Page 6 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, Sept. 7 2018

6News
High Desert Warrior September 7, 2018
www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
One-Stop ribbon cutting,
improving quality of life on post
By Casey Slusser
FORT IRWIN, Calif — After a year of construction, renovation, and planning, Fort Irwin’s, One Stop is complete. The U.S. Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), along with the Garrison Commander, Col. Seth Krummrich, welcomed the Fort Irwin community to participate in the grand opening Aug. 6.
Leaders hailed the opening of the renovated facility as a step towards providing necessary convenience and streamlining services for the Fort Irwin community.
“Family’s used to have to drag their little ones around to three or four locations, load- ing them in and out of the car, we’ve reduced it to one location. Where ideally, the kids can play while adults take care of business”, COL Krummrich said.
At the One Stop, one can check out Parent Central, information desk, Tickets and Tours, Central MWR Clearing, a snack bar, WiFi,
and beat the heat at the pre-toddler indoor play area. Facility manager, Mr. Jovany Rivas, said that “over 50% of MWR facilities are now housed in one location”.
MWR hopes to improve upon facility provi- sions in the future. Rivas, indicated that in the near future a few more snack options may be added, and upgrading the indoor play area is already in the works.
“This facility will continuously improve the quality of life for families living here on post,” COL Krummrich said. “Just being able to take your kids to play indoors when temperatures hit triple digits and the kids are climbing up the walls is amazing.”
Children were already enjoying the cooler temperatures as they ate cake and got their face painted at a carnival like atmosphere during the ribbon cutting. The MWR One Stop, located in building 21, Langford Lake Rd.
Hours of operation are Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Photo by Casey Slusser
Carla Averill, Tricia Berg, Col. Seth Krummrich, Terry Taul, Jovany Rivas, and Dee Hayden (not visible) cut the ribbon on the new One Stop FMWR shop.
Military OneSource benefits extended to vets, families for full year after separation
Eligibility for Military OneSource benefits has been extended from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service to ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life, Defense Department officials announced Aug. 27.
This change goes into effect immediately, in accordance with the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019 that President Donald J. Trump signed recently.
Military OneSource provides information, resources and support for active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, their fami- lies and survivors. Provided at no cost, Military OneSource gives exclusive access to programs, tools, and benefits designed to help ensure service members and their families are mission-ready and able to thrive in both their military and post- military lives.
“Each person is unique, and so is each military- to-civilian transition,” said. A.T. Johnston, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military commu- nity and family policy. “We want all of Military OneSource’s resources to be there when someone needs them -- whether it is a day, a week or many months after their transition to civilian life.”
Wide range of services
As a DOD program, Military OneSource of- fers a wide range of services designed exclusively for the military community. Services include help with relocation, tax support, financial planning, and health and wellness coaching, as well as confidential nonmedical counseling and specialty consultations for spouse employment, education, adoption, elder care, special needs and much more.
“Military OneSource is powered by people with extensive knowledge and training in meet- ing the needs of our military community, many of whom have also served or lived in military families,” explained Lee Kelley, program director of the Nonmedical Counseling Program Office within military community and family policy. “We’re dedicated to providing expert, proven, and practical support and information to our service members and their families to help them achieve their goals and live their best military life.”
Military OneSource services are accessible 24/7. Service members and family members can call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or go to the Military One Source website link below. To explore additional benefits that may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to https://explore.va.gov/.
Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Shane Klestinski
Spec. Alexander Rowland greets his wife and daughter at Jacksonville International Airport near Jacksonville, Fla., on April 29, 2017, after returning from a deployment. The DOD announced on Aug. 13, 2018 that eligibility for Military OneSource benefits for service members and their families has been extended from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil