Program helps Airmen with reintegration after deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Jackson
  • Det. 7, Air Force News Agency
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) --  Airmen returning from a deployment usually find their permanent duty station a welcome sight. The chance to finally see family and friends again and get back to a normal lifestyle is something to look forward to during the flight home.

But Airmen and their families often find that adjusting to life after deployment can be challenging. There may be changes in the base or community, in the work center or in relationships and personal life.

Tech Sgt. Corey Bowen, an air traffic control watch supervisor, recently returned from Balad Air Base, Iraq. He said the change in pace is one of the biggest challenges.

"When you're downrange, the operations tempo is a little bit more high-paced so I think the hardest thing to do is just learning how to slow down a little bit and relax again," he said.

Incirlik's Airmen and Family Readiness Center, or AFRC, has a program to help Airmen and their families deal with these changes and other aspects of their return. Both single and married Airmen must attend the class, which covers topics such as financial help, marital and relationship issues, alcohol abuse prevention, spiritual guidance, returning to work, coping with stress and more.

The classes, led by AFRC superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Benson, offers briefings from the safety office, chaplain and the Office of Special Investigations.

"Homecoming should be a joyful occasion," Sergeant Benson said. "But some Airmen might have experienced things during their deployments that won't affect them until several months down the road. Also, we want people to watch for signs of stress in their troops or their friends who also might have returned from deployment."

Although post-deployment life can be stressful, Airmen and their families need not face it alone. Programs like the reintegration class ensure these Airmen have the tools they need to make their transition a successful one. Both the Air Force mission and the quality of life of its members depend on it.

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