We’re capping off this military-themed month with a slew of military resources for families and soldiers you may not have heard about. We promote the more urgent needs all the time, like the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1), but how many others do you know?
Military Resources
We’ll keep it organized so you can find what applies to you.
For Those Deployed
Soldiers Angels — When you register for Deployed Support through Soldiers Angels, you receive support from a dedicated Angel volunteer for the entire duration of your deployment. Your support includes monthly letters, care packages for your specific needs, and opportunities to apply for support for an expectant spouse or other stateside family needs like birthdays, get well, and more. They also have specific support for Special Ops, Chaplains, and holiday support.
National Military Family Association — When navigating deployment and securing your family’s wellbeing, the National Military Family Association has your back. With resources from how to prepare for leave to helping your teens thrive, this group has loads of support for your family.
Plan My Deployment — About to be deployed? Plan My Deployment provides military resources and guides to check off all the to-dos and be prepared to move out. With their help, you’ll have your family ready for your deployment.
Make the Connection — Veterans tell their stories on Make the Connection and share what worked for them. It’s like peer support without the face time or a phone call. This enables a person to seek support by starting with a simple search and branching out. They have stories ranging from PSTI and substance abuse to chronic pain and spirituality. This site offers a wide variety of stories and a network of support for all military personnel.
For Military Families
Blue Star Families — Blue Star Families connects military families with their neighbors to find support they need. From career support for military spouses and kids’ support to financial and food support, Blue Star Families reach all military needs right from their own communities.
Military Families United — A national coalition of Gold and Blue Star Families, Military Families United brings charitable organizations directly to military families with support for various needs such as parenting, wounded soldiers, veterans, career, legal, financial, and more.
Operation We Are Here — Founded by an Army Chaplain’s wife, Operation We Are Here provides support, resources, and guides to military families (active or veteran). They use practical suggestions for churches and communities. This is to support their local military families and provide a list of military resources for those families.
Project Evergreen’s Greencare for Troops — This program offers free lawn care and snow removal for families of deployed military personnel. Some requirements apply, but this helps take a load off families when so many other responsibilities will take priority.
Tutor — Military families could be eligible for free tutoring support at Tutor.com through their military program. When one parent is flying solo, it’s nice to have a little extra help with the school work.
For Fun
National Parks Free Admission for Military Families — Military and veteran families may apply for an annual admission to national parks for free. Some restrictions may apply and a valid military ID may be required. This is a great way to save some money and get the family outdoors.
Amusement Parks — Many amusement parks offer military discounts, and some even offer free admission, like SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.
For Mental Health Care
Give An Hour — Costs of mental health care can be overwhelming. That’s why Give An Hour provides free and confidential mental health care to those serving and veterans (regardless of discharge status). The support comes from licensed mental health professionals volunteering their time. While they do not provide emergency services, they help military men and women avoid falling through the cracks.
F*O*C*U*S — Using an interactive online tool, F*O*C*U*S provides military families with resiliency training to help navigate the stressors of military family life.
Make the Connection
No matter what your or your families needs are, you have military resources at the ready who will support you and your family from enlistment to retirement, deployed or home. We see you. We appreciate you. If you need more resources, check out the many offered through Military One Source. Of course, you can also reach out to us at FRC.