Elaine Dumler
CSP
CO, USIf you are away on assignment, and you miss your child's Jr. Prom, it doesn't matter if you were gone for two weeks or an entire year...the heartache of not being there is the same!
Elaine is a wife and mother whose husband served in the Army National Guard between 1969 and 1975 before they were married. Recognizing that the stress of separation is there even for short assignments, she was particularly touched by what military families face with sustained absences. In 2003 Elaine went back to her roots in communication to write I'm Already Home, (version one) a book designed to help families discover unique and wonderful ways to stay connected and in constant communication when they are separated by deployments and assignments. As deployments and re-deployments continued, I'm Already Home...Again, was released in 2006 which combined the best of the original edition with over 150 new ideas, resources, stories, and expanded chapters on reunion, reintegration, pets and deployments, and how communities, schools, and extended families can help. The information for both books was gleaned through interviews with over 2000 military families. Following the path of another 1200 family interviews, 2010 brought the release of her 3rd book, The Road Home -Smoothing the Transition Back from Deployment covering the challenges of reunion and reintegration. She has written 24 Flip Tips Pocket books for the Guidance Group and the 4MCA catalog covering 24 specific areas of military life. She is a "columnist/blogger" for Army Wife Network.
Focusing on bringing her message and methods of family unity to military families, Elaine's media coverage includes features in 86 publications (6 in foreign languages) over 25 TV appearances (including MSNBC, FOXNews and Montel) and 40 radio programs to talk about the importance of keeping family ties stronger than ever and the connection strategies most effective in doing so. She has been presented with 24 "Military Challenge Coins," including President George W. Bush's Commander in Chief coin.
Elaine's special thrill came when she was invited by the National Guard Bureau to experience an incentive ride in an F-16 Viper as a "thank you" for her work for military families! She's always asked if she threw up during that ride. "Yep! 3 times, and I'm proud of each one! That means I had the best ride."
Elaine presents readiness trainings on military installations, at family programs conferences and Yellow Ribbon briefings throughout the country with one goal in mind: to make sure that every American deployed or on temporary assignment in the service of their country has the means available to be in the closest contact possible with their loved ones left behind.
If you are away on assignment, and you miss your child's Jr. Prom, it doesn't matter if you were gone for two weeks or an entire year...the heartache of not being there is the same!
Elaine is a wife and mother whose husband served in the Army National Guard between 1969 and 1975 before they were married. Recognizing that the stress of separation is there even for short assignments, she was particularly touched by what military families face with sustained absences. In 2003 Elaine went back to her roots in communication to write I'm Already Home, (version one) a book designed to help families discover unique and wonderful ways to stay connected and in constant communication when they are separated by deployments and assignments. As deployments and re-deployments continued, I'm Already Home...Again, was released in 2006 which combined the best of the original edition with over 150 new ideas, resources, stories, and expanded chapters on reunion, reintegration, pets and deployments, and how communities, schools, and extended families can help. The information for both books was gleaned through interviews with over 2000 military families. Following the path of another 1200 family interviews, 2010 brought the release of her 3rd book, The Road Home -Smoothing the Transition Back from Deployment covering the challenges of reunion and reintegration. She has written 24 Flip Tips Pocket books for the Guidance Group and the 4MCA catalog covering 24 specific areas of military life. She is a "columnist/blogger" for Army Wife Network.
Focusing on bringing her message and methods of family unity to military families, Elaine's media coverage includes features in 86 publications (6 in foreign languages) over 25 TV appearances (including MSNBC, FOXNews and Montel) and 40 radio programs to talk about the importance of keeping family ties stronger than ever and the connection strategies most effective in doing so. She has been presented with 24 "Military Challenge Coins," including President George W. Bush's Commander in Chief coin.
Elaine's special thrill came when she was invited by the National Guard Bureau to experience an incentive ride in an F-16 Viper as a "thank you" for her work for military families! She's always asked if she threw up during that ride. "Yep! 3 times, and I'm proud of each one! That means I had the best ride."
Elaine presents readiness trainings on military installations, at family programs conferences and Yellow Ribbon briefings throughout the country with one goal in mind: to make sure that every American deployed or on temporary assignment in the service of their country has the means available to be in the closest contact possible with their loved ones left behind.
The Military Recruits...The Family Retains
This general session is based on my book "I'm Already Home...Again" and brings fun new ways to connect with your families and communities while deployed, and as you reunite. Don't worry, Flat Daddy™ and Mel and Marge are back. Illustrated with over 40 beautiful photographs, it's designed to enhance all phases of readiness.
"How the Heck did my Butt get so BIG!"...and other realities of reunion
You're home now, and that's wonderful! But fitting back in has come with some challenges. Together we'll look at the top 8 challenges people have with reintegration. With a "lighter" approach, I'll take you through a hands-on exercise, and teach some techniques designed to facilitate better and more open communication between you and your spouse, kids, boss, friends, etc. These techniques will be looked at through stories and examples that you'll find fun and interesting.
From Barracks to Backyard
This fun and highly interactive session reviews your most pressing concerns and issues about coming home. Then together we'll develop new and different strategies to help. You'll leave with at least 25 ideas to implement immediately.
Make a Small World...Smaller!
T.G.I.F. - Teamwork Generates Innovation and Flexibility
This session is 100% interactive using a physical building exercise. In a fun way it lets attendees experience what it takes to create strong teams and work better together in the spirit of friendly competition! All ranks and positions work together to complete the project. Great for groups of 20 - 150.
Creating a Connections Action Plan for Your Family
This 60 minute session is almost entirely interactive. Part 1: Group is introduced to the specifics of what a deployment family action plan should look like and then each person works with someone else to create their own. If they are spouses, their plan will be for their family and if they are FRG volunteers who work with other families, they'll learn how to help the families under their care develop their own plans. Part 2: designed to generate additional connection ideas focused...
Certifications & Awards
