Gold Star Family Programs - SEAL Family Foundationsealfamilyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/... · 2017-03-23 · camp, family stabilization programs, and a leadership academy.

Organization Name Update:We are currently registered with the IRS as the SEAL - NSW Family Foundation, and you mayknow us as the Family Foundation, but we have recently received authority to conduct businessas the 'SEAL Family Foundation.' You will see the name SEAL Family Foundation in emails,social media and on the website. Not to worry, we are still the same organization providing thesame level of service to all families in Naval Special Warfare. Additionally, later this year we'll bepushing out a new logo to compliment this name change. If you have any questions, please feelfree to contact us. We remain, Families First.

Gold Star Family ProgramsOur Gold Star Family Program supports aContinuum of Care that focuses on transformingthe lives of children and spouses who haveexperienced the loss of a parent and/or spouse.

This specific program is designed to supportNSW's Gold Star families via a children's griefcamp, family stabilization programs, and aleadership academy.

Over the past few months, we've hosted severalGold Star events. In November, together with ourpartners, we hosted a Leadership Academy inSan Diego. Six Gold Star teens spent theday with the command who took them through amock BUD/s training, consisting of PT drills,lying in the ocean break as a team, andcompleting components of the Obstacle Course.The teens had a wonderful day strengtheningtheir bonds among each other and continuing togrow and prosper into young adults.

Personal reflections of teenage participants:

"I learned about stress management and how tobe aware of others' thoughts during times of

chaos. Each time I come [to Leadership Academy] a new concept is clarified and madecomprehensible, and this helps me make choices in that field."

"This experience is unimaginable, indescribable, and just amazing in general because Iget to see this other family of mine."

In December, we hosted our annual weekend inWashington, DC for the Wreaths Across AmericaGold Star Family Event. Approximately 50 Gold StarFamily members (18 Spouses, 14 kids) attended theevent at Arlington National Cemetery on December16-18. This event provided a wonderful weekend ofremembrance and gathering of our NSW Gold Star families. Each year our families lookforward to this event; especially during the holiday season.

Congratulations to our NewGraduatesSince November of 2016, we've hosted fourgraduations dinners: two SEAL and two SWCCgraduations. Together with the Naval SpecialWarfare (NSW) Command, we've gatheredtogether among 535 new operators, instructors,command leadership and most importantly theirfamilies, to welcome them into this amazing

community. We lean to these groups of people to build strength among the community andto provide them with a plethora of resources that will follow them throughout their time withNSW.

Community Building EffortsWithout the generosity of our community partners, we would not bea able to fulfill our mission. We are so appreciative of their support.

Through BIA Cares Foundation (Building Industry Assoc) and theirholiday bike program, we were able to provide 10 Naval SpecialWarfare families with 23 bikes this holiday season. This was a

very special holiday gift for the families in San Diego to enjoy theoutdoors together.

Family ResiliencyFamily Resiliency does not just happen. Ourcommunity-building efforts focuson activities and events that connect NSW Familiesthroughout the year. One very critical event is theSpouse Third Location Decompression.This provides the spouses an opportunity to gettogether and decompress before their husbandsreturn from a long deployment. The TLD providesthe ladies a safe, private space and time to holdan open forum discussion on the importance ofreintegration and expectations.

We hosted a Spouse Third Location Decompression(TLD) on January 29th at the Hotel del Coronado for 75 spouses to come together, have brunch,and listen to a panel of speakers from the command on reintegration of their husbandsreturning home.

This was the largest TLD to date and a great reminder of why this program is so important tothe spouses and families. When asked, "What does this day mean or why is it important toyou?" the spouses replied with:

"I've been a member of this special and supportive community for seven years. Each yearsurprises me with how much love and support this Foundation provides us. I am soincredibly appreciative of the Sisterhood and the NSW Family Foundation. This daymeans releasing stress and anxiety associated with homecoming with fellow wives andprofessional help... Learning excellent techniques to aid in integration, and validates myown feelings and fears."

"It feels really good to be appreciated. I think sometimes people forget that the spousealways goes through a lot during deployment, so when people reach out to thank me/us, itfeels really rewarding to know that our sacrifices don't go unnoticed as well. This is one ofmy favorite events and it's such a nice way to end a difficult deployment. Thank you forhelping us feel appreciated. It's such a blessing to be able to get together and relax."

We are so grateful for our donors who allow us this opportunity to continue to support thesefamilies during both difficult and uplifting times.

Stay informed - Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You'll learn about the impact ofour programs and services and see when we will be visiting a city near you.

Make a Contribution - Our support comes from many individuals, foundations, corporations andcommunity groups. Donate Now!

Support our National Retail Partners - Amazon Smile, BeautyKind, CARs (Boat) Donation,Omaha Stakes/Steaks for Good. See our website partner page for further information.

Become a Retail Partner - Whether you are a national or local business, you can become one ofour retail partners by donating a percentage of a product or product line sold. For more information,please contact Jana Gober at [email protected]. Third Party Events - If your company hosts an event and would like to donate the proceeds toSEAL Family Foundation, please contact: [email protected]. In-Kind Contributions - We are able to accept a limited number of in-kind contributions peryear. If you have a unique product that you wish to donate to one of our gala auctions, pleasecontact: [email protected].

A Day with Mike Rowe

Special Operations ExperienceWe were honored to host Mike Rowe, TVpersonality known for Deadliest Catch,How the World Works and Sharkweekand nine of his colleagues for a specialday of range shooting and skydiving. Thisis a very special event where webuild resiliency among donors and showgive them a very special peek into a day of Navy SEAL training.

In January, we were fortunate to attend the SHOT Show is Las Vegas to showcase all we doto folks who are fans of the industry. We are honored to have met Mike Rowe and his team afew weeks prior to attending the show. It was a pleasure to have been in their company andmimic leadership skills in an 'out of the office' setting. We also appreciate his kind wordsand support of the Foundation when he spoke as the keynote speaker at the SHOT Show.

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