Return to the "POINTER VIEW"
                         April 11, 2003

By Spc. Nate Jastrzemski
Staff Writer

Army Community Service here is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the well-being of soldiers, civilian employees, retirees and family members and, in this time of war, ACS has placed added emphasis on helping the Army family handle deployments, said ACS Director Jill O’Brien.

"Eleven employees and additional volunteers at ACS work with the Office of the Adjutant General processing soldiers through ACS," she explained. "We provide and obtain information to assist both deployed soldiers and their family members.

"A soldier who is assured ACS and the West Point community are assisting their family on the home front is more prepared and ready to perform their mission while deployed," O’Brien said.

ACS has core readiness areas, she said, including financial, employment, relocation and soldier and family readiness. They also offer a variety of social, educational and prevention services.

"I am honored to work with a competent group of professionals who as a team contribute to the well being of the total Army family, especially when faced with the daily challenges of a world in crisis," O’Brien added.

Permanent and upcoming programs and events ACS provides include:

-- Every Friday, ACS offers coffee and fellowship for spouses and parents of deployed soldiers in building 622 who wish to stop by between the hours of 9 to 11a.m.

-- ACS is conducting Operation R.E.A.D.Y (Resources for Educating About Deployment and You) training and introducing Operation R.E.A.D.Y reference materials to the community. An important part of the training is preparing both soldiers and family members for reunification.

-- One of the most valuable resources during times of deployment is the Family Readiness Group. ACS assists with establishing and providing FRG leader training.

Also check the Pointer View and the command channel for Month of the Military Child activities and events, O’Brien said.

For information about any or all of the above, call ACS at 938-4621 or 938-2519.