'America Supports You' Links Troops

If you or another servicemember or military family you know needs help, the support you're seeking might be just a few clicks away on the "America Supports You" website. The site has a long list of resources and partners all standing by and ready to help. Resources available include donated frequent flier miles, home renovations for disabled veterans, free phone cards, and care packages. This program includes not only traditional military and government programs, but also corporate, grassroots and individual efforts that help meet needs of deployed servicemembers and their families that the Department of Defense simply can't.

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VA Holds Women's Retreat
The Specialized Outpatient/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment program of the VA Black Hills Health Care System is hosting its semi-annual Women's Retreat April 28-30, 2006 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center, two miles east of Sturgis. The program is intended for women veterans (all eras) and collaterals (wives, significant others, mothers, etc.) of male veterans traumatized by experiences during military service. The weekend retreat begins at 12 Noon on Friday and ends at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Those wishing to participate must pre-register by phoning 605.720.7449 or 1-800-743-1070, extension 7449. Prior to registration, a brief telephone screening is required.

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Returning Troops Get Additional Screening
Servicemembers returning from deployments will now participate in a new health screening program three to six months after arriving home. The Post Deployment Health Reassessment program, or PDHRA, is designed to identify deployment-related health concerns that persist or problems servicemembers notice after coming home. The PDHRA provides education, screening, assessment and access to care for a wide variety of questions and concerns that servicemembers may have about their health after a deployment.