Information Regarding Your Soldiers R & R
Most soldiers that will be deployed for a long period of time will usually get at least one block of leave time. There are many variables when dealing with leave so you must keep in mind that nothing is ever guaranteed. Here are some tips to help you get prepared if your soldiers gets leave from their deployment.
- Your soldier should get a date for when their leave will start. This date is more of a general time frame than an actual date. For example, if your soldier gets a leave date of February 17th, they may not actually be in the United States until February 20th. This can be due to many reasons. For example, the soldiers that are set to leave cannot head out until the soldiers currently on leave return back to their stations. Also, keep in mind that a soldier's leave can change due to poor weather conditions. There are many stages to your soldier's trip home and during any one of them flights can be delayed or canceled so never put anything in stone! Leave is always subject to change!!!!!
- Most soldiers will get a block of leave for about 15 days. This leave time does not actually begin the day they start their travel home from their assignment but usually when they set foot on US soil.
- Never make plans for your soldier! When soldiers come home on leave they are usually tired from all the traveling it took to get home. Keep in mind your soldier may not want to be overwhelmed with family plans or parties. It is a good idea to keep an open schedule and give your soldier plenty of time to rest. It is always best to make plans with your soldier or have them make plans as they want to. Now is not the time for surprise parties.
- Some soldiers will want to plan for vacation getaway with their significant others. As the significant other, the best way to do this is to always plan with your soldier! Also, plan on making the reservations in the middle of your soldier's block of leave. This way if they are delayed getting back to the US, you both will not miss your reservation. It is also a good idea to plan ahead with your travel company and let them know that this trip is for a soldier coming home on leave and the dates may change. Most hotels and travel companies are willing to move the dates at no extra charge if you let them know ahead of time.
The Homecoming!
This is the moment we've all been waiting for and counting down the day until it arrives! But what can we expect from our soldiers and our own daily lives? Chances are both your soldier and yourself have been changed in some way from this experience. Here are some tips to help you and your soldier readjust to life together again!
- The adjustment period can vary with each family, soldier and their own experiences while on their deployment. A soldier may be uncomfortable going to a place as common as a mall due to the large crowds that are there. Some soldiers may also be uncomfortable going to theatrical shows or concerts where there are flashing lights and loud noises. Your soldier might not come right out and say these things will bother them so it is a good idea to take it slow when getting back into "normal life".
- After your soldier is released from the deployment, make sure they register with their local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for medical benefits. Be sure to also file a claim through an organization such as The Military Order of The Purple Heart, The Veterans of Foreign Wars or The American Legion. It is important to use an organization instead of attempting it yourself. These organizations will assist you until you are satisfied with your claim. I went with my Husband to two local VA offices to get registered and they took such good care of us. We met with several different people that each had their own job to help us out. My Husband was assigned his own case manager, made claims and even spoke to people that would help him build his resume and find him a job!
- Groups like Wounded Warriors, VFW and The American Legion and sites such as USAjobs.gov and hireahero.org are all very helpful for any member of the military and their dependents.
