Sgt. Adam Trantham with his parents, Doug and Amy

Military families living in remote areas or far from a military installation often feel unsupported and isolated. A newly released online course can help them as they deal with deployments.

 Coping with Deployments is an American Red Cross course developed to help military families during all phases of the deployment cycle: pre-deployment, deployment, and the return home. Each of these times can bring challenges to the service member and the family.

 Developed in 2008, over 4,400 people have taken this free course in person, led by licensed mental health professionals. Feedback has been overwhelmingly strong and positive.

 The online version of the course will be valuable for families living in remote areas that would otherwise have to drive a long distance to attend a live course. The online class can be accessed at any time, making it convenient for people to fit it into their schedules.

 Coping with Deployments helps families build resilience in themselves and in those around them. Participants learn how to offer emotional support to those in need through all phases of the deployment cycle.

 A Spanish version of the course is now available, which will broaden the reach of this skill-building resource to Spanish speaking military families.

 The course is available to families of Reserve, National Guard, retired, Veterans, and active duty service members. Content was developed with input from subject matter experts from all branches of the military including Guard and Reserve.

 To learn more about the live, instructor-led course contact your local Red Cross chapter. To sign up for the online course, go to http://www.redcross.org/find-help/military-families/deployment-services/coping-deployment-course,

 Spread the word to military families so they can get solid, practical support as they face the challenges and opportunities that deployment brings.