Live Q&As

I can't speak on behalf of all service members, but I know that my husband was always asking for food and my brother usually requests an iTunes gift card or newly released DVDs. They need the personal hygiene items that are so prevalent in care packages, but it is hard to get excited about socks, razors, and soap!

As for families, I love to give something that will help them stay connected during deployments. If you're making a care package, put in some disposable cameras for the kids to take pictures of their own for their mom or dad. Craft items so they can make things to share are also great.  Of course, if you're just bringing something over for your neighbor with a deployed spouse, I know food or an offer to mow the grass are always welcome!

Mostly we find that Service members are looking for a touch from home. A card or letter lets them know you are thinking of them, and if you have any dealings with their family, it's good to report "from the homefront" how everyone is doing.

My husband likes his magazines forwarded and all the do-dads that my daughter did in pre-school and Kindegarten. We filled boxes with that stuff: drawings, graded papers, etc. He also liked anything that helped fill the time. I sent him letter writing stuff, sudoku activity books, and daily devotionals.

As a "lady" who deployed, something sweet smelling for my pillow or some up to date magazines were always appreciated.

Margaret - I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I know that there are well organized FRGs, and then there are those that aren't so organized. I think I've been pretty lucky in receiving information quickly. But I'd love to hear what Star's experiences have been too.

Margaret,

This is an issue for sure. Many FRG leaders have a hard time keeping in contact with those who are not "on post" or "in town" (for guard/reserve units). And, the added pressures of keeping info secure and timely are difficult for these volunteers. Still, there is a job to do and that is to keep you all ready and informed.

I suggest that you bring this up and review the process as a group. Some things I've seen work are facebook groups (which have security settings), email lists, and weekly phone conference-lines. You should request that there be a status report given or check-in after the black-out is lifted after every major incident. An email would have gone a long way in your case.

Sorry, but we only learn through our experiences, and now you know what adjustments have to be made. Good luck.

That's a great suggestion. Thanks!

Yes, and if I may, I'd like to suggest K12.com. They are very familiar with military families who home school and do hire military spouses.

K12.com/military
k12.com/careers

This is such a common worry that there have been many "devices" to assist with this situation.

DaddyDolls are a great "stuffed toy" with daddy's likeness and even a place for a voice recording. I kid you not, I have a "Big Daddy!" for me. It's like a body pillow, much bigger than the kids. But, the Daddy Dolls are fun and keep "his face" in front of your little ones. They're snuggly.

Also, daddy can read a book on video to the children. That video can be pulled out whenever they need some comfort and whenever you feel like they need a "visual."  Check out this link for United Through Reading Program through the USO. 

http://www.uso.org/united-through-reading.aspx

Finally, if you don't have a web cam, I'd get one just in case. Or Skype. You won't know your husband's limitations or communications capabilities till he gets where he's going, but do these things to prepare and practice before he leaves. It will help with any "on camera" jitters for the little ones.

We answered this question as a Field Problem at ArmyWifeNetwork before too: http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?p=2354.

I love all of these and now I wish I'd done all of these things!  Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

You are EXPERIENCED for sure. These are wonderful tips and you're such a blessing to pipe in and share them. 

One of the things we always suggest at an Army Wife Network Field Exercise is that the participants find a Battle Buddy. One is ok, more is better. You'd make a great Battle Buddy for someone who has never done this and might have a hard time believing they can. 

I hope you reach out, locally too!

Thanks for sharing.

Don't you love/hate that question? I've heard that told before, "When are you going to visit?" It's sad, but some people just don't know because they haven't experienced what you're going through. It takes a "military family" or "battle buddy" to get you.

There are support systems. Our AWN facebook page says "wives" because that's who founded it. We have 30,000+ fans and I assure you they are not all wives, so you can check that out online. Also there is HerWarHerVoice.com, which is  a blog (with facebook page as well) where you can find other military significant others (marrieds and unmarrieds) sharing their experiences: trials and triumphs.

Because you're "tied" to a Reserve community, I suggest those online resources. But if you're near a post, there are spouse groups that you can participate in, if you just ask.

We are our own advocates, and we have to ask for what we need as well as willingly share our experiences, so civilians know "we don't get to visit them" and "they don't have very much 'private time' to talk on the phone."

I have to say that I think social media can help a lot these days.  At times, I've haunted the MilSpouse online forums from MilSpouse Magazine and Operation Homefront.  Even BlogHer.com has one now.  It's a great way to find a battle buddy if you don't live near an active military community.

Also, I love to read blogs from other military spouses. It helps to remind me that we're all in this together and helps me feel a sense of community no matter where I am.

My first advice is "Don't ask, just help."  Call her every couple of days just to chat.  If you live nearby, drag her out for coffee, shopping, or just a walk.  But the most important thing is that she knows you're there for her. Just talk.  Even if it's not about the deployment, if she knows you're there for her, she'll turn to you when she needs help.

I'm actually facing something similar. My brother is deploying to Afghanistan soon and this is his new wife's first experience with the military. And he's in the National Guard so there isn't a big military community where they live.  I wish she lived nearby, but I'll have to offer support via phone and email!  I'd love to know if any of our readers have suggestions for offering support long distance.

I now deem you "mother hen." I'm pretty sure that's the phrase. 

You can help make a list of individuals who are good at various things who are willing to:
make a meal
watch children (long and short term)
call in weekly
send cards
mow lawn

These people are aware ahead of time what your sister will be going through (a deployment) and have volunteered to help. That's the battle. So often I worry about asking for help, because I know others are overwhelmed and have their own "plate." 

But, these people will be pre-coordinated and will be "easy to find" when your sister needs to call someone "now."

Also, maybe read and send her a few books like Elaine Dumler's series and Shellie Vandervoorde's Separated by Duty | United in Love. These are favorites of mine. Also the devotional books by Jocelyn Green can be such a simple gift that doesn't take time and can feel less intrusive. Those books can be found at our Amazon bookstore: http://astore.amazon.com/armywifetalkr-20.

I hope this helps.  You're a great sister to be planning ahead.

Of course they can order anything they'd like. But we all know that's more expensive.  I know my brother won't be purchasing his own iTunes gift cards when his wife is pinching pennies back home. So when he tells us that's what he wants while deployed, I take him at his word.

I'm going to have to assume that not everyone agrees with you!

Not everyone has internet. That is not the case with a few I know currently deployed. Every situation is different. 

Sure service members can get a whole lot in some areas. I send my husband gift cards as a way of just saying..yeah I know we're pinching pennies, but still go and take care of something you want.

My brother recently asked for Vernor's. My dad said, "I just sent him some." And I said, if he's asking for it...send MORE!

Most often we are going to be sending packages to the people we know and love. We know what they want and they hopefully will share with us what they want.

As far as sending cards and toiletries to those we don't know...I always appreciated the thought and know that their toiletries were much more "plush" than what I could get in country.