Hearts Apart brings people together

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When servicemembers deploy, the Hearts Apart program doesn't skip a beat to ensure their loved ones are well taken care of in their absence. 

"The program provides information to help families cope with deployments, remote tours and extended temporary duty," said Tech. Sgt. Bobbie White, 71st Mission Support Squadron readiness NCO. "We assist Airmen and their families as well as family members of our sister services." 

Although other military branches have emergency relief programs, they don't provide the level of support or personal attention the Air Force provides its Airmen and families.
"We are in the process of obtaining grants to provide the same care for other services as we provide Air Force people," Sergeant White said. "In the meantime, we provide as much information and assistance as we can." 

When a servicemember deploys, the program provides information and places them in a morale-call program giving them four, 15 minute calls per week to stay in touch with family members. Sergeant White also implemented a monthly newsletter last September for family members to keep informed about base happenings. 

The Air Force Aid Society offers three programs for spouses of deployed members.
· "Car Care Because We Care" provides free oil changes
· "Give Parents a Break" supplies free childcare one evening per month
· Free calling cards helps keep families in touch with deployed members 

Sergeant White knows first hand how difficult separation from a loved one can be since her husband, Staff Sgt. Richard White, 71st Communications Squadron, left for a year remote tour to Honduras in February. 

"I can relate to what the families are going through," said Sergeant White, a Smithfield, Ohio, native. "His remote helped open my eyes to the difficulties they face on a day-to-day basis." 

Being separated from her husband hasn't been easy for Annette Hunt. Her husband, Maj. Dennis Hunt, 71st Comptroller Squadron commander, left for Afghanistan shortly after their second child, Zachary, was a few weeks old. 

"My mother came out for a few weeks, and she was a big help," she said. "I've kept busy to make the time go by faster." 

Although this isn't the first time her husband has deployed, Mrs. Hunt said she is having an easier time coping with her husband's current TDY. 

"This has been a better experience, because I've gotten so much support from the squadron, spouses and the base," said Mrs. Hunt, also the mother of 4-year-old Andrew. "Getting out of the house also helps. That's why I like the newsletter, because I know what is offered on the base." 

The next Hearts Apart meeting takes place 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Community Chapel Activities Center during the next Single International Gourmet Meal Opportunity event for single Airmen and family members of deployed servicemembers. For more information, call 213-6288.