Chairwoman Herseth Sandlin and distinguished members of the committee:

I thank-you for the opportunity to discuss what the Transition Assistance Program is doing to provide Service members and their families with the information and resources necessary to facilitate a successful transition from military to civilian life.  I am honored to be asked to be here as the  Department President of the State of South Dakota of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  We are the wives, widows, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, and sisters (this includes all half, step,  and foster (who attained that status prior to age sixteen and for whom the duties of parent were performed) of persons who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars by having served our great country in a Foreign war/hostile region.  The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars serves Veterans and their families as our primary function.  I am the wife of a 100% combat disabled Vietnam veteran and a strong advocate for all veterans and their families.  I am from the city of Aberdeen, SD where many of our National Guard and Army Reserve Units have been deployed.  I speak as a wife, advocate for all veterans and our troops and their families, and as the President of the Department of SD Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, representing more than 8000 Auxiliary members in our state.

Collaboration

I express great appreciation and gratitude that the VA, DoD, DOL are working together to provide  needed and desirable transition programs for our returning troops and their families.  I am especially grateful that you have included the Ladies Auxiliary to both the VFW and American Legion.   It does let us know that you are considering the effect and opinions of the families involved in the lives of our returning troops.

Turbo TAP

In speaking with some returning National Guard and  Reserve members they have expressed that this technology has been a valuable tool for those returning from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom.  This web-based system seems to work well for delivery of transition information and assistance.  Service members have rapid accessibility to locate One-Stop Career Centers for employment assistance and well as medical care by locating the closest VA Medical Center.  This program is helping returning service members increase their participation and awareness of military benefits allowing for a easier transition to civilian life.

What improvements and additions can be made that might make TAP more effective?

There has been significant progress in the efforts to provide transition assistance to the soldier and their families since this program was implemented.    However, I have spent much time visiting with families of soldiers as to how they can be better served by the TAP program; the following are some of their concerns.

• Families need more assistance to emotionally support their families while their spouse is deployed.  This includes readjustment to parenting jointly again for when the spouse returns.  Many feel the Family Readiness Leader or group was all they know about.  When another parent returns there is often conflict in discipline with their children.
• Some spouses feel the returning soldier is shuffled around too much for testing and receiving Transitional assistance when they return home. Sending from Aberdeen to Fort Carson, CO only causes another separation for the family.
• Many feel a need for Credit Counseling.  We often think of the spouse at home in charge of the checkbook for the family and spending the money. There are times when the soldier has only been in charge of their needs and is unaware of  the financial situation at home.
• Many need assistance and support in dealing with the idea that the soldier will be called up again.  This seems to hang over the heads of the children very intently. The parent was gone once and the fear of it happening again causes much anxiety to some within the family unit.  This isn't openly addressed and dealt with through the proper channels.
•  Families feel the time to utilize the program is too short and doesn't start soon enough with those at home to make for a easier transition into civilian life once again. Spouse often become "battle buddies" and their knowledge of support services such as counseling must be known to them as soon as possible.

Summary

Many of the above listed concerns seem to deal with the communication within the TAP program with the family.  We recommend that Communication with the families become a priority in a timely manner.  The time table and availability of transition assistance must be communicated frequently and soon enough to accommodate the soldier and family for smoother transition into civilian life.  Family Readiness leaders are an important tool in this program and their training needs to be comprehensive and supportive. 

I thank you for allowing me to present this testimony on behalf of our organization the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Know that we deeply appreciate the implementation of this program.  The men and women that have worn the uniform of this great nation deserve all the help and transitional assistance that we can give them to deal with the stress of  war and separation.  Every soldier deserves all the support that we as Americans can give them.    Each and every  soldier and family member deserves for the great sacrifice they all have given.