For Sailors with families, one of the best things about being in port is going home every day to spend time with the ones they love. And although the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is in port, this is not the case for all of its crewmembers.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Alan Williams is one of these people. Williams has two children who live with his ex-wife in California. When he gets off work, however, he drives to his home in Newport News, Virginia; 2,000 miles away from his children.

He has two boys, ages two and three. Because of his duties, Williams misses birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with his children. He is in the process of moving his children to the east coast; but until then, the strain of separation affects him and his children.
I miss my kids, said Williams.

Although his children are young, studies from the National Center for Children in Poverty have shown that even toddlers and babies can sense the change in the routine of their daily lives when a parent is away. The children can become more irritable, develop sleep problems or frequently throw temper tantrums.

There are things that parents can do to reduce the tension caused by separation. Encouraging honest discussions with children about their emotions is important for military parents. These discussions can solve problems and lead to better communication. Using any available means of communication, even writing letters, helps military children cope with the separation.

Williams said he tries to call and FaceTime his kids as much as possible. He jokes and tries to make them laugh to alleviate the stress of being so far away.

Maintain constant contact, he said. If you have the opportunity to call them, call them.

Even if Sailors do not have children, they can show their support for those who do in multiple ways. Asking if that parent needs any help, cooking them a meal, or even volunteering to babysit once in a while can tremendously help military families.

People can also show their support for military children during April's Month of the Military Child, and by wearing purple people can raise awareness for the struggles military children face every day.

Even though being separated from his kids is a struggle, Williams gains motivation to do his job from his situation.

I don't want my kids to have to struggle, he said. My motivation is to maintain my job so I can maintain a paycheck for them, so they can have the things they want and have the things they need.
Williams said he never wants his kids to have to worry about having food on the table or a roof over their head.

He also said the Navy has taught him the value of respect, and he plans to pass this lesson along to his children as they grow up.

The Navy offers many programs for people in situations similar to Williams who live near military installations, such as youth programs, child development centers, the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and the School Liaison Program (SLP).

Youth and teen centers provide sports and activities for children up to 18 years old in a fun, safe environment, said Kelsey Leuzinger, ombudsman for Navy Recruiting Command Headquarters. The EFMP is designed to assist any special needs children of service members and their families by providing assistance and equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids. The SLP is for any service member who needs assistance in deciding in which school to place their child after moving.

Also, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) are some of the services offered to military families and their children.

The FFSC offers numerous classes, including new parent support and daddy boot camp™ for news dads. And MWR has new events and programs offered for families and children monthly.

For more information about programs for military parents and their children, visit www.cnic.navy.mil, click on Navy Region Mid-Atlantic under the Regions tab, then click Naval Station Norfolk under the Installations tab and scroll over the Fleet and Family Readiness tab for all of the base's information about family services.

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