Alconbury to Aviano: Taking care of the family during increased ops

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Brian Maguire
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  The fast pace of world events and military support can result in military members being called to deploy on short notice, but when asked for volunteers, two civilians from the 423rd Force Support Squadron stepped up.

Christine Kaleikini and Natasha Matthews both volunteered to go to Aviano Air Base, Italy, to support the Child Development Center staff there during the height of Operation Odyssey Dawn and the transition to Operation Unified Protector.

"They needed volunteers and I know what it's like during surge operations," Mrs. Kaleikini, 423rd FSS Family Member Program Flight chief, said. "I thought we could be helpful."

Operations at the CDC increased to allow parents the ability to meet the demand of increased flightline operations in support of the mission to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, authorizing all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya.

"Supporting an operation like this meant that our professionals could relieve some of the extra stress on the staff and children at Aviano," Michelle Crawford, RAF Alconbury CDC director, said.

Working in each of the rooms, from newborn to preschool-age, while she was at the Aviano CDC, Ms. Matthews attempted to find ways to reduce the stress affecting the children.

"I found the children enjoyed the noise of the jets taking off," she said. "The kids loved to run to the fence to watch the jets take off, and I told them they'd see the jets come back safely later. I learned a lot about how much other places are affected by operations that are so big - families, children, everyone."

The stress was felt back at home station, as both Mrs. Kaleikini and Ms. Matthews left family behind to support the operations at Aviano.

"I found it difficult to be away from my parents and sisters, and I know they experienced the same feelings," Ms. Matthews said. "I felt that what I was doing, I was appreciated - I was there to help, and you could tell the children appreciated it."

To recognize their efforts and willingness to support another installation during major operations, and to leave their families, Col. Brian Kelly, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, presented them with a coin. While recognizing these two women for volunteering, he also highlighted the increased workload that the RAF Alconbury CDC employees experienced in response to the operation as well.

"We are in the business of caring for people, so when the call came, we responded," Miss Crawford said. "Each and every one of us stepped up to fill the void, making it as seamless as possible."