JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 633rd Air Base Wing and their families came together to celebrate those who will soon deploy during an event at the Community Commons at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, March 27, 2015.
The deployment party included free dinner, dancing, games and a raffle, which followed a speech given by Chief Master Sgt. Mark Hurst, 633rd ABW command chief.
Hurst expressed his recognition for the sacrifices deploying Airmen and their families make.
"As a wing, we want to say thank you," said Hurst. "We want to recognize the fact you and your families make this sacrifice on our behalf."
In his speech, Hurst described the Air Force mission as a team sport to explain deployments and teamwork.
"It's a contact sport we're in, you've got to go downrange to make contact," said Hurst. "That's what you're about to do and we're proud of you for doing it. It's also a team sport. I see a lot of family members here and I'd like to say thank you. You make as many sacrifices as anyone in uniform, if not maybe more. Don't hesitate to lean on your team."
After Hurst's speech, Staff Sgt. Robert Soreano, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron structures journeyman, explained what it means to him to have a support system on base while preparing for deployment.
"It's good to get recognition, to be told we're not just a number down range," said Soreano. "I think it reminds everyone how important they are. One group can't accomplish their mission without the help of another, and when we're celebrated like this, it reinforces the military as a family and breaks up the mundaneness."
Soreano's wife, Kiersten, agreed with her husband. She believes deployment parties play a significant role in establishing and fortifying a sense of military community.
"Our last deployment at another base didn't have anything like this. It was hard, because I didn't know who to turn to when I needed something," she said. "It's really nice to know if I need anything here, I have this family to support me. I feel secure and involved here."
While deployed for approximately six months, these mission-ready expeditionary Airmen will provide support to combatant commanders for joint and combined operations.