Welcome to Family Readiness
Keeping in Touch
Help
encourage a feeling of togetherness in the family during deployment by keeping
the lines of communication open. Possibilities include:
- Letters, which are inexpensive personalized, and allow you
to think about what you would like to share. Tip: share feelings
directly, write as if writing a journal or diary, express
affection and appreciation, answer and ask questions, and be
honest (share how you managed the bad news)
- E-mail - Inexpensive and fast, although not as secure as
letter mail (If available)
- Phone calls are more direct and personal, although they can
be inconvenient and expensive (always know the cost of each call
so you can budget)
- VTC - video teleconferencing allows live interaction between
the soldier and family member. If available
- Pictures (including photographs and artwork by children) can
be easily carried, proudly displayed, and looked at often,
helping family members remember each other
- Tape recordings and videocassettes offer realism and can be
played regularly, although they require special equipment.
Hearing voices can make the absent one seem more real, closer
and interested. Let children make a tape
- Calendar tag, this involves sending a
small fold-over calendar back and forth in
letters so the deployed parent and child can
take turns marking off the days
Safety and Security
- Do not make it public knowledge that
your spouse has been deployed.
- Tell children to do the same.
- Discuss what they should say on the phone.
- Keep emergency telephone numbers close to the phone at all
times.
- Contact the police, rear detachment, or MPs for additional
suggestions or at the first sign of suspicious activity.
- Seek help when you need it!
- Know your neighbors (you may need their help on an emergency
basis).
The Fort Hood Military Police (MP) Crime Prevention Section is the POC for
anyone wishing information concerning the security of your home while your
spouse is deployed. They Can give your on-post home a security check at any
time, including times when you are away. For information on this type of
assistance call 287-4754 and ask for a Crime Prevention Officer.
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