Inspire, Summer 2008

20 summer 2008 Being deployed was something Captain Jeremy Haskell ’96 knew would be a very real possibility when he interviewed for the clinical psychology position at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In fact, at his interview the clinical training director wore his desert combat uniform — army green, tan, and brown camouflage — emphasizing that Jeremy was applying to join an organization that at some point would ask him to deploy. “I knew exactly what I was getting into,” Jeremy said. “I cannot imagine someone joining the military these days with the thought that they will not be deployed. It’s just part of the job.” In the spring of 2007, Jeremy learned he would leave in August for a six- to eight-month deployment. He and his wife, Amy (Varner) ’96, received the news with excitement and nervousness. “The hardest part was preparing to leave,” he reflected. “You keep thinking about how this will be the last time for a long time that you will play with your girls, read to them, help them say their prayers, tuck them into bed, or have dinner together as a family.” The Other Side of the Ocean Within a few months, he arrived in southwest Asia, thousands of miles from anything familiar. He was embarking on a journey that would mark his life forever. Stepping off the plane onto the tarmac, amid the sandy barren land and sweltering 115-degree heat, Jeremy was proud to join the rest of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. As one of the largest, most diverse in the Air Force, the 379th has provided combat airpower and support for the Global War on Terrorism in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and for the Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. The wing and its associate units operate more than 100 aircraft, making the base a large hub for humanitarian airlift activity while providing mission-essential combat power, aero-medical evacuation, and intelligence support for three theaters of operations. Prior to his departure, Jeremy and Amy prayed he would find a strong community of believers that he could connect with while he was gone. God’s provision came promptly. Within a week of arriving, Jeremy met the physicians with whom he would be working. Six of them were believers and interested in starting a Bible study together. The group gathered weekly throughout the deployment, studying the book of Romans. “Those guys were a terrific source of encouragement to me,” he said. While deployed, Jeremy served as the primary psychologist, providing the mental health services for the base community and region. “For the majority of my deployment,” he said, “I was the only mental health provider for the Air Force base as well as a nearby Army installation. With approximately 10,000 active duty members, I kept busy.” Jeremy counseled men and women who were struggling to adjust to being away from home, trying to manage combat stress, or dealing with the seriousness of bereavement on the field. With his signature grin, Jeremy humbly expressed his deep appreciation and admiration for these soldiers who willingly put themselves in harm’s way. “I was grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them and assist them in dealing with their struggles — from relationship problems back at home to trauma they had experienced in war,” he said. For Jeremy, it was a chance to live out Galatians 6:2 — bearing one another’s burdens and thus fulfilling the law of Christ. While being gone from family and friends, how can one not reflect on life? Naturally, Jeremy’s thoughts centered on his wife and daughters, whom he refers to as his “gifts.” He realized he had been taking these three wonderful girls for granted. “I have hopefully returned with my priorities a bit more in balance,” he noted. Coming Home Jeremy arrived back in the U.S. this past March, walking off the plane into the loving arms of his squealing little girls and teary- eyed wife — a day greatly anticipated by all. Back home, he continued his position as director of mental health services, practicing as a licensed clinical psychologist. Jeremy’s sole responsibility was to meet with active duty members who were impacted greatly by the rigors and stress of war. Unfortunately, this meant becoming much more acquainted with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and prolonged family separations. “I continually strive to offer a safe environment for walk alongside “I was grateful for the opportunity to