Keep deployed Airmen in mind

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th AMW commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  By We've heard the expression, "out of sight, out of mind," and unfortunately in our busy lives, this is too often so true. Deployments are becoming a normal course of Air Force life, but it never is easy when we leave our families and friends behind. For those of us busy keeping the Team Travis mission moving here, we sometimes forget those members who are away and their families at home when we don't see them every day.

During deployments or TDYs, often what we miss the most is family or a connection to home. Each of us can help make time away for our people a bit more pleasant. Mail and care packages can brighten someone's day and let them know they are missed back home. When someone in your office deploys, it's a nice touch to make a schedule to send them cards or care packages, post their picture in the office so people don't forget about them and make sure their email address is available to co-workers.

It's important to stay engaged with the families of deployed members as well. You can assign someone in the office as their "sponsor" to make calls checking up on them or you can do it on a rotational schedule. Make sure families continue to be invited to unit functions and picnics. Families may not know where to go when they have a problem, or know when their loved-one will be returning home. Actions speak louder than words, so doing little things frequently will let them know that the unit is always there for them as a support function. The Airmen and Family Readiness Center and Air Force One Source are also great resources for families while their loved one is deployed. By getting into the habit of supporting our families, it will ease concern for the deploying Airman and their family alike. Those of us in uniform cannot do what we do for our nation without the tremendous support of our families, so it's essential that we take care of our families.

Most of us will deploy a time or two within the next couple years in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It is important to stay ready to deploy at all times, whether or not you are in the next Air Expeditionary Force rotation. Your unit deployment officers should assist you, but ultimately it is your responsibility that you are current in your training, medical appointments and physical fitness. Short notice deployments to Southwest Asia and humanitarian efforts throughout the world are becoming more common and if you are not prepared it is detrimental to the entire unit counting on you. So be responsible and check with your Unit Deployment Monitor quarterly and ask for a printout of your records.

Also, make sure your family is prepared. Briefings and information available at the Airman and Family Readiness Center can help you make a smart family plan for when you deploy. Have a plan for child care, financial management and other things the deploying member may typically handle. Be honest with your spouse and children by letting them know when you might be picked up to deploy and ask them to share any concerns they have with you.

The military can be unpredictable at times, so make sure you, your family and your co-workers are prepared for the unexpected! Stand proud, the business you and your family have committed to is an important one.

Finally, we're very proud of the more than 70 military family members graduated this month as members of the Vanden High School class of 2006! Congratulations graduates and best wishes as you embark on your next journey!

BE PROUD, BE SAFE!