Family Readiness Group leaders, Key Volunteers and other command leaders are always asking the same question: What on earth do I give to my families during the pre-deployment meeting?  You know they won't listen to everything that is said, so they need something to reference afterward as crises come up.  And you know that most families won't even attend the meeting, so you need materials for service members to give their families. So we asked the CinCHouse.com community what they think is the best materials they can get, and what other good ideas they have seen during pre-deployment. We hope you'll add your ideas, too.

"I think the most helpful piece of information that we've received is a three page form, the first page lists the emergency numbers (ombudsmen, COB's wife, FSG, Red Cross, etc..) The second page is a listing of emergency contact numers that would apply individually. Just things that you wouldn't think about- lost credit card phone number, bank account numbers, etc. The idea with this is to go over this before the DH leaves and fill it in together so that you will have all of the information readily available if necessary. The third page is a budget form to fill out with the DH to determine how, and what will be paid monthly (it lists rent, car payment, electric, etc and the addresses to mail them to) and blank spaces to fill in the amounts and estimate a monthly budget for when they are away. I've always thought that was a great thing they passed out to everyone. It's worked both ways for us. I was out of town, and the DH needed a cashiers check, well, he didn't know the bank acct. number or their address to get there (figure that one, LOL.) and I couldn't come up with decent enough directions to tell him how to get there. Well, I said get the form, and it came in really handy. We keep it with all of our important papers, it's great!" -- Amelia

"I never got a kit at any deployment briefs. But the one thing I love about my new unit is the KV has been calling me or emailing me with updates if not once a week once a month." -- Karyn

"I felt so funny at the sending-off party for dbf... the commander's wife was taking "email addresses of family members" so everyone could keep in touch... well at the time I was too shy... I'm like, "ohhh, I'm not family." But now I wish I had! Dumdum." -- Lauren

"We get a 14 page top-bound booklet with a refrigerator magnet on the back that list anything and everything you need during deployment. The speakers always rave that we have the best one, but it’s just a copy of another ships and updated before each deployment. Our FSC speaker is a real fun lady so she makes it entertaining. I particularly like the Navy Relief Society speaker; they have such a wonderful program (although I’ve yet to volunteer). I think everyone should go regardless of how many deployments they’ve endured, the experienced can take a newbie under wing and help her through, that’s a win-win. Also, I think everyone should meet the Ombudsman because there is just some information during deployment she can only give you in person." -- Nancy

"I was never briefed in this regard. It could have been due to the fact that I was not near a base but it would have been nice if something could have reached me...even if by mail. Websites played a major role in my preparation for hubby's deployment." -- B

"We're in the guard so deployment to us was all new and really huge thing to deal with. It's helpful to let your soldier know how important it is to let the family be involved. My DH didn't think it was important and thought I wouldn't need any advice. I missed the first meeting." -- Shonna