It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or your twenty-first reunion: It’s guaranteed to be “different”. Each reunion is different because each deployment is different. You may have a new job, a new dress size, a new hair color. You could have a baby. Your child may be potty-trained, may have a driver’s license, may get a tattoo. Different things happen during different reunions and so every homecoming, every reunion is different.

But one thing remains the same: There is a natural adjustment period for all Military members and families after deployments. How do we make this adjustment period easier?

• Expect this adjustment period. We should expect feelings of excitement, nervousness, anxiety and concern and we should understand that communication will be critical.
• Learn from others! Many, many Military members and families have paved the way for successful reunions and your FFSC has gathered all their lessons learned.