Deployment Support

The objective of the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) Readiness Program is to ensure that service members and their families are aware of the programs and support agencies available when preparing for, during and upon return from deployment. This support is provided in collaboration with multiple bases and local and federal agencies.

While the support provided covers a broad spectrum, the most common programs that family members can participate in listed below:

• Hearts Apart is a once-a-week morale call program allowing the family members staying behind to contact their deployed loved ones from the comfort of their home.
• Give Parents A Break provides an opportunity for parents left behind to leave their children in the capable hands of either the Youth Center or Child Development Center while they enjoy an afternoon/evening to themselves.
• The Car Care Because We Care program provides a vehicle safety inspection and oil change for the family vehicle. The Give Parents a Break and Car Care Because We Care programs are sponsored by Air Force Aid.

Additional programs are scheduled throughout the year. Service members and families alike are encouraged to stop by the M&FRC to see the latest schedule of planned events. More information and arrangements can be made through the Readiness Noncommissioned Officer at the M&FRC.

Deployment Support

We offer assistance during the deployment transition that includes services for special needs, classes on deployment preparation, managing finances, helping children adjust, family separation, return and reunion and information on resources available locally and online.

This support is delivered during our Personal and Family Readiness briefings for deploying and remote assigned members. Please contact your servicing M&FRC to schedule your briefing.

During the pre-deployment briefings, we provide information on the Hearts Apart program, which facilitates family support. It offers a monthly Waiting Families Group, individual support as needed, access to Give Parents a Break and morale calls. Morale calls are available once a week and are limited to 15 minutes per call. Arrangements are made through the Readiness NCOIC at the M&FRC.

M&FRC Deployments Assistance/Soldier and Family Readiness Program offer support and resource assistance and referral to soldiers and family members preparing for a military separation.

• Resource materials for soldiers, spouses, and children prior to deployment and prior to reunion
• Resource materials for family readiness groups
• Briefings and workshops available for units, family readiness groups and/or community
• Video teleconferencing equipment for communication between soldiers and family
• Waiting families support activities during deployment.

For additional information for Ft Sam, call the Mobilization/Deployment Readiness Program at 210-221-2705.

Hearts Apart Support Group

Hearts Apart is a group designed for spouses who are geographically separated due to an unaccompanied tour or extended temporary duty travel or deployment. For meetings schedules, call the Relocation Readiness Program at Fort Sam Houston, 210-221-2705, or Lackland AFB 210-671-3722.