Reintegration program required for post-deployment Airmen Published Sept. 13, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- When Airmen return from deployments, whether it's from Southwest Asia or Southwest Florida, they will now be required to attend the Reintegration Education Program within three to seven days of returning here. For small groups of returning Airmen, the program will be available at the chapel annex, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Family Place. For larger groups, the program will be held in the enlisted club Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free childcare and refreshments will be provided, and spouses are encouraged to attend. The program teaches Airmen resilience and how to be resourceful in times of need, said Marilyn Roseborough, Airman and Family Readiness Center director. This program allows the Airmen to know and ward off possible trouble spots and to seek help when needed. The program was spearheaded by Chief Master Sgt. Layton Clark, 4th Fighter Wing command chief, along with assistance from members of the wing's integrated delivery system team. When I first got here, I took a look at what we were doing with our returning warriors and what kind of services we were providing to them, Chief Clark said. There were some specific requirements that we weren't meeting. In the latest community needs assessment, personal coping skills were identified as the second highest concern for Airmen. Members of the integrated delivery system are available to provide information dealing with medical, spiritual, safety, legal and security issues, Chief Clark said. Another issue covered in the program is coping with post-traumatic stress disorder. Our Airmen who have witnessed an improvised explosive device or who have been under fire have significant things they need to address upon returning home, Chief Clark said. Because they believe that their jobs may be on the line if they tell the truth when they really need help, they try to be the tough guy or girl. Spouses, friends and significant others of deployed Airmen who attend the program will be given insight on what indicators to look for in Airmen who might experience stress issues. Sometimes, we find out six months after returning from a deployment that the Airman's behavior, interests and focus have changed, Chief Clark said. Without knowing how to help the Airman, they sometimes fall by the wayside. Not every Airman may need to seek help, but the importance of knowing where they can go for assistance when in need is a priority for the wing. "This is not a program to put labels on personnel seeking help, but to empower personnel with the knowledge of resources and programs to help them be a better person in their jobs and personal life," Mrs. Roseborough said.