Deployments are a way of life in today's military. The
stress associated with deployment can be greatly reduced by being prepared for
periodic absences. The Personal and Family Readiness Program provides
information and resources to assist members and their families be as prepared as
possible for deployments, remote assignments and natural
disasters. The following programs help families stay connected during
separations and assist in the preparation for the periodic absences and
potential natural disasters.
For The Active Duty Member:
- PHONE
HOME PROGRAM
Sponsored by the Air Force Aid
Society. Active Duty members who will be gone for more than 30 days
are eligible to receive a free phone card.
- PERSONAL AND
FAMILY READINESS ONE-ON-ONE BRIEF:
Important for all single and
married personnel, please make an appointment with the Readiness staff prior to
your TDY, deployment or remote assignment. We will discuss important
readiness issues such as Powers of Attorney, wills, medical information and
other factors affecting your deployment and mission readiness. This
30 minute brief is most effective if spouses attend so we have the opportunity
to present them with all of the information about morale programs the family
support center has to offer during your absence.
For Family
Members:
- VIDEO TELEPHONE MORALE CALLS
Families can make
these morale calls from the Family Support Center to deployment/TDY and remote
assignment locations that have videophone capability by utilizing DSN telephone
lines and a television. Appointments are recommended.
- MORALE
E-MAIL PROGRAM
The family Support Center has computers with
e-mail capability available during regular duty hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. You can set up your own e-mail account to send/receive messages
to stay "connected" to your loved ones. No appointment is
necessary.
- "CAR CARE BECAUSE WE CARE"
This program is
available for family members of active duty personnel TDY for longer than 30
days, and remote families. Vouchers for a free 15 point-vehicle
maintenance safety check and an oil/filter change at AAFES stations are
available at the Family support Center. Sponsored by the Air Force
Aid Society.
- "GIVE PARENTS A BREAK PROGRAM"
Funded by
the Air Force Aid Society, this program is designed to help families relieve
stress created by deployments and remote assignments. Childcare is
provided at the base Child Development Center on one or two Saturdays per
month. Children between 6 months and 12 years of age are eligible. By
referral only, from the Family Support Center, First Sergeant or
Chaplain.
- NEWSLETTERS
Once we get the name and address
of a waiting spouse in our database we will send a copy of our "Family
Connection" newsletter to your home or via email. This newsletter is
packed with information on base happenings and activities, helpful hints to get
you through the tough times and ideas on how to pamper yourself.
-
"HEARTS APART"
Hearts Apart is a support group for "waiting"
spouses and children. Frequent activities are planned, often around
special holidays. Take this opportunity to join others who are sharing your
experience for friendly conversation, mutual support and valuable
information.
- Numerous pamphlets, handouts and coloring books concerning
deployment and families, separation and loneliness, reunion and tips while the
loved one is away are available at the Family Support Center.