Deployment Support

Deployment is a necessary component of the military function; however, it can be very difficult for those closely related to the service member. At Naval Air Station Meridian, we understand these problems and have sought out resources to help those who need it.

Fleet and Family Support Center

The FFSC offers a variety of services from financial advice to help finding housing for spouses and children of deployed family members. Examples of deployment workshops include Deployment and Kids, Deployment and Teens, Financial Planning for Deployment and Preparing for Return and Reunion. These workshops include both service members and their families and aim to prepare the entire family for the challenges of deployment. During the workshops, an interactive discussion approach is used to prepare families on what to expect during deployment. In addition to the workshops, many group activities, including craft days, are provided for children of deployed parents. Also, FFSC provides a great deal of printed information to aid children who are subjected to a parent’s deployment. This information comes in a variety of forms, including DVDs, coloring books, children’s stories, calendars and more.

Family Readiness Groups

FRGs are voluntary organizations offering many types of practical and emotional support to military families including deployment support. NAS Meridian does not currently have any active FRGs.

Spouses Clubs and Navy Ombudsman Program

Spouse clubs can offer unique support and insights for spouses of deployed service members. NAS Meridian has officer spouse clubs (supporting Commander Air Training Wing One) and other support through the Ombudsman Office.

Chaplains

As deployment is a difficult time in the lives of many military families, it can affect emotional and spiritual facets of the person subjected to the familial separation. Understanding this, the chaplains at NAS Meridian can provide spiritual counseling and refer families to other sources of aid.

Navy Ombudsman and Marine Corps Volunteers

Volunteers are often the best sources of help for quickly resolving specific problems. Contact Fleet and Family (601-679-2360) for more information.

Other Resources

Other resources for families with deployed family members include the American Red Cross, the United Service Organizations, the Armed Services YMCA, social service agencies and relief associations. These contacts can be provided by the FFSC.