Hearts Apart connects families of deployed Airmen Published Feb. 15, 2011 By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Separation due to deployments is a common occurrence for military families today and is not always easy to handle. So, the Airman and Family Readiness Center here is providing ways to cope. The A&FRC held its monthly Hearts Apart dinner Feb. 11, for spouses and family members who currently have a loved one deployed. "Frequent deployments are a new way of life in today's military," said Irma Avery, 39th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant and the Incirlik Hearts Apart coordinator. "The stress associated with deployment can be reduced by being prepared for periodic absences." Each month there is a special activity for Hearts Apart families designed to provide a setting for spouses and family members to come together to learn about each other and network. The children of deployed personnel also benefit from the program, as they get to play and talk with other children going through similar situations. Friday's event included a free meal and games of Bingo and ended with the children decorating a picture frame for their deployed parents. "This Hearts Apart dinner was very important because my daughter is finally old enough to realize her father is gone," said Jeanie Eyer, wife of Staff Sgt. Phillip Eyer, who is currently deployed. "All the children here are going through the same thing and it makes her feel better." For more information on the Hearts Apart program, contact a representative at the A&FRC at 676-6755.