Gunfighter parents STOMP for information Published April 30, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- With a population of 1.5 million active duty military members, there is an estimated 540,000 active duty sponsors, each caring for a family member with special medical or educational needs. Parents of children with special needs may face many challenges, such as feelings of isolation, difficulty navigating disjointed services, severe financial worries and inadequate information. "We need to empower these families by getting them information and help," said Tyler Cullen, 366th Force Support Squadron exceptional family member program coordinator. "We do this by arranging specialized training that individuals need to enhance their quality of life." The Airman and Family Readiness Center held a class called Specialized Training of Military Parents on April 28-29, 2014 to provide Gunfighter parents with information about rights and responsibilities, in achieving special education services for military children in the United States or overseas. "We give parents the tools and resources to become the child's best advocate, until the child reaches an age they can advocate for themselves," said Valerie Patterson, STOMP instructor. Some of the major topics discussed during the two day course were special education laws in Department of Education schools, individual education program, supplemental security income, TRICARE and Enhanced Care Health Option, networking, refining your advocacy and communication skill and the latest information about education for students with disabilities. STOMP is the only National Parent Training and Information Center for military families, providing support and advice to military parents without regard of the type of medical condition their child has. "We are one big military family, that needs to create bonds to protect our family," said Vicki Farnsworth, STOMP assistant program director. For further information contact Tyler Cullen or Mike Jewell from the A&FRC at 208-828-2458.