Losing a loved one is an especially difficult time for those left behind by a fallen soldier. In addition to the grief the family will suffer, they will also be faced with several issues and questions about a life built around the Army. Some of these will be addressed immediately by the Casualty Assistance Officer, but some will not surface for many months or years - long after the Casualty Assistance process has ended. Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) can help. SOS is a holistic, multi-agency approach to delivering services specifically to Survivors. We offer a personal touch by providing these services locally, at the garrisons and the communities closest to where the families live. The overall goal of SOS is to epitomize the Army’s solemn commitment to the Families of the Fallen.
The friendly staff at Survivor Outreach Services is here to assist Survivors of Fallen Soldiers with whatever issues they might have. Our mission is...
“To embrace and reassure Survivors that they are continually linked to the Army Family through a unified support program that enables them to remain an important part of the Army Family for as long as they desire.”
 Overall Objectives:
- To provide enhanced services to Families of the Fallen.
- To help Survivors cope with the loss of their loved one.
- To improve responsiveness and streamline the assistance process for Families.
- To ensure Survivors have access to all entitled benefits.
Who do we provide services to?
Our clients consist of ANY Primary or Secondary Next-of-Kin of the fallen soldier. Generally, this includes immediate family members (spouses, children, parents), however we may take on other clients on a case-by-case basis.
When do we begin to provide our services?
While there is no fixed time frame at which we must engage a client, our goal is to begin communication with them, at the latest, when their appointed CAO is released. We can, however become involved as early as needed or when requested by the Casualty Assistance Center.
How long are clients eligible for our services?
In short, we will provide our services as long as the surviving family members need us or request our involvement. Clients are eligible no matter the length of time since their loved one has passed on. We strive to be an important part of a surviving family’s support system for many years to come.
Support Coordinators
Support Coordinators are the main points of contact for surviving family members. They will work closely with CAC to ensure a smooth transition for the family after the Casualty Assistance process is completed. They will initiate the new client engagement and will ensure that continuous outreach is provided to the family as long as it is needed or wanted. They function as long term support personnel for the program by coordinating support groups, presenting briefings to the community and leadership, and providing life skills and supportive counseling. They will partner with the Benefits Coordinator and with the CAO to ensure the survivor receives all necessary services.
Support Coordinators provide the following services:
- Local long term case management (supportive counseling; life skills education; support groups)
- Serves as an advocate for eligible beneficiaries and develops a plan of action based on client needs.
- Provides information and referral services for survivors.
- Responsible for linking all phases of the SOS program.
- Develops partnerships with military, civilian and non-governmental agencies to leverage support to survivors.
Financial Counselors are adjunct specialists in the program. They will partner with support coordinators to provide financial and estate planning support and education to surviving family members. This support can be limited in scope or comprehensive depending on the needs of the family. This support will also be provided on an ongoing basis as requested by the family. They will work closely with the Benefits Coordinator and Legal to ensure all financial and estate issues are addressed.
Financial Counselors provide the following services:
- Analyze benefits in context of complete financial picture
- Aid in identifying financial needs and objectives
- Deliver comprehensive financial planning (cash flow/budgeting, risk management, college planning, investments, retirement, estate planning, etc) and education
- Assist in implementing financial recommendations
- Periodically review and reassess financial plan to ensure objectives are met
- Partners with Benefits Coordinator, Financial Readiness, Legal, and RSO to enhance services
Contact us
Helpful links
The Survivor Outreach Services program at Fort Bliss would like to invite adult survivors of fallen service members in West Texas and New Mexico to its first Adult Social Event at Cattleman's Steakhouse in Fabens.
The SOS Adult Social Event will take place Friday, September 17 from 7-9 p.m. at Cattleman's Steakhouse, located five miles north of Ranch Road 793, off exit 49 from I-10 East.
The event is free of charge to all survivors of the nation's fallen heroes. Child care will not be available for this adult social event.
Reservations are required and must be made by Wednesday, September 14. For more information, or to make reservations, please call SOS at (915) 568-1132.
Click here to view the flyer
Are you a surviving family member of a fallen military hero? If so, please join us at Survivor Outreach Services as we take on a new endeavor: survivor support groups.
Free child care is available during support group meetings except for on Family Social nights, when all children are welcome. Children must be registered with Child, Youth and School Services to receive free child care. Reservations must be made prior to groups. Vouchers will be given after the completion of groups.
Group meetings will take place:
- September 21 from 6-7 p.m.
- October 26 from 6-8 p.m. (Halloween Family Social)
- November 16 from 10-11 a.m.
- December 14 from 6-8 p.m. (Holiday Family Social)
Support groups are held at Fort Bliss Army Community Service, Bldg. on 2494 Ricker Road. Spanish-language support groups may be available upon request. Please call 568-1132 to register or for more information.
Click here to view the flyer.
To honor and remember fallen service members, Survivor Outreach Services at Fort Bliss will dedicate the “Hall of Remembrance” in memory of all service members who have lost their lives while serving on active duty from 1990 to present. The hall will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices the Soldiers made and serve as a reminder to all that our service members have not been forgotten.
The Hall of Remembrance will encompass 8-inch by 10-inch photos of the fallen Soldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor or Coast Guardsman. We encourage families to stop by the SOS office in Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494 on Ricker Road, and submit a picture along with a statement about their loved one.
Families should feel free to submit a photo honoring their loved one in the manner in which they want their loved one to be remembered.
Survivors of the fallen may also mail their photograph of their Fallen Soldier to:
Army Community Service
Attention: Survivor Outreach Services
Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road
Fort Bliss, TX 79916
A dedication ceremony and location will be announced at a later date. For more information, call the SOS team at 568-1132.
Click here to view the flyer.
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