Survivor Outreach Services: An Army source servicing the grief stricken Published Sept. 10, 2010 By Jennifer McCarthy Army Support Activity-Dix Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- It was supposed to be a quick trip to the store to pick up a last minute item for supper, a mild inconvenience in an otherwise good day. But as Ida Gonzalez walked to her car, she saw two men in green uniforms moving up her sidewalk. Those men would turn that good day into the nightmare anyone who has ever loved a Soldier fears most. The two men in uniforms were Army Casualty Notification Officers informing the Gonzalez family that their son and brother, Spc. Michael L. Gonzalez, 340 Military Police Company, United States Army Reserves, died as the result of an improvised explosive device attack in Baghdad, Aug. 28, 2008. He was just 20 years old. "We knew after Michael died, as a family, we could not do it alone. We needed help. Any opportunity that came to my door, I took it," said Gonzalez. Soldier Outreach Services was one of those opportunities. To recognize the special challenges faced by families and friends of deceased Soldiers, the Army established SOS in 2008. This program moves beyond the work done by casualty affairs officers by offering a wide range of support not just for the next of kin, but for all members of the fallen hero's family in the months and years following a traumatic loss. The staff at SOS gives survivors long-term assistance by facilitating support groups and teaching life skills. In addition to helping meet the emotional needs of a fallen Soldier's loved ones, SOS also helps families understand and apply for the benefits they are entitled to. Assistance is also provided for financial issues that arise as result of the loss. SOS employees are on hand to offer tips on subjects such as investing and estate planning. If families are unable to travel to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for help, SOS will put individuals in touch with grief counseling resources and civic organizations in their areas. And since grief knows no timetable, support will be provided to survivors for as long as it is needed. Unlike some Army-specific support programs, SOS reaches out to the civilian community for help in sustaining grieving families. This includes using volunteers such as Gonzalez. Following their son's death, the Gonzalez family founded the non-profit group Butterfly Circle of Friends to help Soldiers and their families. The organization has provided gifts for Soldiers' families during the holidays and lent support to other installation community support projects. "We let Soldiers know we care," Gonzalez said of the group. Gonzalez brings caring to her volunteer work with the SOS as well. To better help families that have suffered a loss, she attended classes to become a certified grief counselor. "It is a very tender time. We give [survivors] hope there is light at the end of the tunnel," Gonzalez said. Finding that light is a work in progress. Just as grieving is a constantly changing process, Genuardi said that the SOS is always working to improve services and provide families with the help they really need. One of the changes she hopes to witness is an expansion of the Army SOS program to include families of all fallen servicemembers. Another future improvement Genuardi wants to see is a stand -alone SOS facility. Currently the center is located at 5201 Maryland Avenue along with Army Community Services, but according to Gonzalez, "Soldiers sometimes feel uncomfortable with survivors." She believes an independent center would help alleviate the discomfort. Since its inception, the Dix SOS has helped more than 100 survivor families and has reached out to more than 1,100 families in the region. The SOS at JB MDL is one of 50 such programs across the country. It services the lower part of New York, all of New Jersey, Philadelphia and six counties surrounding the city. For more information on the SOS program at Dix call 562-3797.