Mass Deployment Frequently Asked Questions
We are here to help you with any questions you may have about Mass Deployment.
Here are a few helpful documents:
Things to Know – Essential Mass Deployment information
Things to Pack – The 4-1-1 on what to bring to Mass Deployment
Check out the FAQ section below, and if you still have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
FAQ
- Roundtrip airfare booked to and from your local airport according to participation dates
- Accommodations at the La Quinta by Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk during designated participation dates – no family, friends, or other guests permitted in overnight accommodations
- Meals:
- Breakfast and lunch: June 21-June 26
- Dinner: June 20 and June 25; $80 gift card provided to offset non-hosted dinners
- Service projects: plenty of water and snacks
- Transportation to and from San Antonio airport, each service project, and hosted activities
- Three (3) mass deployment shirts received at check-in.
We cannot provide lodging, meals, or transportation outside of the Mass Deployment start and end dates.
- Transportation and meals beyond what is listed in the above “What’s included” section
- Other personal expenses and gratuities
When a participant has been confirmed, transportation, meals, and lodging as indicated in the “What’s Included” section are paid for. The Mission Continues will provide the necessary tools, equipment, and supplies required for each service project.
San Antonio in June is going to be hot. We will have heat relief in the form of hydration stations, shaded areas for breaks, and sunscreen for participants. While not the type of deployment you might have had during your time in uniform, this Mass Deployment will ask a lot out of you to ensure we do the most for our community partners so you should expect early wakeups, long workdays, and late evenings. We’ll make the hard work as fun as possible!
Here is a typical daily service project schedule. Please note this is tentative – a more precise schedule will be available upon arrival.
6:00 am – Wake up
6:30 am – Breakfast
7:15 am – Board buses
7:30 am – Depart for service project
8:00 am – Service project arrival/daily team assignment review
9:00 am – Service project
12:00 pm – Lunch
12:30 pm – Service project cont.
4:30 pm – Depart for hotel
5:00 pm – Hotel arrival; evening on own
We believe downtime and rest are important. Each evening, except for June 20 and June 25, will provide for personal free time.
No, Mass deployment is designed to provide engaging opportunities that cater to a range of skill levels from beginners to experienced participants.
Each participant will receive a “What to Pack” list via the May 29 Mass Deployment Bulletin. Participants are responsible for bringing their own personal gear – good comfortable footwear, appropriate clothing for hot weather conditions, toiletries, any necessary medications including aspirin, epi-pens, etc. We recommend you come prepared with clothing selected for comfort rather than style. Any technical tools, equipment, or activity-specific equipment will be provided by The Mission Continues at no additional cost.
Amenities include:
- Bedrooms, single occupancy with en-suites
- Outdoor seating
- Washer and Dryer – credit/debit card operated
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Yes, but it may be limited. Depending on your cell service provider, there may be areas where you will have limited services. Wi-Fi is available in the common areas and in each hotel room.
We have a section on the acceptance form requesting these details with us. If we are not informed in advance, we cannot guarantee we can provide alternative meal options. A member of the National Events department will follow-up if there are any questions.
The Mission Continues is committed to providing an inclusive environment and, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We recognize that individuals may have unique needs due to disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances, and we strive to reasonably accommodate those needs to the best of our ability. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided in advance at least 2 weeks before the event.
Direct any accommodation requests or questions to the National Events department by submitting a request via our Contact Us form – select “Travel & Logistics” from the dropdown menu.
Yes! Trained service animals in ADA-specified service are allowed. Please specify this on the acceptance form so we have maximum time to make arrangements and notify other participants, in case of allergies or concerns.
Under no circumstances is a firearm permitted. Regardless if you have a concealed carry permit – firearms are not allowed at any time. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, report it to a TMC staff member immediately.
There are practical limitations regarding the level of support we can reasonably offer. The following information outlines these limitations – please read this before mass deployment begins.
In particular, we are unable and unqualified to provide medical and psychological care. For this reason, we request that – apart from unforeseen emergencies – you take care of your own health needs and help protect the health of others by wearing a mask if you’re experiencing signs of sickness.
Participation in service projects is a requirement. If you are unable to continue to participate productively, you will be asked to return home.
If you are seeing a therapist and/or any other mental health professional, please inform them of your intention to participate in mass deployment. If they have any concerns about your attendance, it is important to follow their recommendations.
Emergency medical care
In an acute medical or psychological condition, a Mission Continues representative may determine if professional attention is required. In such situations, The Mission Continues staff will call 911 emergency services on your behalf to take you to the nearest Emergency Room/VA medical facility.
If you refuse care from 911 personnel, you may be required by them to sign a form acknowledging this. You may also be asked to return home if, in the opinion of The Mission Continues representatives, you are unable to remain on-site safely.
Urgent medical care
In the event of an urgent medical problem not serious enough to require a 911 call-out, The Mission Continues may be able to arrange transportation to the emergency room/VA medical facility.
If the medical problem requires continued professional care, it may be necessary to return home, for your own safety.
Alcohol and Substance Use Policy
The Mission Continues strictly prohibits the usage of alcohol and illegal substances during any service project. Participants are expected to act responsibly and are required to comply with all state and local laws governing the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol, prescribed medications, and non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen, aspirin, antacids, decongestants, antihistamines, and laxatives.
Engaging in the use of illegal substances or the misuse of prescribed medications or non-prescription drugs during any service project or event is considered a serious violation of our policies. Violation of this policy will result in immediate removal from the event.
Our priority is to maintain a safe and productive environment for all participants. Violating this policy undermines our mission and values. Disorderly or intoxicated people will not be tolerated. Any individual found violating this policy will be immediately removed from the event or project.
Smoking and vaping is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking of or use of any illegal drugs at any time during a service project or event is not permitted and grounds for removal from the event.
Please notify us as soon as possible by utilizing the Contact Us form and selecting “General” from the dropdown menu. This will allow us to plan accordingly and ideally allow another veteran the opportunity to attend.
For anyone who is in or visiting the San Antonio area and wants to participate in an OMCS day of service, we ask that you register for the respective day of service via the link provided on our landing page, found here on the TMC website.
The Mission Continues will not cover any associated costs or provide any financial assistance for “self-deployers” so if, for any reason, you come to San Antonio on your own, we will consider you a local volunteer.
If you have any further questions about Mass Deployment, the quickest way to reach us is via our Contact Us form.
