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Relationship Reintegration eases deployment transition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Returning home after a deployment can be an exciting time, but many Airmen are not aware of the curveballs reintegrating back to a normal lifestyle and reuniting with loved ones can present.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Chapel’s Office and the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group offered a Relationship Reintegration briefing Jan. 16, 2019 to help provide tools to tackle their return.

“Airmen expressed to us that they would have liked to see a platform where information was available on reintegration,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Johnson, 386th AEW chaplain. “We realized there was a need for that and wanted to offer that to members as they will face many adjustments back home. Our goal is to sure people are prepared for obstacles and successfully strengthen bonds when returning to their families.”

During the briefings that will continue to be offered, chaplains and mental health members will team up to provide insight on feelings that servicemembers might encounter during the weeks and months ahead, especially since reintegration with family members takes time.

Johnson added that they have received positive feedback and all outbound personnel are encouraged to attend in the future. The next Relationship Reintegration briefings will be held Jan. 24 and Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the base chapel sanctuary.

“For many members, this may be their first deployment and little do they know they can return to a situation that’s 180 degrees different,” said Tech. Sgt. Eddie Everett II, 386th EMDG mental health non-commissioned officer in charge. “The biggest advice we can tell members is to take it slow, constantly communicate and utilize helping agencies and resources available – you don’t have to handle things on your own.”