Trident June 15 2009 - Tridentnews.ca

TRIDENT, JULY 15, 2009 17Deployment cornerDeployed or soon to bedeployed? Deployment isdefined as any work relatedseparation (i.e. away due tocourses, exercises, temporaryduty, IR, short and longdeployments, etc.)Operation We CareOperation We Care is an initiativeof a group of volunteersworking with the Halifax& Region Military FamilyResource Center to support CFmembers from the Cape Breton,HRM and Northern/CentralNS region who are servingon individual assignments incountries around the world,from Afghanistan to the Sudanto Alert. These personnel arenot only separated from theirfamilies, but also from theirregular military units in NovaScotia. The Operation WeCare morale packages aremailed four times per year.Through the periodic mailingof care packages, OperationWe Care aims to boost themorale of these personnel byreminding them that they arethought of by those still athome, and that the assignmentsthey are undertaking onbehalf of Canada and theCanadian Forces are appreciated.For the OP We CareCanada Day morale packages,120 packages were mailed intotal: 109 to Afghanistan, sixto Sudan, four to Egypt, andone to the Balkans. Contactdeployment@halifaxmfrc.cato get involved.to register. Register by June 25for casual care.Sunday, June 28, 2 to 6 p.m.,Halifax site.DeploymentFamily NetworksFamily networks are awonderful and affordablemeans for military familieswith common concerns andinterests to join in on a varietyof fun social events everymonth for the duration of thedeployment. Consisting offamily members and friendsof deployed CF members,networks are set up at thebeginning of a deploymentfor families to share information,make new supportivefriends and organize all kindsof special outings and events.Réseaux de soutienpour les famillesvivant un déploiementVenez rejoindre nos réseauxde soutien pour les famillesvivant un déploiement.Chaque mois, une grandevariété d’activités socialesplus amusantes les unes queles autres sont organiséespour permettre aux famillesavec des intérêts et des souciscommuns de se rencontrer.Constitués de membres de lafamille et d’amis des membresdes FC déployés, lesréseaux sont mis en place audébut du déploiement pourpermettre aux familles departager des informations,rencontrer de nouveaux amiset organiser toutes sortesde sorties et d’évènementspour toute la durée dudéploiement.Video TeleconferencingThe H&R MFRC has a videoteleconferencing system at ourHalifax site for families ofmembers deployed to Kandahar.Contact the MFRC at 427-7788 for more information onthe VTC system.Preparing for Deployment:Cycle of Deployment Stage 2In the April edition of theTrident, we provided informationon the First Stageof the Cycle. This editionincludes the second stage. Ifyou didn’t see April’s Tridentand would like a copy ofthe article, please contactdeployment@halifaxmfrc.ca.Detachment and withdrawal:This stage will generallyoccur in the final daysbefore departure. Detachmentand withdrawal is a normalprocess where we beginto emotionally detach fromloved ones prior to leaving. Itcan ease the act of separationand minimize associatedcomplications. The feeling ofwithdrawal that accompaniesdetachment highlights thatyou are now shifting yourfocus to the job ahead. It canbe a challenging time butmost people manage this transitionwith little difficulty. Besure to maintain a good sleeproutine and to organize yourtime effectively to alleviatefatigue and emotional strain.Make the most of the time youhave before leaving. OPSECshould be considered and youshould get a clear direction ofwhat you can tell your familyand friends about where youare deploying. This will provideclarity to your loved onesand reduce potential anxietyabout your safety.Common reactions:• Excitement and anticipationas the departure datedraws near.• Reduced emotional andsexual intimacy.• Feelings of impatience andsome irritability.• Mixed emotions.Strategies:• Accept your feelings as normalreactions to challengingcircumstances.• Communicate as openlyWellness Spa Dayfor Deployed FamiliesCome out for a relaxingafternoon where you can meetother families who are alsoexperiencing a deploymentrelated separation. The afternoonwill be focused on wellness,self care and relaxation.Get a half hour relaxationmassage ($5), participate in aguided relaxation or bellydancingclass, attend a miniinfo session on how to get agood night’s sleep, speak withprofessionals (nutritionists,personal trainer, etc.) soakyour feet, have a mini facial,get your hair cut or a new hairdo,get a glamour shot by aprofessional photographer orjust sit back and relax withchocolate fondue and othernutritious snacks. Variouscompanies will be set up withitems for sale. Call 427-7788