HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --
About 20 family members attended a Mako Deployed Family Briefing developed by the 482nd Force Support Squadron April 12 at the Community Activity Center on Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.
The event was held to give families of members who have or are scheduled to deploy information and connect them to support services available. The event also gave them an opportunity to ask questions and get immediate, from the source, answers.
"It was nice for the spouses to be recognized as a vital role in mission success, and that the base realizes the spouses don't always get all the information," said Michelle Brown, a service member at Homestead ARB whose husband is currently deployed.
Representatives came and briefed from all over base on multiple, pertinent topics. Topics covered were finance, the deployed mission, post-deployment benefits, Yellow Ribbon Program, and the different services available through family readiness, services, and the chaplain's office.
Lt. Col. David Sundlov, 93rd Fighter Squadron commander, demonstrated some the gear fighter pilots wear and why; which was the highlight for many of the children present.
Col. Chris Funk, 482nd Fighter Wing commander, and his wife, Dr. Lori Funk, spoke about their personal experiences with the many deployments they have been through together.
"It was refreshing to see the commander and his wife talking honestly about their experiences," said Brown. "It was amazing to hear them be so candid, it made them both very personable and I saw many of the wives asking Lori questions. It was a great event; I plan to attend them in the future."
In between the briefings everyone, speakers and guests alike, mingled and talked while enjoying the snacks and refreshments provided by the Chiefs' Group and Eagle Brands Sales, who helped sponsor the event. Folders were distributed to event attendees that contained much of the information covered and contact information for the various agencies and services mentioned.
Similar events are in the works to be held on a regular basis.
"This experience was better felt than told -- family members were smiling, networking and planning a joyous return all in the same gathering," said Senior Master Sgt. Wanda Symons, 482nd FSS chief of military personnel programs. "Let us never forget the backbone of our military career -- families -- and the ability to deploy around the world, returning home to loved ones who welcome us with open arms."