rapidfire

Vacation, Gratis D

on and Barbara Rubin pur- chased a vacation home in Door County to enjoy their slice of nature

on Wisconsin’s picturesque peninsula. But when they realized how often they weren’t there, they decided to open their home to people who need a vacation most: service- members returning from deployment. The Rubins are part of a growing community of vacation homeowners donating vacation amenities to servicemembers.* Operation Welcome Homes (Colorado, Florida, and Wisconsin) gives return- ing servicemembers and their families a chance to enjoy relaxation, stunning vistas, state parks, and a quiet place to gather. Volunteers often throw in extras like passes to area attractions. English River Outfitters (Iowa), run by a

retired guardmember, provides veterans a place to relax and talk. The nonprofi t lodge

In Step With Apps

is a healing respite nestled in the rolling hills outside Washington, Iowa. Families can hunt, fi sh, and vacation, and other area veterans often join in. 101st Airborne Division North Carolina

Mountain R&R Program. For this downtime opportunity, the command of the 101st Air- borne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., picks soldiers they feel deserve R&R the most. Guests can hike in the mountains, white- water raft, or participate in guided fi shing trips. Each family receives a small stipend. Operation R&R (South Carolina). Ser- vicemembers stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga.; Hunter Army Airfi eld, Ga.; Fort Ben- ning, Ga.; and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., who have undergone a de- ployment in the past 24 months can take advantage of free vacation rentals. Gold Star families also are eligible.

— Deborah Huso

If you’re navigating another big move — or staring down a tempo- rary separation — let these mobile apps ease the transition process.  Sesame Street for

Military Families. Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster explain the big changes that come with military life.  Base Directory

provides ample infor- mation on more than 400 bases worldwide in its app, covering all branches of military.

 The MOAA Pub-

lications app lets you read Military Officer Select, an abridged ver- sion of the magazine, on your tablet.  PTSD Coach sup-

ports those dealing with trauma through self-assessments, coping mechanisms, symptom charting, and a support finder. Find links to these and other apps at www.moaa.org/pcs. — Claire Vath

*online: Get full details about these free vacation rental programs at www.moaa.org/freerentals. 26 MILITARY OFFICER JUNE 2015

IMAGE: LEFT, TOM COCOTOS