SOS has new meaning for Belvoir, Army

The dreaded knock at the door is something all military families fear. There aren’t words to adequately describe the pain of losing a loved one.
The role of a casualty assistance officer is to help the family during the period immediately following a casualty, eliminate delay in settling claims and to help in personnel-related affairs.
However, unresolved issues or questions may surface months, or years, after the loss, which is where Army Community Service’s Survivor Outreach Services can help.
“We pick up where the Casualty Assistance Office leaves off. They play a vital role with helping families in the beginning, but we are here six months, two years, 10 years down the road,” said Ryan Yarnell, SOS financial counselor.
“Our services are here for families as long as they want to be part of the Army. We encourage them to remain an integral part of the Army family,” said Annette Sanders-Nash, SOS coordinator.
“I consider survivors to be heroes. The loved one they lost is a hero, but, without a doubt, they are heroes, as well, and deserve the utmost respect,” Sanders-Nash said.
SOS is a joint effort between Installation Management Command and FMWRC to support survivors of deceased soldiers.
It became a program because military wives took action.
“A group of wives felt they were not getting the support they needed. They felt like they were being left on the wayside. They were not made aware of services, felt forgotten, and were frustrated with the levels of red tape and number of hoops to jump through,” Sanders-Nash said.
The Secretary of the Army responded by adopting a new program which extends support to families of the fallen for as long as needed. SOS is now included as a commitment in the Army Family Covenant.
At the recent annual meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, and Army Secretary John M. McHugh reaffirmed their commitment to Army families. They discussed how the covenant evolved since it was first was signed in 2007. SOS was one of the programs highlighted in the covenant.
SOS programs are found at any installation with a CAO. Belvoir’s SOS program started in April.
“We are here on the garrison level to give face-to- face interaction,” Sanders-Nash said. “We’re not just another phone number; we can help refer them to where they need to be.”
SOS helps Belvoir families by streamlining processes and helps with any needs a family may have.
“We are kind of a one-stop shop to help families connect with the right resources, whether it’s financial, emotional, or has to deal with benefits,” Yarnell said.
When families first come to SOS, Sanders-Nash helps determine their needs and connects them with the right people.
If Sanders-Nash determines a family needs financial help, she will connect them with Yarnell.
Yarnell is an accredited financial counselor, and an Army spouse himself. He and his wife recently moved to Belvoir from Germany, where he was working in finance. He gives families financial assistance, investment and estate- planning education.
“Even if they don’t think they need the program, its important families know what is available to them,” Yarnell said.
Survivor outreach is available to eligible family members on a full spectrum of topics. Services are provided by professionals with applicable licenses, degrees and industry certifications and designations.
Services include, but are not limited to, Army benefits; financial counseling and budgeting; grief counseling; estate planning; health, life and long-term care insurance; life skills education and referrals to professional support services.
“We expect the demand for our services to increase upon completion of the new hospital. Not only   because of the hospital, but for those who are moving closer to Belvoir. Our services are available to all survivors — not just those affected by the current conflict,” Sanders-Nash said.
If you or someone you know may be eligible to receive SOS, or for more information, call 703-805-2967 or 703-805-1795.