Challenge: 500+ service members expected to return to Oregon from duty in Iraq and no TAP workshops or trained TAP facilitators to help them.

Solution: NVTI takes TAP training on-the-road to the Salem Army Reserve Base in Oregon.

That's exactly the scenario that NVTI was presented with earlier this year, when Lt. Col. Leah Sundquist in Oregon notified Director Steve Chapman. They were concerned with the lack of any type of TAP program and had no qualified instructors to handle the influx of the impending return of several hundred service members. Could NVTI help? Certainly!

Working together quickly, Chapman, Training Manager Jan Trunce and Instructor and Media Group Team Leader Greg Davis put together a specially tailored TAP session and went to Oregon. Most of the instruction focused on how to set up a workshop, including how to train, organize and put it all together. "It wasn't the typical TAP training we have at NVTI. We wanted to focus on the special needs and circumstances for the Guard and Reservist members," said Trunce. "We were able to pull a training together that focused on the areas that had the most pressing need."

Prior to leaving Denver, Davis had overseen the development of a special website created specifically for the group of Oregon service members. It contained resources specific to Oregon and serves as a way for the returning soldiers to quickly utilize information without a lot of searching. You can check out that web site here. NVTI also developed a poster and flyer to promote TAP workshops at the Salem base.

This project was a joint effort of DOL and the Oregon Guard & Reserve. NVTI could develop a similar training for your state also. Contact us if you would like to discuss further.