Operation Family Care

Once these Brothers or family members on active duty are identified, work with the Masters of the respective Lodges to ensure that the Brothers of the Lodge stay in contact with the family of the person who is serving on active duty and provide any assistance that may be necessary (taking kids to soccer practice or helping with homework, helping with household chores, provide financial assistance if appropriate through normal Masonic channels and programs, etc.).

Professional assistance, relief, counseling, social services and support is available to the families of all service personnel on active duty from the Military Services and Veteran's Affairs. The Veterans Services Committee is prepared to assist in locating those services available to Masonic families requiring such assistance.

Death or Serious Injury of a Brother on Active Duty

As part of OPERATION FAMILY CARE, the Masons should develop a system of Masonic support for families of Brothers who are killed or seriously injured while on active duty. The first step would be ensuring prompt notification of the death or serious injury to the Brother's Lodge, possibly coordinated by the Veterans Committee.

However, it is of paramount importance that the members of the Lodge NOT make any outreach to the family of the Brother until they have a confirmation that family notification by the military has already taken place through proper channels.

The next step would then be the appointment of a 'Family Liaison' for each of these families. The Family Liaison would coordinate all of the families needs with the Craft's efforts to assist.