Impending deployments can cause service members and their families to be overwhelmed and in a race to get everything in order before leaving. Sometimes the deploying unit is only given notice of their overseas orders shortly before their departure date. With thoughts racing, a checklist of things to do before leaving can ease the mind of the person departing and help make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Communication is imperative when organizing financial matters and taking care of the emotional ties in the deploying service member's life. If married, the spouse at home should have Power of Attorney documents which allow him/her to handle the deployed spouse's finances during the deployment. Time should be allotted to review and organize finances, to be certain the spouse at home is comfortable with the financial situation. Before deploying, copies of all relevant financial documents should be secured in a file. The file should contain a net worth statement listing all assets and financial liabilities of the family, Wills, Power of Attorney papers, emergency contact information, titles to property, deeds and life insurance documents. One should be aware of possible salary changes and extra expenses that may be incurred while away. Creating a budget can help alleviate potential worries about finances while deployed, so the service member can focus on the military mission.

Emotional ties also need to be tended to with equal effort to clear up any confusion there may be associated with the pending deployment. If the deploying service member has children, then he/she should spend time with them and openly answer any questions they may have. Honesty is of paramount importance when being confronted with questions and confusion from children. They may ask, "Where is daddy going?" or "When is mommy coming home?" Do not lie about when the parent is returning. Oftentimes return dates are tentative. So it's better for the spouse at home to tell the child that he/she does not know, rather than creating false hope.

Life drastically changes for family members of deployed service members. Sometimes it can be a culture shock for those adjusting to the absence of a spouse or parent. If overwhelmed or in need of assistance, the spouse at home should contact the nearest military support center. Most military services have a family support center, providing resources, information, guidance and counsel to the families at home.

If in need of support or assistance, please contact the appropriate service support center below.

" Army Community and Family Support Center. The Army Community & Family Support Center serves as the headquarters for Army MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation).

" Marine Corps Community Services. MCCS exists to serve Marines and their families wherever they are stationed. MCCS programs and services provide for basic life needs, such as food and clothing; social and recreational needs; and even prevention and intervention programs to combat societal ills that inhibit positive development and growth.

" Fleet and Family Support Division. The Fleet and Family Support Division provides support to Sailors, families and communities by providing policy guidance, field support and information to those in need, their business partners, the Chain of Command and their field activities. They accomplish this through planning, oversight, advocacy, and research.

" Navy Services FamilyLine. Naval Services FamilyLine is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for every sea service family. This is achieved by answering questions from spouses about the military lifestyle, referring spouses to organizations which may be able to assist them, publishing and distributing free booklets and brochures which contain very helpful information, and developing successful educational programs for the sea service spouse.

" Air Force Crossroads. Crossroads is the official community website of the U.S. Airforce. This site provides information on numerous topics including Air Force installations, family separation and readiness, medical and dental, and relocation.

" Army National Guard Family Readiness Program. The mission of this program is to: help bond Guard families together and promote a sense of comradeship; relay vital information from the Director and the Family Readiness Program in order to lessen the feeling of isolation.

(Source for service support center information: http://deploymentlink.osd.mil/deploy/family/family_support.shtml)