DSN (314) 431-3053, commercial 011-49-7031-15-3053

USAG Stuttgart – Army Community Service (ACS) - Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)

Many times, after the loss of a Soldier, unresolved issues or questions come up long after the Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) has concluded his or her duties. In addition to the grief the Family will suffer, they may also be faced with issues and questions built around the life of an Army Family. Those left behind often:

 

Wonder if there is anyone out there that understands;

Need local resources for support; and,

Want reliable information about programs, services and benefits available to them, but aren’t sure where to go or how to find them.

 

In keeping with the Army’s commitment to its Soldiers, the SOS delivers on that commitment by providing dedicated and comprehensive support to Surviving Families who have lost a Soldier, whether active, reserve, guard or retired. The SOS can provide support, information and services as long as is needed.

 

Our Mission

To build a unified support program which embraces and reassures Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family for as long as they desire.

 

Program Support Coordinators are on hand to:

 

Meet in person with Surviving Families;

Listen with compassion and offer reassurance;

Provide information, and referral to appropriate resources;

Ensure Surviving Families receive all benefits to which they are entitled; and,

Encourage our Surviving Families to remain an integral part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.

 

SOS is a holistic and multi-agency approach to delivering services to Surviving Families by providing services at the garrisons and communities closest to where Families live, and across all components to reach geographically dispersed Families. SOS allows the Army to better identify the needs of others touched by the loss of a Soldier. The SOS program expands and improves services for Surviving Families.

 

Army Community Service (ACS) Financial Counselor

Financial assistance, investment education and estate planning is available to assist surviving Families to reach their financial goals. This support can be limited in scope or comprehensive depending on the needs of the Family, and can be provided on an ongoing basis as requested by the Family. The Counselor works closely with the Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) Benefit Coordinator and the Army Legal Assistance Team to ensure estate and financial issues are addressed.

 

ACS SOS Program Coordinator

The ACS SOS Program Coordinator functions as the long-term support person for Surviving Families and in ways such as coordinating support groups, presenting briefings to the community and leadership; and providing life skills and supportive counseling. We can also help you to find a qualified Family, Mental Health or Grief Counselor if needed. We partner closely with CAC Benefit Coordinators and the CAO to ensure the Surviving Families receive necessary services. We also develop partnerships with the military, civilian and non-government agencies to leverage support for Surviving Families.

 

CAC Benefits Coordinator

The Benefit Coordinator provides expertise on local, state and Federal benefits. They will work with the CAO to provide guidance and assistance to the Family with benefits, applications, and with benefit providers.

 

Location

Both the Financial Counselor and Program Coordinator are located in the ACS Center, building 2915, 2nd Floor, Panzer Kaserne. We can be contacted via telephone at Commercial 07031-15-3053 or 07031-15-3362, DSN 431-3053 or 431-3362. Or you can reach us via email at judy.drews@eur.army.mil.

 

The CAC Benefit Coordinator is located at IMCOM-Europe Headquarters, Heidelberg. We can be contacted via telephone at Commercial 06202-80-8610 or 06202-80-5313 or DSN 379-8610 or 379-5313. Or you can reach the coordinator via email at Jodi.motszko@eur.army.mil.

 

Helpful Links:

 

ACS:   http://www.mwrfirstchoice.com/stuttgartmwr/ACS/?reloaded=true

 

Army One Source:  https://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx

 

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors:  http://www.taps.org/

Publications for Surviving Spouses:   http://www.moaa.org/usergroup/usergroup_fam/usergroup_fam_aux/usergroup_fam_aux_pubs/index.htm

Army Long Term Family Case Management:  https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/active/tagd/cmaoc/altfcm/index.htm

Veterans Administration Survivor Web Page:   http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/

Gold Star Wives:   http://www.goldstarwives.org/