A&FRC supports spouses during deployments Published Jan. 19, 2007 By Dylan Laurie 1st SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Military members face the difficult task of leaving their families to serve their country during deployments, remote tours and extended temporary duty assignments. It is often a stressful and challenging time for Airmen. However, it is also a complicated situation for those left at home who have to deal with financial and legal matters, care of loved ones and medical needs. Fortunately, the Airman & Family Readiness Center offers services to help people become more self-sufficient during these times. Tech. Sgt. Diane Thomas, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Squadron personal and family readiness NCO, says it entails the personal nature of being ready, not just having weapons or chemical warfare training, whether you are single or married. "Do you have a will, a good plumber for the spouse who's left behind, a way to have the car fixed and all important papers located in one area in case family members have to evacuate because of a hurricane?" Sergeant Thomas asked. "The things I teach are not just for deployment; it's for being ready for anything in life. Whether its hurricanes or worst-case scenarios, always prepare for the worst and then anything less is better." A personal and family readiness NCO works with unit leadership, coordinates with helping agencies and works directly with families during separations. This can amount to dealing with up to 700 spouses a month here. "If it's a mass deployment, we'll start with mass briefings where the military are called in, and we give them a readiness briefing based on the Personal and Family Readiness Handbook," Sergeant Thomas said. "Then we'll have spouse's groups during the evenings on the weekends, and we'll instruct them on what they need to do and what their spouse needs to do." It is part of a mandatory out-processing checklist for all those experiencing first time deployments to receive a one-on-one briefing, but families are invited. "We want to give them the tools to have a successful deployment and connect them to resources base wide," said Debbie Lundblad, 1st SOMSS community readiness consultant. "We've always wanted to take care of our families." Sergeant Thomas offers a personal touch by keeping in contact with spouses through weekly e-mails, bi-monthly newsletters and monthly parties allowing spouses to come out after hours, bring the kids and meet people going through the same experience. There's also an upcoming scrap-booking party, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m., and although she doesn't expect much male involvement, she has used alternative methods in the past to try to make the male spouses feel welcome. "I have tried home improvement workshops, and 'Come watch the game' (Sorry, no beer) events and can't get them to come," Sergeant Thomas said. "But they do show up for Spa night for free massages. They also take advantage of the free child-care services and free oil changes." Sergeant Thomas says the spouses let her know they appreciate the help the programs provide. "When I get thank-you notes, 'thank you's' and hugs, that say 'I wasn't going to come, but we really needed this,'" Sergeant Thomas relayed. "And 'I made a new friend,' 'we're so glad you're here for us,' and when they get the phone calls from overseas; then I know I'm doing the right thing." For more information on any of these programs, call 884-6797.