Operation Deploying Family keeps families ready for deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aldric Borders
  • 97th AMW Public Affairs
The 97th Airman and Family Readiness Flight hosted 'Operation Deploying Family' May 18 at the Freedom Community Center. The family-oriented exercise is designed to better prepare and educate family members on the deployment process. This year, families were able to walk an actual deployment line, have their deployment questions answered by base agencies and experience a simulated deployment with a trip to a static display on the flightline. According to Tech. Sgt. Roy Cowan, 97th AFRF, more than 100 participants were able to get a realistic look at what their loved ones do when preparing for a deployment. "We try to educate spouses and especially children on the deployment process with a hands-on experience you can't get anywhere else," said Sergeant Cowan.
"The agencies on the line provided pertinent information regarding deployment preparation," he said. The 97th Legal office discussed the importance of setting up a power of attorney as well as a living will. The 97th Finance office was available to answer questions about special pay and several agencies from the 97th Medical Group were there to answer a variety of questions ranging from immunizations to Tricare. The 97th Chapel office was also present to tell families about the counseling services they provide both here at home station and in the Area of Responsibility.
After returning from their simulated deployment, which consisted of a tour of a KC-135 explaining its capability to sustain global airpower reach, the deployment returnees were met with a hot welcome home dinner.
"We try to give families a complete perspective of deployment from beginning to end," said Sergeant Cowan. The 97th AFRF began hosting the event in 2003 and has had it every two years since.
Children received a variety of freebies ranging from coloring books and stickers to candy and stuffed animals.
"Most of the giveaways we have for the families come to us through donations," said Sergeant Cowan.
"For example the food was provided by the Armed Services YMCA," he said.
For more information about Operation Deploying Family, call Sergeant Cowan at 481-6761.