Free Resources And Support Programs For Families Of Deployed Us Military Service Members

Families of deployed U.S. military service members often face unique logistical, emotional, and financial challenges during the separation period. A variety of organizations and programs offer complimentary products, services, and support to help ease this burden. These resources range from practical assistance with household maintenance and travel to emotional support tools for children and spouses. Access to these free items and services typically involves contacting specific organizations, utilizing online sign-up forms, or coordinating through military unit structures such as Family Readiness Groups (FRGs).

Travel and Transportation Assistance

Maintaining family connections during deployment often requires travel. Several programs exist to assist with airfare and airport logistics.

Air Travel Assistance Multiple organizations provide financial aid for airfare to help military families visit home before or after a deployment. Specific entities mentioned 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 Arrival and Departure Passes Family members wishing to accompany a service member to the boarding gate or greet them upon arrival at the secure gate may obtain guest passes. To secure these passes, interested family members should contact their air carrier representative directly at the departure or arrival airport to learn about local procedures. It is advisable to inquire in advance or arrive early, as airline staff may not always be familiar with the policy.

Household and Practical Support Services

Several volunteer-driven programs offer complimentary services to manage household maintenance during a deployment, allowing spouses and family members to focus on other responsibilities.

Lawn and Snow Care Project EverGreen’s GreenCare and SnowCare for Troops programs provide complimentary basic lawn care and snow removal services for deployed service members ranked E-6 and below. Services are provided by volunteers and the duration of service covers the entire length of the deployment. Specific services available can include: * Lawn mowing * Shrub, bush, and hedge trimming * Aeration * Fertilizing and weed control * Perimeter pest, mosquito, and fire ant control * Spring and fall clean-up * Snow removal

Photography Some organizations offer free photography sessions for military families, though specific program details and sign-up methods are not listed in the source material.

Support for Children and Teens

Numerous programs focus specifically on the needs of children during a parent's deployment, offering items that facilitate connection, distraction, and emotional processing.

Stuffed Animals and Comfort Items * Battalion Buddies: Operation Gratitude provides special stuffed toys, known as Battalion Buddies, to the children of U.S. military personnel. These are distributed in cooperation with Family Readiness Officers and Battalion leaders to units preparing to deploy. The program is available to all children of a deploying or deployed unit upon request from the rear detachment or family readiness officer. * Little Patriots Embraced: This organization delivers a "LPE Family Package" to families dealing with deployment. The package includes a patriotic bear, quilt, relaxing music CD, and a journal. * Littlest Hero Care Packages: These packages include a toy and a handwritten note thanking military kids for their sacrifices during deployment.

Books and Activity Tools * Operation Paperback: Military families, including adults and children, can sign up to receive a free shipment of books and DVDs. This is also available for deployed military members. * Dog Tags for Kids: Service members can send a customized gift to their children back home through this program at no cost. * Homecoming Box: This project provides a box for kids to save memories, photos, and treasures throughout the deployment to share with the deployed parent upon their return. * Activity Grants: Grants are available for the children of National Guard and Reserve families, who sometimes have trouble accessing support services from military installations. * Free Coloring Pages: Various downloadable coloring pages are available online designed specifically for military kids to help them stay connected or cope with the absence of a parent. * Flat Brat™: A customizable paper doll that children can send to their deployed parent. The parent then takes photos of the doll in various locations to show the child where their parent is and what they are doing.

Recreational Programs * Kids Bowl Free and Kids Skate Free: These programs allow military children to use one free weekly session of bowling or ice skating at participating locations. Coupons are sent by email and are generally usable at most military bases.

Support for Spouses and Significant Others

Emotional and social support is crucial for spouses and partners during deployment.

Online Communities and Education * Deployment Support FB Group: A private, exclusive group for military spouses and significant others going through deployment. * Deployment Masterclass: An educational resource available to help spouses navigate common deployment challenges.

Childbirth and Baby Support

Expectant parents or families with new babies during a deployment can access specific free items.

• Military Families Ministry: Provides free baby blankets and quilts. These items are sent to Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) for distribution to expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed.
• The Carrying On Project: Offers free baby carriers to military families. The program aims to support secure attachments between children and caregivers, which can be disrupted by deployment.

Books and Written Resources

In addition to the book distribution via Operation Paperback, specific guides are available.

• Your Soldier, Your Army - A Family Guide: Author Vicki Cody offers a free copy of this book, which aims to provide resources, strength, and courage to families with loved ones in the Army. A download link for the 2017 English edition and the 2007 Spanish edition is provided.
• Full Circle Home: This program helps deployed service members send a love note and a gift to their wives, fiancés, girlfriends, and mothers for Christmas and Mother's Day.

Entertainment and Discounts

While not strictly free samples of products, several programs offer free access to entertainment or significant discounts that reduce household expenses.

• Blue Star Family Museums: Offers free admission to military families at hundreds of museums across the country. The discount is active from Memorial Day through Labor Day, though many locations extend it throughout the year.
• VetTix or GovX: These platforms offer discounted tickets for concerts and sports events. After the service member verifies their duty status, they can purchase tickets at a reduced price.
• Operation Teammate: Provides children with backstage access and unique experiences with local and national sports teams.
• Build a Sign: Offers free homecoming banners to celebrate a military homecoming. Users can upload photos and customize the message; only shipping costs are required.

Conclusion

Families of deployed soldiers have access to a wide array of free resources designed to address the specific challenges of military life. These programs cover essential needs such as household maintenance, travel assistance, and emotional support for children and spouses. Most resources require active registration or contact with specific organizations, Family Readiness Groups, or service providers. While some offers are available universally, others are restricted by military rank or unit status.

Sources

1. Operation We Are Here - Family Support Organizations
2. The Seasoned Spouse - The Giant List of Deployment Resources for Military Families