Comprehensive services are critical to the success of an individual augmentee (IA) assignment, yet many people are unaware of the wealth of services available right in their own backyard.

Whether you are in a command leadership position, a command IA coordinator, a service provider, an IA, or a family member, the Navy Region Northwest IA symposium has something for you. This free, full-day event features leading experts and information about local resources.

The event begins with opening remarks by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON Rick West, followed by Dr. Bridget Cantrell, co-author of “Down Range to Iraq and Back”. Cantrell is one of a small number of specially selected and trained mental health providers for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Program. All participants at each event will be given a complimentary copy of Cantrell’s book, courtesy of Fleet & Family Support Programs (FFSP).

Dr. Elizabeth Parins, from the Center for Deployment Psychology will provide two briefs: “Understanding Post Deployment Reactions from a Leadership Perspective” in the morning and “Preparing for Deployment and Reintegration of an IA” in the afternoon.

Following Parins, Retired Cmdr. Leanne Braddock, operational stress continuum clinical program analyst for the Navy, will speak on “Building resilient IA Sailors and families”. Local installation program updates will be highlighted throughout the event.

A special evening session for families, lead by Braddock, will explore how identifying and addressing stress issues early on can strengthen sailors and families. Wendy Poling, an experienced IA Spouse, who has a weekly podcast on Blog Talk Radio for military spouses and is a freelance writer for “Military Spouse” and other publications, will discuss how to take a bite out of stress through creative communication and unique resources. Poling will also provide an introduction to “Becoming a Narmy Spouse”. The term “Narmy” reflects the new role a Navy spouse must undertake as their loved one is deployed into an Army environment.

Naval Base Kitsap’s IA symposium will be held April 28 at Bangor Plaza, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an evening program from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Naval Station Everett event will take place in the Grand Vista Ballroom on April 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an evening program from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island symposium will be held April 30 in the CPO Ballroom, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with an evening program from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 1-866-854-0638.