Waiting Warriors wait it out together

  • Published
  • By A1C Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  "As I pen this letter, my tears start falling again - not of sadness or pain, but in great gratitude... "

This letter came from a member of Waiting Warriors, a group of military spouses that support each other before, during and after deployments and temporary duty assignments.

Waiting Warriors began in September 2006 and has since helped more than 200 spouses and fiancées.

The bi-weekly Tuesday meetings at the Hope Chapel are free for attendees. They're open to all branches of service, including deployable civilians, and they generally gather about 20 people. Rank is not mentioned, in order to maintain a healthy comfort level among the group.

"I cannot tell you how much Waiting Warriors helped me through the last deployment," said Julie, a member. "I don't know what I would have done without so much support."

Each meeting starts with welcomes and introductions. After that, they pick an activity or topic of discussion and talk as they get to know each other.

The discussions are based on current deployments and the effects and impact on the family members left behind. They share the unique challenges and joys they experience as they serve in their own way.

"There are always tears when people are able to talk about what is going on," said Vickie Luethy, the Waiting Warriors program director. "Sometimes, their extended family doesn't understand what is really going on when our loved ones are deployed, but we do."

Also, a free children's program called "What about me?" meets at the same time and place, so they get the support they need as well.

For children aged six weeks to 5 years, there is a nursery. The older children do arts and crafts, skits, and talk about how they are doing through relating to biblical characters.

The program is intended to help children deal with the stress they face when they have a love one deployed.

For more information, contact Vickie Luethy at 272-6219, or email WaitingWarriors@yahoo.com.