Dear Brave Rifles Family Member,

Congratulations! Your soldier is almost home after serving a very successful rotation with the

3d Armored Cavalry Regiment in Iraq. The Regiment has accomplished much during this

mission, providing vital support of Operation New Dawn

We know how excited you must be to get your soldier home safe and sound. While we can’t

give an exact date of when he or she will be home, we can provide you with some useful

information to help you prepare for his or her return. We know this makes it extremely hard

to plan your trip here if you are coming from far away, but hopefully some of the information

we provide you in this packet will help you with your planning process.

Included in this booklet is a wealth of information about traveling to the Fort Hood area, the

actual homecoming ceremony as well as the events that follow and tips for helping your

Soldier adjust to being back home.

The information in this booklet is subject to change and varies by Squadron. For the latest

information about your particular Soldier’s unit, there are contact emails and phone numbers

for your convenience on the last page.

Have a safe trip and a very happy reunion!

BRAVE RIFLES!

LTC J. Shawn Perry

CSM William Burford

FLIGHT NOTIFICATION

You will receive an automated call, via the eArmy Messaging System, approximately 72 hours

prior to the flight’s ceremony time. This will provide you with a flight name and an

approximate ceremony time. We will be updating families again once the plane is en route to

Fort Hood. Please note that flights are highly subject to change. Please stay in contact with

your FRSA and the Redeployment Hotline. We can only contact the person annotated by the

Soldier on his Returning Flight Point of Contact Sheet. Talk to your Soldier to ensure your

information is updated properly.

There are several options for tracking the flight arrival after you get the call:

1. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/3dACR .

2. The 3d ACR website (http://www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr ) will also contain updated

ceremony times.

3. Regimental Redeployment Hotline number can be reached 24 hours a day at 254-288-

5557 or 254-553-3269.

We highly encourage families to check in frequently with the Hotline to verify any updates

or changes to the Welcome Home Ceremony times. They will have the most up to date

information.

Contact your Family Readiness Support Assistant, FRSA and ensure that your contact data is

updated in the system. The FRSA for each Squadron is listed on the last page.

eArmy Family Messaging System is a new initiative by the Family and Morale, Welfare and

Recreation Command, Family Programs Directorate to keep Soldiers and Army Families

informed.

Q: How do I know if my information is in the system?

A: You can contact your FRSA or speak with your Soldier. Each Soldier was given a flight form

to establish a point of contact for re-deployment notification. The person chosen by the

Soldier will be uploaded into the system and contacted. No information will be given to

anyone other than the point of contact on the flight form.

Q: What if I am not home and miss the call?

A: You can call back the number and it will read the last message sent to your telephone

number. 281-207-4890. ( You have to call from the same phone the call came in on).

Q: Will the message cut off while playing?

A: Yes it will. If it is too noisy in the background it will start over. If it restarts one too many

times, it will disconnect.

Q: What type of report is there to ensure that there’s 100% contact?

A: This system generates a report immediately after the calls are finished. The system will call

back the “no answer” and “unreachable”. The system can also report answered or machine

answered. Our information is only as good as we receive it.

Q: What if the number shows up on my phone as unknown? How can I replay my message if

I don’t have a number to call back on?

A: The eArmy Messaging System phone number is 281-207-4890. You can call this number at

any time to replay your message. However, in order to retrieve the message you have to use

the same phone the system called. Remember, you can only retrieve a message if one was

sent.

Q: Will I receive a phone call if there’s a change with the arrival time?

A: Yes, if the flight time has changed more than two hours.

WELCOME HOME

CEREMONIES The Welcome Home Ceremony will take place at field 9400 on Battalion Ave near the Regimental Headquarters, between 19th and 16th Streets. Upon arrival at Fort Hood, proceed to the Marvin Leath Visitor’s Center at the Bernie Beck Main Gate. They will issue you a one-time use pass which can be extended for a few days if you would like to pick it up the day prior to get you through the gate. The Visitor’s Center will need to see: 1. Your current valid driver’s license 2. Your vehicle registration 3. Your proof of insurance.

Please view the below website to the MARVIN LEATH VISITORS CENTER at: http://www.hood.army.mil/visitors.center.aspx?2 You'll find a complete list of information on how to gain access to the base.

Directions to Field 9400 from Main Gate

Once you have passed the entrance of the Main Gate, proceed to the 4th light where you will take a right on

Battalion Ave. Continue down this road until you come to 19th Street. You will pass the Regimental

Headquarters on your right and families can park in the parking lot adjacent to the Shoppette and the 3d ACR

Regimental Headquarters. There will be additional parking available near the Chapel and Mabry Hall. Road

guards will be on hand to direct parking. Please notify someone if you need Handicap assistance. On the east

side of the Shoppette will be an enclosed football field, directly across the street from Sabre Squadron. In field

9400, you will see a large white tent. Traffic will only flow east on Battalion Ave. prior to/after the

Ceremonies. Have your ID on you just in case. Please follow the directions of the road guards. Allow enough

space in your vehicle to transport up to 2 duffle bags home with you!

DOs AND DON’Ts

• Do arrive at the parade field at least one hour prior to the scheduled ceremony times! Field 9400,

across from Mabry Hall on Battalion Ave.

• Do dress in layers. Texas weather is infamous for changing. There will be bad weather tents for the

family members. Please remember it will be VERY Hot!. The tent will be air-conditioned but remember

to be prepared for anything.

• Don’t forget to stay connected with the website http://www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr or our Facebook

site http://www.facebook.com/3dACR

• Do try to make arrangements with your Soldier to meet at a certain spot or bring something that

distinguishes you from the rest of the crowd. It’s pandemonium when they’re released.

• Don’t expect a long ceremony. From the time the Soldiers get off the bus to the time they are in your

arms is about 10 minutes.

• Don’t expect your Soldier to be able to take a large amount of leave (vacation) right away. There are

trainings and other mandatory events that they will have to go through before extended leave is

allowed.

• Do expect the Soldier to be able to take leave once all those trainings and events are completed.

• Do bring your camera and someone to take photos for you. You will be busy enough hugging your

Soldier.

• Don’t forget about your kids. An hour or two is very long for the little ones, bring something to keep

them busy, don’t forget water, it will be hot out there.

• Do make sure you make room in the car to take your Soldier’s bags home. Most of them travel with 2

large duffel bags

• Do ensure that you allow enough time to get your visitors pass at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center; it

can take up to 1 hour to get your pass. It is advised that you get one early and go check out the 3d

Cavalry Museum and Gift Shop on Battalion Ave near 27th Street, next to Division West Headquarters,

to take up some time prior to the Welcome Home Ceremony and learn a bit more about the

distinguished history of the Regiment your Soldier is a part of.

TRAVELING TO

TEXAS?

Fort Hood Quick Facts

Fort Hood rests in the beautiful 'hill and lake' country of Central Texas between Killeen and Copperas Cove and

is approximately 60 miles north of the capital city of Austin, 50 miles south of Waco, 160 miles south of Dallas,

and 150 miles north of San Antonio.

Fort Hood covers a total of 340-square miles and supports multiple units, a corps headquarters and a robust

mobilization mission. Fort Hood also meets the training and support requirements for many smaller units and

organizations, thus maintaining a vital defense force for the United States of America.

Check out this wonderful link: http://www.hood.army.mil/traveling.aspx

Airlines at the Greater Killeen Airport (GRK)

American Eagle - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-433-7300

Continental Airlines - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-525-0280

Delta Connection - Reservations and Tickets: 1-800-221-1212

Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) is only 50 miles south of Killeen and offers far more options and sometimes

cheaper fares.

Taxi Service

A courtesy phone is available in the arrival area to contact the Killeen Taxi and Cove Cab companies.

Cove Cab: 254-542-8626

Rental Cars

Advantage Rental www.arac.com 254-501-6150

Avis Rental www.avis.com 254-501-6130

Enterprise Rental www.enterprise.com 254-501-6140

Hertz Rental www.hertz.com 254-501-6110

National Car Rental www.nationalcar.com 254-501-6120

Thrifty Rental www.thrifty.com 254-501-6120

PLACES TO STAY

Killeen/Harker Heights

Baymont Inn and Suites 254-554-3615 2506 Trimmier Road

Best Value Inn & Suites 254-634-3101 1100 S Fort Hood Street

Candlewood Suites 254-501-3990 2300 Florence Road

Comfort Suites 254-634-5560 2709 Cunningham Drive

Days Inn 254-634-6644 810 E Central Tx Expressway

Executive Inn Suites 254-699-4081 1601 E Central Tx Expressway

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 254-526-3333 200 E Central Tx Expressway

Hampton Inn 254-554-7110 2702 O W Curry Drive

Hawthorn Suites Limited 254-634-7795 1502 E Central Tx Expressway

Hilton Garden Inn 254-554-3900 2704 O W Curry Drive

Holiday Inn 254-690-5511 300 E Central Tx Expressway

Howard Johnson 254-526-4343 803 E Central Tx Expressway

La Quinta Inn 254-526-8331 1112 S Fort Hood Street

Motel 6 254-634-4151 800 E Central TX Expressway

Plaza Hotel 254-634-1555 1721 E Central Tx Expressway

Quality Inn & Suites 254-554-6633 404 S Fort Hood Street

Residence Inn 254-634-1020 Florence Road

Royal Inn 254-519-7966 610 E Central Tx Expressway

Shilo Inn Suites Hotel Killeen 254-699-0999 3701 S WS Young Drive

Sleep Inn & Suites 254-616-2345 700 E Central Tx Expressway

Super 8 Motel 254-634-6868 606 E Central Tx Expressway

Towne Place Suites by Marriott 254-554-8899 2401 Florence Road

Copperas Cove

Best Western Inn & Suites 254-518-3363 321 Constitution Drive

Howard Johnson Express Inn 254-547-2345 302 W Hwy 190

Relax Inn 254-542-6615 1714 E Hwy 190

*This is not a complete list of hotels and in no way endorses any particular hotel.

For more information go to:. http://members.killeenchamber.com/list/category/hotels-motels

Temporary On-Post Lodging

Soldiers coming to Fort Hood can call IHG Army Hotels at (254) 532-5157 or 1-877-711-8326 for reservations, or visit

WWW.IHGARMYHOTELS.COM. All facilities are non-smoking. Pet rooms are available at an extra charge. Pet vaccination records

must be provided at check in. A continental breakfast is provided. Each Wednesday the hotel hosts a barbeque for all guests of the

hotels on post.

HOMECOMING TIPS FOR CHILDREN

Possible Children's Reactions to Soldier's Return

Reactions Techniques

Birth to 1 year

Cries, fusses Pulls away from soldier Clings to spouse or caregiver Has problems with elimination Changes their sleeping or eating habits Does not recognize soldier

Hold Hug gently Bathe and change Feed and play Relax, go slowly

1 to 3 Years

Shyness, clinging Does not recognize soldier Cries Has temper tantrums Regresses-no longer toilet trained

Don't force holding, hugging, kissing Give them space Give them time to warm up Be gentle and fun Sit at their level

3 to 5 Years

Demonstrates anger Acts out to get soldiers attention Needs proof soldier are real Is demanding Feel's guilty for making parent go away Talks a lot to update soldier

Listen to them Accept their feeling Play with them Reinforce that parents love them Find out the new things on TV, at preschool, books Reinforce that soldier love them Sit at their level

5 to 12 Years

Isn't good enough Dreads soldiers return because of discipline Boasts about Army and parent

Review pictures, school work, activities, scrapbooks Praise what they have done Try not to criticize

13 to 18 Years

Is excited, may be rebellious Feel's guilty because they don't live up to standards Is concerned about rules and responsibilities Feels too old or is unwilling to change

Share what has happened with soldier Listen with undivided attention Don’t be judgmental Don’t tease about fashion, music Respect privacy and friends

HOMECOMING TIPS FOR ADULTS Whether you are a single or a married soldier, a single-parent soldier, a spouse, or a child, you may face

certain stressors associated with Homecoming and Reunion. Below are some of the normal stressors you may face, along with some hints to help you adjust to the

changes in your life.

DANGER SIGNALS: · General irritability, hyper excitability, depression · Pounding of the heart · Dryness of mouth and throat · Impulsive behavior, emotional instability · Overpowering urge to cry or run · Inability to concentrate, flight of thoughts · Feelings of unreality, weakness, dizziness, fatigue · Floating anxiety, being afraid and not knowing why · Emotional tension and alertness · Trembling, nervous tics, easily startled · High-pitched, nervous laughter · Stuttering, other speech difficulties · Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth · Insomnia · Hyperactivity, increased tendency to move about · Excessive sweating · Frequent need to urinate · Diarrhea, indigestion, queasiness, vomiting · Migraine headaches · Pain in neck or lower back · Loss of appetite or excessive appetite · Increased use of prescribed drugs · Alcohol or drug abuse · Nightmares · Accident proneness

Possible Stressors · Emotional letdown · Restlessness or sleeplessness · No one understands what I have been through · Was my spouse faithful? · Did my spouse miss me? · My friends seem different · I didn’t expect things to change · Other people’s concerns seem petty · I feel like a stranger at home · How will the children react? · Will the role I have filled change? · Were my children treated well by their guardian? · Can I make up for lost time? · Did I handle things the right way? · When will things feel normal again? · I am concerned about finances · I am concerned about future deployments · The children appear confused and uncertain

Helpful Hints · Accept that things may be different · Talk about your experiences · Go slowly—don’t try to make up for lost time · Spend quality time with your children · Reassure your children; change often frightens them · Curb your desire to take control or to spend money · Accept that your partner may be different · Intimate relationships may be awkward at first · Take time to get reacquainted · Forget your fantasies; reality may be quite different · Take time to readjust · Communicate with your partner and family

TIPS FROM THE

CHAPLAIN First 3 days-celebrate and renew your love for one another-have fun-be careful with your spending-

don’t incur unnecessary debts

Within the first week-Plan a major “family conference” to assess how the year went-spend a few hours speaking and

listening with each family member; do not become overly critical, but seek to encourage. Understand that EVERY family

has challenges and problems. Look at the problems as an opportunity to work together as a family. Come to a consensus

on your shared goals and make a practical plan to reach them successfully.

During the first month-begin to assume and share responsibilities that define the normality of your family. DON’T just

take over or give up responsibilities, but talk to one another about what needs to be done and how each person can

assist with “the doing.”

Before block leave, plan to take opportunity to attend one of the marriage retreats. A lot of good tools for making

marriages and families successful are shared.

If fighting, arguing and other problems surface, resist the temptation to hurt the other person through words that you

will regret saying. Do not threaten divorce simply because the car doesn’t run anymore. Should the fighting become too

frequent and out of control, contact the chaplain or a helping agency for counseling. Walk away from any fight that

becomes potentially physical and violent. Get help immediately.

Be considerate of each other and remember that reintegration is about the members of a family becoming “one” again.

Finally, don’t forget that the Living God is the Designer of both marriage and family. Through prayer, reading Scripture

and attending chapel, you can move towards real success. No one is ever beyond the reach of God.

Watch for:

Fireproof: a movie night of sorts-that way we begin to "synchronize" the mood, vocabulary and understanding of our

folks on both sides of the world.

Strong Bonds marriage retreats as well as family retreats upon return in the early phase of the redeployment cycle.

Please check with your Rear-D Chaplain for dates of upcoming retreats. 254-287-2690

B.A.T.T.L.E.M.I.N.D FOR SPOUSES Spouse Battlemind is the Spouse’s ability to face deployments with resilience and strength, allowing easier

separations and smoother reunions. The skills taught will increase your and your family’s resiliency

throughout the military deployment cycle.

Bonding (Social Support)

Adding/Subtracting Family Roles

Taking Control

Talking it Out

Loyalty and Commitment

Emotional Balance

Mental Health and Readiness

Independence

Navigating the Army System

Denial of Self (Self-Sacrifice)

CUES FOR HELP

If any of the following are severe, persistent or interfering with daily life:

Spouses:

Feeling depressed, down, angry, tense, irritable, hopeless or resentful; repeated crying episodes, sleep

problems or appetite changes; Using medications, illegal drugs or alcohol to cope; taking out frustrations on

others; Suicidal or homicidal thinking, intent or actions; Isolation or withdrawal from important relationships

and activities; Family, coworkers or friends tell you that you need help.

Soldiers:

Strong memories, nightmares or other sleep problems, easily startled; Conflict, arguing, anger or hostility;

Aggressive driving; Excessive use of alcohol or other substances; Performance problems at work or home;

Distant from family, talking of divorce/separation unwanted by Spouse; Feeling down, unable to enjoy life, not

making future plans; Suicidal or homicidal thinking, intent or actions; Family, NCOs, or friends tell you that you

need help.

Children:

Irritability; Problems controlling temper, fights, hitting/biting/kicking; Attention problems; Withdrawal,

sadness; Academic problems; changes in behavior.

For more information and the full training go to: www.battlemind.army.mil

Don’t forget to check out the wonderful referral services available here on Fort Hood and on the Web.

www.behavioralhealth.army.mil

www.hooah4health.com

www.afterdeployment.org

www.strongstar.org

www.hoodmwr.com

INFORMATION AND

RESOURCES

FRG Homepages:

Secure pages hosted on AKO for each FRG. You must be logged in to AKO to access:

3d ACR: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/473246

Non-Secure Pages

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/3dACR

3d ACR Webpage: www.hood.army.mil/3d_acr

In addition, some units have Facebook Pages. Please check with your FRG Leader, FRSA or Rear Detachment Command for more

information.

3d ACR Military and Family Life Consultant: Email:mflc.3acr@gmail.com, Phone: 254-383-9282

Located at the Brave Rifles Soldier and Family Readiness Center, Bldg 9409, free on-site or off-site counseling, confidential

Army OneSource: www.myarmyonesource.com

New website merging services from MyArmyLifeToo.com and MilitaryOneSource.com. Central location that links to

homepages for Army Family Programs such as ACS, EFMP, AFTB, and more. Includes access free e-learning classes and

volunteer tools.

1-877-811-ARMY

Military OneSource: http://www.militaryonesource.com

Website that offers Military, personal, financial, parenting, employment, legal and general resources for Military Families all

over the world, including translation services, printed materials, webinars, service providers, and MUCH more.

1-800-342-9647

Fort Hood Homepage: http://www.hood.army.mil

Information and links to agencies and units on Fort Hood

Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org

Homepage for the American Red Cross, including information on emergency services and military assistance.

1-877-272-7337

TriCare: https://www.tricareonline.com

Homepage for TriCare, the military’s health insurance. Website allows you to book appointments at your military

treatment facilities as well as change providers and much more!

PTSD Hotline:

Hotline for Soldiers and Family Members to call with problems following a deployment. If you or someone you love is

suffering from nightmares, sleep problems, they’re numb, angry or are just not themselves, call for help!

1-800-796-9699

Fort Hood R&R Center: Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program

The Warrior Combat Stress Reset Programs is designed to help address common and normal reactions to war experiences.

The emphasis is on helping to calm your mind, body and spirit after returning from war.

254-553-2288 / 553-2287 / 553-2286 or 285-6347

Fort Hood Resiliency Campus: http://www.hood.army.mil/resiliencycampus/

A city-block size complex located at 31st

Street and Battalion Avenue that creates resilient Soldiers and Families by focusing

on 3 core values: body, mind and spirit.

254-285-5693

Unit or Family Life Chaplains : http://www.hood.army.mil/CHAPLAIN/Chap_Family.htm

Confidential counseling for individuals or families including marriage, children, family wellness, etc.

254-287-CHAP (2427)

3d ACR "BRAVE RIFLES"

POSITION NAME

PHONE

AREA CODE- 254 EMAIL ADDRESS

CDR LTC James Perry 287-0691 james.shawn.perry@us.army.mil

CSM CSM William Burford 287-0598 william.burford@us.army.mil

CHAPLAIN CH (CPT) Mark Edwards 415-5982 markey.edwards@us.army.mil

FRSA Amanda Rosener 286-6729 amanda.rosener@us.army.mil

MFLC Marsha Caraway 383-9282 Mflc.3acr@gmail.com

RHHT (Remington Troop)

CDR CPT Benjamin Lazo 287-5144 benjamin.lazo@us.army.mil

1SG 1SG Matt Pizzi 288-6619 matthew.p.pizzi@us.army.mil

1-3 (TIGER)

CDR CPT Robert Stillings 286-6618 robert.w.stillings@us.army.mil

1SG 1SG Jerry Cockrell 286-6618 jerry.d.cockrell@us.army.mil

POC SSG Martin Duarte 681-8824 martin.e.duarte@us.army.mil

2-3 (SABRE)

CDR CPT Jason Atkinson 681-8847 Jason.c.atkinson@us.army.mil

1SG SFC Sean Harding 681-1228 sean.n.harding@us.army.mil

FRSA Belinda Edwards 288-0759 belinda.edwards@us.army.mil

3-3 (THUNDER)

CDR CPT Jeremy Glosson 553-4003 jeremy.w.glosson@us.army.mil

1SG SFC William Nolan 288-5601 william.nolanjr@us.army.mil

FRSA Joni Schildman 681-7401 joni.schildman@us.army.mil

RSS (MULESKINNERS)

CDR CPT Stacy King 553-1580 stacy.king@us.army.mil

1SG 1SG Shauna Flowers 553-1580 shauna.flowers@us.army.mil

FRSA Tracie Mayshack 553-1739 tracie.mayshack@us.army.mil

3d ACR Staff Duty 254-286-6683

3d ACR Redeployment Hotline 254-288-5557

REAR DETACHMENT

CONTACTS