JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Spouses of transitioning service members will learn about resources that will help them as they re-enter civilian life, without having to leave their home, through a virtual 'TAP Too' workshop conducted by the Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center Aug. 26-27.
The two-day workshop will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. and will include topics and issues that impact spouses of transitioning service members. Subject matter experts from programs and organizations throughout JBSA and the local community will cover a variety of topics.
The Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, provides counseling and job assistance to service members who are preparing to leave the military.
Because of COVID-19, this is the first time the TAP Too workshop, which started at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston in 2019, is being conducted virtually.
Yazmine Gutierrez, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC work/life consultant, said TAP Too, which is a one-day workshop when held in-person, is being conducted as a two-day workshop to navigate around the schedules of spouses who are staying at home.
“I recognize that our spouses, a lot of them, are at home with their children or home with other responsibilities that they wouldn’t usually have if they were in-person in a class,” Gutierrez said. “I’ve tried to really be considerate of their time by still giving them the same workshop and the same resources (as if they would be attending in person). That way, they can avoid burnout and avoid sitting in front of the computer all day.”
The workshop will be conducted utilizing the Zoom platform in which participants can communicate using a live chat box feature.
Gutierrez said TAP Too will cover a wide range of topics, including physical, emotional and mental well-being, and cycles of transitioning.
During breaks from presentations, there will be virtual breakout rooms with subject matter experts and representatives from organizations that provide resources and help for spouses of transitioning service members.
In these breakout rooms, subject matter experts and representatives will provide a quick snapshot of what they do or what resources they provide. While in the breakout rooms, workshop participants will be able to gather information and ask questions.
Breakout rooms will include topics such as continuing education, job certifications, employment resources, health care services, transitioning resources, legal, retirement services, survivor benefits and veterans’ services.
Gutierrez said the TAP Too workshop is similar in some aspects to the resources and information a transitioning service member would receive going through TAP, except this event will be focused on the needs of spouses.
The TAP Too workshop is free for JBSA members. To register, go to: https://e.afit.edu/PBs43K or call 210-221-2705 and request to be registered for the TAP Too workshop. The registration deadline is Aug. 24.