MARANA, Ariz. - Family members of soldiers currently deployed to Afghanistan from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 285th Aviation Reconnaissance Brigade, attended the battle update brief at the Silverbell Army Reserve Training Center, Aug. 18.
Although, this may not be common practice, 1-285th ARB is trying out something new in hopes of reaching out to family members of deployed personnel and keeping them just as informed as the command staff and soldiers downrange.
“This was basically an informational brief for the families of the soldiers deployed, this is our time to keep families informed of what is going on and ensure if there are any family issues going on we can provide assistance,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Julio Romero Jr., CSM for 1-285th ARB. “We want to reiterate to the families that we are around and we are here to support the families while their soldiers are downrange.”
This is the first time a unit in the Arizona National Guard has held a battle update brief with family members’ involvement and marks a key event in keeping in contact with families while their soldiers are away.
This should be encouraged amongst all of the units in Arizona, Dominguez said. “If problems arise with families during deployment and we ignore it, soldiers will not be able to do their jobs efficiently and safely because they will be worried about problems back home.”
“It is not about just sending the soldiers out the door anymore and forgetting about the families left behind to carry the burdens of everyday life on their own,” said Maj. Pete Huble, the battalion executive officer for 1-285th ARB. “Making sure our families stay informed and receive help with anything – from a plumbing leak to assistance with children coping with deployment – we will be there to assist.”
Soldiers from A Company are currently providing aerial support with AH-64 Apache Assault Helicopters to ground troops in Afghanistan, and are expected to return in the summer of 2013.