Families of the Fallen Support
The USO Families of the Fallen Support Program was developed in response to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates approving the policy change that allows media coverage of dignified transfer operations of fallen service members’ remains. Before the policy was changed, less than 1 percent of families and friends came to Dover AFB to witness the return of their loved ones. Since the policy change in April 2009, more than 78 percent of families and friends have come to Dover AFB.
The USO Families of the Fallen Support Manager office is at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs located at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. When a branch of the military notifies the family of a casualty, they also inform the USO’s Family of the Fallen Support Manager of the family's flight itinerary. Flights carrying the remains of America’s fallen arrive at all hours, and families do not have much time to get to Dover. To smooth the way, USO centers in airports where families will be passing through are alerted, most often in Philadelphia, so staff can be ready to assist in any way.
As a family makes their way to Dover AFB, USO staff and volunteers work with airport security officials, airlines and vehicle rental companies to help family members make their flights and meet ground transportation. If family members are coming to Dover from multiple locations, USO staff helps them connect, and sometimes help book return flights so families can travel back together.
In addition, the USO provides snacks and beverages for the Center for Families of the Fallen and supplies, food and other provisions to the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen, a temporary lodging facility adjoining the center where families can stay while awaiting the return of their fallen loved one.
Throughout a family's trip to Dover, the USO is ready to provide assistance with practical matters ranging from obtaining wheelchairs, support for young children, or anything else they may need during this difficult time.
Moyer Foundation – Camp Erin:
In 2011, The Moyer Foundation partnered with the USO and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to bring the first ever Camp Erin/TAPS grief camps designed specifically for children grieving the loss of their parent or sibling who served in the Armed Forces. Camp Erin is a weekend-long experience filled with traditional, fun, camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support -- facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.
TAPS/USO Families of the Fallen Good Grief Camps:
The USO offered four Families of the Fallen camps in partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Good Grief Camps. In 2011, we held camps in Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Indiana. Good Grief Camp provides children and teenagers with a safe and supportive atmosphere to conduct activities and have opportunities to learn coping skills, establish and identify support systems and create awareness that they are not alone in the grief of their loved one.
Through our direct partnership with TAPS, over 675 children have attended TAPS Good Grief Camps in 2011. Based on the support of each camp location in 2011, Good Grief Camps have been requested at each of the four camp locations over the next three years.
The USO reaches out to military children who have lost a parent, through a partnership with the Trevor Romain Foundation. The “Memory Box,” provides a comprehensive set of resources that help children and their families cope with the loss of a loved one.
For more information about the USO Families of the Fallen Support Program, please contact the program manager.
Wendy Fish
Families of the Fallen Support Program, Manager
Email
302.359.6907
Address:
116 Purple Heart Drive
Dover AFB, DE 19902