Mass Deployment Frequently Asked Questions
Mass Deployment brings together veterans from across the country to work alongside local partners and volunteers in a week focused on connection, teamwork, and community impact. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section below to help answer any Mass Deployment-related questions. Please reach out via the Contact Us Form with any additional inquiries.
FAQ
- The Mass Deployment application will open February 3, 2025, and close March 21, 2025.
- Applicants may apply for ONE of the following roles: Alumni Service Expert (ASE), Ambassador, or Crew Member; Review the criteria prior to applying.
- Applicants must have attended a Platoon Service Project from January 2024 until present and reside in an eligible city.
- If selected, notifications will be sent via email the week of April 11, outlining next steps related to travel, signing up for virtual orientation, completing pre-work, and preparing to attend.
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Dates: Please see the dates below to ensure you can fully participate before completing your application
- Alumni Service Experts (ASE): Monday, June 16 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025: We’re looking for flexible ASE candidates who are available to deploy for the full 10-day period. If unavailable for the full 10 days, ASE applicants will be selected to cover the first five days and the final five days.
- Ambassadors and Crew Members: Thursday, June 19 – Wednesday, June 25, 2025; must be available to attend the entire date range.
Please review the specific criteria and responsibilities for each role prior to applying. Mass Deployment is designed for participants of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced volunteers.
Yes, there will be 1.5 hours of virtual pre-work required for ASE and Crew Members and 2 hours for Ambassadors. This will include self-paced, online work.
- Roundtrip airfare: Booked to and from your local airport according to participation dates.
- Accommodations: At the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore during designated participation dates. (No family, friends, or other guests permitted in overnight accommodations.)
- Meals:
- Breakfast & Lunch from June 20 – June 25
- Dinner on June 19 and June 24; a TBD gift card will be provided to offset non-hosted dinners.
- Service projects: Hydration stations, snacks, and plenty of water provided.
- Transportation: To/from Tampa airport, service projects, and Mass Deployment hosted activities.
- Mass Deployment T-shirts: Three (3) shirts provided at check-in.
Note: We cannot provide lodging, meals, or transportation outside of the Mass Deployment start and end dates.
- Transportation and meals beyond those listed above.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Once confirmed, transportation, meals as outlined, lodging, and all necessary tools and supplies for service projects are covered by The Mission Continues. Participants are responsible for non-hosted dinners (June 20-23), personal expenses and any gratuities/tips.
Tampa in June can be hot. We will have hydration stations, shaded areas, and sunscreen available to keep participants cool. Expect early wake-ups and long workdays as we work hard to support our community partners. While this is not a deployment like you might have experienced in uniform, we’ll make sure the hard work is rewarding and enjoyable.
Here’s a general schedule (subject to change—more details 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 kickoff
- 12:00 pm: Lunch
- 12:30 pm: Service project resumes
- 4:00 pm: Service Project closeout
- 5:00 pm: Depart for hotel
- 5:30 pm: Hotel arrival; evening on your own
Note: Except on June 19 and June 24, evenings will be free and include personal downtime for rest.
A “What to Pack” list will be sent out via the May 28th Mass Deployment – Mail Call Bulletin. Participants are responsible for bringing personal gear, including:
- Comfortable footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing (Tampa will be hot!)
- Toiletries
- Any necessary medications (e.g., aspirin, epi-pens)
Technical tools and activity-specific equipment will be provided by The Mission Continues.
Amenities include:
- Single occupancy rooms with en-suite bathrooms
- Outdoor pool
- Washer and dryer (credit/debit card operated)
- Fitness center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in common areas and hotel rooms, but it may be limited. Cell service may vary depending on your provider.
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance. If we’re not notified, we cannot guarantee we can accommodate special dietary needs. A member of our National Events department will follow up to confirm.
We are committed to providing an inclusive environment and will make reasonable accommodations 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. Please provide notice at least three weeks before the event for effective accommodation.
Direct any accommodation requests or questions via the Contact Us form, selecting “Travel & Logistics” from the dropdown menu.
Yes, trained service animals (as defined by the ADA) are allowed. Please specify this on your acceptance form to allow for proper arrangements and to notify other participants in case of any allergies or concerns.
For more details, review our The Mission Continues Accessibility and Accommodations policy and reach out through the Contact Us form.
No firearms are permitted, even if you have a concealed carry permit. This is a strict policy, and violations should be reported to a TMC staff member immediately.
While we cannot provide direct medical or psychological care, we ask that you manage your health needs, including taking precautions if you’re feeling sick (e.g., wearing a mask). If you are unable to continue participating/serving, you may be asked to return home.
- Emergency Care: In case of a serious medical or psychological emergency, The Mission Continues will call 911 and ensure you’re taken to the nearest facility. If you refuse care, you may need to sign a waiver or be asked to leave for your safety.
- Urgent Medical Care: For less serious conditions, we may assist with transportation to a medical facility, but if continued care is required, you may need to return home.
If you are seeing a mental health professional, inform them of your intention to participate and follow their recommendations.
Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during service projects. You must comply with local laws regarding alcohol and prescription medications. Misuse of medications or illegal substances will result in immediate removal from the event.
Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Use of any illegal drugs or smoking/vaping outside of designated areas is prohibited and may lead to removal from the event.
If you can no longer attend, please notify us as soon as possible through the Contact Us form (select “General”). This helps us plan accordingly and potentially give another veteran the opportunity to participate.
If you’re already in or visiting Tampa, you can register for a day of service through the respective sign-up link. Please note: The Mission Continues will not cover any costs or provide financial assistance for “self-deployers.”
For any additional questions or concerns about Mass Deployment, please contact us via the Contact Us form on our website.
