To our Survivors,

I understand the concerns some of you have recently expressed over our conversion
of Survivor Outreach Services staff to Government Service (GS) employee positions
at many installations.

When we stood up the SOS Program, we used a centralized contract to provide SOS
Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors at Regular Army installations as
well as US Army Reserve (USAR) and Army National Guard (ARNG) facilities. Now
that SOS is more firmly established, it is time to begin transitioning our
contracted staff to permanent Federal employees. We have recently converted
contracted positions to Department of Army Civilian (DAC) positions at all of our
Regular Army locations. SOS staffs at USAR and ARNG facilities continue to work
under a contract extension and are not affected by this action.

I regret that in some cases, SOS contractors were displaced in this process. I
fully appreciate how distressing this can be for those who lost their jobs and
for those of you who will miss them. Although this is painful for all of us
right now, the long term benefits will ensure the SOS program remains a vital and
permanent part of the Army.

As new staff comes onboard, I encourage you to accept their efforts to reach out
to you with friendship and support. Please be assured that I am committed to
providing all of you the best service and support possible and that you will
always be part of our Army Family for as long as you desire.

I ask for your patience and understanding as we move through this transitional
phase.

Sincerely,

Major General Reuben Jones

Commanding