Web Site Updates Help Veterans After Deployment

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Since launching Aug. 5, 2008, Afterdeployment.org has grown to provide more information and resources for service members returning from deployment – as well as for their families.

           “It’s a free resource that can be very helpful for veterans transitioning back from their deployment,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director for TRICARE Management Activity.

           The site provides change strategies and educational materials that address combat stress and triggers; conflict at work; re-connecting with family and friends; depression; anger; sleep problems; substance abuse; stress management; kids and deployment; spiritual guidance; living with physical injuries; and health and wellness.

           The updated Web site at http://www.afterdeployment.org features workshops in the “Improving Relationships” program.  These workshops provide service members with valuable tools for overcoming the tendency to isolate from friends and family, building relationship skills and reconnecting with partners following a deployment.

           Afterdeployment.org also added self-help workshops and activities in the “Helping Kids Deal with Deployment,” “Seeking Spiritual Fitness,” and “Controlling Drugs and Alcohol” sections of the Web site.
 
           “The diversity of registered users on Afterdeployment.org is a testimony to how wonderful the site is. Users report very positive feelings about the usefulness and quality of information available on Afterdeployment.org,” said Granger. “We’ve received great feedback, and we expect the Web site to offer even more assistance to families and veterans,” Granger added. “Statistics indicate that there is a balance of families, providers, veterans, and active duty service members registered on the site.”
          
           The “Explore the Site” box on the top right of the page is a gateway to the site’s many materials. Anonymous registration is required only for the workshops.
 
           For transition behavioral health help, go to http://www.afterdeployment.org. For info on how TRICARE can help behavioral health, go to http://www.tricare.mil.

About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System
TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.4 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide.  For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.