Families gain better understanding of deployments

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Families at Eielson participated in Operation Bug Out here March 12. The event was organized to get families involved in a mock deployment, so that spouses and children could better understand what happens when their loved ones prepare to deploy.

This event, in support of the Year of the Air Force Family, educates families about what a deployment is in a new way.

It can be difficult for families to understand why their loved ones leave for deployments or why they may behave differently as they reintegrate back into the family. The activities at Operation Bug Out allow families to experience a small part of what their service members go through.

The children and families involved in this mock deployment day experienced first-hand what it was like to deploy. With this new found awareness the families can be set more at ease which in turn creates a better environment for the Airmen.

"We found when the children and spouses know more about what goes on during an exercise or deployment line, their anxiety can be reduced in the family members because they understand and know why mom or dad is tired after a week of exercising," said Candi Dierenfield, an Airman and Family Readiness Center youth development agent.

Activities and displays for the families included static displays of weapons, aircraft, Humvees, family fitness tests, meals ready to eat and camo-face painting. Agencies present were the health and wellness center, public health, explosive ordnance disposal flight, Armed Services YMCA, chaplains, and military life consultants.

To heighten the experience and make it more believable, the children were given mobility bags and dog tags.
"It was a good way to get the families out to do something base wide. This way they experienced what Airmen go through," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Bruntz, 354th Force Support Squadron, Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Just like a real deployment, the families had to come up with a person they could put as their caretaker for a power of attorney.
"When we deploy we have bills and other responsibilities we have to take care of. When the children deploy they'll need someone to take care of their bike and things of that nature," said Ms. Dierenfield.

The event originally focused on kids ages nine to thirteen, according to Ms. Dierenfield. After hearing that there were spouses interested in learning about deployments, the program was revised to include the entire family working as a unit.

During the Bug Out, families were able to see the different things offered on-base including different agencies whose services they might not have known about, which increased exposure for the participating agencies.

In the past, Operation Bug Out requested the assistance of 80 to 100 volunteers. Due to the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection changes were made to make it less taxing for Airmen.

"This helps the 354th Fighter Wing's mission because when there's no anxiety at home, the service member isn't worried about the concerns of their family and they are better able to concentrate on the mission," said Ms. Dierenfield.

A large sign with "Proud to be an American Family" printed across it was signed by the families with their own personal touch of why they are proud to be an Air Force family. This sign will be displayed at the break-up beach party in April.