McChord families learn what it takes to deploy
Air Mobility Command News Service
12/12/2002
(By Staff Sgt. A.C. Eggman 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AMCNS) - Family members here were among those who got the opportunity Dec. 3 to learn what it takes to go on deployment.
Base officials said 140 members of the military community, including spouses, children, grandparents, school officials and active-duty airmen turned out for the eventFamily Deployment Processing Line - a first for McChord.
"Our goal was to give as much a true-to-life deployment process to families as possible," said Sue Williams, Family Support Center. "Many times being on the home front, temporary duties and deployments become routine; this event provided friends and families a chance to get the inside view and find out what actually takes place."
After a family member suggested the event, Williams began making preparations in October. As the number of people and agencies involvement grew, the event quickly went beyond a 62nd Mission Support Squadron-level event and became a community event, said Williams.
The process started with each group boarding a bus to the 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's mobility processing center.
"With so many deployments taking place, the event is timely," said Williams. "People are interested and desire information. It's an opportunity to see up close-up first hand what the active duty member is going through and what he or she must prepare for."
Once there, family members checked in, received a package with forms and paperwork and a dog tag. Next, the group went down the processing line to each section - identification, insurance and emergency data, legal, finance, chaplain, immunizations and services. Each section explained their purpose in the operation.
When they reached immunizations, Tech. Sgt. Tim Commerford had a surprise for the group.
"For added realism, we have flu shots available," he commented to the crowd, rubbing his hands together. While no one took him up on the invitation, he did get quite a few laughs.
"It's a long process," said Rhonda Leonard, wife of Master Sgt. Jay Leonard, 62nd Operations Support Squadron. "I had an idea (of what he went through) but I didn't know much of the details."
Attending with her were their two daughters, Kelsey and Kandra, who wanted to learn what their father would go through when he deployed.
"All the paperwork and the bags he has to carry," surprised Kelsey the most, she said.
Next, regardless of size, helmets and flak vests were handed out to anyone who wanted to wear them for a short time while Tech. Sgt. David Adams explained why members deployed with so many bags and what they contained.
"I learned why he had to take cold weather gear to the desert," said Kelly Johnson, wife of Capt. Stephan Johnson, 62nd OSS. Even though her husband is currently deployed, she wanted to learn more. "I think this is a good idea to learn what the military member has to do to deploy and find out what programs are available," she said.
After completing the processing line, the group hopped back on the bus and taken on a tour of a C-17A Globemaster III to conclude the event.
"Everyone learned something," said Williams. "The event was a reminder of why a person is deployed, why he or she is going and what it takes to be prepared."
For others it wasn't so much about learning something new as much as it was a refresher.
"We've been at this for 19 and half years, so isn't a big deal to us anymore," said Barbara Luchak, wife of Master Sgt. David Luchak, 62nd Communications Squadron. "I thought it would be fun to see what he has to go through. I didn't realize he had to carry so much."
The Luchaks agreed the event is an excellent program for those new to the military or for people are experiencing their first deployment. Williams said she would like to make it an annual event.
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