Deployment Support

Please contact the Readiness NCO at the Military and Family Readiness Center for a pre-deployment briefing, held every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This briefing describes what changes a family goes through during a TDY, deployment, or remote tour; outlines the Family Readiness programs; and addresses any particular concerns the family or individual may have. Assistance is provided through many services to include:

Give Parents A Break

The Air Force Aid Society offers FREE child care once a month to give parents with deployed spouses or those dealing with stressful situations a break. Give Parents a Break is an event for parents with children 0-12 years old to give them the opportunity to recharge and relax. Parents must sign up by the Wednesday prior to the event. On the GPAB date they can drop their kids off at the Child Development Center and enjoy some free time. If your spouse is not deployed you can use GPAB for a small fee if space is available. For details call the CDC at 316-759-4223.

Hearts Apart

The Hearts Apart program is for spouses, children, and families of military members who are currently deployed, on extended TDY (more than 30 days), or serving a remote tour. The military member should enroll their family in the program during their pre-deployment briefing, held each Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. at the M&FRC, building 732.

M&FRC Monthly Newsletter

Each month a newsletter is available to explain services available to Hearts Apart families.

Monthly Event

Each month there is a special activity for Hearts Apart families designed to bring together families that are experiencing the hardship of separation. Every event is free and includes a meal.

Hero Dolls

The M&FRC, with the help of volunteers, will make a free doll for children who have a deployed parent. Hero Dolls are available to all McConnell AFB families; KS National Guard families; and Army, Navy, Marine and Air Force Reserve families serving in Kansas. Limit is one doll per child in immediate family. To receive a doll, come to the M&FRC to fill out a Hero Doll request form and get your picture taken. You can also take your own photo of the deployed/deploying military member. For best results, turn the camera so the frame is up and down (vertical/portrait). The subject should stand with arms relaxed by their side and take up most of the frame (without cutting off their toes). Email the photo and the name of each child to: mcconnellreadiness@gmail.com.

Kids Deployment Info

The M&FRC has booklets about deployment and reunion that are age-specific to help children understand why mom or dad is leaving, how to stay connected while they are away, and how to prepare for their return. Stop by anytime and pick up this great information.

Operation READ

This program is designed to help children cope with their parent's deployment. The M&FRC will provide a book to the deploying parent and video tape them reading the story. The book and video will then be given to the parent for their child when they deploy.

Operation REST

This free program is designed to boost and maintain the morale of the entire family using a visual reminder of loved ones during a separation. The M&FRC will provide personalized pillowcases with photo transfers of both the military and family members. Simply email your photos directly to mcconnellreadiness@gmail.com and you will be contacted when they are ready for pick up!

Deployment Journals

"What I Love About You By Me" journals are designed as a communication tool to be used with a loved one. Each deployer can receive a journal for themselves and one for a spouse or loved one (one-time only). The focus is to provide the means for a meaningful discussion and expressions of appreciation. The deployer and loved one discuss the content and exchange the journals upon return from deployment. 

For more information, stop by the M&FRC or call us at 316-759-6020.