SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Repetition and getting into a routine while deployed has many advantages to a deployed Airman. One major disadvantage to deployed Airmen is leaving their family and support system back home.
Capt. Christopher, or Turbo, decided to challenge the repetition status quo and surprise his deployed wife the day before their wedding anniversary and two days before Christmas. His wife, 2nd Lt. Leigh Ann, was expecting Turbo to join her here in Southwest Asia next month but was surprised when he stood up on a crowded bus while she was giving a tour of her Munitions Flight area.
“I was a little nervous about seeing her in front of everyone,” Turbo said. “I knew she would be excited to see me but I wasn't sure how she would react in front the leadership.” He described the weeks leading up to his deployment to this region and how trying to keep this all a secret was difficult at times.
The bus was full of wing leaders, unit commanders and peers of both Turbo and Leigh Ann who were all part of the surprise. Leigh Ann was led to believe she was giving a routine mission brief to a distinguished visitor while on a tour bus where she worked.
“It took me a little longer than it should have to realize what was going on,” Leigh Ann said. “At first, I could not comprehend what was happening. When I talked to Chris earlier in the week [back home], he told me he would be flying a lot so we wouldn't be able to talk very much. And then, he just pops up out of nowhere. I was so happy to see Chris. It was such an amazing moment and I will forever cherish it.”
Connecting with new friends and peers while deployed is critical to help Airmen remain resilient and flexible to cope with the stressors of deployed life. But to have a support system to come home to after a long day of contributing to defending the region benefits Airmen on a different level.
“In general, being deployed has highs and lows, but most of the lows come from being away from your family and support system,” said Leigh Ann. “I think the value in deploying together is having a support system here. It alleviates a majority of the stress associated with being apart and keeps us focused on tasks here.”
Turbo and Leigh Ann met each other at the front of the bus to reunite after three months. They stepped off the tour bus and thanked everyone who had a part in the surprise. They took a few moments to share their feelings about being back in each other’s presence and looking forward to accomplishing the mission side-by-side.
“The best thing about being deployed with Leigh Ann is just being with her again,” said Turbo. “I missed sharing meals with her and her day-to-day company. We've been away from each other for about three months and it was starting to affect my ability to focus at work. Some individuals may see time away from their spouse as an opportunity to focus on work but I would disagree. Having her with me definitely improves my morale which has a direct correlation with my ability to accomplish the mission.”