We live at the base of the Italian Alps, there are four countries within a two hour drive of us, we can travel to Rome for a weekend, Austria for the day, Venice for dinner; it is often easy to forget we are here because Taylor is in the military. Yes, he up and leaves for six months at a time for deployments, but in this military community, that's as normal as a trip to the grocery store. I can hardly think of any of my friends or co-workers who have NOT had their spouse deployed at some point within the last 12 months. That's just the norm.
So when your normal life living in beautiful Italia suddenly changes within a matter of a few hours, it's quite a reality check and a bold reminder that we are indeed here living and working in a military community. I'm referring to two and a half weeks ago when people started getting phone calls. Spouses got called into work at 1am on a Thursday morning, people weren't allowed to leave base, I received an email from my Flight Chief informing me we would be open for extended hours of childcare until further notice. And that was all the information that was offered. By Thursday afternoon we knew something was going on, but had no idea what. By searching CNN to see what could be going on, the most obvious answer was the unrest going on in Libya.
Within 24 hours all squadrons were on mandatory 12 hour shifts working around the clock 7 days a week. Jets were flying in from other bases and within 48 hours the US announced air strikes on Libya. Due to our close proximity to Libya, we have become a hub for many of the jets flying missions for Operation Odyssey Dawn. Whoa. It was a bizaare feeling to know what was coming before anything was announced on the news. Within 72 hours tents were put up outside the gym, cots were filling the empty dorms and gym floors, and base was in preparation for military personnel deployed to Aviano to help carry out the mission.
It's so easy to watch the news and view the events and decisions as just another news story. But to feel the direct impact of that news story is a whole different ball game. What it has meant for me is operating on extended hours. We are open 5am to 7pm, 7 days a week. That has added an extra 45 hours of child care staffing per week. Our staff and I have been working 6 days a week for three weeks in a row now. But what is even worse is some of our kids have been required to have care for 7 days a week for almost 3 weeks now. It's hard enough for a child to go to before school care, school, after school care, but to then spend Saturday and Sunday there too...it's exhausting. Some children in the Child Development Centers (6wks-4yrs old) have been receiving 80-85 hours of care per WEEK!
I'm advocating for the children here, but behind those children are the parents who are being required to work these crazy schedules. The base has been working at a deployment tempo, but instead of being deployed on their own; they come home to spouses, children, and prior committments expected to be fulfilled. Finally within the last week people have started receiving their first days off. We just had six extra child care workers from other European bases arrive to help relieve our schedules so our employees can have a weekend.
So, that's what we've been doing lately. Just thought I'd send an update. I also included some pictures released from Aviano Air Base Facebook page from the events going on lately. Enjoy!
The F-16s on the flightline in Aviano.
A pilot with what I assume is his aircraft crew either before or right after a flight.
The jets taking off at night with the after burners going.
A C-17 cargo plane on the runway on base.
The cots set up in one of the gyms. Doesn't this look like a cozy place to stay...for an indefinite amount of time? Or would you rather stay here in the tents in the middle of the track outside the gym? Living the life of luxury here in Italy, I tell ya!
Alright, ciao for now!!
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