New support group forming for parents of deployed children

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services—in conjunction with the Braddock District, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, and Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore NOVA Region—is organizing a support group for parents who have children on active duty serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere overseas.

The group’s first meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. at Brion’s Grille, 10621, Braddock Road, Fairfax.

The group is needed because, while there are many support groups in the area for military spouses, there isn’t much help for parents of deployed children, says Tilly Blanding, who organized the group and has a son serving in Afghanistan. She notes that Blue Stars Mothers does have a chapter in Fairfax County, but that organization is for mothers.

Blanding expects the parents who come to the meeting tomorrow will share their experience and talk about what they would like to do. In addition to offering emotional support, she says group members can share information about financial and other resources they might not know about.

For more information, contact Tilly Blanding, 703/324-5252.