Syracuse Blue Star Theatres Program

Syracuse Stage Blue Star Theatres program offers

 discount and complimentary tickets to

active U.S. military personnel, their immediate families and U.S. military veterans

1From left: Patrick Halley, Kate Hodge, Elizabeth Rich and Denny Dillon Good People

by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Laura Kepley. Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni

(Syracuse, NY)— Syracuse Stage is offering discount and complimentary tickets to U.S. military personnel, U.S. military veterans and their immediate family members to select performances for remaining shows in the current season. This effort is supported by a generous grant from the Central New York Community Foundation.

 

Complimentary tickets are available to military families for the matinee performance of Good People on Saturday, April 27. There will be a complimentary pre-show reception at 1:30 p.m. in the Sutton Pavilion with treats from Kerwin’s Cupcakes. A discussion with the actors will immediately follow at 2 p.m., and the performance will begin at 3 p.m. in the Archbold Theatre.

 

For details and to reserve complimentary tickets complete the ticket reservation form on the Blue Star page under the “Visitor Info” tab at SyracuseStage.org. This show is recommended for ages 12 and older. There is a limit of seven tickets per order for complimentary tickets, and tickets must be reserved by Monday, April 22. Groups of 10 or more are welcome to attend and should call (315) 443-8603 or e-mail bluestar@syracusestage.org to make a reservation.  

In addition to complimentary tickets for select performances, as a part of the Blue Star Theatres program U.S. military personnel, U.S. military veterans and their immediate families are eligible for discounted tickets to all Syracuse Stage performances. Syracuse Stage’s Blue Star discount includes adult tickets for $30 during the first week of performances, $12 youth tickets for all performances and $5 off regular adult tickets to shows after the first week of performances.

Discounted tickets for shows in the 40^th Anniversary Season can be purchased through the Syracuse Stage Box Office, 820 E. Genesee Street, (315) 443-3275. Discounted tickets are based upon availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. For more information visit SyracuseStage.org.  

ABOUT BLUE STAR THEATRES

The Blue Star Theatres program is a national initiative sponsored by MetLife, Blue Star Families and Theatre Communications Group. It is derived from the Blue Star Museums program, where museums offer free or discounted admission to military personnel. The program launched on September 28, 2012 with more than two dozen theatres participating. Syracuse Stage is one of seven participating theatres in the state of New York.

For more information about the Blue Star Theatres program visit SyracuseStage.org and click on “Blue Star” under the “Visitor Info” link.

ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE

Syracuse Stage is Central New York’s premier professional theatre. Founded in 1974, Stage has produced more than 241 plays in 39 seasons including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season 90,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays and bold interpretations of classics and musicals featuring the finest theatre artists. In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves over 30,000 students from 24 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Syracuse Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York. Additional support comes from the government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University. Syracuse Stage is a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, and a member of the Arts and Cultural Leadership Alliance (ACLA), the University Hill Corporation and the East Genesee Regent Association. Syracuse Stage is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the largest professional theatre association in the country.

 

Syracuse Stage   I   Producing Artistic Director: Timothy Bond   I   Managing Director: Jeffrey Woodward

820 E. Genesee St.  I   Main: 315-443-4008   I   Box Office: 315-443-3275   I   www.SyracuseStage.org

A Day at the Spaaaaahhh for Gold Star Wives Day

A Day at the Spa

Fort Drum, NY - In honor of Gold Star Wives Day, established as April 5^th 2013, Fort Drum Survivor Outreach Services and The Spa at Fort Drum partnered to provide our 2^nd Annual Day at the Spa for all Surviving Spouses.

13 Spouses of Fallen Soldiers came together on the afternoon of April 6^th to relax and enjoy a brief opportunity to be pampered with complimentary services provided by The Spa at Fort Drum.

Surviving Spouses share stories  (l-r Jennifer Johnson, Elizabeth Kawehi Rodriquez, and Bridgette Schmidt)

“Such a blessing to be with people that understand the lost and such love and compassion from people with a giving heart.  Thank you for sharing the time and offering your services to us all.  It lifts our hearts and spirits when people remember our loss and their (Fallen Soldiers) sacrafice.” Elizabeth Kawehi Rodriquez, surviving spouse of SSG Trinidad Rodriquez Jr., who passed away on 13 January 2011

Thousand Islands High School Interact Club (l-r Paige Durdon, Kevin O'Connor & Kyala Clegg)

The Spa closed its doors for 4 hours to serve only Surviving Spouses. Services included Manicures, Pedicures and Facials. Refreshments were provided by the Thousand Islands High School Interact Club, a group of youths that seek out community service opportunities.  “Partnerships with outside businesses and organizations help our programs and services to grow while allowing the community to see the great work we do for our Families” said Tom Clegg, SOS Support Coordinator for the Fort Drum Region. We hope to inspire others to join in our efforts to honor the families of our Fallen.

GSW Jennifer Johnson traveled 2 hours to spend the day with other Surviving Spouses.

In the Northcountry, weather and geography play a significant factor in getting families together for activities and events, Clegg said, Fort Drum SOS area of responsibility covers Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, Essex and the northern portions of Herkimer and Hamilton Counties of NY as well as the Canadian border area. 

Survivor Outreach Services purpose is to deliver on the Army’s commitment to the Families of the Fallen. SOS is a holistic and multi-agency approach to delivering services by providing access at garrisons and communities closest to where families live. Benefits Coordinators, Financial Counselors, and Support Coordinators are professionals available to deliver individualized support and attention to Survivors across the nation for as long as they desire.

Other recent changes to enhance the Army’s commitment to Families of our Fallen are the introduction of the Gold Star Installation Access Card for Surviving family members who are not entitled to the Dependent Identification Card and the establishment of designated parking for Surviving Families.

Gold Star Wives Day. April 5th, 2013

 

April 5 has been designated Gold Star Wives Day to allow America to pay respect to the spouses and families of fallen members of the U.S. armed forces.
...
The spouses and families of fallen service members have sacrificed so much and to recognize these sacrifices, the Senate passed a resolution to designate Gold Star Wives Day.

The Senate resolution states military service members and veterans "bear the burden of protecting the freedom of the people of the United States, and the sacrifices of the families of the fallen members and veterans of the armed forces of the United States should never be forgotten."

Every Widow or Widower has a story to tell of their loved one,  Share your story here:

 

Installation Access ID for Surviving Families.

Gold Star Lapel Button (l)
Next of Kin Lapel Button (r)

 

New ID Card for Surviving Family members

Surviving Family members who have not been entitled to receive a Department of Defense Identification card have expressed some concern about their ability to access Army installations to attend memorials, grief groups, unit activities, and events hosted by Survivor Outreach Services. In the past Fort Drum has issued a local Survivor ID Card which was to be used as an accompaniment to their DOD or State issued identification to identify them as Surviving Family member. There were no access or privileges attached to possession of this card, ie. Post Exchange, Commissary, or MWR activities, the intent of the card was to enable recognition as a Surviving Family member entitled to receive respect and priority service as available and alleviate some of the questions associated with visiting an Army installation. This Survivor ID Card, however, was a local initiative and acceptance was not required at other military installations.

Earlier this month, the Department of the Army (DA) approved the issuance of a standard civilian identification card to Surviving Family members who are not entitled to the Dependent Identification cards. The eligibility criteria for the Gold Star Installation Access Card is the same as the issuing of the Gold Star Lapel Button and Next of Kin Lapel Button and is as follows:

·         Widow / Widower (including those who have remarried).

·         Each child, step child, child through adoption.

·         Parents, mother, father, stepparents, adoptive parents, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis.

·         Siblings, to include half brothers/sisters.

The local Fort Drum process to receive this Civilian identification card is as follows:

Step 1 – Background check.

1.       Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator (SOS SC)will receive requests and determine eligibility.

2.       Application will be completed by Surviving Family members.

3.       SOS SC will request NCIC III check be conducted by Department of Emergency Services (DES).

4.       When cleared, DES will notify SOS SC who will notify surviving Family member.

Step 2 – Requesting Photo

1.       Logon to the Visual Information Ordering Site (VIOS) at www.vios.army.mil and click on Fort Drum.

a.       For CAC card holders you click on Fort Drum, your certificate and log in.

b.      For non CAC holders you will need an AKO User name and Password, click on AKO EAST.

c.       For non AKO Users the SOS SC will assist with this process.

2.       Click on the appropriate user type

a.       A new VIOS user

b.      An Existing VIOS user with AKO

c.       An existing VIOS user without AKO

3.       Select Fort Drum Visual Information and continue.

4.       Click on and fill in the work order.

a.       Type of product and service – Photography

b.      Justification – GOLD STAR CARD

c.       Type of Photograph – Head and Shoulders/Passport

d.      Type of portrait - Head and Shoulders

e.      Size – Other then add 1x1

f.        Studio – PASSPORT STUDIO

g.       Schedule appointment

h.      Quantity – 1

i.         Would you like a cost estimate – NO

j.        Submit request.

Step 3 – ID Card Issuing.

1.       Bring completed application and photo to ID Card section at Clark Hall

2.       ID section will then produce and issue ID card

3.       Receive letter from Garrison Commander outlining use of the card

The Gold Star Installation access card is intended solely for recognition and access purposes, it does not grant additional entitlements or privileges that are not already authorized. The card also cannot be used for the Trusted Traveler Program.  The Gold Star Installation access card is for use on Army Installations and may not be accepted at Navy, Marine and Air Force bases. The card is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, upon expiration, surviving Families my reapply for the Installation access card by completing a new application and background check.

The Department of Defense (DOD) issues eligible dependents and other eligible individuals a distinct identification card (ID) authorizing them to receive Uniformed Services benefits and privileges indicated on the card. As a surviving Family member of a deceased Service member the present military ID expires on the date of the Service member’s death. This card must be renewed within 30 days of the Service member’s death in order to continue to have access to the aforementioned privileges. The casualty assistance office (CAO) will be available to assist the Family.

The card is issued to all eligible surviving Family members 10 years of age or over who are eligible for one or more of the Service benefits and privileges. Children under 10 years of age may be identified by the card issued to the surviving spouse. If the surviving spouse is deceased or not entitled, the child under age 10 may be issued an identification card.

RELAX

RSVP is Required for this event as the Spa will be closing their doors from 2pm - 6pm to serve you, exclusively.
There will be no cost for this event.

Reserved for Surviving Families

Reserved Parking for our Families of the Fallen                                   21 March 2013

 

As the snow begins to thaw and spring is just around the corner new growth will fill the grounds and trees throughout the beautiful North Country.  Here at Fort Drum among that new growth you will notice the sprouting of a few new Reserved Parking Signs throughout the installation. These Signs are white with the images of the Gold Star Lapel Button, Next of Kin Lapel Button, and the Survivor Outreach Services Logo and reads "Reserved for Surviving Families, Please respect this spot and their sacrifice, Honoring our Families of the Fallen.

As you travel to other Army installations you will find similar signs in an effort to continue our committment to the Families of our Fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 

 

Army Community Services

Casualty Assistance Center

Education Center / Library

Medical Treatment Facility

Main Post Chapel

Post Exchange / Commissary

Survivor Outreach Services

From Army Times ~ Tuition Assistance Suspended~

Army suspends Tuition Assistance program

By Jim Tice - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Mar 8, 2013 7:47:43 EST

The Army’s popular Tuition Assistance program is being suspended because of the budget squeeze, although the many thousands of soldiers currently enrolled in courses will be allowed to complete those courses.
The shutdown will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time today.
About 200,000 soldiers are currently using tuition assistance.
Soldiers will not be allowed to enroll in TA-funded courses after that deadline, according to Lt. Col. Tom Alexander, spokesman for the Army’s personnel chief.
“Soldiers who are in courses now can complete those courses, but they will not be allowed to enroll in new courses,” he said.
“This suspension is necessary given the significant budget execution challenges caused by the combined effects of a possible year-long continuing resolution and sequestration,” Alexander said.
“The Army understands the effects of this action and will re-evaluate should the budget situation improve,” he said.
The Tuition Assistance program is one of the Army’s most popular in-service benefits, with some 201,000 Regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers participating in traditional classroom and online courses at 3,100 colleges and universities nationwide.
During fiscal 2012, the Army spent $373 million for tuition assistance payments.
Under the TA payment formula, payments are capped at $250 per semester hour of instruction, for up to an annual total of $4,500.
While the TA program is suspended, soldiers can pursue education goals using their VA benefits, if eligible, that include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, Montgomery Bill-Selected Reserve, Reserve Assistance Program and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Other education funding sources also may be appropriate, such as grants, scholarships and the state tuition assistance programs available to some National Guard soldiers.
Pentagon officials strongly urge soldiers affected by the TA shutdown to contact their local Army education center to assess their options.
Updated information also will be posted by GoArmyEd, the online application for managing the TA program at www.goarmyed.com.