Podcasts about efmp

There's a common myth that enrolling in the Exceptional Family Member Program can harm your military career, but that simply isn't true. It supports it. In this episode, host Bruce Moody talks with Col. R. Erik Herrmann, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and father to a child with special needs, who shares how EFMP helped his family thrive without holding back his professional growth. Tune in to learn five key takeaways about EFMP: why enrolling matters, how the program aligns with career progression, the push for policy standardization across branches, the support available after relocation, and how respite care helps military caregivers recharge. Note: The respite care reimbursement model discussed in this episode applies to the Marine Corps only. Other military branches provide respite care through contractors, so service members are not required to find their own provider. This episode reflects one Marine's personal experience with EFMP. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/efmp-resources/ to learn about the resources and support available to military families with special needs. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the Defense Department's Military OneSource. Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

Send us a textToday's drop is brought to you by… anger, caffeine, and one last damn slot for the Operator Training Summit. Jared's back with a full-frontal assault on the newest batch of DoD clownery: airframes that are being “upgraded” before they even exist, moving programs that still don't move anything, and bonus cuts that would make a finance troop cry in DFAS-approved tears.We've got everything from Russia testing nuclear air-to-air missiles to the Space Force getting 3% of the budget while being told to dominate orbit. The E-7 still isn't here, China is casually infiltrating American data systems, and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program might bankrupt us before it ever flies. Meanwhile, the military's entire PCS and EFMP system is straight-up FUBAR'd, and CardoMax is the only thing holding the line.

This December 2024 podcast features Kelly Yandall, Legal Administrative Specialist and former Active Duty Adjutant General (AG) Officer, who administratively managed JAGCORPs assignments for the last two years. Ms. Yandall describes the assignment process from assignment instructions to orders production and provides clarity as to where officers can go for help. Ms. Yandall also offers a detailed description of the role of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) in the assignments process. New to military moves? Unfamiliar with member elections? Never used IPPS-A? This podcast is for you!!! LINKS: E-EFMP: https://efmp.army.mil/ IPPS-A: https://hr.ippsa.army.mil/ Connect with The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school/tjaglcs).

U.S. Army Colonel Jonathan Dunn and his wife, Margy delve into Colonel Dunn's career journey from military upbringing to teaching at West Point and becoming an FAO. Margy shares her experiences balancing family life with the demands and challenges of military service, particularly as a mother of EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) children. The discussion covers topics such as the intricacies of the FAO training pipeline, the challenges of unaccompanied tours, and the importance of mentorship. The episode also explores the financial logistics for EFMP families, their experiences traveling with children, and the essential role of communication and support systems in making it all work.

Technology has had an incredible impact on how we live and work in the world today.  Our access to videos, websites, and social media platforms are just at our fingertips.  But does digital media usage affect our mental health?  Listen as Dr. Justin Rowberry discusses the impact that this usage has on our mental, emotional, and behavioral health…especially on our kids.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Luke Spouses' Club and Tyndall Spouses Club.  To learn more, visit https://www.lukespousesclub.org/ and https://www.tyndallsc.org/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes:   Resources:   Bio:   Colonel Justin R. Rowberry is the Director of the Developmental and Behavioral Family Readiness Center (DBFRC), Defense Health Headquarters, Virginia. He is creating and leading an innovative health program designed to provide developmental, behavioral, and mental health care to remote or underserved locations across the Air Force. He has grown the DBFRC from a 4-provider pilot program in PACAF to now having 9 teams of physicians, nurses, speech therapists, and social workers across the globe. Col Rowberry ensures timely delivery of needed remote care through a combination of virtual video visits, specialty provider extender training, and provider TDYs. The DBFRC has proved crucial to readiness through strategic delivery of care where and when it is needed, decreasing EFMP denials, decreasing reassignments for medical reasons, and improving dependent healthcare outcomes.

In this week's edition of the Marne Report Podcast, EFMP joins us to discuss the upcoming Safety Day. Take a listen now by searching for 'The Marne Report' wherever you get your podcasts.

You spoke. We listened. Hear about the results of the 2022 Exceptional Family Member Program Survey and how the program will continue to evolve to better serve families with special medical and educational needs. Get a brief overview of EFMP and its three components. Learn about the survey process, its purpose and how insights gained will be used to enhance EFMP. Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes, associate director of the Defense Department Office of Special Needs. The purpose of OSN is to standardize, enhance and improve Defense Department support around the world for military families with special medical and educational needs. OSN develops policy and provides oversight for EFMP and the provision of special education services offered through the DOD. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/programs/office-special-needs/ to learn about the resources and support available to families with special medical and educational needs. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy. Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcast Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

In this episode, the Talent Management Office (TMO) discusses how judge advocates should approach their assignment preference sheets, which is just the beginning of the conversation. The biggest change to the assignment preference sheet is the inclusion of leadership questions for those seeking specific leadership roles. The online assignment preference sheet will be available 1 August 2024. TMO uses the preference sheet to understand where you are interested in being stationed and what type of work you want to do going forward. The preference sheet will also be used to tell TMO about specific personal considerations (EFMP, MACP, spouse or partner career goals, extended family concerns, etc.). If you have questions or comments, please email the TMO team at: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-otjag.mbx.tmo@army.mil Connect with The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/ or on Facebook (tjaglcs), Instagram (tjaglcs), or LinkedIn (school/tjaglcs).

In this week's edition of the Marne Report Podcast, we discuss the support and resources the Exceptional Family Member Program provides to military families with special needs and the upcoming events. Take a listen now by searching for "The Marne Report" wherever you get your podcast.

On this episode of Fort Meade Declassified, we sit down with from all service branches of the Fort Meade Exceptional Family Member Program to learn more about how EFMP works and benefits our community. To learn more about the Fort Meade EFMP, visit https://home.army.mil/meade/my-fort/for-families/EFMP.

This podcast is promoting a series about the newly enhanced Exceptional Family Member Program. Learn about who the program serves, how it helps military families and the new enhancements put in place by the Defense Department to facilitate better communication and a seamless experience for families with special medical and/or educational needs, regardless of location and service branch. Host Bruce Moody speaks with Tomeshia Barnes, associate director, Office of Special Needs. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/ to learn about the resources and support available to military families with special medical and/or educational needs. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy. Share your feedback about this podcast as well as ideas for future episodes by visiting the Military OneSource Podcasts Feedback Form at https://public.militaryonesource.mil/podcast-feedback. You may also share feedback on the EFMP program through the EFMP feedback form: https://public.militaryonesource.mil/efmpfeedback. The Military OneSource Podcast series is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

The military lifestyle's stress is hard enough on marriage, but what happens when you add a medical diagnosis? A child in need of extra care?  In this episode, we explore Aaron and Monica Harding's story of finding help for their son, themselves, and their marriage.   The Harding's son Jackson (17) was diagnosed with SynGAP in 2015, at age 10. Today, with children aged 24, 21 and 17, his wife, Monica, is now just learning how to take time away. And, according to Aaron, “that's only because we started family therapy ~2 years ago.” Children living with SynGAP live with symptoms that include: autism / intellectual disabilities / sleep issues / behavior issues / seizures (sometimes a hundred a day) / delayed fine motor and language skills. Today, there is no cure, only medications that treat individual symptoms. Each case is different and brings its own unique challenges. For families like the Sandersons and the Hardings, those challenges are even more acute as they navigate the complexities of military life. Sign up for my monthly newsletter here! For more content and resources visit www.life-giver.org We want to hear from you - It helps us serve you better! Send us an email at podcast@corieweathers.com Want to work with Corie? Check out https://www.corieweathers.com/ for more info. Song Credits: "You and Me" Tamas Kolozsvari  

dgutspodcast.com/docs-point-of-view dgutsapparel.com https://soundcloud.com/usailorwillis/ Patreon: https://patreon.com/dgutspodcast Facebook: Don't Give Up The Ship Podcast / Apparel Instagram: @dgutspodcast / @dgutsapparel Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DontGiveUpTheShipPodcast Email: docspovpodcast@gmail.com Store: dgutspodcast.com/shop Substack: https://dguts.substack.com Reddit: r/dgutspodcast u/dgutspodcast Discord: @dgutspodcast Doc's Point of View, Episode 12 – My Kids Take Priority Doc talks with Aaron, who is a Lab Tech. At the beginning, they talk shop about why they joined and working on a laboratory bench. At the end they discuss the process of family members getting enrolled into EFMP and how it affects where you get stationed while in the military. Family members, especially children, play a major factor in your daily work balance and how you navigate your career. Please enjoy! If you want to engage with Trey, you can email him at docspovpodcast@gmail.com. He would love to answer any questions or simply discuss what's on your mind. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the speaker and all guests are not those of the Department of Defense, United States Navy or any other government agency. They are strictly those of the speakers who do not speak for any other organization or entity. DISCLAIMER: The speaker(s) are NOT mental health professionals and do not intend any of the content of this podcast as mental health advice. If you need professional mental health advice, please seek out your closest military or civilian mental health providers immediately.

Having family members with special needs can cause extra stress in the military lifestyle. In this episode we provide a birds eye view of the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), designed to assist military families with special needs. You can learn more here.  If you're in need of additional EFMP related support and resources, be sure to connect with the team at Exceptional Families of the Military.  Helping military families connect with military real estate experts throughout the US. Learn more about MilHousing Network at https://milhousingnetwork.com/. MilHousing Network is a proud partner of Armed Forces Bank. Serving those who serve since 1907. For more information on home financing, click here.

Learn about the 2022 Exceptional Family Member Program survey. It's the first Defense Department survey of its kind and a chance for families enrolled in EFMP to have their voices heard. Host Bruce Moody speaks with Jen Wong, program analyst for the DOD Office of Special Needs, who describes the survey, how to participate and how the results will be used to make meaningful change. Visit Military OneSource to learn about the 2022 EFMP survey. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the Office of Military Community and Family Policy. The Military OneSource podcast is an official resource of the DOD. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

Our guest this week is Joshua Carrigg, of Gaithersburg, MD, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Joshua and his wife, Austin, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of three: Christian (20), Nicholas (17) who has Autism and adopted daughter Melanie (9) who has Down syndrome and other special healthcare needs. Joshua joined the US Army at 20 and has served for 19 years including two deployments to Iraq 'in 03-'04 and '06-'07. Joshua's wife, Austin, is the founder and CEO of the Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM), a volunteer-led, non-profit organization specializing in helping DoD families enrolled in Exceptional Families of the Military Program (EFMP).The mission of EFM is to connect military families with Disabilities, Special Healthcare Needs, or additional educational needs from all branches of the service in order to navigate within the EFMP and identify areas of improvement that affect the families they represent.EFM families have 18 online support groups with about 7,000 EFMP family members of the DoD-wide. They provide direct support, support groups, and also work on legislative priorities on behalf of their families. They are part of the EFMP coalition, the largest group representing EFMP families.We'll hear about Joshua his service to our country and his family on this this week's Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Exceptional Families Of The Military - https://exceptionalmilitaryfam.com/about-usEmail - Joshuarcarrigg@gmail.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-carrigg-1a921362/ Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

On this moving and very spirited episode, Michelle Norman, Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE, delivers a powerful message for our special needs families serving in the Military. She shares with SMA Tilley how the organization elevates for the concerns and needs of special education students and their families to ensure they have the same access to an education as civilian students. In addition, she offers ways that people can help support such an important cause for our military families.

Host: Jennifer Barnhill, Partners in PROMISE Guest: Kaitlin Erkkila Army spouse Kaitlin Erkkila has two sons with special needs, as well as cancer. She shares how her family has navigated this long journey within the constraints of the military system and what resources have – and have not – supported them through it.   “Ultimately it took my husband coming home from a deployment, putting on a uniform, and coming and saying, ‘I need a referral to Duke.' And wouldn't you know – I went in 17 times; he went in one time. He got the referral.”     Learn more about: Partners in PROMISE resources   If you or a family member is in need of EFMP or Special Education resources or mental health support contact Military OneSource for a free consultation.   Disruptive Storytelling with Military Changemakers is a bi-weekly podcast presented by Partners in PROMISE, a nonprofit dedicated to Protecting the Rights Of Military children In Special Education (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.). This podcast season goes back to our roots, telling military family stories because "We Love Data, But Stories Complete Us." The podcast is hosted by Jennifer Barnhill with music by Stephen McDonough.   This episode of the podcast was sponsored by the Association of Bragg Spouses. To learn more about ABS visit their website: https://fortbraggabs.membershiptoolkit.com/aboutus    Want to tell your Disruptive Story? Connect with Partners in PROMISE: info@partnersinpromise.org    Or follow us: Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE Instagram - @partnersinpromise Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1 Thepromiseact.org

Lt Col Ihme is the Commander of th 232nd Intel Squadron ,132nd  Wing, Iowa National Guard.   I was interested in her journey with being a parent of two autistic children and how she navigated the entire process of getting resources before and after a PCS and the  issues with getting children the help they needed and the energy required to advocate for them while being an active duty commander.    Her story is compelling but as I am learning not unique.  I hope by doing this segment as with the other segments on parents with special needs children, I have opened the door to more discussion on how we can navigate this journey together. Support the show

Season 2 Episode 11: EFMP On today's episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about EFMP. A topic that has come up a lot this year as we talk about PCS but also will continue to come up as the new school year begins with IEP's. EFMP the Exceptional Family Member Program is set up by the military to provide additional services to families with members that need to be provided additional services and medical appointments due to a specific condition that their primary provider can't accommodate. This ranges from seasonal bronchitis, heart conditions, migraines, to more challenging diagnosis like speech apraxia, ADHD, and autism. There is a wide range in which they cover and families are required to enroll in EFMP. The program is meant to protect families with medical needs during moves in order to make sure that you are only sent to places where you will receive proper services. Our amazing guests Kirtley Adams and Jesica Ogden are both heavily involved in the EFMP world. Kirtley currently volunteer with EFMP at Fort Benning and is a wealth of knowledge she also has a 7 year old son who is enrolled. Jesica is a licensed advocate and deals on a daily basis with her 3 children being enrolled and receiving services. Their experience has come with SO MUCH LEARNING. They share so many valuable facts and tidbits that we didn't even know existed. All of the resources they mentioned are included below, but as always we want to really encourage you to do your research. Yes we talk about these as challenges, but they are all things you can get through. And they are SO WORTH IT in the long run. You are going to learn, grow and experience so many things through this opportunity. Your kids or yourself may be dealing with things that require a little more attention but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy the same experiences and it is wonderful to see that there are programs like these available to help. If you know any resources for these challenges that will be helpful to the listeners PLEASE send them our way so we can better help families. Resources mentioned on today's show: EFMP: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/ https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/efmp-special-needs/branch-support-services ECHO: https://newsroom.tricare.mil/Articles/Article/2561363/what-is-echo-and-how-do-i-enroll Medicaid: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/ready-to-sign-up-for-part-a-part-b Advocates: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-find-a-special-education-advocate EFMP Forms: DA 2792 is the form to enroll in EFMP, and DA 2792-1 is to enroll in educational EFMP Welcome to Holland Poem: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.com/welcome-to-holland Kirtley Adams: hello@kirtleymichelle.com Jesica Ogden: Jesica.Ogden@gmail.com Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

On today's episode of Ruck up Buttercup we are chatting about Pcs, but mostly about PCS Oconus. A topic only talked about it seems when you are in the midst of a move away from the continental states. We all love the idea of living overseas and seeing the world, and why not, that isn't something everyone get to do an doing that on the Military's dime is amazing. Those moves however, come with a whole other set of challenges. Things that you may not even be aware of until you are in the throws of it trying to figure out how to overcome it. We wanted to talk about some of those topics as we here at Deployed Love have had family and friends PCS overseas recently. As well as a couple of us have done it ourselves and have a pretty good idea of the challenges you may encounter along the way. We want to really encourage you to do your research. Yes we talk about these as challenges, but they are all things you can get through. And they are SO WORTH IT in the long run. You are going to learn, grow and experience so many things through this opportunity. If you know any resources for these challenges that will be helpful to the listeners PLEASE send them our way so we can better help families. Resources mentioned on today's show: EFMP: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/ Moving with Pets: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/moving/planning-your-move/moving-with-pets/ Dogs on Deployment: https://www.dogsondeployment.org/ Command Sponsorship: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing/oconus-moves/logistics-and-family/obtaining-command-sponsorship-before-an-overseas-tour Space A Travel: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/recreation-travel-shopping/travel/travel-planning/plan-your-trip-with-space-a-travel/ Find Ruck Up Buttercup: www.instagram.com/ruckuppodcast Deployed Love: www.deployedlove.org

Today's extra episode is with Jennifer Barnhill, the COO of Partners in PROMISE, which is a nonprofit organization helping to smash stigmas and tell stories around EFMP. Jennifer Barnhill is also a freelance writer with a focus on military family advocacy, a Navy spouse and mother of three. Episode 119 of the Moments with an MEO podcast is about bucking the status quo through surveys and activism. This is a special episode about Partners in Promise. Connect with Britt: InstagramWebsite

Learn about the Exceptional Family Member Program and a podcast series created by the Office of Special Needs — for family members, service members, service providers and leaders. Host Bruce Moody speaks with OSN Program Analyst Jen Wong about the 12 episodes featuring conversations with experts who help listeners find resources and support and share what works for them. Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Alexander shares his personal experience and focus on advocacy as the father of two children enrolled in EFMP. Visit Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-life-cycle/friends-extended-family/how-efmp-benefits-service-members-family/ to learn about the resources and support available to families in EFMP. Bruce Moody is a public affairs specialist with the office of Military Community and Family Policy. The Military OneSource Podcast is an official resource of the Defense Department. For more information, visit MilitaryOneSource.mil or call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive.

Today on Getting To Know ACS, we welcome Lisa James with EFMP Medical and Cynthia Potter with ACS Fort Bliss EFMP. We discuss the benefits of enrollment, what the process is to obtain services and care and the best ways to ensure you remain able to receive the care your Family member needs when it is time to PCS. Call EFMP Medical at 915-742-1831 Call ACS EFMP at 915-568-8701 Visit us online at https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/exceptional-family-member-program-efmp

Have you heard about the new Enterprise Exceptional Family Member Program? LTG Evans joins us to share the program details and Army's Quality of Life initiatives updates. Learn about Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs; Child, Youth and School Services; and the new Enterprise Exceptional Family Member Program, which automates the historic EFMP system for families. For more information check out the resource section below.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: LTG Jason Evans, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9 Installations   Hosts:  Holly Dailey, AUSA's Director for Family Readiness SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA's Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs     Resources:    G-9 Installations Web: https://dcsg9.army.mil     Social Media Handles: Twitter: @dcs_g9 Twitter: @USArmyHousing Facebook: @USArmyHousing Facebook: @soldierandfamilyreadiness    

This week's edition of The Marne Report podcast features Lindsey from the Exceptional Family Member Program. Take a listen to learn everything you need to know about this awesome resource available through Army Community Service. (Podcast by Jenny Walker)

On this episode of Fort Meade Declassified, we talking about the medical aspect of the Fort Meade Exceptional Family Member Program with Dr. Denise Richardson, director and Mr. Dwayne Watson, EFMP case coordinator. We discuss how to navigate the paper process, some tips for ensuring things run smoothly and addressing challenges families face. Be sure to visit the Fort George G. Meade Facebook page to watch our EFMP Town Hall that was held March 2. Also be on the lookout for a new page for EFMP on the Fort Meade website, which will launch in April.

Guest Jennifer Barnhill shares the vision behind Partners in Promise, the challenges and barriers EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) families face, especially as pertains to special education for military children, the results of their 2021 survey findings, and what Partners in PROMISE does to advocate for military families. They offer so many resources, including checklists, videos, a podcast, ways to get involved, and so much more. Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing us to see a tiny bit of all that Partners in PROMISE does and helping us understand more about this important topic. And if you're feeling alone, please connect, as there is no need to walk this path by yourself! Whether your own military family is ever in need of EFMP or special education services or not, knowing more about these programs and passing the word along to other families is so important. Learn more about Partners in Promise, see the infographic and other resources mentioned in this episode. **Register for the InDependent Wellness Summit: Flourish (All online) here---> register. General admission is FREE.  Get my book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse Connect with Milspouse Matters on Instagram Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive and listen to every episode!

David Hirsch's guest this week is Colonel Mark Huhtanen of Columbia, SC, a 25 year combat veteran of the US ARMY, who has served four active duty tours, and is the father of two, including a non-verbal son with Autism. Mark and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two boys; Hayden (17) and Broden (15) who is non-verbal and has Autism. Serving in the military and raising a family presents unique challenges. Raising a child with special needs, while serving in the military requires an extra level of dedication and additional resources like that offered through the military's Exceptional Family MemberProgram, also known as EFMP. In addition to being a military spouse, which has entailed several moves, being a mom and raising two boys, Shelly somehow found the time to author the book: Giving A Voice To The Silent Many and writes a regular column for Exceptional Parent Magazine entitled: Puzzles & Camo. It's a patriotic and uplifting story about a couple's commitment to serve our country, while raising two boys and making a difference in the lives of countless other military families and beyond. That's all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Email - markhuhtanen@gmail.com Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) – https://efmp.amedd.army.mil Exceptional Parent Magazine - https://www.epmagazine.com Check out Shelly's book: “Giving A Voice To The Silent Many.” https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Voice-Silent-Shelly-Huhtanen/dp/1940129834Or check out the book's website, where you can contact Mark or Shelly: http://silentmany.com/giving-a-voice-to-the-silent-many/Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

Guest: Dr. Tom Galvin, U.S. Army War College assistant professor of resource management   What does organizational change have to do with stigma? A professor and researcher discusses how top-down, bottom-up and innovative change within organizations such as the military can help to combat various types of stigma within the ranks.    “If we're talking about stigma, we're talking potentially about, say for example, the chain of command. Somebody in the chain of command who is treating soldiers differently — or the perception that the chain of command is treating soldiers differently — because those soldiers who do not have EFMP are in some way preferred over those that do.”   Learn more about: Dr. Galvin's research The “Talking About Organizations” podcast   Please note that ​the views expressed by Dr. Galvin are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.   Disruptive Storytelling with Military Changemakers is a bi-weekly podcast presented by Partners in PROMISE, a nonprofit dedicated to Protecting the Rights Of Military children In Special Education (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.). This season of the podcast is sponsored by the Modern Military Association of America with music by Stephen McDonough.   Want to tell your Disruptive Story? Connect with Partners in PROMISE: info@partnersinpromise.org    Or follow us: Facebook - @partnersinPROMISE Instagram - @partnersinpromise Twitter - @PartnersinPROM1 thepromiseact.org

In this episode, I talk to the COO of Partners In PROMISE - Jennifer Barnhill. We talk about stigmas surrounding military spouses, especially when it comes to utilizing EFMP. Interested in taking the survey Jen talked about? Military special education and EFMP families this is your chance to share your story and help us make change happen. The @Partners in PROMISE Military Special Education Survey is open and we need you to complete the survey and share with other families. The survey will take roughly 15 minutes to complete and covers topics from EFMP satisfaction to special education out-of-pocket costs. https://bit.ly/militaryspecialeducationsurvey Have questions? Email at ask.ctmpodcast@gmail.com or DM me @calltomarriage on Instagram and TikTok --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/calltomarriage/support

Part 2 of my interview with dyslexia warrior Hilary Laxson. In this episode we talk specifically about the dyslexia possibilities for US active-duty members and how Hilary helps this community.  We talk Decoding Dyslexia Military, Partners in Promise, EFMP and more. We chat about how the person in authority you come across does NOT always know best and we discuss the challenges you might face when you choose to relocate abroad.  *Hilary Laxson is an entrepreneur, wife, and paralegal. She started The Dyslexia Life to help active-duty parents navigate the world of Dyslexia in schools all around the world. She is currently the parent volunteer for Decoding Dyslexia Military for Georgia and works with Partners in Promise. She started a group Warrior Parents of Dyslexics to help parents all over the USA. When she is not helping special education parents, she works full time as COO for The True North Consulting which she Co-Founded with her husband, Randy Laxson. *Good to know EFMP Families, the Partners in Promise Military Special Education Survey is out! Be part of the solution for equal education for all military-connected children. The survey can be found at https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VXtFPZv4ju4zzM and will take roughly 15 minutes to complete. *Need help? Hilary's website: www.TheDyslexiaLife.com *Her free checklist on dyslexia testing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pgH31Xtk-wgljh74Uyctlgig8IkSfaV-/view?usp=sharing *And you can find her Warrior Parents of Dyslexics here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/357155035164642/

Today's Story: Automated Travel Screenings

SFC(R) 5th SFG Randy NantzPrior to enlisting in the US Army at the age of 33 Randy served for many years as an emt. following the attacks of Sept 11 2001 Randy enlisted as an 11B and was asigned to #ID and derved with them during OIFI. After that deployment Randy attended the Special Forces Qualification Course at the age of 35 and upon being selected he was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group. While serving in Iraq with 5th Group in December 2006 his vehicle was struck by an EFMP, suffering multiple injuries to his lower body and 3rd degree burns. Randy currently works with the Special Forces Foundation and Adaptive Training Foundation in Dallas, TX

As a parent, what do you do when you know something is not ‘right' with your child and no one seems to listen to you?  Being a mom can be challenging and made even more so with the constant moves a military family has to make.  However, find out what Austin Carrigg and how she finally was heard and has become an advocate for exceptional needs and exceptional children.   Guest: Austin Carrigg is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM) and the Founder of The Youth and Children's Advocacy Network (THEYCAN).  She is also the Down syndrome ambassador at Ketotic Hypoglycemia International and has spent the last seven years tirelessly advocating on behalf of children, youth, and families. Her experiences span complex medical needs, adoption, surrogacy, military life, and finding accessibility in an inaccessible world. In 2019 Austin was named a board member of Ketotic Hypoglycemia International, subsequently publishing Towards enhanced understanding of idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia: a literature review and introduction of the patient organization, Ketotic Hypoglycemia International in Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, as well as Ketotic hypoglycemia in patients with Down syndrome, in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. In 2020 Austin Founded Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM) after testifying before the House Armed Service Committee in an effort to unite the voices of military families like hers and raise their voices collectively to incite change. Exceptional Families of the Military represents more than 130,000 families with a mission to connect military families with Disabilities, Special Healthcare Needs, or additional educational needs from all branches of the service in order to navigate within the Exceptional Family Member Programs and identify areas of improvement that affects the families they represent. Using the data, they collect while simultaneously assisting families, they endeavor to create long-lasting systematic changes in the laws and regulations that affect EFMP families. 2017-2018 Austin was the Vice President and a founding board member of Little Lobbyists, an organization whose vision is to ensure that all children with complex medical needs have access to the health care, education, and community inclusion they need to thrive. The Little Lobbyists share healthcare stories of children from across the country with their members of congress. Austin has been nominated as Military spouse of the year for her work with the Little Lobbyists, the Tricare For Kids coalition, and her individual work with military families across the country.  Austin was a 2018 Heroes at Home Awardee and was recognized by Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam, for her work supporting military families.   Discussion Points/Time Stamps: Who is Austin Carrigg 2:08 Becoming a mom of an exceptional family 3:28 Military life/insurance/doctors 4:48 The roller coaster begins 7:34 Downs Syndrome/ketotic hypoglycemia 9:02 Learning and Growing 12:48 It's a Family Affair 17:50 The Advocate 18:04 A Support System20:10 Symptoms 23:26   Resources: LinkedIn – (99+) Austin (Campbell) Carrigg | LinkedIn Ketotic Hypoglycemic International - Home - Ketotic Hypoglycemia International % Questions:  Email: www.newhorizencoaching.com/contact

Randy NantzPrior to enlisting in the US Army at the age of 33 Randy served for many years as an EMT. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 Randy enlisted as an 11B (Infantry) and was assigned to 3rd Infantry Division and deployed with them during OIFI. After that deployment Randy attended the Special Forces Qualification Course at the age of 35 and upon being selected he was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group. While serving in Iraq with 5th Group in December 2006 his vehicle was struck by an EFMP, suffering multiple injuries to his lower body and 3rd degree burns. Randy currently works with the Special Forces Foundation and Adaptive Training Foundation in Dallas, TX

Founder of the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation, Don Culp, opens up about the struggles of being a parent of a child with special needs and how the supports provided through the EFMP and Tricare made a positive impact in the life of his daughter and family.    "When we are focused on the process it's easy to forget the most valuable resource, time."   This podcast has been made possible thanks to Hickam Officers’ Spouses’ Club.   https://thebraelynaubreyfoundation.org/ Advocating for children with disabilities and special needs.   Learn more about the Exceptional Family Member Program https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-member/   "I am a CW3 in the Army Reserves.  I have been in the military since 1997.  I was enlisted and a chemical soldier.  I became a Warrant Officer in Feb, 2009.  I reported to Warrant Officer Candidate School Jan 21, 2009.  I attended flight school from 2009-2011 at Fort Rucker, Alabama.  I finished flight school in April of 2011.  May 2011, I left for deployment and came back in May 2012.  I work with the Army Reserve Careers Group helping support the Warrant Officer Retention mission.  In the civilian sector, I work as a Flight Consultant, teaching children about flying.  I am also the founder of the Braelyn Aubrey Foundation, which was created in memory of my daughter, Braelyn Aubrey Culp."

Being in the military can come with a series of unique challenges when it comes to your special needs child. Moving probably being the biggest of them all. In this episode advocate Shelly Agostine is back to talk with me about the challenges you might face when relocating. We discuss transitioning to a new state, as it can be extremely stressful when suddenly faced with different state standards, requirements, re-evaluations and service delivery. When relocating it is good to be aware of possible challenges and know where to find the help and information you need to make sure your child receives the services (s)he requires. Military or not.Below is a list of resources mentioned in this podcast (some public, some military only):Exception Family Member Program (EFMP) - Lists to installation contact information and Individual Branch Services EFMP resources (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine): https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/special-needs-resources/Military Pro Bono Project: https://www.militaryprobono.org/newcases/item.3217-Military_Pro_Bono_Project_InformationDiscussion draft of Military Family Readiness legislation two ranking members of the House Armed Services Committee intend to offer for inclusion in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act: This Act discusses EFMP: https://republicans-armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/MILFAMREAD_xml%20%28004%293-27.pdfParent Information and Training Centers by State: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/Advocate and Attorney list per state (you can find Shelly on this as well): https://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/states.htmCouncil of Parent Attorney and Advocates (COPAA) (also including Shelly): https://www.copaa.org/search/default.aspPartners in Promise - Military Special Education Survey findings 2021: https://thepromiseact.org/2021/02/partners-in-promise-2021-survey-findings/Shelly Agostine is the owner of Advocate 2 Educate, LLC based in Colorado. As a trained Special Education Advocate/Consultant (ISEA-trained and member of COPAA) she helps parents and students gain access to the services, supports and accommodations they need through an Individual Education Program (IEP). She assists parents and students in acquiring the appropriate accommodations through a 504 plan and assists families in coordinating community services. More info: https://www.advocatetwoeducate.com. 

On today's podcast, we talk about the Exceptional Family Member Program with EFMP Coordinator Andre Williams! We talk about all of the reasons why EFMP is an important program and what it can do to improve the quality of life for an Exceptional Family Member and ensure that the standards required for their care are met without delay, impediment or additional hardship. Andre walks us through the process from sign up all the way through PCS. Visit Fort Bliss EFMP on the web at https://bliss.armymwr.com/programs/exceptional-family-member-program-efmp Getting to Know ACS is available in podcast form everywhere podcasts are available!

Today's story: Resources for exceptional families

We are fortunate to have Michelle Norman, founder and director of Partners in Promise, back to discuss the Navy EFMP three-year pilot program to expand support for service members enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Hear why she's so passionate about special education resources and how this program can have a tremendous impact on all military families.   Show Notes: Link to Last week’s episode with Partners in Promise: Special Education and Military Families Partners in Promise: Part 1   https://thepromiseact.org/       Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act The PROMISE Act asks for increased accountability, standardization and assistance to help special needs and EFMP military families. thepromiseact.org https://thepromiseact.org/2020/12/navy-hires-special-education-attorneys-as-part-of-pilot-program-for-families/   Navy hires special education attorneys as part of pilot program for families | The Promise Act Military family members at a hearing on the Exceptional Family Member Program, Feb. 5, 2020 on Capitol Hill. By ROSE L. THAYER | STARS AND STRIPES Published: December 14, 2020. AUSTIN, Texas – The Navy has hired two special education lawyers as part of a three-year pilot program to expand support for service members enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. thepromiseact.org S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress   S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Summary of S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 www.congress.gov     This podcast has been brought to you thanks to the Hickam Officer Spouses’ Club.

Michelle Norman, Founder & Executive Director, and Jennifer Barnhill Chief Operating Officer, of Partners in PROMISE talk about the Special Education and Military Families issue paper and the “way forward” in protecting the rights of military children in special education. This podcast has been made possible thanks to Hickam OSC. Show Notes: Military Child Education Coalition Issue Paper: Special Education and Military Families https://www.militarychild.org/upload/files/resources/issue%20papers/MCEC_Special_Education_MilitaryFamilies.pdf   https://thepromiseact.org/2021-survey/   S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress     S.4049 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Shown Here: Passed Senate (07/23/2020) National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This bill authorizes FY2021 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. www.congress.gov Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act   Partners in Promise | The PROMISE Act The PROMISE Act asks for increased accountability, standardization and assistance to help special needs and EFMP military families. thepromiseact.org 2021-NDAA-2021-Signed.pdf (thepromiseact.org)

Today I have a candid conversation with Jordan, a spouse with a unique story with EFMP. She talks about the different programs, the benefits, and sheds some light on why she thinks there is a negative opinion on those programs. I would love to hear from you and answer any questions reach out to the podcast email at ask.ctmpodcast@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today’s Story: Streamlining Medical Clearance

It was a senseless murder that left a lot of questions unanswered. Abree Boykin was murdered in her on post home in the early hours of July 9th, 2018. Tune in as Jen tells us the story and we discuss a bit on this case. Then Veronica gives us some great information on EFMP that she has come to know first-hand. Join in on our discussion by emailing us at Dependasplaining@gmail.com or finding us on Facebook, Instagram or twitter.  Sources for this weeks episode include, heavy.com, justice.gov, armedforcesconnect.org, armytimes.com, military.com and militaryonesource.com. 

I’ve been talking to a lot of military moms with late talkers and I’ve found that, while moving is a stressful time for anyone, it’s especially more so for you friends. Not only do you have all the items you need to complete to get your orders and your movers scheduled, your housing set up and your pack-out planned, but you’ve got EFMP (exceptional family member program) hoops to jump through. Add in the months it can sometimes take to get in with a new primary care doctor for your tricare referral for speech services and forget about it. There’s sometimes months that your child will go without speech therapy. What a mess! This is the reason that I’ve created this podcast and this community for you. I know it can be so lonely and confusing knowing what to do next. I’m wrapping up my 3 part series for talking today tips using conversation to help your child learn new words. If you’ll remember, part one was focused on joint attention. You want to make sure that you and your child have a focus on the same object or intent and that this focus is shared. To have good joint attention, you need to follow what your child is trying to show you. It really helps to let them take the lead. When they feel like they have more to share and that you are paying attention to what is important to them, it helps them want to continue talking with you. The more they communicate with you and get that good practice, the more they are learning every day.Last week’s podcast covered 4 key aspects to conversation: using what speech people call “parentese” or that high-pitched voice with exaggerated, slow words and sounds that just draw babies and little kids in to pay attention to what mom is saying. We then talked about responsiveness and turn taking, using the tennis game analogy. This is you being able to see what your child is trying to communicate and responding back and forth in order to keep the conversation flowing. The last and final piece of last week’s episode was commenting and labeling. Using names of objects and talking about what the objects look like or do. It was saying things that are also going to move the conversation along.So, what are we going to talk about today? Well, I have 3 short, final things to keep in mind when you are trying to create an environment to help your child learn to communicate using words. They are:Assuming intentionImitating and Asking questions

This episode we dive into the story of Amanda, an Army wife, mother, and Youtuber, who also has Cerebral Palsy and hydrocephalus. She writes for Army Wife Network and her dream is to get the word out about EFMP spouses and empowering them in every way she can. We also find out about why the food is so bland at DFAC facilities.

What does special needs look like?  What do I do if I think my child may have a learning disability?  What resources are out there for military children?  Sound familiar? You may have wondered or asked yourself these same questions as many moms have before you.  Listen to military school psychologist, AnneMarie Bagnall, on tips to identify if your child may have a leaning disability and what to do and where to go to get your child help in school.  She discussed programs such as Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Individual Development Plans (IDP), and 504s that are all recognized by the military system and are federally bond to assist your child at your current location and future locations. 

We sit down with EFMP, and discuss their program.

Today's guest was actually our very first guest when all of this started, the Coronavirus had just sent everyone home and Charleston's helping professionals were just trying to get their feet under them in response to what the new Abnormal was going to be. Queen Pringle takes us through all the ways she is helping out families as the Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator. She has workshops and virtual support groups every week. Just head to her Facebook page @jbcharlestonEFMP for more information. Her Wednesday EFMP support group is held on the Zoom platform at 0800. The meeting ID is 559 494 652. Welcome to episode 10 of the podcast and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen and spread the word about both the podcast as well as what Joint Base Charleston Helping Agencies are out there. Ms. Pringles Contact Info: E-mail: queen-ella.pringle@us.af.mil Phone: 843-963-8883 Addtonal Resources: **Military OneSource - http://www.militaryonesource.mil - 800-342-9647 **Vroom: Brain-building tips for early development www.vroom.org **Aha! Parenting Strategies: www.ahaparenting.com **Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS) https://focusproject.org/ **TRICARE - www.tricare.mil **TRICARE ECHO - www.tricare.mil/plans/specialprograms/ECHO **Self-Care Recommendations- https://www.cdc.gov/family/specialneeds/index.htm ** MUSC Social & Emotional Wellbeing - https://musckids.org/our-services/boeing-center/school-wellness-checklist-resources/social-emotional-wellbeing South Carolina State and Local Resources ** Family Resources Center for Disabilities and Special Needs Resource Directory- www.frcdsn.org

In the first episode of the Team Charleston Family Readiness Podcast, we get to hear from the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Coordinator, Ms. Queen Pringle.  She gets us up to speed on her series of Coffee Time support groups every Wednesday at 0800 as well as what's coming up with the Scream Free Parenting on April 14th and 16th.  As a bonus, she lets us in on her dream of being on the Great British Bake Off.  Queen can be reached at her office number 843.963.5782 or via e-mail at queen-ella.pringle@us.af.mil if you have any further questions about the EFMP. Military and Family Readiness is social! @JBCMFR on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Queen's Coffee Time can be found on the Zoom App by searching for meeting ID: 559 494 652.

"Every bit of your advocacy for your child is worth it." Michelle Norman  Michelle is a great example, not just for the special needs parents, but for all parents to fight for what their children need and deserve. Listen to the episode for not only her story of fighting for her daughter an all other military EFMPs but also her sound advice for all parents.  Connect with Michelle https://www.facebook.com/MIchelleNormanMSOY/ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_norman_2019_navy_msoy/  

Motivated by making positive changes for military children who receive special education services, Michelle Norman, 2019 Armed Forces Insurance Navy Spouse of the Year, and Kaci Mc Carley, MCEC Professional Development Program Manager, are dedicated to raising awareness by participating in the upcoming Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit.  You are invited to the Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center located in Columbus, GA 8:30 A.M. Parents for FAPE Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ParentsforFAPE/ National Defense Authorization Act 2020 Page 136/137:  https://www.congress.gov/116/crpt/hrpt120/CRPT-116hrpt120.pdf GAO Report to Congressional Committees:  https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/691647.pdf   Page 17 "The Marine Corps pays particular attention to customer satisfaction. Marine Corps officials told us that every three years Marine Corps headquarters administers a survey of family members enrolled in the EFMP. We previously reported that organizations may be able to increase customer satisfaction by better understanding customer needs and Page 18 GAO-18-348 Military Personnel organizing services around those needs.33 This survey is one of the primary ways Marine Corps headquarters measures customer satisfaction with family support services at installations worldwide. Marine Corps officials also said this survey helps ensure its EFMP is based on the current needs of families with special needs.”  This podcast has been made possible because of the generous support from the Wounded Warrior Project.

Today's story: Air Force families in the Exceptional Family Member Program can take part in a Facebook virtual summit in September.

I could not be more excited to share my good friend, Brittany Boccher with you. She was the 2017 AFI Military Spouse of the Year and has been traveling the country investing in military spouse by helping them define their identity and purpose.  Originally, Brittany defined her purpose by advocating for special needs families as she has a son with multiple medical issues.  However, she soon found that a bigger issue is plaguing our community- a lack of identity.   Brittany continues to advocate for EFMP families, but her passion for helping spouses reclaim who they are and find new purpose has resulted in her partnering with the USO to create a workshop and workbook titled Discovering Your Spark.      After the results from my latest survey came back showing the same issue, I knew I had to have Brittany on to talk about not only what she was finding as she sits down with spouses face to face, but also what she has discovered herself is a way to find our way back to ourselves again.  Find Brittany also on FB: https://www.facebook.com/discoveringyourspark/ Connect with Corie Weathers!  www.life-giver.org www.corieweathers.com  Join the conversation and participate in future shows! @CorieLPC 

Parents have you moved with a child who is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)?  Listen in to Dr. Ed Tyner, Dr. Paul Ban and Rebecca Lombardi as they share WHAT’S NEW in EFMP and a TON of resources designed to make multiple transitions easier for families as they move from installation to installation. Education Directories: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/efmp-special-needs/education-directories EFMP ROC :https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/efmp-special-needs/2018-efmp-roc-toolkit Moving with an IEP webinar: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/training-resources/webinars/moving-with-an-iep Department of Defense Special Needs Parent Toolkit:  https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/EFMP/PTK_SCORs/ParentToolkit_Apr2014.pdf General Special Needs Tools & Forms:  https://branchta.org/role-school-liaison-officer-slo/ Interstate Compact: www.mic3.net Parent Training Centers:  https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/ Exceptional Advocate E-Newsletter: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDODMILITARYONESOURCE/bulletins/228f467 PAVE Partnerships for Action Voices for Empowerment: https://wapave.org/pave-programs/ To find your nearest School Liaison Officer (SLO):  https://branchta.org/role-school-liaison-officer-slo/ Office of Special Needs (OSN) EFMP Update:  https://www.afpc.af.mil/Portals/70/documents/05_BENEFITS%20AND%20ENTITLEMENTS/07_EFMP/Office%20Of%20Special%20Needs.pdf?ver=2018-09-04-125411-637

Program enrollment assists Sailors' with exceptional family members.

Military families lead a very different life than civilian families do. Military families come from all walks of life and, when their children are diagnosed with heart defects, the challenges can vary according to location, branch of service, and of course separations that come at the most unexpected times. Despite these challenges, military families try their best to find ways to balance all aspects of their lives with a positive attitude. When a child is born to a military family and that child has birth defects, the one thing most families want is comfort -- and oftentimes comfort is found in what is familiar but many of our military families are not afforded that luxury. How do military families deal with having a child with a heart defect? What special challenges do they face? Who can help them through the difficulties associated with having a child who needs surgery in the first days or months of a baby's life and will require lifelong care? Our Guests today are military wives, Andrea Quirk and Chelle McIntyre-Brewer. They explain to us what is involved in the lives of our military families dealing with congenital heart defects.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)

Brittany Boccher is the 2017 AFI Air Force Spouse of the Year, and is the driving force behind the Down Syndrome Advancement Coalition in Arkansas, as well as the Tank Filled Life Project. We also discuss EFMP friendly playgrounds and how to make them!

The Exceptional Family Member Program or EFMP is designed to help military families impacted by disability or chronic illness.  Is this program working? For the most part the answer is yes, but what happens when EFMP doesn't work? What happens when misinformation is shared? What happens when EFMP doesn't help?  The answer to these questions and more will be discussed on this episode of Spouse Spouts. Join Susan and Dave as they talk about a tough subject, share ideas, speak with families from across the miltiary to discuss EFMP, their experiences, suggestions for improvements, and more! 

Candid conversation with 2012 AFI Military Spouse of the Year Jeremy Hilton. Join us live as we discuss advocacy, EFMP, volunteerism, and anything else that comes up! MMSRS is a 2-hour web-based call-in radio show (516-453-9167), hosted by Dave Etter, focusing on the needs of men married to serving military members, both men and women. Male Military Spouses are a small niche of military spouses, comprising of roughly 10% of all military spouses. We feel left out, usually, at support functions - especially those designed with the spouses being identified as "wives"! We get cajoled at playgrounds where our kids play, from the mommies there who think we don't belong. We are proud SAHDs, who gave up our careers to follow our spouses as they dedicate thier lives to defend our country! Here, on this show, we come together and share beer recipes, diaper changing techniques, financial discoveries - manly things, for men! Typically airs most Fridays, rated R for the cussing that can occur (downgraded to G if we play nice), and always available for download (podcast) immediately following each show.