GMFRC Deployment Services….Who is Entitled?
GMFRC Deployment Services are available to anyone who is experiencing a “family separation” as a result of a family member being away from home due to operational commitments exceeding 24 hours.
This includes deployments overseas and to CFS Alert, temporary duty (TD), training (such as pre-deployment training), courses, and imposed restriction (IR).
The GMFRC definition of family is very broad and Deployment Services can be provided to the spouse, children, parents, brothers/sisters, and friends, etc. of a deployed member – whomever the member indicates as a loved one requesting services.
GMFRC Deployment Services are available to family members of deployed 14 Wing regular force and reservists; to family members who live in the Greenwood and surrounding area but whose deployed member is deployed from another base or wing; and to family members of 14 Wing Civilian Personnel deployed overseas.
The services available to deployed families include morale mail, information packages, telephone outreach calls, social and support activities, quarterly GMFRC newsletters, special events, and respite childcare, etc. All services offered by Deployment Services are on a voluntary basis, so you can choose which services you would like to receive. It is very important that the deploying member visit us at the GMFRC and complete a pre-deployment information form to let us know of family members requesting support during their deployment. Without this information we will not know that you would like to receive our services.
If for any reason you have not received contact from the GMFRC during your “family separation” please do not hesitate to call 765-5611. If the member is already away, we can still complete the necessary paperwork required to provide you with any of the programs/services/activities that may interest you.
For upcoming events or activities for the deployed families please view our GMFRC Quarterly Newsletter.
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Surviving Deployment: The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)
Do you have a loved one preparing for deployment, currently away on deployment, or returning home? Are you preparing for the deployment highway and would like more information about the deployment process and ways to handle deployment stress? If you answered yes to any of the above questions then give Amy Snow, GMFRC Coordinator of Deployment Services, a quick call or e-mail. We know that deployment can be a stressful time for all members of the family and we want to help make this time go as smoothly as possible.
The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) is a program designed to provide information on the deployment process and how to prepare as family members for the journey. Many of the topics that will be discussed will be the same as the topics that your deploying loved one received during their pre-deployment training. It has been found that families who received the same information concerning deployment stress and coping techniques felt more unified during their deployment and were better able to successfully navigate their family separation.
If you are interested in more information please contact Amy by phone at 765-1494 local 5581, by e-mail at Amy.Snow@forces.gc.ca, or please feel free to drop in for a visit. Together we can discuss the Road to Mental Readiness one on one and this would be a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have on the deployment process.
For more information on the Road to Mental Readiness please visit the R2MR website at http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/ps/mh-sm/r2mr-rvpm/fam/default-eng.asp.
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Surviving Deployment Together
There is nothing worse than the feeling of being the only one experiencing the deployment of a loved one. But you are not alone and the GMFRC is here to help you feel connected and supported during your deployment. No matter if this is your first deployment or you are a seasoned deployment family it is completely natural to feel the deployment blues during your family separation. A great cure for all of this is getting together with friends and family and doing some fun things just for you; whether it is going to the movies, taking a walk, going fishing, or having dinner together. Before you know it you will be feeling relaxed and telling jokes because that’s what friends and family are for! In addition to your personal support system, the GMFRC also has great support and social activities to bring deployed family members together while having fun at the same time! These opportunities are a great time to meet other families going through deployment, share in a few stories, and most importantly have a few laughs together!
Surviving a deployment is so much easier with a group of friends and the GMFRC is here to support you and your family in any way possible and provide you with some company along the deployment ride! For more information on the many deployment services available to you please read through this quarterly newsletter and keep an eye out for our upcoming events and activities through our GMFRC website, articles in the Aurora Newspaper, and from your warm line caller!
We look forward to sharing your deployment experience with you!
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Deployment and Parents - They’ve told you the news; they are going on a deployment
When you first hear the news of your son or daughter’s deployment you may feel many conflicting emotions. Part of you is so very proud of the man or woman that they have become and the accomplishments they have achieved. But the other part of you, the part that still sees them as 5 years old, is scared, worried, and feeling helpless. You have raised your child, cared for them when they were sick, taught them the difference between right and wrong, and helped them fight their childhood battles. You were the one who always had the answers to their questions and now you are seeking answers for your many questions. Although it’s hard not to worry about the safety of your child, it is important to keep in mind that your son or daughter is very capable, well trained, and well equipped for their job. The best thing you can do is offer them your support and encouragement and know that you are not alone as you travel the deployment highway. The GMFRC is here to support you in any way that we can by helping to answer any questions or concerns you may have and providing you with some friendly company along the journey.
Please do not hesitate to contact Amy at 765-1494 local 5583 if you have any questions or would like more information on the deployment process.