This fact sheet discusses the unique stress a couple feels when a spouse is sent on a combat deployment, tips for writing letters to stay in touch, and coping strategies. Spouses are urged to write on a daily basis and to share difficult situations and problems, develop a daily routine and stick with it, place a high priority on getting sleep, stay away from having the news on all the time, volunteer, and to show patriotism. Additional tips are given for having different types of household information and for contents of care packages.