JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Spouses of transitioning servicemembers will learn about resources that will help them as they re-enter civilian life during the ‘TAP Too’ workshop at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center Aug. 24-25.
The two-day workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to noon and focuses on a variety of topics and issues impacting spouses of transitioning service members – Including finances, employment assistance, personal wellness, mental health and TRICARE -- which will be covered by subject matter experts from programs and organizations throughout JBSA and the local community.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, seating is limited for the workshop. In addition, the workshop will be shown on Zoom. JBSA members who want to reserve a seat at the workshop or want to view it on Zoom can call the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC at 210-221-2705 or register at https://e.afit.edu/H8GVYYqr.
For those attending in-person, masks or face coverings will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. The JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center is located at 3060 Stanley Road, Building 2797.
The recent change in HPCON status at JBSA could impact how the workshop is conducted.
The ‘TAP Too’ workshop is affiliated with the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, which provides counseling and job assistance to service members who are preparing to leave the military.
Hazel Wong, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC Employment Readiness Program consultant, said the workshop helps connect spouses of transitioning servicemembers to resources, programs and services they can utilize during and after their transition, to subject matter experts who can help them and to other spouses of transitioning service members who can provide support and encouragement.
“We want to let the spouses know we realize they served just like their servicemember did,” Wong said. “We know when the service member transitions out, so does our spouse; it’s going to be a big change for them as well. They have to look at life outside of the military.”
Wong said representatives from programs such as TRICARE, Survivor Benefits Program and the Veterans Administration will be available to answer questions from spouses in person and through Zoom on what benefits they are eligible for once they make their transition.
Representatives from JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Legal Office will be at the workshop to provide information on legal services they can provide to spouses of transitioning service members.
Also, members of the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC Employment Readiness Program will be present to help spouses connect to potential career and job opportunities, including helping and providing tips for developing their resumes, and connecting them with M&FRCs, Army Community Services, Fleet and Family Support Centers, or Marine Corps Community Services at other installations.