CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Isn't the holiday season wonderful?
It's the time of the year when we get to enjoy the company of our family and friends. We put up decorations, give and receive presents, prepare fabulous meals and listen to our favorite songs of the season.
It is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time to remember those who are deployed and are unable to be with their families. As deployments get longer and more frequent, it's important now more than ever to ensure we do what we can for our fellow Airmen who are deployed overseas. Although we cannot give them time to be with their loved ones, we can definitely help ease the physical separation by giving them our support.
Many units do a great job of taking care of their people, but with our busy schedules, we sometimes forget about those we don't see every day. Here are some things which can help our deployed members and their families in this season of giving:
· Care packages - This is such a great military tradition. It's amazing how some candy, sticks of gum and magazines can be such a morale booster for someone. I remember getting a few care packages myself and not necessarily liking all the contents, but I still greatly appreciated the effort people took to send one to me. Most of the time, deployed members share the goodies they get and it benefits several other people besides the intended recipient of the package.
· Invitations - Inviting members' family to office functions or even a home cooked meal can be a real treat. Most of us have had our holiday office parties already, and I hope some of the family members of our deployed personnel were able to attend. I understand some may feel uncomfortable going to an office function without their sponsor present, but I'm certain a sincere invitation will mean a lot whether they choose to attend or not.
· Assistance - There are so many things which happen in a short amount of time when a spouse is deployed and it is difficult to get everything done. We can provide simple services like helping a spouse who has lost their dependent identification card, giving them a jumpstart if their vehicle won't start or helping clean out roof gutters which are clogged with leaves. Of course, we can't forget assisting with yard maintenance. If we all pitch in, these simple tasks can lessen the stress on our deployed members and their families.
· A phone call or an e-mail - A simple "hello" or "how are you doing?" from time to time will be greatly appreciated. We are so focused on our computers and cell phones anyway, so sending an e-mail occasionally will not take much time and it can go a long way to let someone know we care.
It is the season to be jolly and the season of giving. Please remember those who are away. Reach out to them and their families, and help make it a happy holiday season for everyone.