Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Working with “Complex” Families

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Imagine this scenario:

Dad is divorced and has custody of his two young daughters.  Recently, he remarried, and last week he was deployed. His second wife and new stepmom receives a call.   The youngest daughter, who is 8 years old, has been injured at school.  The school nurse needs consent for medical treatment.  Oops!  Stepmom doesn’t know what to do, or what her legal rights are.

Step Family

Step Family

For stepparents, this is an altogether too common and sometimes frightening situation.  Deployment often means that the stepparent has to take on a new role as both the mom and the dad, and must assume new responsibilities and tasks with little or no preparation.  For stepfamilies, deployment can be particularly challenging because of the murkiness that often exists for who has legal authority.

Did you know that in most cases, stepparents have no legal authority when it comes to making decisions or even getting information about their stepchildren’s education, benefits programs, medical treatment or health care?

Dr. Francesca Adler-Baeder, Director of the Center for Children, Youth, and Families at Auburn, is the Stepfamily Association of America and oversees the activities of the National Stepfamily Resource Center, a division of Auburn University’s Center for Children, Youth, and Families.

In this short video clip, Adler-Baeder offers suggestions for working with stepfamilies serving in the military and briefly introduces a new set of learning modules geared to stepfamilies (soon to be available through the National Stepfamily Resource Center).

What tips would you give to Military Family Resource Providers?

 

Yes, stepfamilies face many challenges.  But Adler-Baeder offers reassurance to those working with “complex families” like stepfamilies in which the custodial parents are deployed.  She says that military families are strong and resilient, that by definition military families are service-oriented, and that family members have a “similar service-heart.”

See Adler-Baeder respond to the question, “What makes military families strong and resilient?” in this short interview at the 2011 National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Conference

 

Here are some of the issues that stepfamilies about to be deployed need to discuss.  Those working with these complex families can facilitate these discussions and help both stepparents and custodial parents feel more secure and less stressed when the time comes to assume new roles and new responsibilities.

Issues to discuss:

  • How will the stepparent be able to facilitate contact between the child and the deployed parent?
  • If the stepparent is married to a noncustodial parent, will the stepparent be allowed to have regular access to the child?
  • If the stepparent is married to a custodial parent, what will happen if the noncustodial parent wants custody during the deployed parent’s absence?
  • Will the deployment affect child support payments?
  • Will the stepparent need to move the child to a different location, enroll the child in school, negotiate with the school about the stepchild’s special needs, enroll the child in benefit programs, consent to medical care, enroll the child in daycare, summer camps, sports activities or other special programs, or insure the child’s participation in religious training or programs?
  • If the stepparent will need to travel abroad with the child, is the child’s passport in order and are there any special permissions that will be needed?
  • Are there any pending legal actions involving the child?
  • Are there financial arrangements that need to be made with regard to the child, involving matters such as tuition payments, health insurance payments, support, or property?

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Understanding the Recovery Phases After an Amputation

Monday, May 7th, 2012

Helping Hand (Amputee)The pre- and post-amputation process can be difficult for you and your wounded warrior. It is important that you, as a military caregiver, learn about the issues you both may face.

The Amputee Coalition of America uses six phases to describe the recovery process after an amputation.

However, understanding these phases and applying them to your caregiving role can be challenging. Let’s take a look at what your loved one may be going through during their amputee journey and what you can do to help them through this process.

Phase 1: Enduring

In the first phase, your wounded warrior may experience the need to focus on the present to get through the pain, while blocking out distress about the future. It is a conscious choice not to deal with the full meaning of the loss.

Caregiver
During this phase, reassure him or her about your commitment and provide a comfortable environment while they are dealing with the pain and loss.

Phase 2: Suffering

In the second phase, the wounded warrior may have intense feelings about the loss of a limb or limbs. These feelings may include fear, denial, anger, depression, and confusion. This emotional anguish about the loss of self adds to the pain.

Caregiver
You can listen and offer help when your wounded service member experiences pain, worry, anger, frustration, and fear. When they request your help, get them to tell you what they need and talk about how you can handle the situation together.

Phase 3: Reckoning

During the reckoning phase, the wounded warrior is: coming to terms with the extent of the loss of limb or limbs, accepting what is left after the loss and understanding the implications for the future, and minimizing his or her own losses in comparison to others’ losses.

Caregiver
You can help your loved one accept current life changes and offer hope for the future by learning with them about advances in rehabilitation and prosthetic design.

Phase 4: Reconciling

In the reconciling phase, the wounded warrior begins to: regain control, become aware of his or her strengths and uniqueness, be more assertive, take control of his or her life, and manage their recovery process.

Caregiver
It is important to show patience during the reconciling phase and let him or her do as much as they can, even if it takes them longer or if they do things differently than you would.

Phase 5: Normalizing

In the normalizing phase, your warrior will begin to: balance his or her life, establish new routines, and once again concentrate on the things that matter, allowing priorities other than the loss to dominate his or her life.

Caregiver
By maintaining a schedule of daily activities, you will help the warrior focus on a routine and restore balance in both your lives.

Phase 6: Thriving

Not all military amputees attain the final recovery phase of thriving. Thriving is being more than before, trusting self and others, building confidence, and being a role model.

Caregiver
To help your loved one thrive, encourage him or her to interact with others who share in similar situations. This provides a positive outlook not only for themselves, but also for those just starting the recovery phase.

Caregiving can be emotionally and intellectually challenging at times for both you and your military amputee. Your support and care are vital in helping your wounded warrior succeed. While this new role in your life can be challenging, know that you are not alone–there is hope.

For more information regarding characteristics of military amputations and strategies for coping with an amputee patient go to Caregivers of Military Amputee. Also for additional information on caregiving, visit Caregiving 101 to learn more about this new caregiving role in your life and the emotional aspects that may affect you and your family.

 

 

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Caregivers Battling Suicide on the Homefront

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Between 2005 and 2010, approximately one service member died every 36 hours, not by Afghanistan or Iraq insurgents, not from a result of a training exercise or automobile accident–but from suicide.

In 2009 alone, 160 active duty military personnel took their lives, making suicide the third leading cause of death among the Army population (Army HP/RR/SP Report, 2010).

As more troops return home from deployment, the risk of suicide may grow. It is important that families of these service members become aware of the issue and learn to identify potential risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide. Remember, as a caregiver–the more you know, the more you are likely to provide proper care and provide the immediate attention your service member needs and ultimately prevent the loss or injury of your loved one.

Understanding Suicide Prevention

Risk Factors

Several factors may be taken into account for someone to attempt or commit suicide. As a military caregiver, you should become aware of these risk factors associated with suicide.

  • Failed intimate relationship or relationship strain
  • Family history of suicide or suicide attempts
  • History of depression or other psychological issues
  • Significant loss (death of loved one or fellow service member within unit)
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Violence in the home or social environment
  • Recent disciplinary or legal actions
  • Serious medical problems or physical illness
  • Work-related problems
  • Excessive debt and other financial problems

Warning Signs of Potential Suicide

If you notice substantial changes in your loved one’s demeanor since he or she has returned home from combat, he or she may be exemplifying signs of potential suicide.  The following warning signs may lead you to indicate that your service member is suicidal:

  • Changes in eating, sleeping habits, or personal hygiene
  • Talking or hinting about committing suicide
  • Expressing a strong desire to kill someone else
  • Obsession with death (for example, in music, poetry, artwork, letters)
  • Changes in mood (for example, depression, irritability, rage, anger)
  • Increased alcohol and/or drug use or abuse
  • Isolation and withdrawal from social situations
  • Giving away possessions
  • Expressing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety
  • Making a will or otherwise finalizing personal affairs
  • Problem with spouse or partner
  • Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm or obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications

Caregiving Strategies

As a military caregiver, it can be hard to admit to yourself that your service member may be displaying signs of suicide. However, in today’s society where suicide has increased dramatically since the start of the global war on terrorism, many service members are at risk. In addition to identifying risk factors and warning signs, there are strategies that you, as the caregiver can do to help your loved one and yourself get thought this difficult time.

  • Look for any signs that show a deviation from your service member’s usual self.
  • Get help immediately! A suicidal person needs immediate attention.
  • Do not keep your warrior’s suicidal behavior a secret.
  • Do not ignore the situation and hope that things will eventually get better.
  • Talk openly about suicide. Be willing to listen and allow your loved one to express his/her feelings.
  • Actively listen for details about what, where and when your service member may be planning on killing himself or herself.
  • Actively listen without passing judgment.
  • Stay calm and safe–do not use force.
  • Provide a comforting and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Never leave the service member alone.
  • Escort warrior to his/her chain of command immediately.
  • Understand that your loved one may be in pain.
  • Remove any means that could be used for self-injury (for example, weapons or pills).
  • Provide your service member with contacts for suicide prevention (for example, a chaplain or behavioral health professional).
  • Be in control of the service member’s medications.
  • Be aware of how the service member’s behavior is affecting any children in the household.
  • Consider individual and family therapy.
  • Ask your service member’s doctors or nurse case manager on information regarding suicide and mental illness.
  • Seek spiritual healing.
  • Take care of yourself!

Caregiver Resources

If your loved one is experiencing thoughts or symptoms of suicide–do not hesitate, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate assistance.

Also, contact your local Army installation’s Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) for support groups and caregiver support services.

For more information on suicide within the military, visit the Army Suicide Prevention Program. The program offers a variety of information and resources relating to suicide in order to improve readiness for service members and their families.

 

 

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Effects of Visible and Invisible Parent Combat Injuries on Children

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

Study conducted by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University

Many service members are returning home from combat, but a large number of these individuals have come home at a price. These service members may have experienced significant changes in abilities resulting from loss of limbs; vision or hearing; severe burns; spinal cord injury; traumatic brain injury or posttraumatic stress disorder. Whatever the injury, adapting can be difficult during the reintegration process for wounded service members and their families.

Often times these injuries can unavoidably affect children living in the home and may have an impact on their well-being. By addressing the potential impact of parental injury on children and identifying ways of dealing with the issues, military families can maintain the long-term health and well-being of their children.

Factors effecting how a child interprets an injury

Several factors must be taken into account with how a child interprets an injury.

  1. Obviousness of the Injury–Depending on the severity of the injury and whether it is an invisible or physical injury will determine the wounded warrior’s involvement in daily parental routines. This can sometimes be confusing to children and they may feel rejected, confused, and angry or display a whole range of emotions related to the change.
  2. Changes in the home–Caring for a wounded service member ultimately results in changes within the home. The demands related to caring for the injured may overshadow the parent’s ability to meet the needs of a child, resulting in a negative impact on the child’s emotional, social, and physical development.
  3. Age of the child–Age of children can determine how they perceive changes in the service member and how they react to these changes. For example, an older child might perceive changes in the service member from pre-deployment to post-deployment as drastic; this perception may lead to a complete change in the relationship between the two.

Minimizing the effects of an injury on a child

It is important to keep in mind that there are actions that parents and caregivers can take to help minimize the effects of an injury on a child.

  1. Open, age-appropriate communication–Communication provides reassurance to children about the future.
  2. Family routines and rituals–Deployments and reintegration into civilian life can interrupt normal family routines. When a returning service member comes home, establishing regular routines may improve the household environment for children.
  3. Use of a support network–A support network can include other caregivers, family members and friends that can increase the number of positive, supportive attachment relationships in the child’s life.
  4. Consult a Professional–With an array of resources and services tailored to meet the needs of service members and their families, it may be helpful to seek professional help (e.g. psychotherapist, child therapist, etc.) in helping children negotiate the difficulties related to deployment injury.

Whatever your service member’s condition may be, it is important to fully understand not only how it will affect your life but the life of your children.

Check out Michigan State University’s new article on, Effects of Visible and Invisible Parent Combat Injuries on Children to learn more on how you can better understand the effects of your service members injuries on children.

 

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One mother’s struggle to care for her wounded warrior

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

“Alive Day,” a term used in the military to describe the moment a service member almost lost their life while in combat.

Mettie Family

Background–January 1, 2006

January 1, 2006 will always be remembered as the day that Denise Mettie’s son, U.S. Army Specialist, Evan Mettie was almost taken from her. During Army Specialist Mettie’s second deployment to Iraq his team was involved in a suicide car bomb, leaving him with a severe traumatic brain injury due to shrapnel from the improvised explosive device (IED).

Evan was in the “gunners” position of the Humvee when they stopped to investigate a parked car on the side of the road. When his team challenged the car’s driver, the driver blew himself and the car up. The effects from the IED inevitably affected Evan and his team nearby.

Evan received a shrapnel wound (fragments from bomb or ammunition) to the left side of his brain. Some members of his unit said it looked as if the left side of his head had been blown off. When a medic arrived to Evan’s aid, she quickly got him out of the Humvee, bandaged his head and intubated him. The Air Mission Commander requested an emergency landing at which time Evan was flown to the nearest medical treatment facility in Baghadad.

Once Evan was stabilized at the medical treatment facility in Baghdad from shrapnel that remain lodged in the left side of his brain, he was then evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany to undergo surgery for bleeding behind his left eye. Denise and her family were on orders by the Department of the Army’s Wounded in Action Branch (DA WIA) to head to Germany. However, because they had neither passports, nor birth certificates readily available the family was flown to Washington, D.C. where the DA WIA was making arrangements for the paperwork. Meanwhile in Germany, Evan was stabilizing miraculously from the injury, so much so that the U.S. Army medevac’d him to Bethesda National Naval Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Denise and her family were to learn later on that the rush to get to Germany was so that she and her family could say their last goodbyes; Evan was not expected to live.

Coming to his side at the hospital

Upon arrival to the Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, Denise and her family were warned by healthcare professionals that Evan looked horrible and to expect tubes and life support equipment.

“When we walked into his room, my immediate reaction was “he looks beautiful, thank you God!””

In reality, Evan’s head was a maze of staples, he suffered fractures to all of his facial bones, his eyes and nose were swollen and he had respirator tubes hooked up through his mouth. The biggest concern at that moment though for doctors was that Evan had bleeding at the brain stem.

Through weeks of trials and tribulations, Evan continued to fight. Denise and her husband stayed by his side continually. After about a month Denise’s husband needed to return home to Washington state for work and to take care of their two teenage daughters. Denise had to take a leave of absence from her job at the U.S. Bank, a position she never returned to. Her new position–full-time military family caregiver to her son Evan.

Military Family Caregiver

When Evan deployed for the last time in 2005, Denise will always remember her last conversation with her son and the promise she made to him…

“He was home and told me, “Mom, I have a bad feeling about this one, I don’t think I’m going to be coming home.” I held his face in my hands and said, “I don’t care how you do it, what you have to do, but you will be coming home to me and I will be by your side every step of the way.””

Evan was released from Bethesda National Naval Medical but his road to recovery is a never ending battle in and out of medical treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers. As a veteran caregiver, Denise has spent months living in areas across the nation with Evan to make sure he gets the best treatment possible. What helped her get through was her continuous determination and unfailing support from family and friends.

“I thought I was strong enough to handle it alone, I was wrong. For the first time in my life this was something completely out of my control. I thought I had faith before but this was profound, I now knew what it was like to surrender complete control.”

Denise learned the importance of communicating with family and friends–the need to ask for help. Financially Denise and her family struggled to make ends meet with traveling from medical treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers and Evans medical bills. But with support from neighbors and their local community they were able to raise enough funds to offset some of the expenses. Family also helped in alleviating the overwhelming emotions and daily needs that Denise was responsible for as Evan’s caregiver.

Evan’s current schedule at home consists of one hour on the Quadriciser (a machine that restores strength, balance, circulation, range of motion and overall wellness). Monday, Wednesday, and Friday he stands for 40 minutes with a “sit-to-stand” chair that works to hold his head and move his arms up and down. Tuesday and Thursday, Evan has mat therapy, the practice of leaning forward, backward and stabilizing himself. While each day consists of small movements, it is a small step that his body must do to relearn body movement.

To date, Evan has been diagnosed as being in a “Locked-In” state. He understands his surroundings and responds with yes/no eye blinks; he does not speak; his vision has improved from the nerve damage in his left eye; and he is deaf in his right ear. Through the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Evan is able to smile, hold his head up and even laugh. Evan still requires 24/7 care from Denise and their home-healthcare practitioners because he is unable to purposefully move his body.

Denise’s caregiving journey is filled with hope; she continues to be amazed by Evan’s determination and strength of will.

“We did lose our “old” Evan, but God did give us a “new” Evan, and we are eternally grateful for that.”

Caregiving advice from Denise

Through the years of caring for her son, Denise has had to learn about Evan’s specific medical condition, research new advances in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury and advocate for proper treatment and care. Her advice and guidance as a military caregiver would be admired by any mother, father or military spouses in any wounded warrior situation.

“In retrospect what has helped us the most throughout this journey is an unfailing faith, researching and learning everything we can about our son’s injury and continuous advocacy for our wounded warrior. There will be times when you feel like you are doing this alone–you are not. Become active in groups pertaining to your wounded service member’s injury–online, in person, by phone. Cultivate a network of friends to chat with, ask questions and just be there for each other. And remember to never give up!”

The most positive aspect of caregiving is that Evan is home with us.”

If you are a military family caregiver and would like to hear more about Denise’s story or would like advice on caring for wounded warriors, please contact Denise Mettie at (dcmettie@hotmail.com).

For information on tips for caring for wounded, ill and injured service members check out Tips for Caregivers at (http://www.extension.org/pages/60576/military-family-caregiving).

Also, if you are a caring for a veteran or wounded service member, we would like to hear from you. Please share your experiences, heartaches and advice for others in caregiving situations with us today. Comments can be made below.

 

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Military Caregivers: Understanding the invisible wounds of war

Monday, January 9th, 2012

With the war in Afghanistan and Iraq coming to a close, servicemen and women are returning home to their long awaited family and friends. While their homecoming is bitter sweet, the challenges of reintegration from combat to civilian life can be stressful on these service members and their families.

During deployments service members experience long periods of extreme stress, endure intense battlefield activity that poses personal harm and involves the taking of life, experience their own injuries, and witness the injuries and deaths of others.

The effects of war may have an impact on the mental and emotional well-being of your returning service member. Many survivors of a traumatic event return to normal with time, whereas others take longer to heal–these individuals may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is an anxiety disorder or condition that can be characterized as a silent, invisible injury common in military personnel who have been exposed to traumatic events while performing their military responsibilities.

If your loved one recently returned home from war, look for signs and symptoms that he or she may be exhibiting PTSD.

Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nightmares
  • Unwanted thoughts or memories
  • Panic attacks
  • Angry or irritable
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Scared
  • Confused

Living with a service member who suffers from PTSD can be difficult, learn how you can better understand this invisible wound and strategies for helping and coping with the situation by going to Caring for Those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Also, watch Veterans’ Voices on PTSD and hear stories from veterans who have experienced PTSD. These veterans share their emotions, actions, and symptoms caused by PTSD and what they did to overcome the invisible wounds of war.

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Born at 11:11am on 11/11/11

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Happy Veterans Day!

What better way for a veteran to celebrate Veterans Day than to bring a new little one into the world?

According to an article in the Huffington Post, that is exactly what happened to Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Saydeh and his veteran wife (also Air Force), Danielle.

On November 11, 2011 at 11:11am at the Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, N.J., the couple’s newest addition to the family was born.

Jacob Anthony Saydeh entered the world at the perfect time to help his veteran mom celebrate Veterans Day.

Jacob who weighed in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces was born to a third-generation military family. Any predictions on his career goals?

So, what about your family? How was your Veterans Day? Share your memories in the comments section below.

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Preparing Children For Deployment

Sunday, October 9th, 2011

Everyone has advice when it comes to how to prepare children for deployment (us included!).

We know you may not use everything you hear when working with the families you serve. However, we always want to share the best of the best that we find during our environmental sweeps of the topics covered in the Family Development Concentration Area of the Military Families Learning Network.

As we continue our theme of deployment we wanted to share a great post we found from DOD Live.

The authors at DOD Live have put together an excellent collection of tips and resources for Preparing Children For Deployment.

Read over it and let us know what you think in the comments below.

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

 

 

 

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Military Family Caregiving

Monday, September 12th, 2011
Photo provided by the Fort Hood Sentinel

Photo provided by the Fort Hood Sentinel

Many believe our heroes are those fighting on the front line for a country that long stands to prosper and in turn adhere to our tradition of the “Land of the free, and home of the brave.”

However, in the line of duty these men and women’s heroism are put to the test. Their valor comes at the price of death, and for those few that are able to live to see another day, these individuals struggle with effects from a lifetime of war.

Those heroes who live to see another day face a great challenge, a challenge so difficult it could make the wounded warrior seem as if they were back on the “front line.”

What is this challenge? It is the “will to live;” to battle the scars from war.

Yet during this new challenge wounded warriors has a different unit watching their backs…it is their families and those who support them.

We often remember our fallen service members and veterans, what we often forget, are their caregivers.

Cooperative Extension–Supporting our military family caregivers

When a new initiative is introduced in the caring of Soldier and Families, Extension staff, working together with their military partners, meet the challenge to provide quality programs, activities and resources to assist the Soldier and Family in whatever they require.

With an array of online resources for caregivers, it can be difficult at times to find resources at is relates to military caregiving and military medical conditions.

With the help of Cooperative Extension, our Military-Extension partnership in particular, we are able to bring some of those resources to one location.

Our military family caregiving initiative first began when Texas AgriLife Extension Service was charged with the task of providing educational programs, online resources and caregiving skills through the use of eXtension.org for military caregivers.

The materials for military family caregiving focus on loved ones (spouse, mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, partner, etc.) caring for a very seriously injured (VSI) or seriously injured (SI) service members.

The medical conditions we are currently working on pertain to wounded warriors with: post-traumatic stress disorder; spinal cord injury; traumatic brain injury; severe burns; loss of limb; and loss of vision.

Each topical article will offer a brief overview of the topic, what the military caregiver can expect from the condition of his/her wounded warrior, tips to reduce the caregiver burden, and resources to find more information.

Continue to check back to this blog, Facebook, Twitter, and the eXtension.org page for the latest Military Family Caregiving articles and resources.

 

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Reflections of 9/11

Friday, September 9th, 2011

Our work in the Military Families Learning Network is to link extension and research to the work of military families services professionals–the ones in the military and in government and non-government agencies who are called upon to help military families.

Brent Elrod, of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture, sent us, in the Extension-Military Partnership, the following email to reflect on 9/11 and remind us of why there is a Extension-Military partnership and why we are developing a Military Families Learning Network.

He challenges us to continue our personal, professional, and collective commitments to help strengthen and support individuals, families, and communities, particularly those in the military.

Reflections of 9/11 (email sent September 9, 2011)

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 upon us, our thoughts return to the events of the day: where we were, who we were with, and the range of emotions we felt.

The magnitude of the loss, the vulnerability, and the search for meaning were immediate, collective – and continue to reverberate to this day.

Glued to our tvs, tears running down our faces, we sought comfort in the knowledge our loved ones were safe. We exchanged greetings with strangers, and noticed the absence of planes in the sky.

I recall renewing my vow to return to Washington, D.C. that day. A personal pledge to do what I could – on a grander scale – to demonstrate that  good ultimately trumps evil.

I know that others – I expect many of you – made personal promises of your own.

We pause to honor those who lost their lives (or had lives altered) in the terror attacks, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, as well as those who have sacrificed to protect the homeland since.

We recommit to strengthen and support individuals, families, and communities through our research, extension and academic programs. Our efforts help ensure that 9/11’s lasting legacy includes the very clear message that hope will not – cannot – be denied.

V/r,

Brent Elrod
Acting Division Director – Family and Consumer Sciences
National Program Leader – Military and Veteran’s Programs
Division of Family and Consumer Sciences
Strengthening Families, Farms, Communities and the Economy
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture
www.nifa.usda.gov/military

 

 

 

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