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The Information and Referral Program administers the Army Community Service Installation Information, Referral, and Follow-up Program. This program is the vital link for information on a wide variety of services and programs available at Fort McCoy, the local community, and at military installations worldwide. The mission of the Information and Referral Program is to provide you with easy access to resources and become your one-stop information source. Call today!
Attention Unit Commanders and Senior NCO's!
Want to bring Army Community Service briefings to your unit and Family members? Contact the Army Community Service Unit Service Coordinator to request a briefing! The Unit Service Coordinator is here to serve you and help your unit and Families be mission ready. For more information, please call the Unit Service Coordinator or send us an
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.
Resource Library
The Army Community Service Resource Library has books, videos, DVDs, CDs, and audio cassette tapes available to check out. Information is available about topics such as Finance, Self Improvement, Volunteers, Employment, Education, Family Advocacy, Parenting, Relocation, and more! Stop by today and increase your learning power.
For more information, please click here to view the printable flyer.
Training - To request training, please use the Training Request Form.
ACS E-Newsletter - For information on how to receive emails from ACS, please click here.
Employment Readiness helps service members, Department of Defense civilians, Family members and retirees by providing information and referral services in the areas of employment, education, and volunteer opportunities to give Family members the competitive edge needed to secure employment. Our primary purpose is to assist eligible Family members who are relocating as a result of a military or civilian sponsor's PCS.
Services
- Individual and group assistance in career planning and skills
assessment
- Instruction in job search strategies
- Individual counseling, support and employment referral
- Use of the Employment Computer Resource Area. The computer is a
helpful tool for job searches, preparing a resume and writing cover
letters.
- Local Community Career/Job Fairs
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- Group and individual Resume Writing and Interviewing Skills trainings
- Community Employment Networking Resources
- Assistance with Army Spouse Employment Program (ASEP)
- Availability of a resource library of employment-related books,
videos, publications and pamphlets, and access to office automation.
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Employment Information
Fort McCoy is located between two small rural towns, Tomah and Sparta (2nd Sparta link), both with populations of about 8,000. La Crosse is the largest city (population 52,000+) within commuting distance of Fort McCoy. La Crosse is approximately 35 miles from Fort McCoy, with access to the freeway at Sparta and Tomah.
Many entry-level positions in the geographic area start at $6.50 - $8 per hour. There are limited openings for employment in management positions. Employment in health and human services, general clerical and labor positions are more plentiful. Manufacturing is still a significant source of work for Coulee Region residents, but the national economic slowdown has had an adverse effect on area manufacturing jobs. The service industry will continue its leadership position among growing industries. The Health Services industry is the largest in Western Wisconsin; this industry will continue to grow at an accelerated rate.
| Employment Resources |
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Trillium Construction - formerly (Skil-Tech)
1828 E. Main Street, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608) 781-8833 or 1-(800) 236-1586
http://www.trilliumconstruction.net/services/
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm M-F
Notes: Labor pool for contractors in the Coulee region; carpentry, concrete, electrical, plumbing, HVAC.
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VA Great Lakes Health Care System – Tomah Site
Human Resources, Building 401 Room 2145
500 E. Veterans Street, Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: (608) 372-1638
http://www.vacareers.va.gov
Notes: There is a low turnover rate for all positions. Actively
recruiting for nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors.
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Riverfront, Inc.
3000 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 784-9450
http://www.riverfrontinc.org/
, Click on "About Us" in the upper left, then "Locations", then "Services by Location", find the La Crosse Office and under the La Crosse heading click the "Employment with Local Businesses" or "Employment with Riverfront" links. Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm M-F
Notes: Permanent full or part time employment; specialized for people with disabilities; vocational and independent living services available; please set up appointment in advance. |
Wisconsin Job Center - La Crosse County
402 N. 8th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 789-5627
Fax: (608) 789-5599
http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm M-F
Notes: 24 Hour Job Line: (608) 791-0695 Positions Change Daily. The following programs are co-located within this center: Job Service, Job Opportunities and Basic Skills, (JOBS), Private Workforce Connections, and WWTC Student Employment Services.
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La Crosse JOB Center Veterans Unit
402 N. 8th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/veterans/home_vet.htm
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm M-F
Notes: Disabled Veterans Outreach Program:
Ron Stigler (608) 785-9813
Dave Wolf (608) 785-9363
Rick Larsen (608) 785-9376
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Midwest Labor
411 Superior Avenue, Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: (608) 374-2097
http://www.midwestlabor.com
Hours: 8 am - 5 pm M-F
Notes: Temp, Temp to Hire, and Permanent for various positions to include; construction, industrial, light industrial, clerical and also day labor. |
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Monroe County Job Center
14305 Cty Hwy B, Building B, Sparta, WI 54656
Phone: (608) 269-8900/8903
Fax: (608) 269-8908
www.wisconsinjobcenter.org
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm M-F
Notes: Also houses Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Senior Services programs.
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Monroe County Job Center
1310 Townline Road, WWTC Building, Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: (608) 374-7745
Fax: (608) 374-7741
http://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Thur, 8 am - 4 pm Fri
Notes: Also houses Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Western Wisconsin Technical College training programs.
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Army Contracting Agency
2103 South 8th Avenue, Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5153
Phone: (608) 388-2800, DSN 280-2800
http://www.mccoy.army.mil
Notes: Information on prime contractors can be accessed on the Fort McCoy home page under Civilian Employment, Jobs available with Contractors at Fort McCoy.
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Civilian Personnel Advisory Center
2187 South J Street, Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5150
Phone: (608) 388-2722
http://www.mccoy.army.mil,
Civilian Employment link
Notes: Appropriated and Non-Appropriated Fund Position |
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Experience Works (formerly Green Thumb)
402 N. 8th St North, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 789-5623
http://www.experienceworks.org
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Mon - Fri
Notes: Serves individuals age 55 and older. Provides occupational
training, assessment, case management, and job placement opportunities
based on income and age.
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Kelly Services
816 2nd Avenue South, Suite 200, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608) 785-2477, (800) 366-6435
Fax: (608) 785-0324
http://www.kellyservices.com
Hours: 8 pm - 5 pm M-F
Notes: Temporary and permanent opportunities for office clerical and light industrial positions. Free computer training to qualified applicants.
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Manpower
1855 Main St, Onalaska, WI 54650
Phone: (608) 781-8899
http://www.manpower.com
Hours: 7 am - 5 pm M-F
Notes: Assists with temporary and long-term employment in clerical, industrial, and professional positions. Offers free training to registered employees.
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Manpower
601 N. Superior Ave., Suite 1, Tomah, WI 54660
Phone: (608) 374-2040
http://www.manpower.com
Hours: 7 pm - 5 pm Mon - Fri
Notes: Assists with temporary and long-term employment in clerical, industrial, and professional positions. Offers free training to registered employees.
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Olsten Staffing Services
1800 Jackson Street, Suite H, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 782-1100
http://www.olsten.com
Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Mon - Fri
Notes: Assists with temporary, long-term, and skill marketing employment opportunities.
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Workforce Connections
402 North 8th Street, La Crosse, WI 54602-2908
Phone: (608) 789-5620, (800) 742-5627
http://www.workforceconnections.org
Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm Mon - Fri
Notes: Occupational training, assessment, case management, and job
search assistance based on income and dislocated worker guidelines.
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Defense Commissary Agency
1537 South J St, Fort McCoy, WI 54656
Phone: (608) 388-3542/3543, DSN 280-3542/3543
Notes: Fort McCoy is within the Midwest Region; permanent positions are selected according to the Standard Merit Promotion System; Bagger positions are filled on an as-needed basis and work for tips only. If interested, contact Fort McCoy Head Bagger, Building 2132 for application; Vendor Stocker positions are filled on an as-needed basis. Vendor Stocker positions are now being actively recruited. The positions are not commissary employees. These positions are paid by the individual companies, according to cases stocked. If interested, contact Steve Brown, Grocery Manager at (608) 388-3542 for additional information.
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| Note: To assist Army Community Services in maintaining accurate
information, please contact us at (608) 388-6812 if you have any problems contacting the above agencies. Thank you. |
| Local Chambers of Commerce |
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Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
336 N Water Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(800) 404-4008, 715-284-4658
www.blackrivercountry.net
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Onalaska Center for Commerce & Tourism
800 Oak Forest Drive
Onalaska, WI 54650
(800) 873-1901, (608) 781-9570
www.discoveronalaska.com
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Greater La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
712 Main Street, P.O. Box 219
La Crosse, WI 54602-0219
(800) 889-0539, (608) 784-4880
www.lacrossechamber.com
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Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce
111 Milwaukee Street
Sparta, WI 54656
888-540-8434, (608) 269-4123
www.bikesparta.com |
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Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention & Visitors Bureau
306 Arthur Street
Tomah, WI 54660
(800) 94-TOMAH, (608) 372-2166
www.tomahwisconsin.com |
These services are to enhance unit cohesion, increase readiness and prepare Families for deployment, mobilization and post-deployment activities with a comprehensive, coordinated, realistic and effective delivery system of family assistance and support. The Army Community Service staff becomes part of the Family Readiness Triad of Family assistance Centers, Unit Family Support Groups and unit rear detachments.
Links
The vision of the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC) is to bring together all agencies that provide assistance to military Families in Minnesota and Wisconsin, creating a network of services with the best possible utilization of resources. The ISFAC is committed to assuring that all military Families have access to quality services. The ISFAC will meet quarterly.
Our Mission: The Financial Readiness Program supports Commanders in maintaining unit financial readiness to sustain deployments by educating and counseling Service Members and Families on financial self-sufficiency.
The Financial Readiness Program offers a wide range of services to assist Soldiers, Family members and civilian employees with their financial affairs.
It is highly recommended you call (608) 388-6812 for an appointment for Financial Counseling, to ensure you are eligible for services and a counselor is readily available to assist you.
Eligibility: Program services are available to active duty, retired, and reserve service members from all branches of the armed forces, their eligible Family members, and Department of Defense civilian employees.
The Army Emergency Relief Officer provides AER Assistance on Fort McCoy. Please contact ACS at (608) 388-6712 or e-mail
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for AER Assistance.
FSSA
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) is an allowance that provides a monetary sum that raises the Service Member above the gross income threshold set by the US Department of Agriculture. It can increase the Basic Allowance Subsistence (BAS) and remove military Families from the food stamp program. By law, this allowance will not exceed $500 per month.
For an FSSA Application click the DMDC site here.
- Authorized and enacted by Congress in 2001.
- Service members (SM) on active duty receiving full or partial BAS are eligible.
- If the SM is in a non-pay status, they are not eligible for FSSA. This does not include SMs who receive a no pay due because of deductions and collections.
- The maximum entitlement is $500 per month.
- A family that does not qualify for food stamps may qualify for FSSA
- If a SM is geographically separated from the household, the SM will be considered part of the household for the purposes of FSSA
- Only dependents who normally live with the SM will be considered as part of the household for FSSA
- FSSA requires annual recertification
- FSSA income must be included when applying for certain other program based on income, such as school lunch programs, WIC, and earned income tax credits
- Service Members Household size
- Total income (Military and Household) based upon US Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Act guidelines.
FSSA cannot exceed $500 a month
- An individual who lives alone or who, while living with others, customarily purchases food and prepares meals for home consumption separate and apart from others. Household members should be authorized family members/dependents.
- A group of individuals who live together and customarily purchase food and prepare meals together for home consumption.
- Spouses who live together.
- Parents and their children 21 years of age or younger who live together.
- Children (excluding foster children) under 18 who live with and are under parental control of a person other than their parent.
In the case of joint custody, the child may be counted as a part of the household when 50% or more of the time is spent with the SM during the month.
NOTE: An individual may not be counted as a member of more than one household at the same time.
- Household income increases by $100.00 or more
- Household size changes (decrease or increase)
- Soldier promotion or PCS
- Annually (1 Feb of each year)
What is included in household income?
- Military income
- Basic pay
- Basic allowance for subsistence
- Basic allowance for housing or cash equivalent if quarters provided
- All bonuses and special incentive pay except those specifically listed as excluded
- Wages, earnings, & salaries
- Commissions and tips
- Self-employment income
- Supplemental Security Income
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Interest or dividend income
- Alimony and child support received
- Unemployment and workers compensation
- Veterans’ benefits
- Annuities, pensions, & other retirements
- Other payments unless covered in the excluded box
What is excluded from household income?
- Income of students under 18 years of age
- Loans, grants, and scholarships for post-secondary students
- Income tax refunds
- Insurance settlements
- Payments from federal earned income tax credits
- Federal energy assistance payments (except those made under TANF)
- HUD utility reimbursements
- Reimbursement for medical or dental care (if it does not exceed actual expenses)
- Value of food stamps
- Overseas cost of living allowance
- CONUS cost of living allowance
- Family separation housing allowance
- Travel and transportation allowances
- Clothing allowances
The application is web-based, click here.
For USDA income eligibility standards, click here. Soldiers that believe they are entitled to FSSA should contact ACS at (608) 388-6812 and schedule an appointment with a financial counselor. FSSA must be certified by the SM chain of command before receiving entitlements. Thrift Savings Plan
The Uniformed Thrift Savings Plan (UTSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan similar to a “401(k) plan” and the civilian federal employees TSP. The participants invest pre-tax dollars and reduce current taxable income. The investments/earnings are not taxed until they are withdrawn. For more information click here.
Thrift Savings Plan Website
SGLI
SGLI has extended coverage to military Family members. To find out more click here.
Web Resources
The Financial Readiness Manager stocks many publications from the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Reserve Bank, and other sources. Here are a few that are available on the web:
- Financial Planning
- Used Car Inspection Checklist
- Used Car Test Drive Checklist
- Car Buying
Looking for information? Check out Consumer Gateway, the first government site with "one-stop" access to federal resources listed by topic.
| Click each slide for a listing of applicable links: |
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Edmunds Car Pricing Services - An excellent guide to car pricing, with evaluations of various models, insurance costs, fuel mileage, and dealer invoice pricing. Explains some of the finer points of car buying. An invaluable aid to saving money on transportation.
Kelley Blue Book - The online version of a familiar standby. Get the proper value for used cars, adjusted for mileage and location. Also contains loads of other good stuff on cars.
CARFAX (title search report) - If you're buying a used car, we recommend a title search to make sure you aren't buying a flood-damaged car or one that has been totaled and then "repaired". It's easy to do, and inexpensive, using this online service. It may be the best $12.00 you ever spent. |
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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program at Fort McCoy reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault by focusing on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and follow-up. For information on Unit Victim Advocate Training, please click here.
The goals of this program are to:
- Create a climate that is empowering to the victim, by providing them with both restricted and non restricted reporting options while ensuring the victim is provided with the opportunity to receive medical treatment, advocacy and counseling regardless of their choice of reporting. A sexual assault may be reported without law-enforcement or your commander knowing.
- Create a climate with fewer incidents of sexual assault, which impacts personnel and their Family members and, if an incident occurs, ensures that victims are treated with dignity and respect.
- Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault without fear or fear of reprisal.
- Prevention through education, by providing sexual assault prevention training to educate Soldiers and command.
- Ensure command understands their roles and responsibilities regarding response to sexual assault victim(s), thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual assault, and take appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions.
Reporting options
The Army currently affords Soldier victims of sexual assault with two reporting options:
- Restricted Reporting allows a Soldier who is a sexual assault victim, on a confidential basis, to disclose the details of his/her assault to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling, without triggering an official investigative process or reporting to law enforcement or command. Soldiers who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy should report the assault to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate, Chaplain or a healthcare provider. Military leaders must report sexual assaults to law enforcement.
- Unrestricted Reporting allows a victim who is sexually assaulted and desires medical treatment, counseling, and an official investigation of the allegation to use all current reporting channels. The unrestricted option allows the SARC to immediately notify law enforcement.
More Information
Restricted reporting is available at this time only to military personnel of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard. Military personnel include members on active duty and members of the Reserve component (Reserve and National Guard) provided they are performing federal duty (active duty training or inactive duty training and members of the National Guard in Federal (Title 10) status).
SAPRP provides crisis intervention and support services to victims of sexual assault, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Trained and professional victim advocates provide a helping hand through support, critical information, and referrals for service on Fort McCoy and in the community. Advocates assist survivors in determining what they wish to do and where to get help, whether they choose to report the assault or not. They accompany survivors to medical visits, court proceedings, and other appointments as requested. The SAPRP also provides education and awareness trainings to active duty members, family members, and military civilian, military contract personnel on how to stay safe and what to do if assaulted. Unit level training requirements are from AR-600-20.
The DoD Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response has made a number of policy changes over the past year in efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assaults. One of the key policy changes has been the creation of a Victim Advocate Coordinator (VAC) positions within Army Community Service (ACS) to manage sexual assault victim care, unit victim advocate training, and sexual assault prevention training. The Fort McCoy ACS VAC will serve as the point of contact for sexual assault reports, will coordinate trainings and serve as a victim advocate. The VAC will also work closely with the ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP). The ACS FAP and VAC staff are committed to supporting and caring for victims of sexual assault and to ensuring that victims and offenders are treated according to Army policy.
For more information, please click here.
Sexual Assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Consent should not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Additionally, consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (e.g., unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commits these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, or age of victim.
Sexual Assault is generally about anger, power and control. Sexual Assault is never a victim's fault.
Get to a safe location away from the attacker. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body, eat, drink or change clothes if possible.
Sources for Confidential Reporting
- Victim Advocate Coordinator, VAC
- Unit Victim Advocates (UVA)
- Chaplain
- Healthcare Provider
Sources for Unrestricted Reporting
- Commander
- CID, MPO &/or JAG
- VAC &/or UVA
- Chaplain
- Civilian Authorities
- Healthcare Provider
- Travel with a buddy.
- Stay in groups, as there is safety in numbers.
- Never leave a drink unattended.
- Educate yourself about date rape drugs.
- Stay sober. Studies indicate that about half of all U.S. sexual assaults involve alcohol by the offender, the victim or both.
- Trust your instincts - if a place or person feels unsafe, it probably is.
- Be assertive meaning, state what you want clearly, remember, NO means NO.
- If you do not want to be intimate with someone tell him or her clearly. Use a confident voice and body posture.
- Enroll in a self defense class.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Coordinator or Unit Victim Advocate
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the Victim Advocate Coordinator (VAC) or the Unit Victim Advocate (UVA). They will ensure that victims are properly advised of their options for restricted and unrestricted reporting. The VAC provides mandatory training classes to Soldiers, commanders, unit victim advocates, and deployable VAC's. The VAC ensures leaders understand their roles and responsibilities when they are informed of a sexual assault.
If you would like more information on sexual assault prevention programs and available reporting options please call the Victim Advocate Coordinator at (608) 388-8951 or call the on-call Unit Victim Advocate at (608) 388-5000 or (608) 487-0701. For more information, please call the FAP Manager at (608) 388-2412.
Fort McCoy Family Focus Program
Family Focus: Promoting happy, healthy, productive secure and enduring Families. Family Focus has been designed especially for the Fort McCoy community to provide families with quality workshops, activities, and events that are fun for the entire Family. Family Focus encompasses many morale, welfare, and recreation activities. Families are encouraged to determine their own amount of program involvement.
 Dear Fort McCoy Family,
You are invited to participate in some Family Focus Fun. Family Focus is committed to providing families in the Fort McCoy community quality activities, workshops, and events that are fun for the entire Family. Positive, fun Family interaction builds stronger Family roots, giving Families a firmer foundation that will enable each member to better cope with the storm clouds of life. The goal of Family Focus is to help Families make those positive fun memories together….memories that will last a lifetime.
As a registered Family in Family Focus you will have many opportunities to participate in Family fun and receive free educational family books, workbooks, games and more. You and your Family may choose to participate in many activities or just a few, you decide on your involvement.
To view FY12 Upcoming Family Focus Events, please click here.
- Each month Family Focus sponsors special workshops/activities/events. You may need to pre-register to participate in some and in others just show up. The events are advertised in monthly mailings to all registered Family Focus Families.
- Each registered Family will be eligible to collect Family Focus Franks, small plastic tokens with extreme Family value.
- Earning Family Focus Franks is easy. Participating in Family Focus workshops/events, Family Focus Bonus Frank coupon activities, and using the Family Focus Activity Stamp Cards are all ways to earn Franks.
- Redeeming Family Focus Franks, Bonus Frank coupons and Activity Stamps is about working toward a Family goal. Your Family may want to accumulate a large value to be redeemed for one large prize. Or your Family may decide to redeem lesser values more often to earn a variety of smaller prizes. Whichever goal your Family decides to work towards your reward will be the positive effects of teamwork and Family cohesiveness your Family members will carry with them into the future.
- When you complete and return the Family Focus registration form you will receive a Family Focus Activity Stamp Card. On the back of each card is a listing of locations on Fort McCoy where you may go to participate in activities that will earn your family a Family Focus Stamp. To qualify for a stamp, at least one registered adult must participate in the activity with child(ren). You must present your card at each location to receive your stamp. The Fort McCoy activity employee will stamp, date & initial your card. Stamps without the date and initials will not be accepted. Each filled stamp card is worth 25 Family Focus Franks.
Families - a - Stampin
Using rubber stamp art and stickers, Families will work together to design their own family personalized Greeting Cards to send to those special people in their lives. These workshops will give parents and children the opportunity to increase their family interaction skills while having a good time and accomplishing a goal. All supplies are furnished. Call ACS (608) 388-3505 for information on the next scheduled workshop.
- Using Family Focus Activity Stamp Cards is a great way to earn Family Focus Franks while having fun Family time.
- On the back of each card is a listing of the activities at Fort McCoy that are participating with the Family Focus Activity Stamp Card. (Also, see below)
- To qualify for a stamp, at least one adult must participate in the activity with child(ren).
- Families must present their card at each location to receive a stamp.
- The Fort McCoy activity employee will stamp, date & initial the Family activity stamp card. The stamp is not redeemable without date and initial.
- One stamp will be given each time you participate in a qualifying activity or at a qualifying location.
- Stamp cards are available at ACS, 2111 S. 8th Ave, during regular business hours; Mon - Fri 7:30 – 4:00.
| Location |
Qualifying Activities |
Army Community Service – Bldg. 2111
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All Family & Family Educational Events or Family Focus Volunteer Support |
Child Development Center – Bldg. 1796
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Special family event held at this location, advertised as qualifying for Family Focus Franks |
McCoy's – Bldg. 1571
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Bowling or Family eating a meal together |
Whitetail Ridge Ski Area
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Downhill skiing, Cross Country skiing, Snow Tubing, or Snow Boarding |
Community Activity Center – Bldg. 2000
Fitness Center – Bldg. 1122
Pine View Campground - Bldg. 8053 |
All activities participated in at these three locations. One stamp per Family, per day, at these three locations. | Sound easy? It is! Sound like fun? Come and see! For more information or to receive a registration form, please feel free to call or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
at (608) 388-3505. Family Focus=Family Fun
Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things anyone can go through. Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) connects you with people who can help you move forward and find strength. There may be unresolved issues or questions that may surface months or years after the loss. We understand that new issues and questions may surface long after the Casualty Assistance Officer has concluded his or her duties.
SOS demonstrates the Army’s commitment to Families of the Fallen. SOS is a holistic and multi-agency approach to delivering services to Survivors by providing services at the garrisons and communities closest to where Families live. SOS will allow the Army to better identify the needs of others touched by the loss of a Soldier.
Our Mission
- Expand and improve services to Survivors
- Define roles and responsibilities for all agencies and all components
- Improve responsiveness and streamline the assistance process for Families
- Provide Support Coordinators and Benefits Coordinator locally to Survivors
Click here to view the SOS brochure.
Click here to view the SOS Vehicle Decal Application.
Services
Benefits Coordinators will provide expertise on local, state and Federal benefits. They will work with the Casualty Assistance Officer to provide guidance and assistance to the Family with benefits, applications, and linkage with benefit providers.
Financial Consultants provide financial assistance, investment education and estate planning to assist the surviving Family member to reach financial goals. Financial Consultants work closely with the Casualty Assistance Benefit Coordinator and legal assistance to ensure estate and financial issues are addressed.
Support Coordinators function as the long term support personnel for Survivors. Support Coordinators will coordinate support groups, briefings to the community and leadership; and provide life skills and supportive counseling. Support Coordinators work closely with Casualty Assistance Center Benefit Coordinators and the Casualty Assistance Officer to ensure the Survivor receives necessary services. For more information or assistance, please contact Army Community Service SOS Support Coordinator at (608) 388-3505 or send an email
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. You can also find more information at Military OneSource or Army OneSource below.
AER provides financial assistance to Soldiers and their Family members in times of a valid emergency. If an emergency arises that cannot wait until the next business day (usually emergency travel), contact the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services at (877) 272-7337. Our office also provides emergency assistance to members of other services through their relief agencies. Army members can also receive assistance at any Navy Relief, Air Force Aid Society, or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Office. If not near a military installation, Soldiers can receive assistance through a local American Red Cross Chapter.
To visit the AER Headquarters website, please click here.
| AER usually can help with emergency needs for: |
- Rent
- Utilities
- Food
- Emergency travel
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- Emergency POV repair
- Upfront funeral expenses of parents, spouse, or child
- Emergency medical or dental expenses
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| AER cannot help with: |
- Nonessential needs
- Ordinary leave or vacation
- Fines or legal expenses
- Debt payments
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- Home purchase or improvements
- Purchase, rental, or lease of a vehicle
- Funds to cover bad checks
- Marriage or divorce
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The Army Emergency Relief Campaign is conducted annually in March with 100% solicitation on Fort McCoy. Contributions throughout the year are also accepted.
For more information, please call Army Community Service at (608) 388-6712, or e-mail
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.
AER can help:
- Active duty Soldiers and their Family members.
- Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty for more than 30 days and their Family members.
- Retirees and their Family members.
- Surviving spouses and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after the Soldier retired.
An applications/DA Form 1103 can be downloaded here or picked up at the unit or from the AER Section Office. Soldiers should complete the form and obtain the commander’s signature. Unaccompanied Family members, surviving spouses and retirees may complete the form at the AER office. All applicants need to bring their military ID card, a current LES, Assignment or Retirement Orders, Leave Request and substantiating documents (car repair estimate, rental agreement, etc.)
The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) is a grass-roots process beginning at the installation level that seeks input from the Total Army Family regarding significant quality of life issues that affect the well being of Soldiers, civilians, retirees, and their respective Families. The AFAP alerts Army Leadership on areas of concern that need attention and gives them the opportunity to put plans into place to work toward resolution. Hundreds of legislative, regulatory, and policy changes have occurred over the past 26 years due to the AFAP.
| The Fort McCoy FY12 AFAP conference will be held |
| October 19-20, 2011 |
A good AFAP contains a cross section of the Total Army Family - Soldiers, retirees, Family members, and civilians.
Suggesting an improvement for AFAP
 You may submit a suggested improvement to the AFAP workgroup by clicking on the button to the right, please submit a separate form for each issue you would like to recommend.
Submitting a Volunteer Nomination Form
 If you would like to be part of the conference workgroup that reviews the issues submitted please click the button to the right. Click on the drop-down below to view volunteer job descriptions.
Both issue forms and volunteer nomination forms must be submitted no later than Aug 12, 2011. Remember, we are all part of the Army Family. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get involved in AFAP.
Forms may be submitted to:
Army Community Service
Attn: IMNE-MCY-MWNA (AFAP)
2187 South J Street
Fort McCoy, WI 54656-5150
Delegate: A person selected to represent the interests and concerns of the Army's constituency. Delegates evaluate and prioritize issues and make recommendations for resolution. Members include Soldiers, retirees, DA civilians, and Family members.
FRTIs: Facilitators, Recorders, Transcribers, and Issue Support persons
Facilitator: A volunteer who manages the conference work group in reviewing, developing and prioritizing issues. Facilitators keep the group focused, encourage participation by group members, and ensure products are submitted on time.
Recorder: A volunteer who captures the changes to the Issue slides to assist delegates in tracking their ideas and decisions. The recorder provides a final copy of reworded issue slides. Recorders must have computer experience in PowerPoint presentations.
Transcriber: A volunteer who assists the group by taking computer notes of the day's discussions to allow for review or clarification. The transcriber prepares the draft and final copies of Issue Dispositions during the AFAP conference. Transcribers must have computer experience as well as background experience in recording meeting minutes.
Issue Support Person: A volunteer who researches the HQDA and Ft. McCoy AFAP Issue Update Books for issues that may be a duplicate or related to an issue the group is currently discussing. They ensure the group follows the established guidelines when developing the issues and preparing the disposition papers. Issue support persons should have strong organizational and writing skills.
Subject Matter Expert: A representative with knowledge and background information on an issue who can advise the group in developing appropriate solutions or suggest alternate courses of action.
Observer: An individual with an interest in observing the proceedings to validate the process. An observer stays in the background and remains silent. Questions can be addressed to the
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via email or by phoning (608) 388-3540.
The focus of Relocation Readiness is to ensure information, guidance, and assistance are provided to support active duty and reserve component Service Members, Family members, and Department of the Army civilians who move from one community to another.
ACS provides the following services designed to assist with relocation
Welcome Packets
A welcome CD provides information on such items as housing, education, employment, medical facilities, childcare, maps, and local communities. To request a welcome CD be sent to you, please click here to complete the request form.
Newcomer's Orientation
The Newcomer's Orientation provides new military personnel and spouses an opportunity to become familiar with the many services available at Fort McCoy for you and your family and to receive a guided tour of the installation. Childcare may be provided on a space available basis for children ages 1-5.
Orientations are conducted the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
The next Newcomer's Orientation is scheduled for
February 8, 2012, Wednesday
from 8:15 am - 12:45 pm at Bldg 2111
Please register by COB on Feb 1 if you need childcare
Sign up for classes by clicking "ACS
Class Registration Form" in left column under ACS Links.
In/Outprocessing Assessments
These assessments help to ensure that Soldiers and their Families have up-to-date information pertinent to their location. Referrals are made to other programs based on areas of need/interest, i.e. Army Emergency Relief, employment, volunteering.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT
The MilitaryHOMEFRONT website provides a link to MilitaryINSTALLATIONS that contains information on the installation and local community, education, employment, housing, childcare, healthcare, and other services for over 250 military installations and communities worldwide. It also provides a link to Plan My Move with features such as customizable calendars, checklists, documents to hand carry, and phone numbers for points of contact at both the old and new installations.
Lending Closet
 The lending closet provides for the temporary loan of basic household items for incoming and outgoing personnel during a PCS move. For a listing of available Lending Closet items, click here. Loans are generally for 30 days with extensions made on a case-by-case basis.
ID cards and a copy of your PCS orders are required; no cost involved.
Fort McCoy Relocation Assistance Plan
For a copy of the Relocation Assistance Plan booklet, please click here.
Sponsorship
Sponsors are an integral part of the relocation process for both military and DA civilian personnel. Sponsors should be trained in the process before sponsoring an incoming service member or civilian employee. Sponsorship should be made available to anyone making a permanent change of station (PCS) move. Sponsorship helps to ease the transition for the newcomer as well as Family members in integrating into their new assignment and community. Following are various resource materials for anyone who will become a sponsor.
The Total Army Sponsorship Program Regulation
Sponsor’s Guidebook
Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet
Sponsorship Program Survey
eSponsorship Application Training (eSAT) Website
eSAT User’s Guide
2012 Sponsorship Trainings
Waiting Families
Army Community Service (ACS) will keep Families of service members on an unaccompanied tour connected with the installation by providing a monthly e-newsletter of available trainings and events. You may subscribe to the ACS e-newsletter by calling (608) 388-3505 or
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with ADD TO DISTRIBUTION in the subject line. If you have questions or would like more information on ACS, please stop by 2111 South 8th Avenue or call the above number. If you would like to subscribe to the Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation e-newsletter, click on Weekly DFMWR E-News towards the top of this page.
School Support Services
The School Liaison Office is located within Child, Youth & School Services. Please visit their web page for additional information.
Army Lodging
Housing Availability
For information on housing availability at Fort McCoy, call (608) 388-4388 or DSN 280-4388 or
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You can also view Fort McCoy Housing information by clicking here.
Personal Property Shipping Office
For information on the Personal Property Program, click here. This website contains links to Move.mil, It's Your Move pamphlet, Shipping or Storing your POV, regulations and a Customer Satisfaction Survey. To reach the Personal Property Shipping Office for Fort McCoy, in Bloomington, MN, please call 952-837-3180.
Travel Allowances and Regulations
Click here to access links to such items as BAH, Per Diem, COLA, DTS, Allowance Calculators, and Travel Regulations.
Other Relo-Related Information
For information on such things as Directions to Fort McCoy, Weather Data, On-post Motor Vehicle Rules, Garrison Services, Facilities and Hours of Operation go to www.mccoy.army.mil.
For Family members who are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), the Army will consider the physical, emotional, or educational need during reassignments and make an attempt to assign Soldiers to an installation where the needed medical and educational services are available.
EFMP is made up of individuals:
- Who have chronic medical problems such as hearing impairment, depression, diabetes, asthma, etc.
- Who require special education (those who require physical, occupational, or speech therapies, learning disability resources, or have cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, etc).
For additional information please contact the EFMP Manager by phone at (608) 388-2412 or email
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.
Click here to view the brochure.
Information & Referral Resources for EFMP
Monroe County Support GroupsNOTE: The following organizations are supported by volunteers. Normal contact hours after 5 pm.
- C.H.A.D.D. of Monroe County
Support group for parents of children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorders.
Phone: (608) 372-3563 or (608) 372-7856, also Pupil Services at schools will have information.
C.H.A.D.D. National Office: 499 N.W. 70th Ave. Suite 101, Plantation, FL 33317
Phone: (305) 587-3700
- Alanon Family Group
Support group for persons affected by someone’s alcoholism
Sparta - (608) 269-4021 or 269-2609 Meetings: Tue at 7 pm at United Methodist Church, 216 N. Court St., back entrance
Tomah - Meetings: Sun at 6 pm, Thu at 9:30 am, Wed at 7:30 pm at Tomah Memorial Hospital, back entrance by the ER
- The ARC
Monroe County Chapter (Formerly, Association for Retarded Citizens)
Provides advocacy services, and grants to special education classrooms.
Contact: (608) 269-6157 or 269-5148
- Alcoholics Anonymous Groups
Sparta - (608) 269-4021 Meetings: 115 E. Franklin St.
Tomah - Meetings: Lakeside Apts./Community Room (Mon, Thu, Sat, 7:30 pm) 310 W. Elizabeth St. (Sun, Tue, Fri 7:30 pm) in back lower level
Army Family Team Building (AFTB) is not a new idea or concept. It is the formal way of recognizing and naming something the Army and Army Families have been doing for over 200 years -- sustaining and nurturing the force and serving the Nation. AFTB is about READINESS: mission readiness and family readiness, adapting to Army life, accepting challenges, dealing with change, and developing life skills. The mission of AFTB is to educate and train America’s Army in knowledge, skills, and behaviors designed to prepare our Army Families to move successfully into the 21st century.
It is the goal of AFTB to inform our Soldiers of the benefits of the program to them, both personally and as leaders of Soldiers and families. Army Family Team Building will teach them that the more informed their spouses are about the military and its environment, the better their chances are for a successful career; and the better prepared their spouses are to handle the challenges of military living, the more Soldiers can concentrate on the mission.
There are many reasons why family members should attend AFTB classes. Aside from the tangible benefits of receiving training on the Army’s mission, family preparedness, and learning about community resources, AFTB classes are fun! They provide an opportunity to meet new friends and to get involved in the community. An increase in knowledge strengthens self-confidence and independence which gives the Family member more control over stressful situations such as alerts, deployments, and long term exercises. However, the most important reason for a Family member to take AFTB classes is that they teach practical life management skills!
The AFTB Program currently is in need of volunteers to conduct classes! All course materials are provided with a complete, step-by-step outline on how and what to teach including training handouts and class involvement ideas. If you or someone you know wishes to gain some great instructor experience, make a positive impact within the Total Army Family and Fort McCoy, and is experienced in military and life management topics, please contact Army Community Service at (608) 388-6712 for more information.
Levels of AFTB
Army Family Team Building is divided into three levels of training. When
or where a family member enters into AFTB training is based on his/her
experience or choice of course enrollment, not rank or grade of sponsor.
Level I courses are expanded upon in Level II, and some in Level II are
elaborated upon in Level III.
Level I courses are targeted toward people new to the Army or anyone interested in updating personal skills or basic knowledge. Level I courses are given below:
1.1 Expectations and Impact of the Mission on Family Life (length 60 minutes)
Explores expectations Family members have of the Army and the impact of the Army mission on Family life. It will also provide tips to assist in developing realistic expectations.
1.2 Military Acronyms and Terms(length 45 minutes)
Introduces many of the military acronyms and terms most frequently used as well as the military phonetic alphabet and military time.
1.3 The Chain of Command (length 45 minutes)
Explains the military chain of command through explanation of rank, discussing the various branches of the Army, and exploring the Army’s organizational structure.
1.4 Introduction to Military Customs and Courtesies (length 45 minutes)
Reviews some of the customs and courtesies that are basic to the day to day functioning of the military and to the social aspects of the military lifestyle.
1.5 Basic Military Benefits and Entitlements (length 45 minutes)
Introduces the basic benefits and entitlements received by military personnel.
1.6 Introduction to Military and Civilian Community Resources (length60 minutes)
Provides an overview of the resources in both the military and civilian communities.
1.7 Introduction to Family Readiness Groups (length 45 minutes)
Provides an introduction to the mission, structure and benefits of Family Readiness Groups (FRG).
1.8 Supporting Your Child’s Education (length 45 minutes)
Reinforces the importance of parent involvement in child’s education. It also provides an overview of the School Liaison Officer’s (SLO) role to assist Army Families in obtaining a good educational experience for their children particularly when they are transitioning from school to school.
1.9 Introduction to Family Financial Readiness (length 45 minutes)
Introduces basic money management and financial planning techniques. It illustrates the advantages and techniques of creating a Family financial plan, how to save wisely, and information on credit. It defines savings and investment and reinforces the importance of planning for the future.
1.10 Basic Problem Solving (length 60 minutes)
Describes and provides an opportunity to practice a six step problem solving process to help determine solutions to various real-life scenarios.
Level II courses are targeted toward emerging leaders within the Army community. Level II courses are given below:
2.1 Communication (length 75 minutes)
Discusses various types of communication and assesses the students’ ability to effectively communicate with others. Explores barriers to communication and develops strategies to improve their communication skills.
2.2 Personal Time Management (length 60 minutes)
Helps students assess personal time management skills and prioritize activities using a time management tool.
2.3 Stress Management (length 60-75 minutes)
Defines stress, identifies symptoms and sources of stress, and discusses stress management techniques.
2.4 Acknowledging Change (length 45 minutes)
Defines change, discusses the four phases of change, and examines strategies to overcome the tendency to resist change.
2.5 Exploring Personality Traits (length 60 minutes)
Identifies personality traits, identifies primary personality tendency and discovers more effective ways to interact with others.
2.6 Enhancing Personal Relationships (length 60 minutes)
Discusses how to develop and maintain healthy personal relationships, the importance of being a supportive group member.
2.7 Team Dynamics (length 75 minutes)
Discusses the stages of group development and how various roles impact the success of a team.
2.8 Personal Conflict Management (length 60 minutes)
Defines conflict management and how individuals handle conflict differently, determines how conflict affects relationships, both working and personal, and examines methods to productively manage conflict.
2.9 Creative Problem Solving (length 60 minutes)
Explores different methods of creative problem solving and how to evaluate solutions to problems.
2.10 Traditions, Customs, Courtesies and Protocol (length 75-90 minutes)
Reviews Army customs and traditions and the social aspects of the military life style.
2.11 Crisis, Coping and Grieving (length 45-60 minutes)
Defines crisis, discusses the grieving process, and introduces coping strategies for preparing and dealing with crisis and helping other people who are experiencing crisis.
2.12 The Volunteer Experience (length 60 minutes)
Examines the importance of volunteerism within the military and civilian communities as well as why people choose to volunteer and explores the benefits of volunteering to both the volunteer and the community organizations.
2.13 Family Readiness Groups and the Deployment Cycle (length 60 minutes)
Describes the structure of Family Readiness Groups and how members may contribute to its success and examines how an FRG can assist Family members during the deployment cycles.
2.14 Introduction to Leadership (length 60-75 minutes)
Explores leadership and the difference between leader and follower, discusses characteristics associated with effective leaders, and discovers important principles of leadership.
Level III offers training to enhance the professional growth and leadership development opportunities of Family members, especially those who might assume leadership roles within the community and the unit. Level III courses are given below:
3.1 Communication Skills for Leaders (length 75 minutes)
Discusses ways to effectively communicate as a leader, assesses personal communications skills, and determines areas for improvement.
3.2 Understanding Needs (length 60 minutes)
Examines the basic needs of individuals and explores the impact of needs on motivation.
3.3 Leadership Styles (length 90-105 minutes)
Discusses situational leadership, discovers personal leadership styles, and evaluates follower needs in order to apply the appropriate leadership style.
3.4 Building Cohesive Teams (length 75 minutes)
Discusses ways in which leaders can build strong and cohesive teams by capitalizing on a positive attitude, understanding roles in the stages of team development, building commitment within the team, and being aware of the characteristics of an effective team.
3.5 Managing Group Conflict (length 75-90 minutes)
Defines conflict and the characteristics of conflict within a group and assesses personal approaches to conflict and recognize when to apply other conflict management styles in group situations.
3.6 Leader Assisted Problem Solving (length 60 minutes)
Provides leaders with necessary skills to guide groups through the decision-making process.
3.7 Delegation for Leaders (length 75-90 minutes)
Focuses on delegation and illustrates its benefits for both the leader and the team member.
3.8 Meeting Management (length 60-75 minutes)
Outlines the reasons for meetings and how to effectively conduct them and further explores implementing the phases of meeting management to organize productive meetings.
3.9 Coaching and Mentoring (length 90 minutes)
Explores the roles of a leader as a coach and mentor and how that leader can provide effective feedback.
3.10 Family Readiness Group Leadership (length 60 minutes)
Describes the role of the Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader within a unit and the tools and resources needed to start or revive an FRG and discusses the roles and responsibilities of FRG members, commanders and rear detachment commanders from the FRG Leader’s perspective.
AFTB is available to:
- Soldiers
- Family Members of all Soldiers
- DoD civilians and volunteers
Family Advocacy is dedicated to spousal and child abuse prevention, education, prompt reporting, investigation, intervention and treatment. We provide a variety of services to soldiers and families to enhance their relationship skills and improve their quality of life.
Sparta Area Schools Child Development Days will be held February 13 & 14 from 1:00 to 7:00 pm at the Administrative & Educational Center, 201 E Franklin St. Click here to view the flyer for more information.
The Monroe County Health Department has a limited supply of free radon test kits. Click here to view the flyer for more information.
Transitional Compensation Program - For victims of domestic abuse or child abuse, please click here for the printable flyer.
Family Advocacy Services
- Family Counseling Referrals: Providing referrals for services to area Family counseling professionals.
- Emergency Shelter: Providing a safe environment for Family members who are at risk. Shelter is provided until a long-term plan can be arranged.
- Family Focus Program: Promoting happy, healthy, productive secure and enduring Families. Family Focus has been designed especially for the Fort McCoy community to provide families with quality workshops, activities, and events that are fun for the entire Family. Family Focus encompasses many morale, welfare, and recreation activities. Families are encouraged to determine their own amount of program involvement.
- First Steps: Providing emotional support and information on child care and child development to expectant and new parents.
- And more...
Family Advocacy provides a wide range of classes designed to enhance interpersonal skills. These are offered on a regular basis and by request.
- To identify the number of Family members who are active military that are living in the Fort McCoy community.
- To reduce the isolation of geographically separated Families
- To improve the morale of geographically separated Family members.
- To build supporting links between military and civilian resources.
- To increase awareness of available resources and encourage utilization of resources.
- To promote an environment of camaraderie among Family members in similar situations.
- To promote an atmosphere of support to the Family members of deployed/hardship touring Soldiers
- Command Education
- Troop Education
- Domestic Violence Prevention
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Stress Management
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- Change Management
- Anger Control
- Adapting to Change
- Parenting
| For more information about Fort McCoy Family Advocacy, call (608) 388-2412.
Child Abuse Prevention
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is a national tragedy that takes the lives of three children every day and affects millions of children and Families each year. In Wisconsin, there are more than 40,000 reports of child abuse and neglect annually. (Johnson. Prevent Child Abuse America: 2003)
As a community, it is our responsibility to put an end to child abuse and neglect. The goal of child abuse prevention is simple--- to stop abuse and neglect from happening and to create strong and caring Families. To accomplish this, everyone must participate in keeping our children safe.
Children need you to prevent child abuse and neglect. Here are some simple ideas of how you can help.
- Reach out to kids and parents of your community
Any support you can give your community helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse or neglect.
- Volunteer for children’s programs in your community
- Offer to baby-sit
- Be supportive to new parents
- Recognize the warning signs
Some warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include:
- Nervousness around adults
- Aggression toward adults or other children
- Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods
- Frequent or unexplained bruises
- Low self esteem
- Poor hygiene
- Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
- Remember the Risk Factors
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in Families where parents:
- Abuse alcohol or drugs
- Are isolated from their families or communities
- Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
- Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment, or safety of their children
- Seem to be having serious economic, housing or personal problems
- Report suspected abuse or neglect
If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, report it - and keep reporting it - until something is done.
- Report suspected abuse and neglect to your Family Advocacy Program Manager, at (608) 388-2412 or
- Contact child protective services or
- Call your local police department
Blue Ribbons
Show your support by wearing a Blue Ribbon. The blue ribbon is a positive symbol of the need to do one’s best when it comes to children and families. Since 1989, thousands of people nationwide wear the blue ribbon during April to create awareness of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Resources for preventing child abuse:
Domestic Violence Prevention
October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Families have an important impact on the Army’s ability to accomplish its mission. A critical goal of the Army is to foster healthy lives for military Families and the communities in which they live. Therefore, prevention of domestic violence in our community is everyone’s responsibility.
Did you Know: (Department of Justice figures)
- Approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women
- Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted and beaten
- 4,000,000 women a year are assaulted by their partners
- In the United States, a woman is more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped, or killed by a male partner than by any other type of assailant
- Every day, 4 women are murdered by boyfriends or husbands
- In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are abused at a rate 1,500% higher than the national average
- Domestic violence is the number one cause of emergency room visits by women
- Family violence kills as many women every 5 years as the total number of Americans who died in the Vietnam War
To seek assistance or advice for you or someone you know:
- Contact the Family Advocacy Program at Army Community Service, (608) 388-2412
- Call the National Domestic Hotline, (800) 799-SAFE or from a TTY, (800) 787-3224
- Look in the Yellow Pages under “Social and Human Services,” and then under “Domestic Violence”
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program
The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program at Fort McCoy reinforces the Army's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault by focusing on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting and follow-up.
The goals of this program are to:
- Create a climate that is empowering to the victim, by providing them with both restricted and non restricted reporting options while ensuring the victim is provided with the opportunity to receive medical treatment, advocacy and counseling regardless of their choice of reporting. A sexual assault may be reported without law-enforcement or your commander knowing.
- Create a climate with fewer incidents of sexual assault, which impacts personnel and their Family members and, if an incident occurs, ensures that victims are treated with dignity and respect.
- Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault without fear or fear of reprisal.
- Prevention through education, by providing sexual assault prevention training to educate Soldiers and command.
- Ensure command understands their roles and responsibilities regarding response to sexual assault victim(s), thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual assault, and take appropriate administrative and disciplinary actions.
Reporting options
The Army currently affords Soldier victims of sexual assault with two reporting options:
- Restricted Reporting allows a Soldier who is a sexual assault victim, on a confidential basis, to disclose the details of his/her assault to specifically identified individuals and receive medical treatment and counseling, without triggering an official investigative process or reporting to law enforcement or command. Soldiers who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy should report the assault to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate, Chaplain or a healthcare provider. Military leaders must report sexual assaults to law enforcement.
- Unrestricted Reporting allows a victim who is sexually assaulted and desires medical treatment, counseling, and an official investigation of the allegation to use all current reporting channels. The unrestricted option allows the SARC to immediately notify law enforcement.
More Information
Restricted reporting is available at this time only to military personnel of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard. Military personnel include members on active duty and members of the Reserve component (Reserve and National Guard) provided they are performing federal duty (active duty training or inactive duty training and members of the National Guard in Federal (Title 10) status).
SAPRP provides crisis intervention and support services to victims of sexual assault, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Trained and professional victim advocates provide a helping hand through support, critical information, and referrals for service on Fort McCoy and in the community. Advocates assist survivors in determining what they wish to do and where to get help, whether they choose to report the assault or not. They accompany survivors to medical visits, court proceedings, and other appointments as requested. The SAPRP also provides education and awareness trainings to active duty members, family members, and military civilian, military contract personnel on how to stay safe and what to do if assaulted. Unit level training requirements are from AR-600-20.
The DoD Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response has made a number of policy changes over the past year in efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assaults. One of the key policy changes has been the creation of a Victim Advocate Coordinator (VAC) positions within Army Community Service (ACS) to manage sexual assault victim care, unit victim advocate training, and sexual assault prevention training. The Fort McCoy ACS VAC will serve as the point of contact for sexual assault reports, will coordinate trainings and serve as a victim advocate. The VAC will also work closely with the ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP). The ACS FAP and VAC staff are committed to supporting and caring for victims of sexual assault and to ensuring that victims and offenders are treated according to Army policy.
Sexual Assault is a crime. Sexual assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Consent should not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the victim to offer physical resistance. Additionally, consent is not given when a person uses force, threat of force, coercion or when the victim is asleep, incapacitated, or unconscious. Sexual assault includes rape, nonconsensual sodomy (oral or anal sex), indecent assault (e.g., unwanted and inappropriate sexual contact or fondling), or attempts to commits these acts. Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender, spousal relationship, or age of victim.
Sexual Assault is generally about anger, power and control. Sexual Assault is never a victim's fault.
Get to a safe location away from the attacker. Seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not have any visible physical injuries, you may be at risk of becoming pregnant or acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. Do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body, eat, drink or change clothes if possible.
Sources for Confidential Reporting
- Victim Advocate Coordinator, VAC
- Unit Victim Advocates (UVA)
- Chaplain
- Healthcare Provider
Sources for Unrestricted Reporting
- Commander
- CID, MPO &/or JAG
- VAC &/or UVA
- Chaplain
- Civilian Authorities
- Healthcare Provider
- Travel with a buddy.
- Stay in groups, as there is safety in numbers.
- Never leave a drink unattended.
- Educate yourself about date rape drugs.
- Stay sober. Studies indicate that about half of all U.S. sexual assaults involve alcohol by the offender, the victim or both.
- Trust your instincts - if a place or person feels unsafe, it probably is.
- Be assertive meaning, state what you want clearly, remember, NO means NO.
- If you do not want to be intimate with someone tell him or her clearly. Use a confident voice and body posture.
- Enroll in a self defense class.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Coordinator or Unit Victim Advocate
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the Victim Advocate Coordinator (VAC) or the Unit Victim Advocate (UVA). They will ensure that victims are properly advised of their options for restricted and unrestricted reporting. The VAC provides mandatory training classes to Soldiers, commanders, unit victim advocates, and deployable VAC's. The VAC ensures leaders understand their roles and responsibilities when they are informed of a sexual assault.
If you would like more information on sexual assault prevention programs and available reporting options please call the Victim Advocate Coordinator at (608) 388-8951 or call the on-call Unit Victim Advocate at (608) 388-5000 or (608) 487-0701. For more information, please call the FAP Manager at (608) 388-2412.
Become A Volunteer, opportunities are available on and around Fort McCoy. To view the printable flyer, click here.
Army Community Service has many diverse possibilities when it comes to volunteering and many different opportunities will unfold throughout the year. Listed below are only some of the main tasks our volunteers are involved in; keep in mind these are just brief descriptions. Remember the sky is the limit! And don’t worry, training can be provided!
As an ACS volunteer, you’ll have an opportunity to assist our staff with a wide range of activities, allowing you to learn as you go. You may be interested in only one or two programs, if so, let the Volunteer Coordinator know. He or she will let that Program Manager know when you are available. As an ACS volunteer, we’ll work with your schedule and be as flexible as possible, although dependability is essential and expected.
Volunteer opportunities may be accessed online at http://www.myarmyonesource.com. Once registered, users can search for opportunities, complete volunteer forms, apply for opportunities, and manage volunteer hours in the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS). Click on the “Become a Volunteer” drop down menu to access the special features of VMIS.
For more information, call Army Community Service at (608) 388-6507.
Volunteer Opportunities
Relocation Readiness (click tab above)
The program is designed to provide information, guidance, and assistance to support service members, Department of the Army (DA) civilians, and their families when moving from one military community to another. Volunteers may assist in preparing welcome packets, welcome baskets, MilitaryHOMEFRONT booklets, and auto trip maps, or in updating informational materials as necessary.
Youth Services Children ages 6-18 may participate in the activities sponsored by the Youth Services Program. Things like cave-exploring, ice-skating, bowling, dances, swimming, and many more activities need supervision. Volunteers are needed to assist the Youth Services staff on outings and at their facilities.
Financial Readiness and Consumer Affairs (click tab above)
The Consumer Affairs and Financial Assistance Program provides basic education and practical assistance with financial and consumer issues.
Army Family Team Building (AFTB) (click tab above)
Army Family Team Building for Family members is a progressive training program designed to provide information and skills development to enhance personal and family readiness. Volunteers are needed to teach the training modules, provide on-site childcare and to perform administrative duties to support the program.
General Office Assistance for ACS - Volunteers are always needed to support ACS staff photocopying, sending faxes, filing, data processing and other general office requirements. Volunteers with business machine skills or those interested in learning these skills are encouraged to join our volunteer staff.
First Steps Program - First Steps provides emotional support and information on child care and child development to expectant and new parents. Trained volunteers offer support through personal calls and visits. First Steps allows for flexible schedules. All training and materials are provided.
Family Focus - Family Focus provides workshops and activities for families. Assistance is always needed at the events (mostly on Saturdays) and in preparing for the events.
Recently returned from deployment? Being deployed or welcoming someone home who has just returned from deployment? These are major stressors and things might not work out quite as smoothly as you had hoped. Fort McCoy's Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) Program is an Army program designed to provide anonymous, confidential support by professional civilian consultants to Soldiers and their family members, especially those returning from deployments. No personal records are maintained. Consultants are trained on military specific topics including basic orientation to the deployment cycle, military culture, the chain of command, and reporting requirements in accordance with Army Family Advocacy Program.
MFLC Counselors can help you and your family problem solve with issues resulting from deployment, reunions, reintegration and other times of change including:
- Marriage and Relationship Issues
- Family Issues
- Stress and Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Anger management
- Parent and child communication
Call (608) 345-4398 or (608) 469-1432 to speak with a MFLC or for more information contact Army Community Service at (608) 388-3505.
For more information, please click here to view the flyer.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is a confidential, free 24/7 support service provided by the Department of Defense offering assistance and resources to service members and their Families on many Army Community Service issues. Professionally trained consultants can be reached by calling (800) 342-9647 or from outside the USA (800) 342-6477. Click here to visit the website.
Army OneSource provides information on all Army Community Service programs for Soldiers, Family Members, Retirees, Civilian Employees and any interested community members to obtain relevant, credible and updated information available on family programs, health care, education, careers, recreation, travel, and more. Click here to visit the website.
For a listing of ACS Programs and Services, please click here. To view the ACS Brochure, please click here. |
Soldier/Family Programs 
