JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND –
The 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron hosted a ‘Warrior Reception’ at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Dec. 15 to honor its members scheduled to deploy in January 2018, while providing the member’s families the necessary resources and support to cope with things during the deployment.
“We really wanted to bring together all of the deploying members, along with their families and have some face-to-face interaction to create a family-type atmosphere,” said Chief Master Sgt. John Victor, 502nd LRS Superintendent. “We, as leadership, understand the sacrifices that families give to us.”
Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Glover, 502nd LRS Vehicle Management Superintendent and one of the deploying members, imparted how important it is for families to get to know squadron leadership who can assist during deployments.
“If somebody’s a stranger to you, you’re more reluctant to call them,” said Glover. “It is very important to have somebody you’re familiar with, that your comfortable talking to before something goes wrong.”
Along with squadron leadership, multiple base agencies representatives were present at the event to include Military and Family Readiness Center, Key Spouses and members from the chaplain corps.
“Deployments can be the cause of a lot of stress,” said Glover. “Something usually goes wrong when you’re deployed so the more you take care of before you leave and the more resources you have at your disposal, the better things are going to work out for you.”
The reception also included a special dog tag presentation for spouses and children, free pizza and refreshments and an appearance by Brig. Gen. Heather Pringle, 502nd Air Base Wing and JBSA commander.
“This reception gave a great opportunity to meet the deploying members face-to-face and make sure they have everything ready to go wherever they’re going to serve around the world,” said Pringle. “It’s wonderful that they volunteered to serve their nation and take these risks and we’re going to take care of their families with the great support team we have, from spouses, to the Military and Family Readiness Center, to chaplains and many more.”