AF Family eases deployment separation Published Jan. 27, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- My first deployment was not my own, but my husband's. We are both in the military, so we both expect deployments, but this deployment came when I was seven months pregnant and we had just bought a house. I was worried at first, but then I thought about the thousands of other women who had done this before and the thousands more who will do it in the future...and realized I could do this. Even though the Air Force family has always been there, it was in my time of need that I really learned the value of my Air Force family. The same day he left, I left for my TDY so I was kept busy for a while. Then when I came back, I adapted to my own schedule. During this time, we both learned the value of communication and how important it is to stay connected as much as possible. I was fortunate to have several wingmen help me get settled into our new house and they even set up the nursery for me. The 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron key spouse, Shelley Merritt, did a good job of checking on me via phone, e-mail and Facebook. There were also several Hearts Apart functions offered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center to make our time apart more enjoyable. Lt. Col. Timothy Gillaspie, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, and members of my husband's shop also called regularly to check up on me. My wingmen were there to help with things I could not do as my pregnancy progressed, and one of my friends even went to prepared childbirth class with me. My daughter came early, so I again had to call some wingmen at 1 a.m. to bring me to the hospital. My wingmen were there for the birth and even picked up my family at the airport. The Red Cross was also supportive because they provided a room so that my husband could be with me via Skype for the 72 hours I was in labor and afterward. The USO also helped because they allowed my husband to read a story on a DVD that he sent home so my daughter could hear his voice. Lastly, the New Parent Support Program through Family Advocacy was also very helpful in making sure I was all right, and showed me what to expect with a new baby and are still there for any concerns I may have. My husband came home Christmas Day, which was the best present I could ask for. Once he came home, although I missed him very much, I felt as if time had flown and that it was not that bad. This was because my Air Force family took care of me when part of my family was deployed. I also have confidence that when I deploy, my husband and daughter will be left in good hands, because I know that my Air Force family will be there for them.