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Message: Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- As Sailors on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) prepare for their overseas deployment, they can rest assured that there is a group of people standing by to assist their families. Fleet and Family Support employees provide ongoing services to help active-duty Sailors and their families, even when Sailors are deployed. “We wouldn’t be in this business if we didn’t want to help families,” said Kate Larson, a Fleet and Family Readiness marketing specialist. “The most difficult part is getting the word out, so I encourage Sailors to communicate to their families what we offer.” Larson said some programs they offer for youths this summer are in partnership with Armed Services YMCA. Operation Hero is a tutoring program open to children of active-duty servicemembers who attend any school in the Lakewood School District. The program will give children the chance to work with certified teachers twice a week for an hour. “Another free event we’re offering for military children is Y-on-Wheels, a mobile recreation program in Carroll’s Creek Landing,” Larson said. “A van rolls in with stuff like games and arts and crafts twice a week.” There is also a program designed to teach kids what it’s like to deploy. “Operation Purple Camp, through the National Military Family Association (NMFA), is a free summer camp focusing on bringing kids together for a collective experience and teaching coping skills to help deal with a parent being deployed,” Larson said. “Participants will be able to sleep under the stars and eat Meals Ready to Eat.” The program is free but transportation will not be provided. Register at http://www.nmfa.org to participate. Larson said that along with these programs, Fleet & Family Support and Morale, Welfare and Recreation have ongoing programs that are available to active-duty personnel and their spouses. Larson said the Life Skills Education program offers free classes for things like stress management, positive parenting and even a complete parent’s guide to MySpace class. Financial classes are held frequently at the Commons on Naval Station Everett, covering topics like retirement planning, credit management, home buying and many others, she added. For spouses who are looking to get in shape while members are deployed, the gym in the Commons offers free personal training sessions, plus an indoor swimming pool, Larson said. “If your family hasn’t been to the Commons, bring them to tour the facility so they’re aware of what’s available to them,” Larson said. For more information, call (425) 304-3367, on visit online at http://www.navylifepnw.com{{PERIOD}} http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/abe_families_have_help_during_deployment/
