Mental health pro’s deployment an experience in learning, helping

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There I was, "reminding them it was temporary, that there was an end to it, and to stay focused on their duty, their mission," said Staff Sgt. Steve Mcintyre of his deployment to Iraq, where he served at NCOIC of Outreach and Prevention for the 732nd Combat Stress Control unit. A member of the 6th Air Mobility Wing Medical Operations Squadron, he likes to think he made a difference in Iraq, helping servicemembers cope.

"A lot of them thought it would be a cakewalk," he said.

Instead, the isolation and being away from home took its toll on some. They became distracted, stressed and focused on the calendar and becoming more absorbed in things negative, rather than keeping a positive outlook.

"I saw of a lot of people who were counting the days (until they scheduled to return home)," said Sergeant Mcintyre. "When you are deployed and are counting the days, it make for a very, very long deployment."

"I learned that you can't take your mental health for granted," he said. "You might think you are prepared for whatever is coming, but that can change."

Helping servicemembers deal with the stress was Sergeant Mcintyre's job, and one he did with compassion and pride. He knew how his fellow warriors felt, because he was dealing with the same issues.

"I was fortunate in that I went over with a good team, and we had people we could always talk to about things," he said, adding that being a good ear was the biggest part of his own job. "It got to me sometimes, especially on holidays and missing the birthdays for my kids, so no one is immune."

The key to getting through is mental attitude, and a realization that it is a job that must be done, and that by staying focused on the mission at hand, the time will pass more quickly.

"It was a good experience for me, and I learned a lot," said Sergeant Mcintyre, "But like everyone, it was good to come home and see my wife and kids again, and when you're deployed, knowing that day is coming is what gets you through. "