D-M Airmen "COPE" with deployments, grow closer to loved ones

  • Published
  • By Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  During the 12 years they have been married, Master Sgt. Russ White, from the 55th Rescue Squadron, his wife Ena, and their two sons have triumphed through roughly 20 deployments and countless temporary duty assignments.

Throughout their journey, tears have been shed, challenges met, and missed holidays endured.

With nearly 1,000 Airmen deployed from Davis-Monthan at any given point, military members, married or single, can definitely relate to Sergeant White and his family as they continue to serve in the Air Force.

The couple shared their story during an Operation COPE retreat held June 12 and 13 at Tucson's JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort and Spa. The event was organized by the 355th Fighter Wing Chapel and nearly 40 couples and single parents, along with their children and teenagers attended. Preference was given to service members who recently returned from a deployment or who are departing shortly for one.

An acronym, COPE stands for connect, organize, provide and educate.

"This retreat provided seminars to help couples integrate 'COPE-ing' mechanisms which will assist them in their anticipated time of separation and during the critical period of reintegration upon the military member's return," said Chaplain (Capt.) Bryan Cottrell. Topics focused on deploying, reintegration, couples communication, dealing with the stressors brought on by combat, and understanding deployment from a child's perspective. There were also sessions available for single parents, teens and children.
Books and other helpful resource materials related to the presenting topics were provided as well. Other relationship building and diversionary activities were also presented to establish an experience and atmosphere where significant memories could be made that will sustain the families during their time of separation and reintegration.

"This program is a great opportunity for anyone who is deploying or returning from a deployment. It is not just a great time to get away to a beautiful venue but the information and resources available are extremely helpful," said Chaplain Cottrell.

Above all, this retreat connects people, especially spouses, who are experiencing the same things and affords them the chance to bond.

"We enjoyed helping the chapel staff make this a successful event for all who participated. It was a great venue and I think people relaxed and really got some great info as well. Many people have gone through these trials and made it through ... and hopefully that makes it seem a little easier for them during their experience," explained Mrs. White.

During a panel session, Mrs. White, who is originally from the Republic of Ireland, spoke candidly, often using humor, about her experience as a military spouse, as a mother raising two sons, 11 and seven years old, and about some of the challenges she's faced. While her husband's been away, she's handled her home being broken into and a medical crisis that affected one of her sons. Throughout her talk she exemplified confidence and strength.

"Relying on other's experiences or knowledge concerning different phases of deployments can make things a little less daunting," she said. "Sometimes just knowing that you're not the first to feel a certain way or react a certain way ... is comforting. And then knowing that other spouses, co-workers, and family members are there to help, is a big relief. No spouse should ever have to get through this alone. The Air Force is a family and it's important to remember this during these trying times."

To keep the retreat affordable for attendees, the cost was subsidized by the Chapel and an Air Force "Year of the Air Force Family" grant. Previous retreats have enjoyed the financial support of the DM-50 and Tucson Community Cares, organizations of local business leaders dedicated to the support of Airmen and their families. The JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort and Spa was extremely generous in its pricing, making it possible for the retreat to be held there.

To date, more than 500 Davis-Monthan Airmen and their families have attended a COPE retreat organized by the chapel staff and supported by various D-M agencies. The chapel hopes to sponsor another retreat in the fall. To learn more about Operation COPE, contact the chapel staff at 228-5411.