Operation Spirit supports deployed families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sandra Marrero
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FOR BASE, Mo. --  Most families do not go through a deployment alone. From an expeditionary unit to their family unit, service members and dependents rely on a team of people to stay resilient through what can be a challenge on many fronts.

On Nov. 21, 2015, the Airman and Family Readiness Center (AFRC) at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., hosted its 10th annual Operation Spirit, an event that allowed approximately 120 school-aged children and their families to get a taste of the deployed experience to learn about supporting services.

Together, participants experienced a simulated deployment. The day began with an 8:30 a.m. telephone "recall" to report to the deployment center, where children shuffled their way through a realistic deployment line and met with their mission commander for a briefing. Finally, they made their way to a simulated austere environment filled with tents like the ones their loved one may live and work in during combat operations.

"Understanding deployment phases reduces emotional and psychological fears associated with this significant event for our military families, building and sustaining resilient families," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michelle Caldwell, a 509th Force Support Squadron (FSS) readiness NCO.

The primary goal for Operation Spirit was to help family members form a support network. Unlike previous years, this Operation Spirit split participants into groups, creating an opportunity for social interaction.

"Building camaraderie between deployed families helps them realize that even if they're thousands of miles away from their family member, they have an Air Force family at home that supports them," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Sherman, a 509th FSS readiness NCO. "When we get teams together, we're showing those who may think they don't have much social support they have people to rely on when they have fears or concerns."

However, anxiety can come from both sides, with families worrying about their Airmen and deployed Airmen preoccupied with how things are going back home. The event lets Team Whiteman know that the entire family unit can receive help when facing the challenges associated with deployment.

Operation Spirit featured several stations that highlighted resources for people who are stateside or in-theater. The "tent city" included representatives from Whiteman's fire department and medical clinic, the Military and Family Life Counselor, the Key Spouse program and the AFRC, among other agencies.

"A spouse may not know all the programs that are available, but going through this lets them know what's out there," said Senior Airman Stephanie Tornero, a 394th Combat Training Squadron commander's support staff member. "I used to work in deployments and I've seen what kind of stress that puts on people and their families.  This event makes them feel more involved in what their family members go through, and I think that's great."

Operation Spirit was a combined effort between the 509th Bomb Wing and Whiteman's tenant units. Approximately 80 volunteers came together to help their fellow Airmen who are deployed overseas. It's another example of how wingmen come together to help one another to continue the mission.

"Deployed members can feel secure that their family has the ability to take care of anything that happens while they are away," said Caldwell. "Now they can give their full attention to the job and mission at hand."