Families attend deployment networking event

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Families ate, played games and mingled at the third Deployment Networking Summit March 8 at the Academy's Youth Center.

Twenty-one Airmen and family members attended the event to ask questions about deployment and connect with other military members and families before they deploy.

"They're supposed to wear the country that they're going to, look for somebody with a different colored name tag and say something like, 'They're going to (Southwest Asia); I just got back from (Southwest Asia). Let me go and tell them some stuff about it,'" said Master Sgt. Lisa Taylor, NCO in charge at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "That's the purpose of the event and to build that networking for deployment."

The event included information booths, a children's bouncy house, basketball and free sub sandwiches and dessert.

"It's nice because my kids can play and my wife can get information," Capt. Raymond Magallanez said. "It's a nice environment: They provide food and it offers good networking opportunities."

The theme for the summit was "Strengthening the Mission" and consisted of 15 leadership and ancillary agencies such as the Academy's Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health and Family Advocacy, Chaplain's office, Finance Department and military life consultants.

Kristin Clark, a social worker, represented the Mental Health and Family Advocacy Program.

"We just want families to come out, get some information and have a good time," Clark said. "I think families go through so much during deployment, and there are so many resources available to help them."

Clark said they have programs that zone in on family issues in the midst of deployment.

"We have programs that deal with disciple, say if a child acts out when a parent is deployed," Clark said. "We have parenting classes, guidance counselors and stress management available."

Lt. Col. Michael Jacobson, who will deploy to Afghanistan later this year, said he enjoyed the social opportunity.

"It's great to network and find out where folks are and where they've been," Jacobson said. "I was able to talk to a young lady whose husband is currently in Afghanistan which was interesting to hear."

Taylor created the event in hopes to support deployed families and get the word out about resources on base.

"It's important to have the event. Typically families will not come to us during a deployment because they don't know anybody or feel comfortable," Taylor said. "However, if we can build those foundational ties, in the beginning before the deployment, at the unit level, squadron level and group level, then we have those strong ties where families feel connected and comfortable."

Taylor said that it's important for families to connect with the Air Force community in case of a crisis.

"When we get emergencies, like if something happens and someone is home, a vehicle repair or health issue, they're not in that panic mode if they have that support prior," Taylor said. "That's what we're trying to prevent, to make sure that people feel connected and comfortable going to somebody for help versus feeling like they're alone."

Taylor helps take care of deployed families and gives them information about what's going on at the Academy.

"I give all the pre-deployment briefings and integration briefings as a service member but then connect with the family while their gone," Taylor said. "In addition to me, the key falcons and units are supposed to connect with the families while they're gone."

Taylor said that if families don't connect with the community, they'll miss out on free, convenient resources.

"There's a lot of stuff out there that people are unaware of, for instance, free child care to give parents a break as well as free oil changes," Taylor said. "It's like a world wind when they're trying to leave for deployment and a lot of times, information is missed because they're overwhelmed and don't look at those resources."

The summit was sponsored by the Academy Falcon Club, Air Force Academy Chief's Group, Forest City Residential Management and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The event was briefed last year at a family resilience conference hosted by the Defense and Agriculture departments and submitted for an Air Force best practice.

"The hope is that it'll be suggested for implementation at all military installations," Taylor said. "When it comes to all services branches and all who are stationed here, it's nice to do this event specifically to combine efforts and make a stronger community."

The next deployment networking summit is scheduled for Sept. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Falcon Trails Youth Center.