Military Deployment Freebies Resources And Support For Families Separated By Service

Military deployments create significant challenges for service members and their families, often resulting in emotional and financial stress. Fortunately, numerous organizations, military programs, and community initiatives provide free resources and support to help families cope during these separations. This article explores the various freebies, resources, and assistance programs available to military families during deployment, ranging from emotional support items like quilts and photo sessions to practical assistance with computers, baby care items, and financial support.

Free Emotional Support Resources

Quilts and Comfort Items

The Armed Services YMCA provides military children with personalized comfort items to help ease deployment anxiety. For children age 6 and under, the organization offers original quilts made from photos submitted by a parent. For children age 7 and older, they provide standard-size custom pillowcases. Each keepsake is hand-made by a volunteer and donated with love and good wishes for the recipient child.

Military Families Ministry also provides free baby blankets and quilts that are sent to family readiness groups (FRGs) for distribution to expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed. These comfort items aim to provide emotional support during the challenging time of deployment.

United Through Reading Program

United Through Reading offers a valuable resource for maintaining family bonds during deployment. This program allows deployed parents to record themselves reading children's books onto DVDs, which are then sent to their kids. The program is currently available at certain locations, but families can request the USO bring the program to other locations not listed. It is recommended to send such requests at least a few months prior to deployment to ensure availability.

For families who are separated due to deployment or military assignment, United Through Reading provides the bonding experience of shared storytime. Service members can choose from a selection of books covering various topics and age ranges at their command's United Through Reading site, if available.

Free Photo Sessions

Operation Love ReUnited provides up to two free photo sessions per year for families needing pre-deployment, deployment, or homecoming pictures. All sessions feature a patriotic theme, and the service member must be in uniform. The program offers different packages depending on the timing: - Pre-deployment photos: A 4×6 album of at least 15 digital images for the deployed service member - Goodbye photos: A "final documentary-style" CD with at least 15 images for the family - Homecoming photos: Either a 4×6 album or CD with at least 15 photos

Families can check the Operation Love ReUnited website to find registered photographers near their location.

Practical Assistance Programs

Computer Access

Operation Homelink provides refurbished computers to lower-paygrade units (typically E5 and below) to help families stay in touch during deployments. Individual requests are not accepted; instead, troops are selected by local companies that partner with the organization. Families who know of companies interested in donating computers to this cause are encouraged to contact Operation Homelink to facilitate partnerships.

Baby Care Support

The Carrying On Project offers free baby carriers for military families, recognizing that baby-wearing helps create secure attachments between children and caregivers—bonds that deployment and injuries can often interrupt. The project aims to assist both service members and families left behind in "carrying on" during difficult times.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides free Budgeting for Baby workshops that help new mothers develop family budgets. Workshop participants receive a gift that includes a baby blanket handmade by Society volunteers.

Books and Entertainment

Operation Paperback sends books to military families upon request. Families can submit their address and reading preferences, including the age ranges of their children, to receive appropriate reading materials.

For families seeking entertainment options during deployment, some organizations offer free or discounted access to various media. While specific programs may vary by location, many military bases provide resources for accessing books, DVDs, and other entertainment materials to help families cope with separation.

Financial and Travel Assistance

Deployment-Related Financial Benefits

Many companies offer special considerations for military families during deployment. For instance, television service providers like Direct TV may allow early cancellation with no fees if deployment orders are provided. Similarly, USAA insurance offers potential discounts on insurance policies when a spouse is deployed, though specific terms and eligibility requirements would need to be confirmed directly with USAA.

Air Travel Support

Military families may receive assistance with air travel during deployment. Several organizations, including 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, may help with airfare for military personnel to visit home before or after deployment.

Additionally, family members who wish to accompany a service member being deployed to the boarding gate or greet them upon return may receive passes to enter the secure areas of airports. Interested family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure or arrival airport for proper local procedures. It is advisable to make inquiries in advance or arrive early, as airline representatives may not always be familiar with these procedures.

Retreat and Getaway Programs

Sandy Cove Ministries offers Operation Oasis, which provides free stays including accommodations, meals, recreation, and scheduled programs to service members returning from deployment along with their immediate family members. Each family is eligible for one free visit per year.

For those seeking relationship support during deployment, The Cove offers financial assistance to attend seminars for military personnel (including National Guard and Reserves) who have previously deployed or could deploy in the future, along with their spouses. Qualifying applicants can attend up to two events per year, which include mountain retreats, trails, rooms, food, and time to renew relationships.

Yellow Ribbon Events organizes activities specifically for families of deployed military personnel. While the website primarily targets Reserves and Guard families, some bases extend these opportunities to all families with deployed loved ones, so it's worth inquiring about availability.

Base and Community Resources

Readiness Center Support

Each military base offers unique resources for families experiencing deployment. For example, some bases have programs like REST at the Airman Family Readiness Center, which provides free pillow cases with pictures of the deployed service member. These can be for the spouse, children, or even the deployed service member themselves. Some bases may request that families bring extra white pillow cases if they need more than one.

Families are encouraged to check with their local base's family readiness center to discover what specific resources are available. Many bases also organize events and support groups specifically for families with deployed loved ones.

Key Spouse Network

Military units often have Key Spouse volunteers who serve as points of contact for families during deployments. These volunteers can provide information about available resources, events, and support programs. Families should connect with their unit's Key Spouse to learn about deployment-specific benefits and opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs)

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are command-sponsored organizations that provide mutual support and assistance within a unit. They often distribute resources, organize events, and serve as communication channels between the command and families. During deployments, FRGs may receive and distribute various free items and resources, including baby blankets, quilts, and other comfort items.

Specialized Support Programs

Childcare and Youth Activities

For National Guard and Reserve families who may have difficulty accessing support services from military installations during deployments, activity grants are available for children. These families sometimes experience income loss when the military member leaves a civilian job to accept a military position overseas, and these grants help ensure children can participate in activities and programs.

Many organizations also offer specialized programs for children and teens of deployed service members, providing age-appropriate support and activities to help them cope with the deployment of a parent.

Pet Care Services

Deployment can create challenges for pet care, as the remaining spouse may need to manage both childcare and pet responsibilities alone. Some communities offer pet foster care and boarding services specifically for military families during deployment. While the specific programs vary by location, families should inquire with their local FRG, family readiness center, or community organizations about available pet care resources.

Holiday Support

The holiday season can be particularly challenging for families with deployed service members. Several organizations provide special support during Thanksgiving and Christmas, including welcome home banners, jumbo cards, and care packages. These programs aim to bring joy and recognition to military families during times of separation.

Conclusion

Military deployments present significant challenges for service members and their families, but numerous resources and free programs exist to provide support during these difficult times. From emotional support items like quilts and photo sessions to practical assistance with computers, baby care items, and financial benefits, families have access to a wide range of resources. Organizations like the Armed Services YMCA, United Through Reading, Operation Love ReUnited, and Operation Homelink provide specialized support, while military bases offer location-specific resources through readiness centers and family readiness groups.

Families experiencing deployment should proactively explore available resources by contacting their local family readiness center, unit Key Spouse, and relevant organizations listed in this article. Taking advantage of these programs can help ease the burden of separation and provide valuable support to both service members and their families at home.

Sources

1. Deployment Freebies and Resources for Military Families
2. Family Support Organizations
3. 10 Freebies for Kids Every Military Family Should Know About