Deployments present significant challenges for military families, but a variety of organizations and programs offer free resources, keepsakes, and support services to ease the burden. These initiatives range from care packages and communication tools to financial assistance and family mementos, designed to support both the deployed service member and their loved ones on the homefront.
Care Packages and Comfort Items for Deployed Service Members
Several organizations provide care packages to active duty military personnel stationed overseas. These programs aim to boost morale and provide essential or comforting items during extended separations.
- AdoptaPlatoon: This resource sends care packages to deployed troops across all military branches.
- Any Soldier: This program sends packages to deployed troops, with a specific focus on distributing mail to troops who receive little to no correspondence. Eligibility requirements for requesters are strict:
- The requester must be familiar with the "Any Soldier" concept of passing packages along to other troops.
- The requester must be Active Duty U.S. Military (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, including National Guard and Reservists on Active Duty).
- The requester must be stationed outside of the United States.
- There must be at least four months remaining in the deployment in that country or on a ship.
- Applicants cannot apply until they have arrived in the country of deployment.
A link is provided within the source material for a listing of organizations that send care packages to deployed military personnel.
Keepsakes and Family Bonding Resources
To help families stay connected and preserve memories, several programs offer handmade items and digital resources.
- United Through Reading: Operated by the USO, this program allows deployed parents to record themselves reading a children's book onto a DVD. The DVD is then sent to their children at home. This service is available at specific locations, but requests can be made to bring the program to new locations. The source recommends submitting these requests several months prior to a deployment.
- Armed Services YMCA: This organization provides military children aged 6 and under with an original quilt made from photos submitted by a parent. For children aged 7 and older, they provide a standard-size, custom pillowcase. These keepsakes are handmade by volunteers.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: While primarily offering budgeting workshops for new mothers, every participant receives a gift that includes a baby blanket handmade by a Society volunteer.
- Operation Paperback: This program sends books to military families. Families can request books by submitting their address and reading preferences, including the age ranges of children in the household.
- Operation Love ReUnited: This resource provides up to two free photo sessions per year for military families. Sessions are available for pre-deployment, goodbye, deployed, and homecoming pictures. All sessions have a patriotic theme, and the service member must be in uniform. Families receive digital images and albums depending on the session type. A list of registered photographers is available on their site.
Financial and Logistical Support
Assistance is available to help families manage finances and logistics during deployment.
- Insurance Discounts: USAA insurance policyholders should notify the company when a spouse is deploying. USAA will then determine if the family qualifies for discounts on their insurance plan during the deployment period.
- Early Service Cancellation: Some television and service providers, such as Direct TV, may allow for early cancellation without fees if a customer provides proof of deployment orders.
- Air Travel Assistance: Several organizations may help with airfare for military members to visit home before or after a deployment. These include:
- Helping Heroes Fly
- Let's Bring 'Em Home
- Operation Fly a Soldier Home
- Operation Homefront's Miles for Military
- Operation Ride Home
- Wings for our Troops
- Airport Logistics: Family members can often obtain passes to escort a deploying service member to the gate or greet them at the arrival gate. Interested family members should contact their air carrier representative at the specific airport to learn about local procedures. It is advised to inquire in advance or arrive early.
Support for Families with Young Children
Specific resources are available to assist families with newborns and young children during the separation.
- The Carrying On Project: This initiative provides free baby carriers to military families. The goal is to support secure attachment between children and caregivers, which can be interrupted by deployment or injury.
- Military Families Ministry: This organization sends free baby blankets and quilts to Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) for distribution to expectant mothers whose spouses are deployed.
- Budgeting for Baby Workshops: The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers free workshops to help new mothers develop a family budget. Participants receive a gift bag containing a handmade baby blanket.
Retreats and Family Events
Several organizations offer retreats and events designed to help families reconnect and relax.
- Sandy Cove Ministries: This organization offers two distinct programs for military families:
- Financial Assistance for Seminars: Military personnel (including National Guard and Reservists) who have previously deployed or could deploy in the future, along with their spouses, can receive financial assistance to attend a seminar. This covers a mountain retreat, trails, rooms, and food.
- Free Stay for Returning Families: Service members returning from deployment and their immediate family members are eligible for a free stay, including accommodations, meals, recreation, and scheduled programs. Each family is eligible for one free visit.
- Yellow Ribbon Events: These events are set up for families of deployed military members. While the site states they are for Reserves and Guard families, the source notes that they may be available to all families with deployed loved ones.
- Check Your Readiness Center: Each military base has its own deployment resources. For example, one base's Airman Family Readiness Center offers a "REST" program providing a free pillowcase with the deployed hero's picture on it.
Other Resources and General Tips
- Activity Grants: Activity grants are available specifically for children of the National Guard and Reserves, as these families may have trouble accessing support services from military installations and may face income loss during deployment.
- Pet Foster Care and Boarding: Resources are available to assist with pet care during deployment.
- General Money-Saving Tip: Military families are advised to always ask for military discounts at stores, as many offer them but do not advertise them.
Conclusion
Military families facing deployment have access to a wide network of free resources and support programs. From tangible items like care packages, quilts, and books to services like financial workshops, photo sessions, and retreats, these organizations provide essential support. Families are encouraged to connect with their local Family Readiness Groups and explore the specific programs listed to find the assistance that best meets their needs.