Help recognize Coast Guard families and veterans, connect them to free support resources

National Veterans and Military Families Month is a time to recognize our Coast Guard families, their members and members transitioning into veterans — all with the goal of improving their wellbeing.  

This November, the Coast Guard joins the Department of Defense (DOD) in its theme of “Taking Care of Our Military Families.” The campaign highlights four areas of well-being that include: relationships, transition, financial security and work-life balance. It also provides suggested resources that anyone can share with families when they may be in need.  

Family Support Services Program Manager, Lisa Johnson said, “This November timeframe is an important opportunity to thank our families for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis for our nation. It is also a chance to ask ourselves what we can do to improve the lives of our families,” said Johnson. “Providing a map of where to go when they need support is a good start.” 

Here are some of the free Coast Guard and DOD resources that promote wellness and resiliency for our families based on the four areas identified: 

Relationships 

• Check out this military relationship resource and “assessment” tool.  

• Receive counseling and relationship resources from CG SUPRT. Also,  to help deepen your deepen relationships with family, friends and others ask CG SUPRT about any coaching services: visit here.  

Transitions 

Members Transitioning into Veterans 

• Visit the Coast Guard: Office of Work-Life Transition Assistance Program for assistance in preparing to transition from a member to a civilian. 

• The Defense Department Transition Assistance Program has information, tools and training to prepare you and your family for your military-to-civilian transition, as well as, help you find your nearest Transition Assistance Program office.  

PCS and Moving 

• Receive moving assistance from the Coast Guard’s Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Assist Team. Members can call (844) 727-2022 or email PCSAssist@uscg.mil. You can find out more at the PCSAssist team website.  

• The DOD’s Relocation Assistance Program can help you prep for your PCS by referring you to Defense Personal Property System resources and programs. This website helps DOD and Coast Guard families plan and execute move scheduling and provides resources at your new duty station. 

Financial Security  

• Contact your nearest Personal Financial Manager (PFM) located at each Health, Safety, and Work-Life Regional Practice (HSWL-RP) or your Unit Command Financial Specialist (CFS). 
• Watch online trainings through the Learning Management System (LMS) about the Financial Touchpoint Curriculum. Touchpoint Training videos can be found on the LMS and they average about 45-minutes to complete.  

• Learn about Military OneSource services, programs and allowances that are available to the military community in addition to base salaries and wages by visiting: Personal finance benefits. 

Work-Life Balance  

• Access the Coast Guard’s Morale Well-being and Recreation (MWR) offerings, whether your family lives on or off an installation. Contact the Coast Guard’s MWR Office; look up the  MWR program at your service member’s installation closest to you. 
• This office helps military members with vacation planning, offers discounted vacation packages and provides low-price tickets to sporting events, concerts and attractions: Information, Tickets and Travel.  
• Discover Military lodging options. This site includes both recreational lodging, such as Armed Forces Recreation Centers resorts, and official PCS/temporary duty lodging (on a space-available basis).  
• Members can enjoy a treasure trove of free resources, including eBooks, audiobooks and magazines, through the MWR Digital Library.  

If you need additional information on family support services, visit CG SUPRT or call 855-CGSUPRT (247-8778). 

-USCG-