surgery. LTC Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Iowa, a Masters in Physical Therapy from Baylor University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of St. Augustine. She is also a graduate of the Army’s Basic Health Care Administration Course, and is pursuing a second Master’s in Health Care Organization. LTC Smith is married to MAJ Jeremy Smith, and they have two children: Ava Karyl and Harley Ellis.
Addendum – Plenary Speaker Biography
Please note the following valued speaker has been added to our program.
Colonel Anthony M. Henderson Colonel Anthony M. Henderson was born on September 6, 1966 in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1989 with a B.A. in History and 1993 with a Juris Doctorate in Law. He is a licensed attorney in the State of Louisiana.
Colonel Henderson was commissioned a second lieutenant on December 15, 1989. As an infantry officer, he served in both command and staff positions from platoon to Regiment. During his career, Colonel Henderson has deployed throughout the world to include Cuba, Okinawa, Japan, Mediterranean, Africa, and the Middle East.
He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, the Naval War College, and the National War College.
Colonel Henderson’s combat experience includes assignment as ExecutiveO fficer, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Twenty-nine Palms,C alifornia. Then, Major Henderson deployed with the Battalion to OperationIraqi Freedom from January to September 2003 participating in major combatoperations to destro y Iraqi forces and capture Baghdad. He once againdeployed w ith the B attalion to Iraq in February 2004 executing counterinsurgency, stability and reconstruction operations along the Iraqi-Syrian border until September 2004. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he assumed command of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on 1 June 2007. The battalion was deployed to Afghanistan March to October 2008 where Lieutenant Colonel Henderson led the counter-insurgency effort to regain control in the southern area of Helmand Province. Upon his return Lieutenant Colonel Henderson relinquished command of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines on January 15, 2009 and served as the Operations Officer, 2d Marine Regiment until June 2009.
Colonel Henderson served on the Joint Staff, J3 as a Current Operations Planner for Europe and NATO from July 2010 to April 2012. Currently, Colonel Henderson is assigned as Special Assistant to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of Warrior and Family Support.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” for valor, gold star in lieu of second award, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, gold star in lieu of second award. Colonel Henderson has three children: son, Andrue and daughters: Daphine and Carmen.
