Focus on Employees

When Military Duty Calls, Help is Available

by Pam Wyss and Tom Friedel

Military reservists, veterans, and family members of those who have been deployed, the Employee Assistance Program has a message for you: “We understand, and we are here to help.”

As EAP coordinators, we have experience supporting and assisting employees affected by active duty deployment. We understand that:

You may have questions about what will happen to your job while you’re deployed – and after you return.
You may be gone for a long time, and you and your family members will worry about each other.
Those left at home may need to take on new roles or face financial strains.
When you return, you and your family members may need time to readjust to each other and to your old and new routines.
After active duty service, you may have a change in your work priorities or personal values.
You may have experiences unlike anything your family and co-workers have ever had. You may be concerned about what you will say to them, or what they might say to you.
You may have memories or concerns about the men and women with whom you served. You may feel detached or lonely because you’re not able to talk with them.

We understand that there’s much, much more to this than just packing up and being gone for a while. Whether you are the one deployed or the one left at home, the county provides resources you can use to get help and support.

County employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program at (206) 263-4572 or (206) 684-2103. Please note that this service is only for employees.

Family members of county employees can contact the Making Life Easier program at (888) 874-7920. This service is for employees, their family members, and anyone living in the employee’s household.

Other Resources

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs – Explains benefits for veterans and family members, local resources, and various links to national resources.

Deployment Link – A very thorough list of links and resources for all branches of the military on deployment and family support.

National Military Family Organization – Details rights, benefits, and services available to military families.

Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve – Promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve members and their civilian employers.

National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Educational resource on PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress. Includes information about assessment, symptoms, consequences and treatment of PTSD.

American Red Cross chapter serving King County – The ARC’s Armed Forces Emergency Services division can help families stay in touch with their military loved ones around the world.

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	Updated: Jan. 12, 2003