FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The holidays are a time of togetherness, love and happiness for millions of Americans every year. Families travel thousands of miles to be with loved ones, and we pause to give thanks for what we have.
However, operations tempo, training, deployments and the nomadic nature of the military lifestyle can make holiday traditions difficult to share for Soldiers and their families.
Thankfully, the men and women of Fort Eustis' support organizations are working hard to help warriors and family members enjoy the holiday season this year.
The term "holiday" originated from "holy day," defined as a day reserved for religious celebration. Christmas is among the most-celebrated religious holidays in the United States. As such, the dedicated team of chaplains at Fort Eustis, Va. is deeply involved in helping Soldiers in need throughout the season.
U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Kenneth Bush, the post's senior chaplain, said the chapel is hosting a variety of programs to provide spiritual support and assistance to troops and families. In addition to a series of holiday services, the chapel will donate 140 Commissary gift cards worth $50 each to Service members and families in need, as determined by unit leadership.
"These certificates aren't limited to Soldiers. We're donating these to Soldiers, Airmen, Navy personnel and any personnel with the tenant units on post," he said.
Another way chaplains are lending a hand is educating Service members on fiscal responsibility and the pitfalls of the holiday debt hangover.
"A lot of Soldiers, like people in general, rack up credit card debt or overspend during the holidays," Bush said. "You have to pay that off starting in January, and it really can be detrimental if not managed properly. Chaplains in the 128th Aviation Brigade have had great success in hosting classes for Soldiers teaching them fiscal responsibility during the holiday spending period, even helping them save money year-round to be prepared for it."
Chaplain (Maj.) Raymond Folsom, the 128th Avn. Bde. chaplain, emphasized that while the holidays present unique religious needs, helping Soldiers and family members during the holidays "is not any more important than any other time."
"We're here to help Soldiers. We meet with them, understand their spiritual needs, and adapt our counseling to meet those needs," Folsom said. "[Ch. (Capt.) Jason Hill] and I are placed strategically to pray with, answer questions and provide meaningful religious experiences for our troops year-round."
Bush said Service members and family members in need of assistance of any kind can call the chapel at (757) 878-1304 during daytime business hours. The chapel also operates a 24-hour hotline at (757) 878-5050.
Soldier support and resiliency does not stop at the chapel's doors. Army Community Service provides a wealth of education, training and support for Fort Eustis personnel during the holidays as well.
Financial education workshops, resiliency training, holiday contests, food drives, voucher programs and events for Exceptional Family Member Program families are among the organization's holiday offerings.
"ACS provides training, education and support personalized for each Soldier or family. For example, personal financial readiness services might include developing a financial plan, finding out your credit score or meeting with a counselor to learn how to dig your way out of debt," said Ann Schulte, the ACS director. "Whether you're new to the community, looking for parenting resources, wanting to volunteer, seeking a new job or struggling with deployment related adjustment, ACS will provide or help connect you with a variety of services on post or beyond.
"Donations are appreciated during the holidays and all year long for the ACS Emergency Food Voucher program to assist Soldiers and families with short-term food assistance," she added.
Schulte said Soldiers or family members in need can call ACS Military Family Life Counselors at (757) 555-5509/5512 for short-term counseling. Additionally, Military OneSource is "a goldmine of resources around-the-clock," available online at www.militaryonesource.com or by calling 1 (800) 342-9647.
Lastly, personnel can call ACS directly at 878-3638, visit their location at 650 Monroe Avenue weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., get information online at www.eustismwr.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/forteustisacs. Individuals should note the ACS will be closed Nov.22-23, Dec. 24-25, and 31, and Jan. 1, 2013.
Regimental Memorial Chapel Holiday Services
Catholic
Regular Services:
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.: Sunday Mass
Sunday, 4 p.m.: Hispanic Mass (No Christmas Day Service)
Monday-Wednesday & Friday, 11:45 a.m.: Weekday Mass
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: Weekday Mass
Special Services:
Nov. 21, 7 p.m.: Thanksgiving Vigil Mass
Dec. 8, 11 a.m & 7 p.m.: Saturday Mass - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (A Holy Day of Obligation)
Dec. 17, 7 p.m.: Penance Service
Dec. 24, 9 p.m.: Christmas Eve Vigil Mass
Dec. 25, 11 a.m.: Christmas Day Mass
Dec. 31, 6 p.m.: Eucharistic Adoration before Mass
Dec. 31, 7 p.m.: New Year's Eve Vigil Mass (Celebration after Mass)
Jan. 1, 2013, 7 p.m.: Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (A Holy Day of Obligation)
Protestant
Regular Services:
Sunday, 8:45 a.m.: Contemporary Service at Bldg. 1005 Sunday, 11 a.m.: Traditional Service Sunday, 6 p.m.: Blended Service
Special Services:
Nov. 21, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Thanksgiving Service
Dec. 24, 6 p.m.: Christmas Eve Service (All Protestant Services)
Special Events:
Nov. 28, 2 p.m.: Chapel Decorating/Chili Supper
Dec. 6, 5 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony at Seay Plaza
Dec. 16, 12:30-2 p.m.: Birthday Party for Jesus
Army Community Service Holiday Key Dates
Nov. 19 - Dec. 7: Fort Eustis Holiday Food Drive, which will benefit the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, a referral source for many military families. Collection boxes will be conveniently located at ACS at 650 Monroe Ave. and other public buildings.
Nov. 23 - Jan. 2, 2013: Christmas Food Voucher Program. Your donations will provide a holiday meal for junior enlisted families. Toy donations are also welcome.
Nov. 26: The 14th Annual Holiday Card Lane Contest begins, with awards ceremony on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum. Fort Eustis units and organizations are invited to submit a wooden "card" in keeping with this year's theme of "Celebrating Family, Friends and Faith!" POC: Shirley Strong; 878-2552.
Nov 28-30: Master Resiliency Training at ACS. Ready Resiliency teaches critical thinking skills and coping strategies to overcome challenges, mature and bounce back from adversity. Soldiers, family members and civilians are welcome. Registration is required. POC: Roger Bullis; 878-3173.
Dec. 10: Exceptional Family Member Program Holiday Party. POC: Marlene Foster-Cherrye; 878-1954.
733rd Force Support Division Holiday Closures/Hours
Army Community Service
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-24, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2013
Anderson Field House
Closed: Nov. 24 (Renovations), Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013
Aquatic Center (Lap Pool)
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013.
Nov. 23: Open 5 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Aquatic Center (Adventure Pool)
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013
Nov. 23: Open noon - 4 p.m.
Dec. 24 & 31: Open noon - 4 p.m.
Auto Craft Shop
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 - Jan. 1, 2013
Bowling Center
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 23-25, Dec. 30 - Jan. 1, 2013
Child, Youth & School Services
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 - Jan. 1, 2013
Fort Eustis Club
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25, Jan. 1, 2013
New Year's Eve Party: Dec. 31, 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Pines Golf Course
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25
Dec. 24: Open sunrise - noon
Leisure Travel Office
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 - Jan. 1, 2013
Groninger Library
Closed: Nov. 23-25, Dec. 22-26, Dec. 29 - Jan. 1, 2013
Manpower and Personnel Branch
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013
McClellan Fitness Center
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013
Dec. 24 & 31: Open 5 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MWR Recreation Center
Arts & Crafts:
Closed: Nov. 22-23, Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 - Jan. 1, 2013
Recreation Room:
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 - Jan. 3, 2013
Outdoor Recreation:
Closed: Nov. 22, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, 2013
Dec. 24 & 31: Open 8 a.m. - noon