Making the sacrifice; the military family’s story continues

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Latanya Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  With the constant changes required in the military, pressure for servicemembers and their families to adapt quickly in a little time is necessary. 

After 13 years of service in the Air Force, Tech. Sgt. Felipe Delarea, Non-commissioned officer in charge of photo operations has been deployed seven times.
 
"Before getting married I had to let my wife know that my job in the military would require me to be away a lot, said Sergeant Delarea. She understood and even though it was difficult we've worked it through." 

The couple has four children and they have had to undergo many changes within their household in order to support the mission. 

"I have four children and even though they love to travel, the constant changes have been difficult for them," he said. "The children sometimes have to leave their friends but we always explain to them the reason for the moves." 

Sergeant Delarea shares the same battles with other families who undergo constant moves and deployments. 

"My family and their welfare are most important to me," he said. "Ensuring they are taken care of before I have to go off is my main priority." 

Many times the moves are sudden and the spouses have to give up their jobs to devote time to their children. 

Even though the Delarea family shares their responsibilities, when the need is greater than the want his wife would sometimes elect to remain and see to their children's wellbeing. 

At the moment while undergoing different career changes Sergeant Delarea might have to leave his family behind to complete the mission. 

The sacrifices the family made were great but communication and support has been the backbone to our relationship, he said. 

In assisting with the move the military helps families by providing aid, such as medical, volunteer programs, job assistance and many more. 

Receiving medical assistance from tricare has been pivotal in taking care of my family especially my children, said Sergeant Delarea. While away knowing that his military benefits extend to his family helped to lessen his concerns. 

"Family is essential to the success of the mission, without their support there would be no push," said Sergeant Delarea. 

Editor's note: This is the second article in a series of three covering: Making the sacrifice, the military family's story.