Deployment Resource Guide 2020

Indiana Air National Guard

122

FW and 181

Airman and Family Readiness

Information and Resource Guide

Deployment Resource Guide

2020

122 FW Airman and Family Readiness

Deployment Resource Guide 2020

Last Updated: February 2020 Page 2

Table of Contents

Contact Information………………………….……………………………..….. Page 3

Emergency Assistance and Notifications…………………...……..…………… Page 4-5

Local Agencies & Deployment/Veteran Assistance………..…….…..………… Page 5-6

Deployment Apps & Resources………………………………….……..............

Financial…………………………………………………………………….. Page 7-9

Career Resources……………………………………………………………. Page 9-10

Communication……………………………………………………………… Page 11

Health and Well-Being……………………………………………….……… Page 12-14

Preparing for Deployment…………………………………………………… Page 14

Marriage/Relationships……………………………………………………… Page 15

Dependents…………….……………………………………………………. Page 15-18

Household…………………………………………………………………… Page 18-19

Recreational…………………………………………………………………. Page 19-21

Miscellaneous Resources...……………………………………………....…… Page 21

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Contact Information

AIRMAN AND FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM OFFICE

Connie Douthat

122

Building 780

Connie.s.douthat.civ@mail.mil

Office: (260) 478-3409

Cell: (260) 312-9980

https

://www.facebook.com/122ndAirmanAndFamily

Readiness/

Margaret Amos

181st IW

Building 3

margaret.l.amos6.civ@mail.mil

Office: (812) 877-5545

Cell: (812) 249-1662

www.facebook.com/groups/181AFRPM

CHAPLAIN

Chaplain Michael Frese, Lt Col

122

Building 780

[email protected]

Office: (260) 478-3315

Chaplain Kent Lundy, Lt Col

181

Building 3

Kent.a.lundy.mil@mail.mil

Office: (812) 877-5539

DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH

Megan Ross, LSW

122

Building 780

megan.r.ross3.civ@mail.mil

Office: (260) 478-3733

Bill Little, LCSW

181

Building 3

@mail.mil

Office: (812) 877-5726

FORCE SUPPORT CUSTOMER SERVICE

122

Building #780

(260) 478-3173

181

Building # 18

(812) 877-5594

LEGAL OFFICE

Building 780

Office: (260) 478-3317

Building 18,

Office (812) 877-5385

FINANCE

Building 780

Office: (260) 478-3262

Building 18,

Office (812) 877-5204

SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE COORDINATOR (SARC)

Lt Col Julie Burcroff Mary Walker

122

FW 181

Building #780 Building # 3

Office: 260-478-3327 SARC Cell: 812-264-4511

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Emergency Assistance and Notifications

122 FW Airman & Family Readiness Office: Serves to support our deployers and their

families with resources before, during, and following deployments. Contact us at (260) 478-

3409. We are here for you!

American Red Cross: A military member or a member of their family needing to initiate an

emergency message can go to redcross.org/HeroCareNetwork or call 877-272-7337. After a

message is started online, a highly-trained emergency communication specialist will begin the

emergency verification process required to deliver it to the military member’s command.

Indiana Red Cross Contact Information:

Greater Indianapolis Regional Headquarters

1510 N Meridian St

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Phone: (317) 684-1441

Central Chapter

Serving: Tippecanoe, Clinton, Howard, Tipton,

Madison, Hamilton, Boone, Montgomery,

Putnam, Hendricks, Henry, Hancock, Rush,

Shelby, Johnson, and Morgan Counties

2750 N 9th St. Ste. G

Lafayette, IN 47904

Phone: (765) 742-6975

Northeast Chapter

Serving: LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, DeKalb,

Kosciusko,Whitley, Allen, Wabash, Miami,

Grant, Wells, Adams, Blackford, Jay,

Delaware, Randolph and Huntington Counties

1212 E. California Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

(260) 484-9336

Southeast Chapter

Serving: Wayne, Union, Fayette, Franklin,

Decatur, Ripley, Jennings, Switzerland,

Jefferson, Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott,

Brown, Monroe, Lawrence, Orange, and

Washington Counties

1600 W. 3rd St.

Bloomington, IN 47404

(812) 332-7292

Northwest Chapter

Serving: Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph,

Elkhart, Marshall, Starke, Jasper, Newton,

Pulaski, Fulton, White, Cass, Carroll, Benton,

Warren

791 E. 83rd Ave.

Merrillville, IN 46410

(219) 756-5360

Southwest Chapter

Serving: Knox, Vigo, Daviess, Gibson, Pike,

Dubois, Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick,

Spencer, Perry, Sullivan, Crawford, Martin,

Greene, Owen, Clay, Fountain and Vermillion

Counties

29 Stockwell Rd.

Evansville, IN 47714

(812) 471-7200

Red Cross Hero Care App: Offers confidential services to all veterans and their families by

connecting them with local, state and national resources worldwide. Compatible on any Apple or

Android device.

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Suicide Prevention/Veteran Crisis Line - Free to all Service members and Veterans, even if

you are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA

health care. 1-800-273-8255 press 1

Local Agencies & Deployment/Veterans Assistance

Air Force Aid Society: The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is a non-profit organization that

assists active duty members, retirees, and families during emergencies. ANG members can use

this assistance when on active duty order for more than 30 days. They give interest-free loans or

grants for basic needs to find out more about AFAS, you can visit their website at www.afas.org.

Air Force Casualty Assistance: Provides information on Casualty Assistance Representatives

and Survivor Benefit plans. https://www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Casualty-

Operations/

Air Force Sergeants Association: Represents the professional and personal interests of all

enlisted grades of Air Force Active Duty, ANG, and AFRC, retired, veteran, and family

members. www.afsahq.org/ (800) 638-0594

Air Force Services: Provides mission sustaining combat support and community service to

Airmen and their families every day at deployed and home station locations.

https://cs2.eis.af.mil/sites/10042

Survivor Assistance Program: Provides resources for seriously wounded, ill, and injured, their

families, and families of the fallen. https://www.militaryoncesource.mil/survivor-casualty-

assistance-resources 1-800-342-9647

Armed Services YMCA: Provides support services to military service members and their

families for more than 140 years. The essential programs are childcare, hospital assistance,

spouse support services, food services, computer training classes, health and wellness services,

and holiday meals. Find a local branch at http://www.asymca.org

Fisher House: Donates "comfort homes" to allow family members to be close to a loved one

during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. There is at least one

Fisher House at every major military medical center. Phone: (888) 294-8560

https://www.fisherhouse.org/

H.E.R.O.E.S Care: What is H.E.R.O.E.S. Care? H.E.R.O.E.S. Care is a collaborative effort

among well-established non-governmental organizations (NGOs) designed to provide complete

and proactive support for members of all branches of the military and their families through pre-

deployment, deployment, family reintegration and post-deployment. To register for support

during and after your deployment, go to

https://www92.safesecureweb.com/ohfmohc/Hregistration1.asp

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Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs: In addition to the federal benefits available, the state

of Indiana has a number of its own benefits. To find out more visit: https://www.in.gov/dva/

If you would like assistance in navigating the complex web of services and benefits, go to:

https://www.in.gov/dva/2370.htm to find a Veteran Service Officer that can assist you.

To list a few of the Indiana State benefits:

• Tax Deductions

• Tuition and Fee Exemption

• Disabled Hoosier Veteran License Plates

• Employment Assistance

• Resident Veteran Hunting & Fishing License

• Golden Hoosier Passport

• High School Diploma Program for WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Veterans

Military OneSource: Provides access to web-based Department of Defense resources for the

Total Force and their families. It is a virtual extension of installation services. This website has

numerous resources available to guide and help you and your family cope with the transition and

stressors of deployment. www.militaryonesource.com or phone: (800) 342-9647

Military Officers Association of America: The “leading voice on compensation and benefit

matters for all members of the military community.” The association provides expert advice and

guidance to its members. http://www.moaa.org/ or phone: (800) 234-6622

National Military Family Association: Represents the interests of family members of the

uniformed services. Activities revolve around programs to educate the public, the military

community, and Congress on the rights and benefits of military families.

https://www.militaryfamily.org/ or phone: (703) 931-6632

United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Principal advocate for America's Veterans;

ensuring that they receive medical care, benefits, social support, and lasting memorials

promoting the health, welfare, and dignity of all Veterans in recognition of their service to this

Nation. http://www.va.gov/ VA Benefits: (800) 827-1000, Education (GI Bill): (888) 442-4551,

Health Care Benefits: (877) 222-8387

United Service Organizations (USO): The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose

mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our

men and women in uniform. http://www.uso.org/ or phone: (888) 484-3876

USA4 Military Families: Provides online information about the ten Key Quality of Life issues.

The USA4 Military Families initiative works through the DoD-State Liaison Office (DSLO) to

engage and educate state policymakers, not-for-profit associations, concerned business interests,

and other state leaders about the needs of military members and their families.

https://statepolicy.militaryonesource.mil/

2-1-1: Resource for emotional assistance, day-to-day challenges, and confidential services such

as to combat homelessness or locate food service programs. www.veteransconnect211.com

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Financial Resources

Automatic Federal Tax Filing Extension: Armed Forces’ Tax Guide

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p3/index.html

BRS Standalone Calculator: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Calculators/Blended-Retirement-

System-Standalone-Calculator/

DoD Savings Deposit Program (SDP): The DoD Savings Deposit Program (SDP) was

established to provide members of the uniformed services serving in a designated combat zone

the opportunity to build their financial savings. If you are serving in an SDP-eligible combat

zone, you can start your SDP account once you’ve been deployed for a minimum of 30

consecutive days or at least one day in each of three consecutive months. To learn more, go to

http://www.dfas.mil/dfas/militarymembers/payentitlements/sdp.html

Financial Resource Guide: Each of the resources provided below has been vetted for relevance,

organization, ease of use, and resource content. All resources listed are also free to use; however,

some of the online resources may require registration to access some of their features.

https://www.yellowribbon.mil/cms/financial-resource-guide/

INGRF Grant: Indiana National Guard Relief Fund is available to provide emergency

assistance and relief to members of the Indiana National Guard and their families who are

undergoing periods of personal or financial distress due to a period of mobilization or other

military duty. Applicants can be awarded up to $5,000 if not deployed, and $10,000 if deployed.

Please visit the website or your local Airman & Family Readiness office for application.

https://www.in.ng.mil/

MFRF Grant: Military Family Relief Fund Grant is designed to assist military families that are

experiencing financial hardship. The service member must be serving honorably or received an

honorable discharge. Members may be eligible for the fund if they have at least 12-months of

qualifying military service on ther DD 214. This is a one-time emergency grant for up to

$2,500.00. Please visit the website or go to your Airman & Family Readiness office for

application. www.in.gov/dva

National Guard Veterans Project: The National Guard Veterans Project is funded by the

Sheehan Family Foundation and is operated in partnership with Aspire Indiana. The purpose of

this project is to resolve housing crisis for National Guard Service Members who are homeless or

facing eviction in Hamilton County. The project will award up to $1,000 per household for

security deposits, rental assistance, utility deposits and past-due rent or utilities. Service

Members may access this program more than once. Assistance is not to exceed $1,000 per

household. 855-896-4345 [email protected]

NIBCC Grant: Northeast Indiana Base Community Council, Inc. grant is available to service

members who are not deployed but living or assigned to a unit in NE Indiana. The grant is for up

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to $650 and is a one-time only grant. Please see your Airman & Family Readiness office for

application.

Office of Financial Readiness: Resources, education and support for every stage of financial

readiness- whether you’re just getting started learning about finances, interested in tweaking

your current plan, or ready to jump in with both feet. Our goal is to foster a financially secure

and mission-ready force with every military family living their best life today and in the future.

Our door is always open, so visit us here often and see what’s new!

https://finred.usalearning.gov/

Operation Homefront (OHF): Provides emergency financial and other assistance to the

families of our service members and wounded warriors. http://www.operationhomefront.org/

Pan Foundation: High deductables and co-pays shouldn’t keep people with life-threatening,

chronic and rare disease from getting the treatment they need. PAN uses the donations of caring

individuals and corporations to offer the fastest, most dependable way for patients to pay their

out-of-pocket costs. Because when the unexpected happens, all you should have to focus on is

getting better. https://panfoundation.org/

Patient Services Inc: A non-profit that provides financial support and guidance for qualified

patients with specific, rare chronic diseases. https://www.Patientservicesinc.org

ThanksUSA: A non-partisan, charitable effort to providing need-based college, technical and

vocational school scholarships and pathways to employment for children and spouses of our

troops. http://www.thanksusa.org

The Assistance Fund: The Assistance Fund (TAF) is an independent 501©(3) nonprofit

organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to patients with serious and chronic

diseases. TAF has programs for copay assistance, insurance premiums and incidentals and health

care expenses. https://tafcares.org/

And, just a piece of advice, if they are facing a very expensive drug and

cannot find funding available for assistance in paying for that drug, call

the pharmaceutical company directly, explain that there is no current

funding available and they might be able to provide the drug at no cost to

the patient while the patient waits for funding to become available.

Unmet Needs: Provides basic life needs such as: mortgage and rent, home and auto repairs,

insurance, utilities, food and clothing. National Guard and Reserve members must be either

active duty or discharged from active duty within the last 36 months. The active duty must be

other than Basic Training, Annual Training and monthly drill.

https://www.vfw.org/assistance/financial-grants or 1-866-789-6333

SGLI: Airmen don't have to wait for the automated "birth month" email. They can update their

coverages at any time and as often as they like by signing into milConnect

https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ Service members' Online Election System (SOES).

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SOES enables Airmen to make automated Service members' Group Life Insurance and Family

SGLI coverage/beneficiary elections 24/7, 365 days a year.

Deploying Service members: Consider an active duty alert: The Federal Trade Commission

(FTC) staff suggest your list include placing an active duty alert on your credit reports to help

minimize your risk of identity theft. An active duty alert on your credit report means businesses

must take extra steps before granting credit in your name. Active duty alerts last for one year and

can be renewed to match your deployment period.

To place an active duty alert on your report, contact the fraud department of one credit

reporting company; they must contact the other two.

• Equifax: 1-800-548-7878 or www.equifax.com

• Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com

• TransUnion: 1-855-681-3196 or www.transunion.com

The credit reporting companies also will take your name off their marketing lists for prescreened

credit card offers for two years, unless you ask them to add you back onto the list.

Career Resources

Distance Learning - User-driven and scenario-based modules and activities for individual

training. Modules include videos, quizzes and dynamic learning for first-time users or those in

need of a refresher. http://www.yellowribbon.mil/yrrp/distance-learning-update.html

Employment Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) promotes cooperation and

understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to

assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

http://www.esgr.mil

O*Net Online: Great resource tool for building resumes and finding occupations:

https://www.onetonline.org/

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) is a career

development and employment assistance program. MyCAA helps military spouses pursue

licenses, certificates, certifications, or Associate's Degrees necessary for gainful employment in

high demand, high growth Portable Career Fields and Occupations.

https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa

eBenefits: Veterans Employment Center offers resume writing assistance and job searches.

http://www.ebenefits.va.gov

Employment Resource Guide: Each of the resources provided has been vetted for relevance,

organization, ease of use, and resource content. All resources listed are also free to use; however,

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some of the online resources may require registration to access some of their features.

http://www.yellowribbon.mil/cms/employment-resource-guide/

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - A voluntary service that provides assessment,

counseling, referral, management consultation, and coaching services to Federal employees and

agencies throughout the United States. For assistance, call 1-800-222-0364 or got to

http://foh4you.com

Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AF COOL): AF COOL Program is

designed to help airmen identify and complete AFSC mapped licenses and/or certifications,

which will help them advance their careers and later compete in the civilian workforce. You

must be an enlisted member at the rank of E-3 and above, who possess a 5-skill level in the

approved AFSC mapped credential. Additional leadership and Management credentialing

opportunities are available to SNCOs. A maximum amount is available to each airmen over the

course of his/her career. For more information, visit the AF COOL website:

https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/

Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program: The Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance

Program (SFL-TAP) has launched a new online magazine specifically for transitioning

soldiers. Be one of the first to read "Hire a Soldier", featuring Sergeant Major of the Army

Daniel Dailey on the cover and his tips for a successful transition. Plus, read stories from

transitioning soldiers, gain tips and advice for transition, learn how to navigate the online world

of job searching, as well as read about networking and personal branding.

http://www.armyg1.army.mil/docs/Hire_a_Soldier_Magazine.pdf

Transitioning Resource: This site is dedicated to helping our military members successfully

return to civilian life and find meaningful employment. We are veterans that share insights to

compliment the military Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Soldier for Life (SFL), SFL-

TAP, Army Caree and Alumni (ACAP) and Transition GPS (T-GPS) programs. We are not

affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD), military services (Army, Navy, Air Force,

Marines, Coast Guard), Hiring our Heroes (HOH), HireHeroes, HireOurHeroes, or Hiring

Heroes Program. Our goal is to serve those who served us by providing information to help

guide transition related decisions. https://www.military-transition.org/

DOD SkillBridge: Basically, this is a program that allows transitioning service members

(whether they are retiring or separating) to spend their last 6 months in uniform doing civilian

job and employment training, including apprenticeships and internships.

SkillBridge is training for a civilian job that you receive while still employed by the DOD. The

training must provide eligible service members with an experience to acquire employment skills,

knowledge, or abilities to assist them with job opportunities in the civilian sector. There must be

a high probability of post-service employment with the provider (the company you work with

during SkillBridge) or any other employer. Enrollment has to be provided at no cost or minimal

cost to eligible service members.

For more information visit: https://dodskillbridge.com

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Communication Resources

Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program USO Unites: A way to bring military families together,

the USO provides the opportunity for Service Members and Military children to record

themselves reading a book and have that recording and book mailed to their service or child.

https://bobhope.uso.org/programs/bob-hope-legacy-reading-program In Indiana, outreach to

USO Indiana (www.indiana.uso.org) 317-991-1073 [email protected] to coordinate a

location and time to record your story time.

United Through Reading Program: United Through Reading connects military families

through the read-aloud experience, and we are working to close the gap so that every military

child has the opportunity for bedtime stories. Visit a United Through Reading Story Station

around the world, or download the United Through Reading App available on both Apple and

Android devices. For more information, please visit http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/.

The following are available apps used to text, call, and send videos over a Wi-Fi connection.

Airman & Family Readiness does not endorse any of these, just providing information on

available apps out there to help communicate with loved ones back home.

Loklok App- Replaces the Android Phone’s lock screen with a “synchronized whiteboard” that

allows you to leave notes and drawings directly on your friends’ lock screens. That means,

unlike traditional messaging apps, you don’t have to unlock your phone and launch an app to

chat with your friends. You just take out your phone and start drawing. Compatible with

Android.

Marco Polo: Combines the best of texting, social media and video chats- all in one private, easy

to use app. Compatible with Android and iOS.

Signal Messenger: A completely open source, free, secure, and private instant messaging

platform, just like WhatsApp. Like any other modern instant messaging service, Signal supports

text, images, videos, voice and video calls, and documents.

Viber Messenger: A free download app that allows users to make free calls, send texts, pictures

and video messages to other Viber users. Compatible with iOS and Android.

WhatsApp: A freeware, cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by

Facebook, Inc. It allows users to send text messages and voice messages, make voice and video

calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other media.

Wickr Me: Instant messaging app that allows users to exchange end-to-end encrypted and

content-expiring messages, including photos, videos, and file attachments and place end-to-end

encrypted video conference calls. The software is available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows 10,

and Linux operating systems.

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Health & Well-Being Resources

TRICARE

When a member changes their Personnel Categories within DEERS, they will need to contact

TRICARE, to reestablish your eligibility with either TRICARE Prime or Select otherwise the

member and their family will revert to Direct Care. TRICARE Prime/Select is NO longer an

automatic election. When there is a "category change" processed in DEERs, the person must re-

enroll in PRIME or Select within 90 days of the change. DEERS doesn't roll their status over.

Active Duty Medical Care: http://tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/NGRMandFamilies

• Before your orders begin: Pre-Activation TRICARE eligibility begins on the date your

orders are issued or 180 days before you report to active duty, whichever is later. During

this "pre-activation" period, you qualify for the same benefits as you have when you're

activated.

• While on orders: When you're activated or ordered to active service for more than 30

consecutive days, you become eligible for the same health and dental benefits as active

duty service members. You will need to enroll in one of the Prime options when you

arrive at your final duty station. Family members are eligible for Tricare as active duty

family members as well.

• After your orders are completed: When deactivated, you qualify for the Transitional

Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for 180 days, but you must request this.

TAMP coverage begins the first day after your active duty orders end and your family

members are covered, too. During the TAMP period, you will need to enroll in one of the

Prime options.

For questions related to DEERS, please call 122

FW FSS Customer Service: (260)-478-

3173.

Nurse Advice Line: Free Military Health System Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-TRICARE (874-

2273), Option 1

The Nurse Advice Line is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries in the U.S., except those

enrolled in US Family Health Plan. You can call the Nurse Advice Line 24/7, at no cost to you,

to talk to a registered nurse who can answer your urgent care questions, give you professional

health care advice, help you find a doctor, and/or schedule next-day appointments at military

hospitals and clinics.

If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. The hospital department that

provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.

You DO NOT have to call TRICARE first in the event of an emergency!

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Do you have other health insurance in addition to TRICARE, such as Medicare or an employer-

sponsored health insurance? You can call TRICARE for help, but if you need to see a doctor,

remember:

• You must follow the rules of your other health insurance plan first.

• Your other health insurance is the primary payer.

• If we help you find a doctor make sure they're in your other plan’s network or your care

may not be covered

Counseling Resources

Military service members and their families have many options for counseling services, and

many are offered free of charge. If you are considering counseling, be sure to look into these

resources:

• 122

FW Director of Psychological Health (DPH):

Megan Ross

o (260) 478-3733

o [email protected]

• Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs-Peer 2 Peer support, Enrichment groups, and

Alternative Therapy www.in.gov/dva/2989.htm

• PTSD Coach - A mobile application that provides information about PTSD, self-

assessment and symptom management tools and resources available for help in dealing

with post trauma effects. The app is free and can be used on iPhone or Android devices.

To download, visit www.ptsd.va.gov/public/materials/apps/PTSDCoach.asp

• Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.mil. Provides up to

twelve nonclinical sessions per person, per issue, per year, with a licensed professional.

These personal sessions are available face-to-face, by telephone, or online.

• Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC):

On Demand availability for UTA and Yellow Ribbon Events through Military

OneSource

o Adult MFLC

o Youth MFLC

• TRICARE allows free counseling with a provider of choice under certain circumstances.

Call 1-844-653-4061 or check eligibility depending on plan/status at

https://tricare.mil/dental/

• Military Crisis Line: Free to all Service members, including members of the National

Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if you are not registered with the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care. 1-800-273-8255

press 1

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• Vet Center Fort Wayne- Provides quality readjustment counseling in a caring manner.

All Services to veterans and their families are completely free and confidential.

(260) 460-1456

• Vets 4 Warriors – 24 hour peer support line, toll free and confidential for National

Guard and Reserve service members. 1-855-838-8255 https://www.vets4warriors.com/

The website, health.mil, is the DoD-response to the 2006/2007 National Defense Authorization

Act (NDAA) requiring an Internet-based platform focused on psychological health issues often

experienced following a deployment. The original site went live in August 2008. Since that time

it has added improved customer interface and covers a wide range of deployment topics.

https://health.mil

HeartMath Institute- A nonprofit organization offering Free Resources for Veterans, Service

members and their families. HeartMath Education and Resilience Training (H.E.A.R.T.)- This training

program, free for veterans, military service members and spouses, incorporates research-based self-

regulation techniques and technology. Learn to manage emotions, build resilience and improve

performance and decision-making. Now available online-

https://www.heartmath.org/resources/veterans/resources/

FAST (TriCare Participants Only) - Family Advocacy Strength-Based Therapy Services (FAST)

services is free and confidential family, couple and or individual counseling that is NOT a part of

your regular medical record. Please call the Scott AFB FAP at (618) 256-7203 for more

information.

Preparing for Deployment

Everyone Serves Book: A handbook for family/friends of Service Members During Pre-

Deployment, Deployment and Reintegration https://www.everyoneservesbook.com/pdf-view.php

Full Circle Home- A non-profit organization that connects deployed service members with their

loved ones across the country and on bases around the world. Since 2007, Full Circle Home has

helped over 21,000 troops send holiday gifts and love notes home. www.fullcirclehome.org

Plan My Deployment: create a unique checklist for the Pre-deployment, Homecoming, and

Reintegration stages that contains only the information you and your family need to successfully

navigate the process. Click here to get started:

https://planmydeployment.militaryoncesource.mil/

Preparing Children to Cope with Deployment Separation Online Lesson -

http://jko.jten.mil/courses/yrrp/CourseWare/YRRP-US015/launch.html

Operation Organized Chaos: Organized Chaos is a military lifestyle brand and digital planning

app specifically designed to help military families streamline their chaotic, oftentimes stressful;

yet rewarding life. Supports Family Sharing of calendar schedules, checklists, countdowns, and

resources. www.operationorganizedchaos.com Available on iOS and Android.

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Marriage/Relationship Resources

Strong Bonds: Strong Bonds is a chaplain-led program for commanders which builds

relationship resiliency. The Strong Bonds mission is to increase Service member and Family

readiness through relationship education and skills training.

Four Strong Bonds programs applied to the Military Force Generation cycle help Single-Service

members, Couples and Families to thrive in the turbulence of the military environment.

Attendees voluntarily participate in a Strong Bonds offsite retreat format designed to maximize

relationship training impact. The retreat or “get away” provides an emotionally safe and secure

training environment in which to address the effect of military lifestyle stressors. Strong Bonds is

conducted in an offsite retreat format in order to maximize the training effect. The retreat or “get

away” provides a fun, safe, and secure environment in which to address the impact of

relocations, deployments, and military lifestyle stressors.

Each Strong Bonds event will contract lodging and most all meals and offer mileage

reimbursement making the retreat weekend a low-cost, training weekend. Time is given at each

event to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. The training is completely voluntary,

confidential and a value to any service member that chooses to take advantage of this unique

retreat weekend. Scheduled events are listed on the website

https://strongbonds.jointservicessupport.org/

Five Love Languages- The most common issue in any relationship is the communication

barrier. Everyone experiences love differently, and it’s easy to miss the mark when it comes to

showing that you care. With a little help from The 5 Love Languages, You can learn to identify

the root of your conflicts, give and receive love in more meaningful ways, and grow closer than

ever. Your Love Language profile will explain your primary love language, what it means, and

how you can use it to connect to others. www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes

Military One Source: Great source for articles, resources, and advice on military families and

relationships and dealing with separation.www.militaryonesource.mil

Dependent Resources

For the Kids

Babies on the Homefront: Zero to Three’s “Babies on the Homefront” is a free, downloadable

app designed specifically for military and veteran parents of young children. The app, made

possible by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, offers an array of written and video

information to share with families, including behavior tips, parent-child activities, and parental

self-care strategies. http://babiesonthehomefront.org/download-free-app/

Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA): Air Force Youth Programs and BGCA began their

partnership in 1995 to provide a variety of programs, training, and grant opportunities to

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installation youth programs. BGCA programs also support AFR/ANG families who do not live

near a military installation, and those who move to off base locations during the deployment of

their parents. www.bgca.org or phone: (404) 487-5700

Carrying on Project: The goal is to help get carriers to the families of our military so that they

may better obtain secure attachments with their children, something that deployment and injuries

will often interrupt. www.carryingonproject.org

Child Care Aware

Air Force Child Care Fee Assistance was created to provide authorized Active Duty personnel

assistance in locating, selecting, and offsetting the cost of civilian child care when on-base child

care is not available, or a viable option for the service member and their family. Child Care

Aware® of America authorizes subsidy amounts based on total family income for those eligible

Air Force families, and supplies monthly payments directly to the prospective child care

provider.

http://usa.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/military-families/air-force/fee-assistance/

Little Patriots Embraced:

• Deployment Package Program- It is our goal that every child of a deployed military

person receives our deployment package. Items in the deployment package offer

emotional support for family members. Research shows that the contents of the package

help alleviate stress and anxiety for children. (Includes Little Patriot Bear, Ink Pen,

Journal, CD, Hand-made quilt) www.littlepatriotsembraced.org/deployment-package-

program

• Family Financial Assistance Program- Offers monetary assistance of tuition for

military children to attend summer camps, and, in special situations we support tutoring.

We help financially in times of emergency. We offer childcare financial assistance in

some family situations.

www.littlepatriotsembraced.org/-family-financial-assistance-program

Military Child Education Coalition: A non-profit, worldwide organization focused on ensuring

quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation

and transition. www.militarychild.org or phone: (254) 953-1923

Military Impacted Schools Association: Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) is a

national organization of school superintendents. Our mission is to serve school districts with a

high concentration of military children. www.militaryimpactedschoolsassociation.org

Military Kids Connect is a Department of Defense (DOD) website for children experiencing

the challenges of military deployments. The highly interactive website that helps children of

deployed parents cope with the stress, changing responsibilities, and concern for the safety of

their parents. The website has features that will help children, parents, and educators navigate the

wide range of practical and emotional challenges military families must live with throughout the

deployment cycle at https://militarykidsconnect.dcoe.mil/.

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National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA): Provides

two programs to help geographically separated Air Force members find childcare in their

communities. Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) meets child care needs of

Airmen living in off-base areas where on-base military childcare is not available. Operation

Military Child Care supports Guard and Reservists when activated or deployed. In both cases,

childcare subsidies are paid directly to the childcare provider.

For more information, visit: www.ccrra.org or call: (571)527-3213.

Operation PURPLE

This resource is for children/families going through deployments, reintegration, or coming

together after injury, offers special programs such as summer camp, retreats and healing

adventures. For more information, visit https://www.militaryfamily.org/programs/operation-

purple/operation-purple-camp/

Our Military Kids Grant: Supports children (ages 5-12

grade) of deployed National Guard

and Reserve service members, as well as those of wounded veterans from all service branches,

with one-time grants that provide up to $300 for a chosen activity. Participation in these

activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence while their parents

are recovering or serving overseas. www.ourmilitarykids.org

Sesame Street’s Workshop “Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes”

Looking for a tool to help your children adjust to military deployments? This bilingual

multimedia outreach program is designed to support military families with children between the

ages of 2 and 5 as they cope with the feelings, challenges and concerns experienced during

different phases of deployment. View it at

www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/tlc

You can order this DVD and so much more for free from Military One Source at

http://www.militaryonesource.mil/products?product_id=48

Tutor.com is a free resource for military families to get help on their schoolwork. It offers 24

hour tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Students can sign up by going to

www.tutor.com/military

United Heroes League: Free sports gear, pro-sports tickets, access to free sports camps, and

grants to cover the costs of sports association fees. Any active service member or honorably

discharged Veteran who deployed to a combat zone (as defined by DOD or VA), with children

under 18, are encouraged to apply.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/61327/free-gear-tickets-military-veteran-kids/

United States Department of Agriculture/4-H: Air Force Youth Programs and 4-H partnership

provides grants to states and territories establishing 4-H clubs on military installations and

support for youth ages 6-18 years. The partnership also provides collaborations with land grant

universities throughout the country for a variety of research and family related programs.

Phone: 785-532-2036 https://4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/partners/air-force

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YMCA/DOD Military Outreach Initiative: In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA,

the Y is proud to offer memberships and respite child care services to eligible military families

and personnel through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Military Outreach Initiative.

Eligibility: Families of Deployed National Guard and Reserve, Active Duty Assigned to

Independent Duty Locations, Relocated Spouses of Deployed Active Duty Personnel,

Community-Based Wounded Transition Units, and Respite Childcare.

Operation Hero: An onsite after-school program, which focuses on character

development and skill building within military children who have been identified by

school personnel and parents exhibiting low self-esteem, or difficulty adjusting both

academically and socially in the school environment. To learn more go to

https://www.asymca.org/operation-hero

Operation Holiday Joy - Initially established to raise awareness and funds for military

service members and their families during the holidays. This program provides toys and

food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas to junior enlisted families in need.

If you are a service member or family member in need, please contact your local Armed

Services YMCA location at http://www.asymca.org/locations/ to learn more about

Operation Holiday Joy programming available where you live.

For the Pets

Dogs on Deployment is a national non-profit which provides an online network for service

members to search for volunteers who are willing to board their pets during their owner's service

commitments. Learn more at http://dogsondeployment.org/

Military Foster Program - PACT works directly with all military service members to match

their companion animals with appropriate foster homes that will give them the care and love they

need while their owners are deployed. We facilitate the foster home placement via our Foster

Agreement – a written agreement that outlines the terms of the relationship and protects the

interests of all parties involved. http://pactforanimals.org/pacts-work/military-foster-program

Household Resources

Angie’s List: (previously BrightNest) Helps you tackle important home maintenance tasks with

easy tips, personal schedule and helpful reminders. From simple cleaning tricks to interior design

ideas, we deliver everything you need to shape up your home and simplify your life. Available

for iOS and Android.

GreenCare/SnowCare for Troops: GreenCare for Troops is a program that matches volunteers

(mostly professional landscapers) with military families who have a loved one deployed and are

in need of a little extra help with landscaping service such as lawn mowing, tree trimming,

weeding, and fertilizing free of charge during the length of deployment. SnowCare for Troops

helps with snow and ice removal free of charge. To register, please visit

https://projectevergreen.org/greencare-and-snowcare-for-troops/

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Recreational Resources

Amtrak Veterans Discounts: Veterans receive a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare

on most Amtrak trains. Use the Fare Finder at the beginning of your search and select Military

Veteran for each passenger as appropriate to receive the discount. Active-duty U.S. military

members, their spouses and dependents are also eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest

available rail fare.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/66963/amtrak-offers-veteran-military-member-discounts/

Blue Star Museums Offers Free Admission to Military Families at 2000+ Museums

Nationwide Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts,

Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America. Each summer

since 2010, Blue Star Museums have offered free admission to the nation’s active-duty military

personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day through

Labor Day. This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science

museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children’s museums. See the map of

participating locations and plan your next trip at: https://www.arts.gov/national/blue-star-

museums

Information, Tickets and Tours (ITT) Office Wright Patterson AFB Office (937) 257-7670

https://www.wrightpattfss.com/fun/information-tickets-travel

Information, Tickets & Travel (ITT) will provide information on the local and surrounding

region, and tickets and travel options for weekend getaways or day trips.

Also offer travel options for destinations around the world. Our staff can arrange airlines, hotels,

rental cars and even cruises for everything from weekend trips to an all-inclusive Sandals or

Beaches vacation. Cruises are always a great choice, and ITT can get great military discounts on

cruises to the Bahamas, Western Caribbean, or anywhere a cruise ship can take you. We can also

take care of airline bookings and making travel convenient for you.

ITT Booking Policy:

• Please allow 10-14 working days when ordering tickets.

• Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.

• There are no refunds, no exchanges, and no upgrades on tickets/vouchers and services

purchased at ITT.

• Our tickets/vouchers have expiration dates and some have blackout dates.

• It is your responsibility to make sure your tickets/vouchers are valid for the day(s) you are

using them.

For an updated list of ticket prices, please visit Wright Patterson AFB FSS Information, Tickets

& Travel website https://www.wrightpattfss.com/fun/information-tickets-travel

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Disney World: Offers a Military Discount https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-

offers/military-multi-day-tickets-2020/

Free Admission to Sea World and Busch Gardens: https://www.wavesofhonor.com

Free admission for museums and parks: https://www.arts.gov/national/blue-star-museums

National Park Service: Free America the Beautiful National Park Passes for Veterans, with a

service-connected disability rating, entering National parks and Federal Recreational Lands

https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass

Navy MWR NSA Crane: Call 812-854-6255 or visit

https://www.navymwrcrane.com/recreation before hitting the area’s theme parks or planning

your next vacation to Disney World, check with your NSA Crane Ticket & Travel offices for

discounted tickets. They offer tickets to parks, museums, movie theatres, concerts and central

Florida theme parks to include Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. Military

discounted rates are available to active duty, retirees, DoD civilians, reservists and family

members accompanied with a military ID card. Call 812-854-6255 or visit

https://www.navymwrcrane.com/recreation

Discount tickets to the following local attractions:

• Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (summer)

• Paoli Peaks (winter)

• Natural Resources fishing and hunting permits (year round)

Outdoor Recreation: MWR Crane sells fishing and hunting permits for Crane Base, discounted

tickets to Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, LEGOLAND, and

numerous other attractions across the 50 states. Locally the offer discounted tickets to attractions

in Indiana such as Holiday World and Paoli Peaks Ski Resort. They rent chairs, tables, jumbo

games, grills, and tents. Annual events around the holidays. The run the marina at Crane located

on Lake Greenwood and offer various boats to rent during the weekends. Visit

www.navymwrcrane.com or call (812) 854-6255

Space-A- Flights: The Space-A Program fills surplus capacity and seating on DOD aircraft.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60642/eligibility-disabled-veterans-space-available-flights/

Vet Tix - Free Tickets helps current and former troops get free tickets to games, concerts and

other events. Signing up is easy. Go to https://vettix.org to create a free account and request

events you're interested in.

Video Games for Veterans: Operation Supply Drops Games to Grunts program supports

community engagement to Veterans, military, and their families through video games.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/67017/free-steam-games-veterans-families/

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Miscellaneous

Build A Sign: One of the best ways to welcome a service member home is with a sign.

Buildasign.com offers free, 100% customizable banners for families celebrating the homecoming

of a deployed loved one. Go to http://www.buildasign.com/troops to get started.

Federal Voting Assistance Program: If you are deployed during a Federal or State election,

please visit www.fvap.gov to obtain information on State instructions, forms, electronic voting

tools, and state and local election official contact information.

Hearts Apart Photography: This resource provides free pre-deployment photos and newborn

photos (to those whose deployed member cannot be home for the birth due to military

obligations). Military servicemen and women receive portraits printed on bi-folded waterproof

and durable cards that they can carry with them. The family will receive a DVD with the session

and rights to the photos. www.heartsapart.org/

USAF eLibrary Online Resources: Offers a wealth of online resources including digital

magazines, music, movies and more. These resources are provided at no charge by your Air

Force Library program to eligible library patrons. http://www.myairforcelife.com/Libraries/

USPS Military Kit: This free Military Care Kit contains all of the packaging supplies you will

need to send a military care package. Order online only.

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/military-care-kit-P_MILITARYKIT

VA Recipes and Cookbooks: Your food choices can make a difference in managing your

health. VA's Nutrition services promote wellness and disease prevention by ensuring effective

nutrition education and counseling for Veterans. To make meal planning easy, VA has put

together some free healthy recipes, video tutorials and cookbooks.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/64482/va-provides-free-recipes-cookbooks-veterans/

Veteran’s Advantage-Military Discount Marketplace: Veterans Advantage’s goal is to bring

you and your family the respect, recognition, and rewards that you deserve for your service by

advocating for A Real Thank You with VetRewards Exclusives. www.veteransadvantage.com

Veterans Canteen Service: An online shopping site exclusively available to Veterans enrolled

in VA, their families, and VA employees. The site serves as an expanded catalog of items not

offered in Patriot Stores, the retail shops located in the VA hospitals and clinics.

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/58357/shopvcs-com-vets-families-employees/

DISCLAIMER: All programs that are advertised by outside entities, are owned and

operated by those specific companies and organizations. Any questions to address specific

guidelines about their programs, should be directed to and provided by them.