Facebook aiding Drum soldiers, families

FORT DRUM — The post's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is using Facebook to get soldiers and their families away from their computer screens.

MWR has used the site to connect soldiers with their families back home and has become a resource for families new to the area to connect and find things to do.

"When you're a newbie in town — like myself — it's easy to get stuck in the humdrum monotony of a daily routine within a five-mile radius from your home," said Army spouse Tammy J. Hung-Breuder in an e-mail. "Luckily, the site has provided me with some great ideas for some fun family outings."

She checks the site daily and has gone to a boat show, yard sales and concerts.

Two years ago, MWR created a Facebook profile that users could add as a "friend," said Special Events Coordinator Michelle M. Roden. About two months later, she created another page users could become "fans" of.

Both can be found by searching "Fort Drum FMWR." The friend profile now has almost 4,000 users and the fan page has almost 1,700 Facebook users who "like" it.

She credits Facebook with an increased attendance at events.

"It's convenient," she said. "It's right in their living room."

Mrs. Roden posts announcements for events, trips and even road closures. She also answers questions from users.

But much of the content comes from Facebook users themselves. Some are looking for friends or advice on housing, dentists and even dog kennels.

"They like to hear from the other spouses and the people who are already on post," Mrs. Roden said.

The pages often help families connect with soldiers who are far away from their hometowns.

"It seems to have become a place for parents to connect with the post," Mrs. Roden said.

Last week, a mother posted a desperate message that she hadn't heard from her son since he returned from Iraq about a month ago.

"I have worried, cried and prayed for your safety," she wrote in an evening message. The next day, through the comment system, Mrs. Roden gave her the chaplain's phone number.

Five days later, the mother posted an elated message telling everyone her son had finally called her. He had just been busy and would only remember to call home after it was too late.

For Mrs. Roden, the resolution was one of many for the day.

"That's what Facebook is about — to get answers and to ask questions," she said.