Download a copy of the Personal and Family Readiness Checklist for married service members.

If your family will relocate during your deployment, ensure that you look into what TRICARE coverage is available in the location that they are going to. Additionally, they can seek services at most active duty military base, as well as guard bases. You can utilize this Local Community Resource Finder for a list of services available from guard bases depending on your family's location.

Below are details about the following Readiness Programs available to you and your family.

Emergency Communication Services
Morale Call Program
Give Parents a Break
Car Care Because We Care
Deployed/Remote Family Events
Deployed/Remote Dinners
Deployed Spouse Coupons
Key Spouse Program
Free Shipping Supplies
AAFES Starcard Deployment Benefits

Emergency Communication Services The American Red Cross provides Emergency Communication Services for military members and their families to keep personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. This is often the fastest method to inform the deployed/TDY service member and the information or verification in a message also assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave. To find out how to contact the American Red Cross to utilize the Emergency Communication Services or other services they provide, click here.

Hearts Apart Morale Call Program. This program will allow loved ones to make two 15 minute phone calls per week to you during your deployment through the Ellsworth base operator. To utilize the program have your loved ones contact the base operator using one of the following numbers (605) 385-6489/6490/2761. They may call anytime except during 0600 and 1100 hours Monday through Friday due to a large amount of official calls. Have them provide the operator your name and DSN phone number. Please remember that you need to provide your loved one with your DSN number if one is available at your location. The operator will then connect them to your number. If your loved ones have any questions or experience any problems, have them call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663.

Give Parents a Break Program. The “Give Parents a Break” program is designed to provide eligible parents with free child care one Saturday a month at the Ellsworth Child Development Center (CDC) and Youth Center. Children must be between 6 weeks – 12 years of age. “Give Parents a Break” is normally scheduled for the fourth Saturday of each month. This program is a collaborative effort between the Air Force Aid Society and the Ellsworth Child Development Center. Please stop by the Airman & Family Readiness Center with a copy of the sponsor’s TDY/Remote PCS orders to obtain a certificate. Certificates can also be obtained from a Chaplain or First Sergeant. Click here for more information and future dates.

Car Care Because We Care. You can get a free oil/filter change, lubrication, and vehicle safety check on your primary vehicle at the Ellsworth AFB Auto Skills Center, courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society. Service is limited to once per deployment/TDY and twice per calendar year if your spouse is assigned to a remote tour. To obtain a voucher from the Airman & Family Readiness Center, simply bring in a copy of the sponsor’s TDY/Remote PCS orders. Once you receive your voucher, you can arrange your own appointment with the skills center.

Deployed/Remote Family Events. The Airman & Family Readiness Center has FREE monthly activities for family members of deployed/remote military members. Fun filled events are planned for different locations throughout the area to help break up the time while your service member is away. Please give us a call at (605) 385-4663 to find out what is going on this month.

Deployed/Remote Dinners. This is a chance for family members of deployed and remote spouses to enjoy a delicious FREE dinner along with information, entertainment, and supervised children activities. It's all part of a fun evening for parents and kids. Call us to find out when our next dinner is scheduled to be served.

Deployed Spouse Coupons. The Force Support Squadron provides coupons to be used at the Ellsworth AFB Dakota's Club, Outdoor Recreation, Bandit Lanes Bowling Center, Pools and Auto Hobby. Stop by the Airman & Family Readiness Center to pick up your coupons.

Key Spouse Program. Key Spouses serve as a communication and support link between the unit and its families. They understand the difficulties and rewards of military life. They know about community resources and can help you get answers to your questions. Contact your first sergeant or squadron orderly to learn who your unit key spouse is and how they provide information and support to family members.

Free Shipping Supplies for Military Families from the United States Post Office. The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a Military Care Kit, or “Mili-kit” to make it easier for military families and friends to send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. Since the inception of the Military Care Kit, the U.S. Postal Service has shipped more than 150,000 kits. Each kit contains three flat rate boxes, two cube boxes, nine address labels, and 16 customs forms. There is no charge for the kit. Click here to find out how to obtain your kit.

AAFES Offers Lowered Interest Rate and No-Payment Option for Deployers

Active Duty and Mobilized or Activated Reservists or National Guard Military Members Who Deploy to OEF/OIF are eligible. Deployment is defined as travel to a contingency operation or other forward area in an overseas (foreign country) location in conjunction with valid orders. If you deploy for at least 90 days while on active duty, they will:

• Lower your interest rate to six percent (6%) for both your current balance and any new charges you make.
• Allow you to make no payments or have monthly allotment payments during your deployment.