Deployment A Part Of Life At Hurlburt

Alvin, Pamela and little Bella Adorno are like a lot of military families, dealing with the strains and challenges of deployment. Having just returned from Iraq four months ago, Staff Sergeant Alvin Adorno prepares to go to Turkey for a year without his family.

“I honestly didn't really want to but it's gotta get done the work's gotta get done,” says Alvin. He says he's got a lot of mixed feelings. Alvin says he wants to advance in the military while at the same time he wants to stay with his family.

“Not really happy because I’m leaving my wife and my child here we've been working on having another kid if that turns out, I’ll have to plan my leave around that time,” says Alvin. This latest deployment may be hardest on their young daughter Isabella.

“This time she's actually old enough to realize that he will not be here trying to explain that to a 2 1/2 year old is my biggest concern this time,” says Alvin’s wife Pamela Adorno. Family situations like the Adornos are becoming more and more common at Hurlburt Field that's why officials here say they're trying to provide as much support as they possibly can.

“Financial, relocation, employment, transition, Air Force aid crisis assistance, key spouse support are offered,” says Kelly Childs. She’s a Community Readiness Consultant with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at Hurlburt Field. Nationwide, 2009 is the year of the Air Force family. Pamela says the support groups and activities help keep her busy in a difficult time.

“It's a very big support system and it's great to know there are other people out there going through the same thing,” says Pamela Adorno. You can learn more about Hurlburt Field tonight during our Hometown Tour at 6 pm.