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Program at McGuire helps families bridge gap

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
  • Staff Writer
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  While American military members serve away from home, their families often anxiously await their return. 

In support of those who, day-in and day-out, sustain the fort at home, McGuire has created the Hearts Apart program. 

"The McGuire Hearts Apart program is designed to provide information, resources and support to ease stress when a military member is away from home station due to an unaccompanied remote tour, extended TDY or deployment," said Master Sgt. Stephanie Schultz, 305th Air Mobility Wing family readiness NCO. "If the deployed member knows we are taking care of his or her family while they're away, they can concentrate on the mission and get the job done." 

The program offers a variety of benefits for all family members and loved ones of the deployed servicemember, said Sergeant Schultz. 

"Everyone who deploys is allowed to sign up one loved one to be able to call them while they're deployed," she said. "The loved one enrolled in the program is entitled to two 15-minute calls a week. These calls are made from home and the connection is sent through the base operator." 

McGuire has a toll free number for loved ones who live outside the local calling area to eliminate any expense associated with this service. 

"The opportunity to call my husband is a great help, even if it's just for 15 minutes, especially if the children want to talk to him," said Tech. Sgt. Kawana Simms, 305th Maintenance Operations Squadron unit training manager and wife of Tech. Sgt. Dennis Simms, currently on a remote tour in Korea. "With e-mail and the phone calls, it certainly helps ease the distance." 

New this year is the opportunity for military members to sign up family members through the Air Force Portal and use instant messaging to keep in touch. This has become a popular way for teenagers to communicate with their deployed parent. 

Another support program is "Give Parents a Break." This program is paid for by the Air Force Aid Society, and it entitles free child care once a month to families of deployed military members. 

"Although it is only a couple of hours once a month, it is a big help," said Carol Reavely, Hearts Apart volunteer. "Parents appreciate the time because it gives them time to visit friends, do some shopping or just relax.

"Another helpful aspect of the Hearts Apart program is "Car Care Because We Care," which offers a free oil change to spouses of deployed personnel. The goal of the program is to maintain the family's primary vehicle while the active-duty member is deployed. This is also paid for by the Air Force Aid Society. 

Video teleconferencing is also available in some locations. This allows loved ones separated from their active-duty members to not only hear their voices, but to see them while they are talking. Members are entitled to use this service for 30 minutes a week by appointment only. 

The family support center also holds monthly Hearts Apart Support Group gatherings and special events throughout the year. The support group often includes a free dinner or breakfast buffet, games, crafts, movies and seasonal activities. It provides participants with an opportunity for sharing, support and socializing with those facing similar challenges. 

Previous special events have included attending a Broadway play, pool parties, a hayride/pumpkin-picking outing, costume and holiday parties and Valentine celebrations. 

Community partners support the monthly gathering and events through monetary contributions, appreciation gifts, food donations, and more through the "Friends of Family Support." 

Loved ones who have an e-mail address are added to the Hearts Apart database and provided information concerning McGuire and base activities, to include upcoming Hearts Apart events. Those loved ones who do not have an e-mail address are encouraged to pick up a base paper or visit www.public.mcguire.amc.af.mil to keep on top of events happening around the base. 

The next Hearts Apart event, the Hearts Apart Support Group, is April 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Chapel II in Falcon Courts North housing area. Reservations are highly encouraged to ensure there is adequate food at the event.