Air Force Readiness Packet/Travis Family Readiness
Guide
Designed by two focus groups on Travis to meet the specific needs of
Travis personnel. The packet is a blue folder with Velcro that
provides a central location for important documents, such as, powers of
attorney, wills, insurance forms, copies of birth, marriage certificates, bank
account numbers, burial wishes, and vehicle registration forms. It
has a pre-deployment/pre-TDY checklist and information regarding benefits,
emotional cycle of deployment, and other essential facts necessary during
separation.
Support for Families during Separation
Several programs
are available for families during a separation caused by deployment, TDY or
remote assignment.
"Car Care Because We Care"
Voucher for a free oil
change, oil filter change and safety inspection of the family
vehicle. Program is designed to aid the military member in focusing
on the mission by supporting his/her family. The program is paid for
by the Air Force Aid Society.
"Give Parents a Break"
Provides several
hours of free childcare a month at base facilities enabling the parent left
behind to take a break from the children (or for the children to take a break
from the parent). This is an opportunity for everyone to recharge and
refocus. The program is paid for by the Air Force Aid
Society.
Phone Home Program
Pre-paid phone cards provided to members
going TDY or deploying for 30 or more days. Members may be single or
married and must present a copy of orders and personally sign for the
card. The program is paid for by the Air Force Aid Society and is
limited to the number of cards distributed to each participating
base.
Morale Calls and Videophone Calls
Morale calls are authorized
via the defense switching network (DSN). Morale calls can be
originated here at home or at the deployed location. These calls are
placed by calling the base operator. Some restrictions
apply. Videophone calls can be made allowing for families or couples
to see each other at a distance. Family member with a valid I.D. card can sign
out a video phone for one day or return to FSC first duty day after a weekend or
holiday.
Get Ready! Stay Ready! Informational Letter
This letter is
designed to inform spouses of available services as well as tips on how to cope
with separation. Feature articles focus on finance and budget,
childcare concerns, and the basics of coping with separation.
"Write from
the Heart" or "Write Connection" Packets
These packets are given to the
parent being deployed in order to facilitate letter writing and communication
between families.
The FSC Readiness NCO conducts Personal Preparedness
Briefings for all personnel tasked for TDYs or contingencies.
Deployment
Support Groups for families are available through some Squadrons. The Family
Support Center has an exhaustive list of all support groups on base.