National Guard Families and Friends

Being there for the ones you care about can make a difference in the life of a service member or family member. Learn how to support soldiers, airmen and each other.

National Guard families and friends serve, too

If you are related to a service member or are friends with a service member and their family, this page provides information that can help you give and find support. Your role in helping to ensure the health and well-being of your service member is a vital one, and resources are available to help you participate in their service to the nation.

Helping military spouses and partners

Whether it’s maintaining a household or providing emotional support, being a partner to a service member can present big challenges. Learn:

• What to expect when your partner is deployed
• How to cope throughout your partner’s service
• How to support your loved one

Discover ways you can help your service member ─ and you ─ when they deploy »

Helping military children

Military children face unique challenges. They require special attention to help them adjust to the absence of a deployed family member, endure frequent relocations or cope with other issues related to having a loved one in the National Guard. Learn:

• Why supporting military kids matters
• Signs of distress in military children
• Tips for helping a military child

Learn how to be the best possible parent to your military child  »

Helping military parents

Parents can experience a wide range of emotions regarding their son or daughter’s service in the National Guard, from pride in their accomplishments to fear for their safety. Learn:

• How to be prepared when a son or daughter deploys
• Ways to stay connected and find support
• What to do when your son or daughter returns home

Learn strategies for what to do when your son or daughter deploys »