Incirlik Airmen get help with life after deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Michael Jackson
  • AFN Det. 7
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Airmen returning from a deployment usually find their permanent duty station a welcome sight. The chance to finally see family and friends and get back to a normal lifestyle is something to look forward to during the flight home.

But Airmen and their families often find that adjusting to life after a deployment can be challenging. There may be changes in the base or community, in the work center, or in relationships and personal life.

Air Traffic Control Watch supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Corey Bowen, recently returned from Balad Air Base, Iraq. He says the change in pace is one of the biggest challenges.

"When you're downrange, the operations tempo is a little bit more high-paced so I think the hardest thing to do is just learn how to slow down a little bit and relax again," said Sergeant Bowen.

Incirlik's Airman and Family Readiness Center offers a reintegration class to help Airmen and their families deal with these changes and other aspects of their return. Both single and married Airmen must attend the class, which covers things like financial help, marital and relationship issues, alcohol abuse prevention, spiritual guidance, returning to work, coping with stress, and other important topics. The class is led by the AFRC Superintendent, Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Benson, and offers briefings from the safety office, chaplain and Office of Investigations.

"Homecoming should be a joyful occasion," said Sergeant Benson. "But, some Airmen might have experienced things during their deployments that won't affect them until several months down the road. Also, we want people to watch for signs of stress in their troops or their friends who also might have returned from deployment."

Although post-deployment life can be stressful, Airmen and their families need not face it alone. Programs like the Reintegration Class ensure that these Airmen have the tools they need to make their transition a successful one. Both the Air Force mission and the quality of life of its members depend on it.


Photo Caption for 070607-F-1217J-001: Airmen returning from deployment attend a briefing at the Reintegration Class by Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Benson, AFRC superintendent here June 7. The class is offered by Incirlik's Airman and Family Readiness Center and helps Airmen and their families with the post-deployment transition.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Jackson, Det 7 AFNEWS).