Deployed Sailors Return to Thanks and Support at Weekend Workshop

By Cmdr. Caroline S. Tetschner, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command Public Affairs

April 19, 2010 - NORFOLK (NNS) -- Navy Reservists and their spouses were treated to a VIP-style weekend of support and recognition at the Returning Warrior Workshop at Norfolk's Waterside Sheraton Hotel April 16-18.

The event, sponsored by Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command, is one of several the Navy holds around the nation annually honoring Sailors who have returned from deployment and their family members. The workshop is designed to help reintegration and reunion with family members.

Guest speaker and Reservist Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Brashear, son of noted Navy diver Carl Brashear, addressed the audience. The National Guard helicopter pilot who deployed to Iraq shared his own experiences with the group.

"When I deployed in 2006, I didn't want to leave my family, I had a lot of anxiety but we went anyway because that's what we do and because we had the American spirit with us, we overcame those obstacles."

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Christopher Wilkinson and his wife Cynthia, were among the more than 140 Reservists who attended the workshop. The Navy Reservist, assigned to VFC-12 in Norfolk, had just returned from a yearlong mobilization to Afghanistan. "This is a nice location in a nice hotel, we get pampered and it helps us re-acclimate back to our civilian lives and family."

Rear Adm. Buzz Little, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command said that is exactly the type of feedback and support he hopes all participants gather from these workshops. "This is about doing right by the Sailor. Demonstrating that the Navy values their service and contributions by having them retreat to a welcoming atmosphere where they can reflect and talk with servicemembers who have similar experiences."

Little attended the Norfolk event as both a keynote speaker and participant, having served in Iraq from December 2008 to January 2010. He said the program underscores the importance of family support during deployments. "It sends a strong signal to the Sailor and their family that the Navy cares about them, whether they are on deployment or back home in Des Moines."

In addition to the chaplains and counselors on-hand, there were representatives from the Red Cross, Tricare, Military OneSource and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in attendance.