Commentary: Citizen Airmen make sacrifices, put mission in perspective for others

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Rodney Kennedy
  • 442nd Logistics Readiness Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  As the senior logistics planner for the 442nd Fighter Wing, I have seen a lot of people deploy.

The sense of pride, patriotism and service before self is always evident.

These individuals exemplify the Air Force core values. It instills in me why I come to work and why I wear the Air Force uniform.

I get to be part of one of the greatest teams ever.

There are some downsides to seeing people deploy. I would say that leaving is the hardest on those who are staying behind. They are fearful of what is going to happen to their loved one once the member leaves or what is going to go wrong at home as something usually always breaks or needs to be replaced. The members deploying are professionals, and they know they have a job to do and generally are anxious to get at it.

I get to see the tearful goodbyes along with kind words and wishes. The fact is, I cannot be cold-hearted enough to not be affected by seeing a small child cry because their mother or father is leaving them. This part of deployment is, emotionally, the hardest part to endure.

If you are tasked to deploy either by volunteering or by being involuntary mobilized, here are some things that should help you:

Training: Be ready to endure hours of CBT's and hands on courses that are preparing you for your deployment.

You should be getting your family ready. The Airman and Family Readiness Center has multiple resources to assist you even before you are gone.

Your employer will need to know about how long you are going to be gone. If your employer supports you in your reserve duty, make sure you recognize him. The Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve has several recognition programs for your employer.
They can also assist you if you are having issues with your employer.

Finally, be ready and able to adjust to change. The one thing I always tell members is something about your deployment will change. This can be caused by airlift problems, commercial transportation delays and sometimes Mother Nature.

All travel to and from any area of responsibility is controlled by the Transportation Command at Scott AFB. You will usually have your exact departure date seven to 10 days before you are required to be at the deployed location.

You will need to stay in touch with your loved ones that are left behind. They are adjusting to life without you while you are adjusting to your new home without them. If you communicate with them, it serves several purposes. It reassures them that you are all right and keeps the line of communication open. In some locations, however, there are few places that do not have full communications capabilities.

When you are scheduled to return home let your home unit know the details. This will allow them to make all the necessary arrangements to take care of you and your loved ones.

The installation personnel readiness chief, Tech Sgt. Shannon Kennedy, will schedule all of your inprocessing for you. This process takes two days because of multiple requirements. Several requirements are mandated by Congress and the rest are mandated by the Air Force.

I started off telling you about when you leave and what it is like. When the airplane taxis up to the gate at the airport or taxis to a parking spot on the ramp at Whiteman I get to be a part of the fun and see the welcome-home signs, the tears of joy and the overall sense from both the members and loved ones that it's over, and you're home safe and sound.
You have also proven that a person from the 442nd FW can take the fight to any enemy, any place we are asked to go.

Thank you for your sacrifice and service.