1. Army Community Service (ACS) Fort Drum, New York September 2012
ACS Green Press
~A tree free newsletter
Direct questions / feedback To: Sarah Lynch : 772-5374 sarah.l.lynch@us.army.mil
Fall - the Season of Change
As the temperature begins to the group during their time to- fered free computer for the
drop, the days begin to shorten gether. Spouses possess unique workforce training as well as
Inside this issue: and the tree line changes from gifts and talents that when shared home career fairs and classes
lush green to orange, red and with others, may be just the cata- for people who want to build
Regarding Resilience 2
yellow one, cannot help but lyst needed to achieve a goal set their own business?
Is There a Right Way
to Provide Praise?
contemplate the idea of change. by another. Maybe you have something a
Career Fair Prep 3 Surely Soldiers and Families, While New You Now is just one little more personal in mind.
Clothing Drive- know that change is inevitable. group that reaches a few spouses Maybe you want to change
Helping the Commu- In fact the only constant we can
nity and the Earth on post, Army Community Ser- the way you think or feel. If
be sure of is that everything that is the case, why not con-
vice as a whole, is a resource avail-
Make a Difference 4
changes in the Army. able to all Soldiers, Families, Re-sider taking the Master Resil-
Day at ACS
Change can be viewed quite dif- tirees and DOD civilians. ience Training. Resilience
Spouse Groups- 5 ferently depending on your training is a positive psychol-
So, this fall, when you are ponder-
Offering Friend- viewpoint. Some people are ogy model that allows us to
ships, Support and ing the changes all around you,
resistant to change while others ACS would like to challenge you understand what drives our
Fun Activities
long for change to occur in their to look within yourself. Do you thoughts and behaviors.
Community-In the 6 every day lives. have any changes you would like ACS has something for every-
Spotlight– Justin
Powers Recently, Army Community to make? Are there any new year’s one. We offer a wide array of
Service started New You Now, a resolutions still unmet? If so, we classes ranging from canning
Samaritan Medical 7
spouse group that’s main pur- offer many programs and classes to infant massage.
Center-Serving the
Fort Drum Commu- pose is to empower participants to help you along the way! Ask yourself if it is time for a
nity who have goals and aspirations For instance, if your goal is to change. Why not come by
to make the changes in their start saving more and spending ACS and see if we have some-
Getting the Credit 8 lives that are needed to achieve
You Deserve less, Financial Readiness has fi- thing that interests you?
the goals they have set. The nancial counselors, classes and
group concept is unique as it is seminars to help you do just that.
self directed. The group mem- “Think ACS First”
bers determine what they want Maybe you would like to enter the
ACS Calendar of 9
Events to do as a group. Their interests work force or make a career
and goals shape the direction change. The Employment Readi-
If you have an hour, will
the group will take and set the ness Program offers one on one
counseling, classes and workshops you not improve that hour,
ACS Contacts 10 tone for the meetings. Each
participant is encouraged to to increase your employability and instead of idling it away?
share the talents, knowledge and sharpen your skills. In fact, did
you know that this year ERP of- Lord Chesterfield
experiences they possess with

2. Page 2 ACS Green Press October 2012
Regarding Resilience: Tips, tools and techniques
for practicing resilience everyday!
By Jenn Eichner, MRT 772-2848
Is There a Right Way to Provide Praise?
How are you at giving Praise? I think or admiration for someone or something, three things:
many readers will say that they do it especially in public. The key word in the
 It demonstrates that you were
well. And this is an important task as definition is strong. How do we ensure
we are providing strong praise? The an- really watching and took a vested
connection with others is a key com- interest in what the person was
ponent to resilience. Providing peo- swer is fairly simple; give your praise sub-
stance and depth. doing
ple with positive and encouraging
feedback is a great way to build, main-  It demonstrates authenticity when
tain and enhance relationships. But, When you recognize someone and offer
you can pinpoint praise
is there a right way and a wrong way praise, name the specific strategy, effort, or
to praise? skill that led to the good outcome. In many  It enables winning streaks by let-
I would simply suggest that there is a situations it just takes adding another sen- ting people know what exactly to
better way. tence to our “basic praise” efforts: do again or improve upon to merit
 Good job, I really liked the way you more praise
Too often our attempts to praise oth- …….
ers do not go deep enough into the  Atta boy, I was so pleased to see you
reason for that praise. Some of our Give strong praise a try this month.
do…….
most common attempts sound like You will find that it not only makes the
this:  I am proud of you for the way giver and receivers of the praise feel
 Good job you……. good, it will also strengthen your con-
 Pat on the back - with an “atta nection with each other. Positive,
 Thank you. Because of what you did
boy” strong connections typically lead to one
for me……….
 I am proud of you thing – Good Stuff!!
 Thank you Take your praise attempts a step further in
order to ensure that your praise builds up
While these are very positive phrases, your connection with someone by reassur- Have a great month – good luck and
do they really fulfill the meaning of ing them that you saw more than what can good thoughts!
giving praise? As defined, praise is be covered with a blanket phrase. Making
the act of expressing strong approval
your praise specific and personal does
9 November Module 1 9:30am-2:30pm
3 December Module 2 9:30am-2:30pm
11 February Module 3 9:30am-2:30pm
4 March Module 4 9:30am-2:30pm
All classes held at ACS Building call 772-0470/2848/0509 to make a reservation

3. Page 3 ACS Green Press October 2012
Career Fair Preparation-Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Going to a haps with a decorative accent such as a you need to get comfortable talk-
career fair? scarf or a tie. Don’t overdo the jewelry, ing about yourself so you will be
With a little cover up tattoos, and temporarily remove able to highlight your accomplish-
preparation piercings. ments and strengths quickly and
you’ll be able easily. Here at Employment
to put your Next, prepare a portfolio to bring to the Readiness we call this the “30 sec-
best foot forward. Making a good im- career fair. This consists of a simple ond commercial.” Essentially,
pression in person can definitely help binder with protective sleeves in which you want to sum yourself up in
you get a job. you can put copies of cover letters, your one or two positive sentences.
resume, your reference list, your diploma, Practice saying those in front of a
First, you need to find out what em- and any awards or certificates you may mirror- and don’t forget to smile!
ployers will be at the career fair. Then have earned. If you are a photographer,
decide which ones you are interested in. graphic designer, or in a similar profession, The Army Career Alumni Pro-
You can usually obtain a list of these include copies of some of your work- just gram (ACAP) Career Fair will be
companies from the organization host- to display and talk about, not to give out. held at the Commons on Novem-
ing the career fair. If you are a writer, include copies of any ber 1, from 10:00am to 2:00pm,
articles or poems that have been pub- giving you an excellent opportu-
Once you have chosen which employ- lished, even if you didn’t get paid for nity to practice your job fair skills.
ers to target, it’s time to think about them. Tuck a pen and a notepad into your To learn more about portfolio and
your outfit. The majority of us do judge portfolio as well so you’ll be able to take resume preparation, job searching,
a book by its cover, so you should some notes if necessary. and interviewing, contact Employ-
choose clothes that are appropriate and ment Readiness at 772-9611/
conservative. Avoid loud prints, but Now that you have your list of targeted 1090/ 2737.
don’t be afraid to be a memorable- per- employers, your outfit and your portfolio,
ACS Winter Clothing and Business Attire Clothing
Drive -Helping the Community and the Earth
ACS Out- This year Outreach has partnered with our fellow community members but
reach the Employment Readiness Program to recycling clothing is a green initia-
holds a bi- put a new twist on the clothing drive. tive. Your donations will help
annual Mandy Thompson, ERP program man- Families and Soldiers in need but
clothing ager, explained that this year they will be also reduce landfills. Did you know
drive each year in an effort to collect driving for donated business attire be- that the typical American discards
gently used seasonable clothing items cause they hope to establish a lending about 68 pounds of used clothing a
for Families in need. Whether it is be- closet for interview attire. Some young year? This adds up to two quadril-
cause Families find themselves unpre- job seekers may not have appropriate lion pounds of clothing being
pared for the cold weather or unable to business attire to attend a career fair or dumped into landfills by Americans
afford the incurred economic hardship to interview for a job. These types of every year. When you clean out
winter can bring, the winter clothing programs such as Dress For Success your closet, think of the ways your
drive and giveaway is by far the most (DFS) have been established around the donation matters.
heavily attended of the two. Last year, nation in an effort to give job seekers a
we had over two hundred Soldiers and Clothing can be donated at ACS
leg up when they are unemployed and
Family members sign in to receive the between 1-12 October. The cloth-
unable to afford business apparel. The
donated items free of charge. ing giveaway will be held October
idea is to assist individuals by providing
16 from 11 am until clothes are
Although there wasn’t a lot left over, professional clothing for interviews and
gone.
what was left was donated to the Thrift the first week on a new job. Not only
Store on Fort Drum. does this charitable donation benefit “Think ACS First”

4. Page 4 ACS Green Press October 2012
Make a Difference Day at ACS
For the past 20 are here to help our Military Families
neighbor’s lawn, or possibly a major by “developing, coordinating, and
years the 4th Sat-
corporation funding and supporting delivering services which promote
urday in October
the winterization of homes for our self-reliance, resiliency, and stability
has been recog-
Elderly Veterans. Whatever the pro- during war and peace.” ACS has
nized as the larg-
ject may be, Make a Difference Day great plans for Family Programming
est national day
is a combination of community ser- in 2013 and they are looking for vol-
of community service. USA WEEK-
vice events being planned and exe- unteers to help with program deliv-
END Magazine and Hands on Net-
cuted by not only individuals, but ery! This year’s project will focus on
work have partnered together to cre-
communities not-for-profit agencies, the beautification of the ACS build-
ate Make a Difference Day, and the
small businesses, and corporations. ing, garden set-up for the Hearts
goal was simple - encourage people
to help others. Millions of people Fort Drum Army Community Apart/International Spouses clubs,
from around the world participate Service (ACS) has participated in clean-up of the community kitchen,
every year with the intent to help Make A Difference Day for over 10 and various other activities. If you are
improve the lives of others. Make a years, and has completed many pro- interested in helping us in our sup-
Difference Day in 2011 saw over 3 jects to include: painting a mural at a port of Military Families, please join
million Americans supporting the Children’s Community Center, local us on October 27th at the ACS build-
National Day of Doing Good, and park clean-up and beautification, a ing, P4330 Conway Rd, at 10:00am.
October 27, 2012 should be no ex- Teddy Bear Drive for children in the Join us in supporting the National
ception! hospital, and land clean-up/clearing Day of Doing Good, and think….
for the Exceptional Family Member How can I MAKE A DIFFER-
playground. Our Fort Drum Com- ENCE?
Thousands of community service munity has generously donated their For more information, or to sign up,
projects have been planned and regis- time and services throughout the
please contact Lori Starr at 772-2933.
tered on the Make a Difference Day years as neighbors helping neighbors.
project site. While participating in “Think ACS First”
Army Community Service is a
the event you could see individual
compilation of Family Programs that
volunteers mowing an elderly
ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE
AND VOLUNTEERISM:
RECENTLY ACS RELOCATION
READINESS SAID GOODBYE TO
FRED AND ANNETTE GHIZ.
THE GHIZ’S VOLUNTEERED
WITH RELOCATION READI-
NESS TO PREPARE INPROCESS-
ING PACKETS, PARTICIPATE IN
THE NEWCOMERS TOUR AND
TEACH SEWING CLASSES.
THE GHIZ’S TOUCHED THE
LIVES OF MANY YOUNG FORT
DRUM SOLDIERS BY PROVID-
ING THEM WITH FELLOWSHIP
AND A WEEKLY GAMENIGHT
AT THEIR HOME.

5. Page 5 ACS Green Press October 2012
Spouse Groups - Offering Friendships, Support
and Fun Activities
Before the bus pulls away from the international spouse, the Interna- ing our time at ACS but they have
ACS parking lot, the foyer is buzz- tional Spouse Support Group ex- left behind a lasting impression and
ing with conversation and anticipa- plores customs and courtesies of fond memories of good times
tion for the days outing. Spouses each member’s culture and experi- shared. As we watch babies grow
and Family Members participating ences. They share activities that into toddlers a Family develops.
in Hearts Apart and International promote resilience, tolerance, expe-
Spouse groups are excited for the riential activities and friendship. The benefits of being part of some-
annual apple picking trip to Mexico. Hearts Apart is designed to promote thing larger must not be discounted.
This familiar scene is nothing new resilience during times when partici- When our Soldiers and Families feel
to ACS. However, to some spouses pants are apart from their Soldiers connected they thrive rather than
newly arrived at Fort Drum, it is and New You Now is a women’s survive where they are stationed.
their first impression of what being empowerment group designed to Deployments, while never easy, be-
part of a spousal support group is all help you be the best possible you come much more tolerable.
about. Spouses who come to Relo- that you can be.
On October 19 from 1000-1200, all
cation Readiness for information or
Activities are beneficial on many group members are invited to attend
to borrow from the lending closet
levels. Participants form friendships a meeting with Dr. Laurie W. Rush,
are enthusiastically encouraged to
and support systems, learn new PhD, Fort Drum Archeologist to
try out one of the three spousal
skills, become self aware, teach oth- learn about the ancient history of
groups in place. While one is set up
ers and grow together. In a sense, Fort Drum. Dr. Rush will help us
to help support spouses through
they become a community within gain insight into the ancient cultures
deployments, another is open to
our larger community. They de- and ancestral places on post. If you
spouses at any time and the third is
velop a sense of belonging from the are interested in attending this meet-
a support to our international
start. Many lasting friendships are ing or any other group meeting,
spousal population at Fort Drum.
formed and when members leave please call 772-6902/6566 for more
Spousal groups are a wonderful way due to location changes, the good- information.
to network, learn and grow with byes are felt by those still here at
“Think ACS First!”
other people with similar circum- Fort Drum. We have said goodbye
stances. For instance, if one is an to some truly wonderful people dur-
Apple Picking with the International Spouse’s Group

6. Page 6 ACS Green Press October 2012
Building Community: In the Spotlight
ACS Introduces-Justin Powers (Caught and Released)
Team and Margaret Powers , spent his Justin is an example of the youth in
exploratory work experience split be- our military community. He always
tween two FMWR activities. When had a great sense of humor and a will-
Justin wasn’t working at Monti Physi- ingness to work.
cal Fitness Center, he was working
While Justin was with us we teased
with the Relocation Readiness Program
him about working with an office full
at ACS.
of women. We asked him if he felt
Justin helped take inventory, file, main- like he was “caught doing something
tain our community garden area and fill wrong” and punished to work hard
and return lending closet requests. labor at ACS Relocation Readiness.
ACS wants to say thank you to Justin
It was great to get to know Justin and and let him know we will miss him!
to be able to participate in the HIRED!
program.
This summer ACS Relocation Readiness Justin attends Carthage Central School
“If you want children to keep
had the pleasure of mentoring a young and plans to wrestle this fall. During
their feet on the ground, put
Fort Drum teen who participated in the his free time, Justin studies mixed mar-
some responsibility on their
CYSS Program HIRED! HIRED! is an tial arts.
shoulders.”
apprenticeship program that offers work-
When asked what he planned to do -Abigail Van Buren
force preparation trainings, exploratory
with his money, Justin replied that he
work experience and cash stipend awards. Actress, columnist
was saving it for a new car. He is con-
Justin Powers, the 15 year old son of SFC sidering a classic car, make and model
Paul Powers of 2nd Brigade Combat yet to be decided upon.
You can make a difference…..
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be
honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference
that you have lived and lived well”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

7. Page 7 ACS Green Press October 2012
Samaritan Medical Center -Serving the Fort Drum
Community
As you know, the healthcare sys- the hospital’s relationship with Fort community where you don’t know
tem at Fort Drum is different than Drum is ensuring that Soldiers and where to go or what to do? When
most other US Army installations. Families know what to expect from you have to go to the hospital for
Because there is not a hospital on SMC and who to turn to for assis- care, what can the staff do to make
Fort Drum, Soldiers and Families tance. Additionally, it is important your experience as comfortable as
rely on many community-based for SMC to understand the unique possible?
healthcare services and physicians challenges of military life, for both
These are the types of concerns
for medical care. Serving our mili- the Soldier and his/her Family.
that SMC and ACS are working to
tary Families is something commu- This is critical to providing you
understand, address and improve.
nity hospitals, like Samaritan Medi- with the best possible care.
cal Center (SMC) in Watertown, The next step was to hold a second
On Wednesday, August 22, repre-
take very seriously. So much so planning meeting at Samaritan
sentatives from Samaritan Medical
that the hospital’s Board of Trus- Medical Center in which ACS rep-
Center visited Army Community
tees expanded the hospital’s mis- resentatives had an opportunity to
Services (ACS) at Fort Drum to
sion to include both the military tour the facility, meet staff and
begin planning new ways to get to
and civilian community. Strength- management and discuss ways to
know each other. From the mo-
ening its relationship with Fort improve and strengthen the rela-
ment a Soldier learns that he/she is
Drum is a major focus of the hos- tionship.
moving to Fort Drum until the day
pital’s new strategic plan. that they depart Fort Drum for Samaritan Medical Center wants to
At Samaritan Medical Center, many another duty station, their knowl- provide the best care possible to
initiatives are underway to ensure edge, understanding and level of Soldiers and their Families. This is
that our Soldiers and Families have trust in the unique healthcare sys- the first step in bridging the gap
access to the care they need, when tem here is essential. between what you as Soldiers and
they need it. Not only is the quality SMC reached out to ACS to start spouses expect and what Samaritan
of the care important to SMC, but Medical Center delivers.
planning different ways for the
your experience while you are un- Soldier and Family to get to know Stay tuned for future news about
der their care is also at the top of and trust the hospital even before these efforts and how you can be
their priority list. they might need medical care. Ideas involved. In the meantime, please
SMC works closely with Fort being discussed are hospital tours visit Samaritan Medical Center on
Drum leadership to understand for expectant moms, involvement Facebook and Twitter, or visit the
and respond to the unique needs of in new Soldier orientation, fun hospital’s web-site at
Soldiers and their families. Mem- events for Fort Drum Families and www.samaritanhealth.com.
bers of MEDDAC Command convenient connections to the hos-
Group have seats on the hospital’s pital for information and updates.
Board of Trustees, participate in Just as importantly, the hospital
many planning meetings and have a staff wants to learn more about the
direct line of communication with military lifestyle so that they can Samaritan Medical Center
hospital officials. Active duty phy- better meet the needs – physical
sicians from Fort Drum practice 830 Washington Street
and emotional – of the Soldier and
side-by-side with the physicians Family. What is it like to pick up Watertown, NY
and staff at Samaritan Medical and move every few years, leaving 315-785-4000
Center. friends and Family behind? What
An important step in strengthening does it feel like to move to a new

8. ACS Green Press October 2012 Page 8
Getting the Credit You Deserve-Financial Readiness
A credit report is a record of an indi- tary judgments and even overdue child tect your rights as a credit active indi-
vidual’s credit payment history along support. Whatever is a matter of pub- vidual. It was designed to help you
with indentifying information, public lic record at the courthouse shows up correct errors. Believe it or not, errors
record information and inquiries. It’s in this section of your credit report. due to human mistakes are not uncom-
purpose is to help lenders decide if theyThe Inquiry section of your credit re- mon. When you find an error, immedi-
want to extend credit to you. port lists anyone who has assessed your ately call or write the credit bureau.
The personal identification information report for up to the last two years for They will check the source. If after
found on your credit report includes the purpose of giving you credit. For checking the source they are unable to
such things as your name, current and instance, if you are shopping around confirm the information they, are sup-
previous addresses, social security num- for a car, and the dealership ran your- posed to immediately remove it from
ber, date of birth, current and your file and send an amended re-
previous employers, and your port to everyone you specify who
spouse’s name if you have one. has received your report within the
The credit information portion last six months, as well as to any
of the report lists all of the credit prospective employers within the
accounts you have with banks, last two years. If after checking, the
credit unions, finance compa- credit bureau stands by its original
nies, retailers, credit card issuers information, you can continue to
and any other lenders. This in- disagree by adding a statement de-
formation is given to the credit tailing your dispute.
reporting agency by the credit In summation, Americans are more
grantors. For each account the in debt than ever before. Watch
credit report lists the type of account credit application through a couple of your debt load and keep it below 20
(revolving, installment, mortgage, stu- different banks to find the best interest percent. Keep track of your credit
dent loans etc.) when the account was rate, each will show up on your credit score by monitoring your report. If
opened, your credit limit or loan report in the inquiry section. you find your credit is not quite what it
amount, the balance still owed and any Why is this information important to should be, don't be tempted into using
co-signer information. The most im- you as a consumer? Understanding a credit repair clinic. Such clinics are
portant information found in this sec- what is on your credit report and learn- costly and you can do what they do on
tion is how promptly you have made ing to read it will help you monitor it to your own or with the help of the Fi-
your payments. ensure accurate information is reported nancial Readiness Program (FRP) at
The public records portion of your and to prevent identity fraud. Fair Army Community Service. Contact
credit report contains information per- Credit Reporting Act, first passed in FRP at 772-5196.
taining to bankruptcy, tax liens, mone- 1970 by congress, was designed to pro- “Think ACS First”
Financial Readiness Offers classes and one on one ap-
pointments to help you with your finances and budget-
ing concerns. You can even get advice before making
major purchases such as home buying and purchasing
an automobile! Call 772-5196 to find out more.

9. Page 9 ACS Green Press October 2012
Remember “Think ACS First!”
Spook-tacular Events in October
October 26 Haunted Hayride at Remington Park
October 27 Haunted Hotel at Nash Blvd Guest House
October 31 Zombie Run Sponsored by BOSS Remington
Park

10. Army Community Service
P4330 Conway Road
Fort Drum, New York
13602
Army Emergency Relief 772-6560, 772-8873 or 772-2855
Army Family Team Building 772-6710, 772-9229
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122037720
Army Volunteer Program Coordinator 772-2899
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Army-volunteer-
Corps/13651504365912
Exceptional Family Member Program 772-5488, 772-0819, 772-0664
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-FMWR-Exceptional-
Family-Member-Program /104951319542718
Employment Readiness Program 772-9611, 772-2737, 772-1090
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumemployment
Family Advocacy Program 772-4244, 772-6929, 772-2279
(New Parent Support Program)
SAPRP 772-0596, 772-4070, 772-0748
772-5605, 772-5914
Financial Readiness Program 772-0050, 772-5196, 772-8526
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-financial-Readiness-
ACS/1956662120473
Information and Referral 772-6556, 772-6557
Military & Family Life Consultants 212-6919
Mobilization and Deployment 772-2848, 772-0470, 772-2919
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-Mobiliztion-and-
Deployment/178420512193448?ref=ts&v=wall
Outreach 772-5374
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Drum-ACS-
Outreach/180373271991692
Relocation Readiness 772-5475, 772-6553, 772-6902
http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Fort -Drum -Relocation -Readiness
Program/171335822906429 772-6566
Soldier Family Assistance Center 772-7781
http://www.facebook.com/Fort.Drum.FMWR/SFAC
Survivor Outreach Services 772-6357
http://www.facebook.com/fortdrumsurvivoroutreachservices