Devil Raider embraces family life during COVID-19

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

As teleworking becomes the norm for many military members, an Airman from the 321st Contingency Response Squadron is learning how to cope with support from his family.

 

“Being as we're a maintenance unit, we normally do maintenance or some sort of training that involves maintenance,” said Tech. Sgt. Johnathon Campton, 321st CRS maintenance flight section chief. “Now that we're basically stuck inside of our houses all day, I find myself with more time to fill up.”

 

With a job that typically requires a physical presence on the flight line or out working external sling loads for helicopters with the Army and Marines, Campton is only partially able to do his everyday work from home and has turned his attention to his family when his tasks are complete.

 

Campton devotes 3-4 hours every day to helping his 8-year-old son, Micah, with his schoolwork. While his 11-year-old daughter, Emma, is more self-sufficient, he spends quality time with both of them.

 

“We'll sit down for what feels like hours and play card games and build LEGOs,” Campton said. “We try to get out and do a few walks here and there and bike rides when the weather's nice.”

 

Campton's wife, Amber, says the family is taking the isolation well, but staying indoors hasn't been easy.

 

“I get cabin fever, so I’ve been doing the grocery shopping, etc., to remain as sane as possible,” Amber said.

 

As his family finds ways to adapt to the new normal, Campton has grown closer to those he is physically separated from.

 

“I've gotten close to family back at home,” Campton said about his relationship with relatives in his home state of Ohio. “I'll call them up which I normally wouldn't do. I'd usually send a text or something; now I'm talking to them more and getting things off my chest.”

 

Amber says, that Campton is handling the isolation well by making the most of his time.

 

“He’s been a pro from the beginning,” Amber said. “If he’s not teleworking, he’s helping with the kids’ homework, watching TV, video games, etc.”

 

Coping with the current COVID-19 situation has been stressful, but Campton is leaning on his close and distant family even more than ever.

 

“Everything that's been going on is confusing. I've never lived through anything like this before,” Campton said. “I try to relieve some of that pressure or else I feel like I'm going to go crazy, so talking with family is the big thing for me.”