Deployments: Resources available for families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The Warren Airman and Family Readiness Center has many resources available for deployed members' families. 

"The response to our programs has been invaluable," said Master Sgt. Regina Campbell, 90th Force Support Squadron. Sergeant Campbell knows the value of programs for families with a deployed member because her husband, Master Sgt. Chris Campbell, is currently deployed. 

When a service member deploys, their family is encouraged to call the center to identify some items they may need. A deployment program briefing takes place so families know what resources are available to them. 

"Family members may not know the resources on base or what they need to do when their family member deploys," said Sergeant Campbell. 

Operation Warren Cares is a program that from which people provide emergency contact and help with the routine labor needed to maintain a home: mowing grass, shoveling snow, home repair, car repair. There are over 170 volunteers in the program. 

The all encompassing Hearts Apart Program includes several programs for families, Sergeant Campbell said. Some of the programs that aid families include help with securing a job, financial services, staying in contact with a family who has a deployed member and social groups. 

The social groups and other gathering events are designed to bring families together and meet others in their situation, she said. 

"Some kids think they're the only one with a deployed loved one," said Sergeant Campbell. "It's beneficial for them to meet others." 

The airman and family readiness center also offers free baby sitting services through their "Give Parents a Break" program. This service allows parents a few hours of free child care to have alone time, run important errands or go out with friends. 

"Many people don't even know services like this are available to them," Sergeant Campbell said. The programs have helped many families in need when family members deploy. 

One success story occurred when a service member deployed from here, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a young teenage son. The wife became ill and was put on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. The center was able to provide the family with supplies they needed to include groceries because they were unable to purchase any. 

If families need assistance while their family member deploys, they are encouraged to call their supervisor or first sergeant. 

For more information call 773-8141.