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Families of deployed members gather for support, morale boost

  • Published
  • By Capt. Amanda Ferrell
  • 325th FW/PA
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., --  The Tyndall Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted a "Hearts Apart" event for families of deployed military members Aug. 7 at the Community Activity Center Annex. Approximately 130 military spouses, children and volunteers attended the quarterly event. 

"The 'Hearts Apart' event brings together spouses and children of Airmen who are currently deployed for an opportunity to socialize, unwind and receive the support they need from fellow military families, as well as from support agencies on base," said Master Sgt. Kathleen Mygan, event organizer. "The 'Hearts Apart' event is intended to boost morale for our families and offer them the chance to network and socialize with others who can relate to their situation of having a family member deployed." 

Volunteers arranged various activities for children during the two-hour event. Face-painting, arts and crafts, story book reading and a cake walk were enjoyed by the youth, while spouses shared refreshments and conversation. 

"This is the first 'Hearts Apart' I've been to," said Sarah Conner, wife of deployed Staff. Sgt. Jason Conner, a weather forecaster assigned to the 325th Operations Support Squadron. "I decided to come because we live off base where I have few friends who can truly relate to my situation. Spending time talking with other wives who understand and experience the same things I do really helps put everything in perspective for me - especially as the mother of two young children." 

Sarah Conner is a former Air Force enlisted member herself, and a daughter of an Army soldier, so she understands the affect deployments have on families from many perspectives. 

"I know exactly what my children are going through," said Sarah Conner. "And it helps to really understand how they're feeling about things, so that we can work through our feelings together. I think having been the daughter of a military member really helps me identify with my own children now." 

Her husband, who has been deployed since May, will return in late September.
"My dad isn't going to be here for my first day of school," said Jason Conner, Sarah Conner's son. "I will be in kindergarten this year, and I really wanted my dad to help me buy school supplies, but instead, my mom helped me." 

Though significant events are often missed while Airmen are deployed, this family focuses on what they have to look forward to once the family is reunited. 

"The thing I like doing most with my dad is going to football games," said Jason Conner, an enthusiastic Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. "I can't wait to go to games when my dad gets home." 

"We have season tickets this year to football games in Tampa, so that is definitely something the entire family enjoys and is really looking forward to," said Sarah Conner.
In addition to the food and drinks, games and other activities for children, spouses were provided information from various support agencies on base. 

"We really just want to make the information available to our families," said Sergent Mygan. "'Hearts Apart' is a social event intended to offer our folks a relaxing, stress-free environment. Volunteers provide activities to keep the children occupied, so that mom or dad can visit and relax. And dinner is provided, so there's one less thing to worry about. 
We want to make this event enjoyable, so the information is provided, but there are no formal briefings or structure - we want to offer an outlet so that these families can let off some steam if they need to." 

As a key member of the Airman and Family Readiness team, Master Sgt. Mygan organizes and attends many social events hosted for Tyndall families. 

What I've noticed is that when one spouse is gone, and the family attends social events like 'Hearts Apart,' they are really put in a position to open up to others, mingle and interact more than if the entire family unit was together, said Sergeant Mygan. 

"There's something about being able to relate and realize that the challenges you may find overwhelming are the same as all the other families here - it gives them perspective and the confidence they need to maintain a healthy balance for their families during deployments," said the sergeant. 

Representatives from the 325th Civil Engineer Readiness Flight were present to discuss hurricane preparedness with Tyndall families, as well as offer pamphlets and handouts. Medical care specialists from the Tyndall Clinic were on hand to discuss health concerns, and Airman and Family Readiness team members mingled amongst families offering support as well. 

"It's really a great event for me and the kids," said Sarah Conner. "I know my kids are having a great time." 

For information about the next 'Hearts Apart' event, contact the Airman and Family Readiness center at 283-4204.