Scott AFB civilians deploy Published May 29, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- When most people think of a deployment they think of service members, but the reality is civilians deploy, too. That is the case for two of Scott's own. The Airman and Family Readiness Center recently deployed one of their members, Brenda Wells, 375th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, to Southwest Asia for about six months. "My husband, who is retired from the Air Force, is proud of me, but would prefer me to be at home rather than gone for the next six months. He understands though why I feel compelled to go and do my part," said Wells. Wells will be providing information and resources to service members to ensure readiness and enhance quality of life. For A&FRC members at their deployed location, they address concerns for newly arriving families, offer classes and outreach services like visiting schools and giving briefings. Wells said, "We may wear different attires, but we are all focused on the mission of taking care of people, and being a civilian and a military spouse I bring different perspectives." Along with Wells, Rose Hill, 375th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, deployed last year to Southwest Asia for six months. "I felt that serving in a deployed location gives civilians better insight on the hardships active duty members endure, thus empowering us to better serve in our respective positions," said Hill. Wells and Hill went through their chain of command to volunteer for their deployments. Wells said, "This is truly an opportunity, and I am blessed to have my supervisor's and commander's support to deploy and am thankful for their trust in me to do the job."