The provided source material details a range of free products, services, and support programmes available to military families, particularly those in the United States. These resources are designed to ease the challenges of deployment, from providing educational support and homecoming celebrations to offering childcare assistance and emotional connection tools. While the data is specific to US-based organisations and programmes, the underlying principles of community support and corporate generosity may offer inspiration for similar initiatives elsewhere. The following article synthesises the available information on these free offerings.
Free Educational and Developmental Resources
Several organisations provide free resources to support the education and emotional development of children in military families during a parent's deployment.
Tutor.com offers free tutoring for military personnel. This service includes connecting with a live tutor for immediate help, scheduling 20-minute tutoring sessions, submitting essays or resumes for review, and taking diagnostic quizzes. The tutoring covers a wide range of subjects, including high school, college-level, and foreign language topics. Additionally, the service provides ASVAB tutoring for those preparing for or retaking the test.
For younger children, free downloadable colouring pages and activity sheets are available. These are specifically designed for military kids to help them stay connected with their deployed parent or to cope with the absence. Furthermore, an organisation called Kids' Corner offers free, downloadable activity packs for children of all ages. These packs include resources to help kids understand the deployment cycle, create a newspaper of pictures and stories to send to their deployed parent, and access printable activity sheets.
Free Products for Emotional Connection and Homecoming
Multiple programmes provide free physical items aimed at maintaining family bonds and celebrating a service member's return.
The Flat Brat TM is a free, customisable flat doll that military children can create to look like themselves. The child sends this doll to their deployed parent, who then takes pictures of the Flat Brat TM in various locations (e.g., eating, doing laundry) and sends them back, allowing the child to see what their parent is experiencing.
Operation Gratitude provides special stuffed toys, known as Battalion Buddies, to the sons and daughters of U.S. military personnel as their units prepare to deploy. These are distributed through Unit Family Readiness Groups (FRGs). Similarly, Sweet Dream Picture Pillow offers a free picture pillow to the child of a deployed or soon-to-be-deployed military member. To receive one, a form must be filled out and a picture uploaded for use on the pillow.
For celebrating a homecoming, BuildASign.com will donate a free homecoming banner to a family. The company reports having given away over 337,000 welcome home banners since 2008.
Free Services for Household and Daily Life Support
Practical, free services are available to help manage household tasks and daily life during a deployment.
GreenCare for Troops provides free snow removal, lawn, and landscape services for families with a deployed loved one. This service is also extended to wounded and/or disabled veterans. Interested families need to sign up to access these services.
Operation: Love Reunited offers free photography sessions to families dealing with deployment, whether the loved one is leaving or returning home. The organisation has photographers located worldwide, and after a request is made, a photographer map is provided to help find one in the local area.
Free Resources for Expectant Parents and Babies
Specific support is available for military families expecting or caring for a newborn during a deployment.
Military Families Ministry sends free baby blankets and quilts to Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) for distribution to expectant mothers whose spouses are deployed. The Carrying On Project aims to help military families by providing free baby carriers. The goal is to support secure attachment between children and caregivers, which can be interrupted by deployment or injury.
Free Books, Media, and Financial Services
Access to free media and financial assistance is also offered.
Operation Paperback allows military families (both adults and children) to sign up to receive a free shipment of books and DVDs. This is available for deployed military personnel as well. Additionally, the book "Your Soldier, Your Army - A Family Guide" by Vicki Cody is available for free order or download in English and Spanish.
For financial support, Military OneSource provides free electronic tax preparation and filing for active military members. They also offer free financial planning services to assist with debt issues, money management, and budgeting.
Free Travel and Park Access
Some organisations assist with travel costs and provide access to national parks.
A few organisations, such as Helping Heroes Fly and Operation Fly a Soldier Home, may be able to help with airfare for military members to visit home before or after a deployment. For families wishing to accompany a service member to the boarding gate or greet them upon arrival, some airlines may offer guest passes to the secure area of the airport. Interested family members are advised to contact their air carrier representative at the airport for local procedures.
Furthermore, active military members and their families can obtain a free annual pass to U.S. National Parks.
Free Coupon Books and Other Offers
Some retailers provide free coupon books for military personnel. The Simon Premium Outlets, Tanger Outlets, and Williamsburg Premium Outlets give away free coupon books to military personnel with a valid ID. These can be obtained by visiting the outlet service centre.
Conclusion
The provided information outlines a comprehensive network of free products and services aimed at supporting US military families throughout the deployment cycle. These resources range from practical household assistance and financial planning to emotional support tools for children and celebratory items for homecomings. While the specific programmes and organisations mentioned are primarily US-based, they demonstrate a wide array of support that can be sought or potentially replicated in other regions. Families are encouraged to explore these options through the official channels and organisations listed in the sources.