January 24, 2016 –
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Army Reserve Soldiers from 325th Combat Support Hospital, 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support), said their final goodbyes to friends and family members before mobilizing to Honduras in support of Operation Central Skies on Jan. 24, 2016.
The 325th CSH has been conducting pre-deployment training over the past few months, to include a Yellow Ribbon event in San Diego.
Family members understand that dealing with separation can be tough and discussed ways of relieving some of that stress to pass the time.
“I plan on dealing with the stresses and anxiety from separation by communicating with my wife,” said James Hunter, a family member from Kansas City, Kansas. “I plan on going to the gym a lot and utilizing the support available at our local church.”
In the past, the 325th CSH has deployed to Kuwait and, just within the past few years, to Japan. Capt. Denise Sons, a perioperative nurse from Fairfield, Illinois, has been with the 325th CSH for six years, and this is her second time deploying with unit.
“With technology these days, it’s easier to communicate with family members and friends,” said Sons. “Back in the day, we just used phones or snail mail to communicate with family members. Now, we have video chatting apps, social media and Wi-Fi to better communicate with our loved ones back home on a day-to-day basis.”
Col. Polly R. Grahm and Command Sgt. Maj. David L. Schmidt II, the command team for the 325th CSH, paid a visit to the deploying Soldiers before departure.
“I wish you all luck, farewell and to come back safe,” said Grahm. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of you, Godspeed!”
During the nine-month humanitarian mission, the 325th CSH will provide medical care to both the local Honduran populace and military members serving throughout the region.