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SOUTHWEST ASIA (1/25/2013 - AFNS) -- The harsh reality of leaving
family behind is common for service members, what is not so common
is being deployed with them.
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January 12, 2013 - Wisconsin Air National Guard family members deployed to the
727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, Southwest Asia; a total of
five sets of family members deployed from the 128th Air Control
Squadron, Volk Field Combat Readiness Center, Wisconsin. (U.S. Air
Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Christina M. Styer)
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The 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron understands
the significance of family bonds and they should -- they
have five pairs of related Airmen.
"We have great
camaraderie because we have all these families," explained
Master Sgt. Katie Divyak, 727th EACS air surveillance
technician, whose brother, Maj. Chris Divyak, is the 727th
EACS assistant director of operations. "A lot of us went to
school together and grew up in the same areas, adding family
members into the mix just makes us that much closer."
While some dream of those little things they miss from
home, Staff Sgts. Janiece and Jaqueline Griffis enjoy a
taste of home together while deployed.
"We were just
at the pool the other day and it reminded us of when we grew
up playing mermaids in our little pool in the backyard,"
said Jaqueline Griffis, 727th EACS supply.
Their
sisterly bond transcends the pool and radiates throughout
the squadron.
"It's nice because we have a piece of
home with us here," said Janiece Griffis, 727th EACS
operations.
The intimate knowledge family members
have with each other builds into the strong foundation of
camaraderie found within the unit.
"It's a lot easier
to work with him because I know what to expect from him,"
explained Staff Sgt. Ryan Swieter, 727th EACS material
management, speaking of his brother Tech. Sgt. Seth Swieter,
727th EACS electronic protection technician. "I know his
strengths and weaknesses and can work with them."
While there are special bonds between siblings that clearly
impact the family feel of the unit, the bond between a
father and his son are equally strong.
"It's hard
for me to let him have his career. I will always be there to
guide him if he needs it, but I have to let his leadership
be his leadership," said Chief Master Sgt. Ted Ostrowski,
727th EACS maintenance superintendent, of his youngest son,
Senior Airman Tyler Ostrowski, 727th EACS network
operations. "When I see him at shift change it does lift my
spirits though."
Tyler Ostrowski said watching his
father in the military throughout his life influenced his
decision to join the military and now, being deployed with
him, definitely gives the unit a family-feel to him.
"It helps us have that bond within the unit," Tyler
Ostrowski said. "Having our families here just adds to the
family our unit has become. I know they have my back."
The kinship within the EACS is a unique mixture of
family, friends, memories and lives bonded together to form
an authentic military family, solidifying not only the unit
but family members' relationships as well.
By USAF Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
Public Affairs
Air Force News Service
Copyright 2013
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