Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jasmine Tanner, Military and Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer in charge, gives a post-deployment brief to Barksdale Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 6, 2025. Post-deployment briefings offer Airmen the opportunity to learn how to better reintegrate themselves, and resources to help them manage their finances and mental health. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 2nd Bomb Wing attend a financial planning class offered by the Military and Family Readiness Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 7, 2025. Financial advice is one of the many services Airmen can receive from the Military and Family Readiness Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jasmine Tanner, Military and Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer in charge, gives a post deployment brief to Barksdale Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 6, 2025. Post deployment briefs bring together resources from different agencies to help Airmen reintegrate from deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Bradley, 2nd Force Support Squadron commander support staff technician, briefs Barksdale Airmen during a post-deployment brief at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 6, 2025. Post-deployment briefing give Airmen the necessary points of contact they need to help handle reintegration after deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

Mike Tucci, Military and Family Readiness Center personal financial counselor, gives Barksdale Airmen a post-deployment briefing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Aug. 6, 2025. Financial advice is one of the many services Airmen can receive from the Military and Family Readiness Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill)

Beyond the Homecoming: How the MFRC helps Airmen thrive after Deployment

Published Aug. 13, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Aaron Hill
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --

Returning from a deployment is often imagined as a joyful reunion, but the reality can be far more complex. For many Airmen, the shift from the operational mindset back to family life brings unexpected challenges.

To ease that transition, the MFRC offers weekly post-deployment briefings designed to address common reintegration challenges and connect Airmen with resources to help them succeed at work and home.

Airmen attending a post-deployment briefing offered by the Military and Family Readiness Center learn about the wide range of challenges facing them, some that they may not expect, and the resources available to help prevent them from becoming a problem.

“Misalignment of expectations, that’s the number one issue,” said Master Sgt. Jasmine Tanner, MFRC readiness noncommissioned officer in charge. “When people come home, they often have completely different ideas of how things should go. When those expectations aren't met, it causes frustration and that impacts not just the home but the mission.”

Held every Wednesday in the Mission Support Group building, the briefings connect Airmen with subject matter experts and introduce other preventative programs. Their topics range from financial readiness workshops and housing relocation assistance to couples communication classes.

In addition to post-deployment briefings, the center has a variety of classes available to Airmen and their families, offering solutions and tools designed to not only to recover from trouble, but also provides Airmen with the tools to prevent problems from developing.

“The biggest misconception would be that you have to be in a crisis or be having some kind of life issue or problem in order to utilize the services of the Military and Family Readiness Center,” said Kimberly Love, supervisory community readiness consultant. “Our programs can really be a way to give you the tools and skills that you need to prevent problems.”

The MFRC works closely with units year-round and adapts courses based on feedback from leadership and emerging needs. This ensures offerings remain relevant and effective in supporting Airmen and their families.

“Our main focus here at the Military and Family Readiness Center is preventive types of services and programs,” said Cheryl Kirkwood, MFRC flight chief. “Be it personal financial readiness, or how to keep military members and their families more resilient through providing programs, we do it.”

By offering early support, education and practical tools, the MFRC helps navigate transitions smoothly while keeping Airmen, their families and the mission strong. For more information on the Military and Family Readiness Center and to sign up for classes, visit: https://barksdalelife.com/military-and-family-readiness/.