Family Resources

A series of free Army OneSource apps provide users with resources on the go. Developed by the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command, the apps make it easy to find local services, manage money and stay up-to-date on the Army Family Action Plan.

Free for a limited time: prepare your family for the challenges of deployment with this comprehensive iPhone app

This service project matches people who want to support military families with the military families who need a lift. Through the effort, volunteers create Card Kits that are supplied to military children with deployed parents.

The USO in conjunction with the Trevor Romain Foundation has released a free, animated movie titled "With You All the Way! Dealing With Deployment." The DVD addresses preparing for deployment, staying connected during the separation and planning for reunion. The movie also helps civilian children understand the challenges their friends in the military community face when a loved one is deployed.

Military families requiring just about any kind of help-from supplies to camaraderie-can find what they need here. Military Family Support Centers (MFSC) Incorporated, located in Salem, Virginia, is dedicated to identifying and meeting the needs of the families of deployed military members. The organization seeks to reduce the stress for troops and their families by providing ways for the community to express its gratitude through offering services, volunteering or making donations.

Doin' a little for those who do a lot, this atypical nonprofit offers troops a chance to battle professional athletes and celebrities in head-to-head video game competitions via the Internet. Pro vs. GI Joe sets up real-time video game competitions among celebrities, high-ranking military officials and politicians stateside and troops overseas using Web-connected technologies such as PlayStation, Xbox Live and Nintendo Wii. The group also attempts to reunite warfighters with family members via webcam during the events.

Finding the right sales and discounts becomes a priority when budgets are tight. This site features discounts on groceries, furniture and jewelry. It also includes tools to locate sales at base commissaries, online coupons and a list of base yard sales. Additional links lead to dieting and fitness sites, charities and online contests.

Families of deployed members of the National Guard, Reserve and active duty service members on independent duty and their families are eligible for free family memberships at participating YMCAs in their local communities. The free memberships for Guard and Reserve families are available when service members are deployed for at least six months, and the deploying family member is eligible for a three-month pre- and post-deployment membership.