Open house eases post deployment transition

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   More than 20 members attended this quarter's post deployment open house Aug. 27, sharing their experiences and learning tips to ease their transition back into life at home.

While servicemembers who deploy receive education before and immediately after their return, Department of Defense research showed that problematic symptoms usually didn't develop until 30 days or more after their return. Addressing the need to support these members and their families during that critical time, the Mental Health Clinic, Airman and Family Readiness Center and Chapel here formed the quarterly post deployment open house more than two years ago.

"We know when people first come back, they don't show signs or symptoms of post traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury, because they're just happy to be back spending time with family," said Karen Bartholomeo, Mental Health Clinic Family Outreach manager. "It's usually a couple of months out, after things really begin to settle down and they get back into their routine, when they find out that things aren't like they were when they left."

With the help of trained professionals, the open house teaches servicemembers, their family and supervisors how to recognize symptoms that need attention and allows them to interact with others who have returned in hopes of normalizing their experiences, Ms. Bartholomeo said.

"One of the things that we've found from feedback is that the program has been extremely helpful for members and their family," she said. "Although they may not be excited to come at first, once they get here and hear other people's experiences, it really makes a difference because they realize they're not alone."

The program starts with a volunteer panel who share their experiences and difficulties from deployment and their return. The panel, comprised of a married couple, a single servicemember and a first sergeant, discussed topics ranging from relationships, to children and work.

One panel member, who has deployed five times, said he and his spouse volunteered for the panel because of their experience with deployments.

"We both wanted to give back to the Air Force and the community," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kelly, 315th Training Squadron. "We have years of experience with deployments and every deployment is different. We wanted to help people who are about to undergo the same experience we've gone through and let them know it's OK to feel and expect things."

Ms. Bartholomeo said the panel is usually the most successful piece of the open house.

"It helps those in the audience know what issues to expect and to be on the lookout for," she said. "It also lets them know that if one of those issues does come up, not to ignore it, but to seek help."

The open house also addresses the challenges spouses and children experience from a deployment. When the servicemember deploys, the spouse is left to do everything and take on the role of both mom and dad, Ms. Bartholomeo explained. Being able to share their stories and problems helps them realize they are not alone either.

Ms. Bartholomeo said older children have a lot of difficulties with deployment, but with the emphasis usually on the spouse and the active duty member, they are typically forgotten.

"It's a huge adjustment for older children, because they sometimes fill the role of the deployed parent, whether it's helping with siblings or doing extra things around the house," she said.

After the open house, supervisors are brought in to learn how to identify and effectively respond to post deployment issues subordinates may display.

"Many programs and services are provided to members prior to and immediately after their return from deployment, but contact with them becomes minimal shortly thereafter," Ms. Bartholomeo said. "This open house allows us to continue to provide support and education, ensuring our Airmen are fit for continued duty."