Waiting Warriors: fighting battles on home front

With the high deployment rates for today’s Airmen, it makes sense to find different and more innovative tools to help Airmen and their families during and after deployments.

Ramstein is doing its part to go above and beyond taking care of their Airmen with a new program called “Waiting Warriors.”

The Ramstein Chapel started the Waiting Warrior program in August, and its main mission has been to provide unconditional support while concentrating on the needs of individuals who have a deployed spouse.

“The main thing I would like to tell spouses is that we are here for you,” said Angie Bacon, Waiting Warriors program director. “We are a place where you can come and share. A lot of the time, dealing with deployment is an emotional rollercoaster.”

Families are a vital part of the Air Force, and the group helps those left behind understand the challenges and joys that come from their own role in serving the country during wartime, Mrs. Bacon said.

The program is important in taking care of Airmen and their families, which is fitting as the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force designated July 2009 through July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family.

“It’s important to have the program because many families go through issues during their spouse’s deployment,” said Staff Sgt. Annette Perez-Leal, 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron outbound cargo technician, whose husband has been deployed since June. “It’s great to hear feedback from spouses who have gone through deployments before – being able to comfort and relate to issues that happen daily while they’re away.”

Although the group meets for only an hour and a half twice a month, the Waiting Warrior program can truly make a difference.

“A young Airman’s spouse had just arrived on base,” Mrs. Bacon said. “He basically moved her in and had to deploy. She was new, and she began to hate the military. Once she came here, she got to talk and make some friends, and it really motivated her.”

Even though the program is new, it has already made an impact in many Ramstein members’ lives.

“This is a great program that provides a lot of support,” said Cassy Quick, whose husband, Capt. Keith Quick, 86th Airlift Wing Security Forces operations officer, is deployed. “It’s a great support system, and it’s nice to see that people have the same emotions I am having, even though they are tough ones.”

A lot of uncertainties come with a deployment, and the members don’t want to deny what they are feeling.

“There’s nothing wrong with being afraid,” Sergeant Perez-Leal said. “We’re all afraid of what happens when your spouse is deployed at one point or another while they’re gone. Being able to talk to others is a great way to relieve stress. Everybody supports one another and listens to what you have to say. Nobody is ever ignored.”

The Waiting Warriors program’s main goal is to help those who reach out to them.

“It is so nice to have this program because we can lean on each other and get a break from the everyday routine we get so accustomed to,” Mrs. Quick said. “It has helped me take my mind off the bad things and concentrate on the positive.”

Some might not be sure if this program is for them, but Mrs. Quick urges them to come out for at least one session.

“Anyone who has a deployed spouse should come and see what it is all about,” she said. “It is always good to hear other people’s perspectives, and you never know, you might meet someone who will help you out with the whole situation.”

Until her husband comes home in January, Mrs. Quick plans on going to the Waiting Warrior meetings, she said, and may also volunteer when he gets back.

During the meetings, Waiting Warriors also provides another service to its members.

“We have free child care during the meetings that is run on a volunteer basis,” Mrs. Quick said.

Waiting Warriors meets the second and fourth Monday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Since the program started in August, significant emphasis has been placed on highlighting programs already in place and informing families of deployed Airmen about new programs.

For more information on Waiting Warriors or to volunteer, contact the Ramstein chapel or e-mail the organization at waitingwarriorsrab@yahoo.com.

For more information on Year of the Air Force Family, check out the official Web site at www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp.