Air-Moms Reflect on Deployments, Children

by Senior Airman Spencer Gallien, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, Dobbins Air Reserve Base

Mother's Day, which is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, often brings up images of flower arrangements, chocolates, and various other gifts children give to show their appreciation for their mother's hard work.

For Airmen-mothers, the rigors of deployments and long separations can impact a maternal relationship. However, many "Air-moms" have found special ways to continue that bond, while also answering their nation's call. 

"I've missed birthdays, mother's days, first days of school, a lot of special occasions that I would have loved to have been at," said Tech. Sgt. Nicole Smith, 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron log planner.

"We talked every night before she went to bed," said Smith. "We used video teleconferencing, but sometimes she would become upset so the phone seemed to work better for us. I also sent lots of letters and pictures, and made sure to send care packages with gifts."

With the recent 94th Airlift Wing transition from Air Education and Training Command to Air Mobility Command, the number of deployments for Air-moms is expected to rise. 

"I have two daughters, and soon I will be going on my fourth deployment," said Tech. Sgt. Karie Contreras, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130 crew chief, who will deploy with the wing. "As a single parent, I have to make sure my girls are going to be taken care of. That means having a family care plan in place with first, second and third options for my girls."

Contreras began preparing for her upcoming deployment by telling her daughters, four months ago, that they will be staying with their grandmother. After that, she began letting them stay overnight at their grandmother's house to become comfortable with the separation.

Once deployed mothers arrive at their deployed location, an important step is to setup routines with their children in order to keep communication strong.

"The last time I deployed, I talked to my daughter every night before bed," said Smith. "We started using Skype, but it was difficult for my daughter to see me and not have me there. We adjusted our schedules to work for both her and I, and had our 'goodnight' conversations over the phone."

For each deployed mother, how they maintain contact with their child is unique. However, there was one universal theme—maintaining their bond with their child.