The Fleet and Family Support Center in conjunction with the Naval Health Clinic and Religious Services will hold a town hall meeting for Individual Augmentees (IAs) and other deployment alumni for a ‘‘confidential candid discussion on deployment transition.” The meeting is scheduled Thursday Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Religious Services building (#401).
The purpose of the meeting is to learn the IAs’ thoughts and perspectives on reintegration, to increase community awareness of the issues returning IAs face, (especially at the leadership level) and to serve as the foundation for tailored action plans for a reintegration program.
IA support spans preparation, deployment support and reintegration. The Pax River community leads in preparation and support activities and hopes to do the same with a reintegration plan designed to help service members adjust to life after serving on an IA assignment.
IAs are unique in that they are not part of a large group that deploys and returns together. Their experiences are wide ranging and can include mortar attacks, destruction, death, dismemberment and other horrific injuries, starvations, boredom and hatred.
Unrealistic expectations for reintegration can be a catalyst for problems to develop ‘‘under the radar” at work and at home. To increase awareness of the unique problems faced by IAs requires involvement by leadership, families, support systems, community and the service members themselves.
Members who have been identified as having deployed will receive a written invitation and questionnaire and are strongly encouraged to attend this forum. Sailors and Marines who are unable to attend should complete and return the questionnaire that is included with the invitation.
For planning purposes a no name RSVP is requested by Oct. 15. For more information about this event, or to make a reservation, call the Fleet and Family Support Center at 301-342-4911.
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