TOP STORY >>Preparing family as well as yourself

By Brig. Gen. (S) Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing Commander

Editor’s Note: This is part two of a three-part series focusing on deployment readiness.

 Anyone who’s ever faced the task of preparing to deploy – and in today’s Air Force that’s most of us – knows the deployment “To Do List” seems to get longer and longer as each day passes.

But as you’re preparing yourself for deployment, it’s important to prepare your family as well. We all know that you can’t be effective at work if your home life isn’t in order. When you ensure your family is as ready as you are, you ensure the mission succeeds.

 With all that is going on in the world as you prepare yourself, you may see preparing your family as a daunting task. But the smallest steps will often help.

Helping them prepare is as simple as keeping your will and emergency data card up-to-date; ensuring your finances are in order and knowing who to call in times of need. Also, it’s important for you and your spouse to remember that no one can go it alone – it’s okay to ask for help. So make sure they know who to turn to when they need a hand, like the squadron commander or first sergeant.

Find ways to keep in touch. Visit the Airman and Family Readiness Center for ideas on what you can do to ease the transition for everyone.

Taking the time to prepare your family will pay dividends in the long run. The Air Force is a team effort, and so is family. Ensure that both teams are equally ready for the challenges to come.