Feature Search

The Hearts Apart Program Helps Keep Families of Deployed Service Members Connected

  • Published
  • By Priscilla Monzon-Pacificar
  • Airman and Family Readiness center
Families who go through a deployment often experience feelings of loneliness, worry, or may encounter difficulties coping while their loved one is away. Being on Guam can also pose additional hardships during deployments, as spouses are far from the comforts of home and family in the Continental US.

Hearts Apart is a program sponsored by the Airman & Family Readiness Center that allows spouses and families of deployed servicemembers an opportunity to meet socially, while enjoying various activities and connecting with others. These monthly outings help to promote networking among spouses and families by allowing them to get together with others who are also going through the same situation, ultimately helping to improve the quality of life for our military families.

A visit from Sparky at the Fire Station or watching a K-9 show at Security Forces, to Valentine grams and Holiday parties, the event venues continue to change each month allowing families to experience what's offered on and off-base.

The Hearts Apart Program is just one avenue families can take to help ease the burden caused by deployments, extended temporary duties or remote tours. It not only includes special monthly events, but also offers FREE morale calls from home to the sponsor during the deployment, as well as vouchers for FREE childcare, "Give Parents a Break" and a FREE oil change, "Car Care because we Care."

The next scheduled event will be a self-defense class sponsored by the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at the Hot Spot Gym on April 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information or to get involved with the Hearts Apart Program, please contact A&FRC at 366-8136.