Comprehensive Guide To Free Resources And Support For Military Families During Deployment

Military families with deployed members face unique challenges and expenses during separation periods. Fortunately, numerous organizations, companies, and community programs offer free resources, products, and services to support these families. This article provides a detailed overview of the available freebies, support services, and resources that can help military families stay connected, save money, and maintain quality of life while their loved ones are serving overseas.

Free Personalized Items for Military Families

Military families with deployed members can access various personalized items that help maintain connections and create memories:

• Quilts and Pillowcases: The Armed Services YMCA provides military children age 6 and under with original quilts made from photos submitted by their parents. For children age 7 and older, they offer standard-size, custom pillowcases. Each item is hand-made by volunteers and donated to help ease deployment anxiety.

• Picture Pillowcases: Some military bases, such as those with Airman Family Readiness Centers, offer programs like REST where families can receive free pillowcases with their deployed loved one's picture. These can be for the spouse, children, or the service member themselves. Families may need to bring extra white pillow cases if requesting multiple items.

• Welcome Home Banners: Build-a-Sign provides military families with free "Welcome Home" banners, jumbo cards, and yard signs to show support for returning service members. Families can upload their own photos and customize the message, with only shipping costs required.

• Photography Services: HeartsApart offers free pre-deployment photos and newborn photos for families whose deployed member cannot be home for the birth due to military obligations. Military servicemen and women receive portraits printed on waterproof, durable cards that they can carry with them. The family receives a DVD with the session and rights to the photos.

• Photo Books: USO partners with Rocketlife-Myphotoproducts.com to allow military families to send completely free 5×7 20-page softcover photo books to their deployed loved ones.

Care Package Resources for Deployed Service Members

Several organizations specialize in sending care packages and support items to deployed military personnel:

• HeroBox: This organization sends care packages to deployed military members and attempts to fulfill items specifically requested in the hero's profile. Units can register for occasional bulk shipments, while individuals can register for smaller, personal packages. HeroBox recommends registering both the entire unit and each individual for comprehensive coverage.

• eCarePackage.org (H.E.R.O.E.S. Care): This resource provides support and packages from sponsoring families to "adopted" military families before, during, and after deployments. Families can register to receive support through their website.

• Books and Reading Materials:

  • Operation Paperback sends books to military families upon request. Families submit their address and reading preferences, including age ranges for children.
  • Books For Soldiers provides free books to deployed military personnel.
  • Magazines for the Troops sends boxes of various magazines to deployed troops, including titles like Discover, National Geographic, Rifleman, Us, Car and Driver, People, Reader's Digest, and more. They also offer boxes specifically for women when requested.

• Cookies and Treats: Some organizations send cookies to deployed troops, though requests must be placed at least 2 months prior to the troop's return date to ensure delivery before they leave.

• Religious Materials:

  • Armed Services Ministry provides free Bible resources to troops, veterans, and their families.
  • Bibles for America offers free study versions of the New Testament and other Bible resources to troops and their families.

Entertainment and Recreational Freebies

Military families can access various entertainment and recreational opportunities at reduced or no cost:

• Museum Access: Blue Star Family Museums offer free admission to military families at hundreds of museums across the country. While discounts are specifically available from Memorial Day until Labor Day, many locations extend these benefits throughout the year, so it's advisable to inquire directly about year-round options.

• Sports and Event Tickets: Organizations like VetTix and GovX offer significant military discounts for concerts and sports events. Once the service member verifies their duty status, families can return to these websites anytime to purchase discounted tickets.

• Sports Experiences for Children: Operation Teammate provides children with backstage access and unique experiences with local and national sports teams.

• Vacation and Recreation: Various organizations offer vacation, recreation, camps, and retreat opportunities for military families, though specific details about free programs would need to be obtained directly from these organizations.

Practical Support Services

Military families often need practical assistance during deployment periods:

• Lawn and Snow Care: Project EverGreen's GreenCare/SnowCare program provides lawn care and snow removal services to families of deployed military members where volunteers are available. This service helps maintain property appearance and functionality while the primary homeowner is away.

• Pet Care: Several organizations offer pet foster care and boarding services for military families during deployment periods, though specific program details would need to be obtained directly from these organizations.

• Air Travel Assistance: Multiple organizations may help with airfare for military personnel to visit home before or after 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, and Wings for our Troops.

• Airport Access: Family members who want to accompany a military service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them returning from deployment at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport. Interested military family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure/arrival airport for proper local procedures.

• Computer Access: Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers (usually to E5 and below paygrades) to help military families stay connected with their deployed loved ones.

Communication Resources

Staying connected during deployment is crucial for military families:

• Messaging Apps: The Voxer app allows military families to send text messages, audio messages, and photos to deployed loved ones. The app works without requiring phone service, avoiding long-distance fees. As long as the deployed person has WiFi available, the app can function effectively, though it may experience occasional lag due to time differences.

• Storytime Connection: United Through Reading connects military families who are separated due to deployment or military assignment by providing the bonding experience of shared storytime. Service members can check the Current Program Location list to see if their command has a United Through Reading site. They choose from a selection of books varying in topics and age ranges.

Financial and Administrative Benefits

Military families can access various financial and administrative benefits during deployment:

• Service Discounts: Many companies offer military discounts that aren't always advertised. It's recommended that military families always ask about available discounts at businesses they frequent.

• Early Cancellation Options: Some service providers, such as Direct TV, allow early cancellation without fees if military orders are provided as proof of deployment.

• Insurance Discounts: Insurance companies like USAA may offer discounts on policies when they are notified of a family member's deployment. Other insurance companies may offer similar benefits, so it's advisable for military families to inquire directly with their providers.

• Financial Help: Various organizations offer financial assistance to military families during deployment periods, though specific program details would need to be obtained directly from these organizations.

Religious and Emotional Support

Military families may need emotional and religious support during deployments:

• Christian Resources: Organizations like Armed Services Ministry and Bibles for America provide free religious materials to support the spiritual needs of military families during deployment periods.

• Emotional Support: Various organizations offer deployment resources, retreats, and support groups for military families. Some, like the Deployment Masterclass mentioned in one source, provide structured support through common deployment challenges.

• Connection Opportunities: Even families living far from military bases can connect through shared deployment experiences through private groups and online communities dedicated to military spouses and significant others.

How to Access These Resources

Accessing military deployment freebies and resources typically involves:

1. Direct Contact: Many resources require direct contact with organizations or service providers. This includes airport access passes, lawn care services, and various support programs.

2. Online Registration: Many organizations require online registration to receive benefits. This includes care package services, book requests, and photo book services.

3. Verification of Service Status: Some benefits require verification of military service status, particularly for discounts and special offers.

4. Advance Planning: Some resources, such as cookies for troops and certain photography services, require advance planning to ensure availability.

5. Inquiring Locally: Many benefits, such as museum access and some base-specific programs, may have different availability requirements depending on location.

Conclusion

Military families with deployed members have access to numerous free resources and support services that can help maintain quality of life, stay connected, and reduce financial burdens during deployment periods. These resources range from personalized items and care packages to practical support services, entertainment opportunities, and emotional support. By taking advantage of these offerings, military families can better navigate the challenges of deployment while maintaining connections to their loved ones and communities.

Sources

1. Pinterest Pin - Deployment Freebies
2. Seasoned Spouse - Deployment Resources
3. Operation We Are Here - Family Support Organizations
4. Sandboxx - Freebies for Kids
5. Art's Crackers - Deployment Freebies