The United States military community has access to a variety of free resources, support packages, and logistical assistance designed to ease the challenges of deployment for service members and their families. These programmes encompass practical shipping supplies, educational materials, care packages, and family support grants, often coordinated through official military channels, non-profit organisations, and postal services. The following information details the available support, eligibility criteria, and methods of access based on official sources.
Official Shipping Supplies for Care Packages
The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides a dedicated Military Care Kit to support the cost-effective shipment of care packages to deployed personnel. This kit is offered free of charge and is intended to help families and friends send packages to service members stationed overseas, particularly at Army Post Office (APO) and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses.
The USPS Military Care Kit includes: - 2 Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes - 2 Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (top loading) - 2 Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Boxes (side loading) - 1 roll of Priority Mail tape - 6 Priority Mail address labels - 6 Customs Forms Envelopes
To obtain the kit, individuals can request it directly through the USPS website. The supplies are shipped to the requester's address at no cost, with standard delivery taking two to five business days depending on distance. Expedited shipping is available for a fee. It is recommended that users review the USPS website for specific shipping guidelines and restrictions before sending packages.
Educational and Connection Resources for Children
Multiple organisations offer free materials to help military children cope with parental deployment and maintain connections with their deployed parent. These resources include books, activity sheets, and customisable tools.
Books and Reading Materials: - Operation Paperback: Military families, including adults and children, can sign up to receive a free shipment of books and DVDs. This service is available for both deployed military personnel and their families. - Military OneSource: Provides free deployment board books designed to help young children understand and cope with the departure and homecoming of a parent. Titles include "Over There" (available in Daddy and Mommy versions) and "I'm Here for You Now," which features windows for inserting personal photos. - Customisable Books: A free book is available that can be customised, saved, and printed, with versions titled "Daddy is in the Military" or "Mommy is in the Military." - Your Soldier, Your Army - A Family Guide: Author Vicki Cody offers a free copy of this guide for families dealing with Army deployment. The book is available for order via a provided link, with downloadable English and Spanish editions also available.
Activity and Connection Tools: - Free Colouring Pages and Activity Sheets: Numerous free, downloadable colouring pages are designed specifically for military kids to help them stay connected with their deployed parent or cope with the separation. - Flat Brat TM: A customisable flat figure that military children can send to their deployed parent. The parent can then take pictures of the Flat Brat in various locations to share their daily life with the child. - Brat Town Bugle TM: A tool designed to help deployed spouses communicate more effectively with their children over the phone by structuring conversations. - Battalion Buddies Teddy Bears: Operation Gratitude, in cooperation with Unit Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) and Battalion leaders, provides special stuffed toys called Battalion Buddies to the children of deploying or deployed U.S. military personnel. The toys are distributed to family members via FRGs.
Support for New Parents and Childbirth
Programmes exist to support military families expecting or raising a baby during deployment.
- Free Baby Blankets and Quilts: The Military Families Ministry sends baby blankets and quilts to Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) for distribution to expectant mothers whose spouses are deployed.
- The Carrying On Project: This initiative provides free baby carriers to military families to help secure attachments between children and caregivers, which can be interrupted by deployment or injury. The goal is to assist both service members and their families in "Carrying On."
- New Baby Kits: Some organisations provide comprehensive kits for deployed soldiers to receive upon their return stateside. These kits contain everything a new mother and father would need, with an estimated value of up to £2,600 (approximately $3,300) per unit, and can supply up to 30 kits per unit.
Family Activity Grants and Financial Support
For National Guard and Reserve families, who may not have regular access to military installation support services, specific programmes help fill financial gaps caused by deployment. When a military member leaves a civilian job to accept a deployment, the loss of income can create hardship.
- Our Military Kids: This organisation provides grants to pay for children's activities, such as sports or music lessons, for the children of National Guard and Reserve families. The application process is straightforward, and upon approval, checks are sent directly to the activity providers. Children also receive special "Top Secret" packets thanking them for their service.
Care Package Programmes and Themed Support
Beyond the USPS shipping supplies, several organisations facilitate or create themed care packages for deployed units.
- Operation Gratitude: This organisation sends care packages to deployed military personnel. Families can visit the Operation Gratitude website for a listing of organisations that send care packages to deployed military.
- Chaps Programme: This initiative focuses on providing grilled food and equipment for deployed units. Items sent include brats (over 3,000 units), premium condiments, special hot sauces, seasonings, portable grills, BBQ equipment, and portable outdoor speakers. The programme offers up to £800 (approximately $1,000) per unit requested, aiming to provide a touch of home and express gratitude through shared meals.
- Holy Smokes Programme: Designed to provide a means of unwinding and reflection, this programme sends cigars to deployed units. Items sent include nearly 4,000 cigars, with support of up to £640 (approximately $800) per unit requested. The programme aims to facilitate conversation and offer a moment of respite.
Travel and Logistical Assistance
For families needing to travel for deployment-related events, several organisations may provide assistance with airfare.
- Air Travel Assistance: Organisations such as 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 be able to help with airfare for military personnel to visit home before or after a deployment.
- Airport Arrival/Departure Passes: Family members who wish to accompany a service member to the boarding gate or greet them at the arrival gate may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport. Interested family members should contact their air carrier representative at the departure or arrival airport for local procedures. It is advisable to inquire in advance or arrive early, as airline representatives may not always be familiar with the process.
Conclusion
A structured network of free resources exists to support U.S. military families during the challenging period of deployment. These resources range from practical supplies for sending care packages via the USPS to educational tools for children, financial grants for activities, and programmes providing baby supplies and themed support packages. Access to most of these resources is managed through official military channels, such as Family Readiness Groups, or directly through non-profit organisations. Families are encouraged to contact their unit's rear detachment or family readiness officer to learn about specific programmes available to them.