AIRMAN & FAMILY
READINESS
4 W Castle St, Fairchild AFB WA 99011
(509) 247-2246 DSN 657-2246
92
FS
S/F
SF
R 0
4/11
HELPING AGENCY (IDS) PHONE NUMBERS
Airman & Family Services Flight
Chief 247-5307
A&FRC 247-2246
Youth Center 247-5601
Child Development Center 247-2403
Family Child Care 247-5336
Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) 509-435-1992
www.fairchildfamilysupport.org http://www.fairchildfun.com/
Chapel
Pastoral & Family Counseling 247-2264
After-hours Duty Chaplain 247-4051
Fairchild Clinic
Appointment Line 247-2361
On-Line at www.tricareonline.com
Health & Wellness Center (HAWC)
HAWC 247-5590
Mental Health
Mental Health 247-2731
Family Advocacy Program 247-2687
Drug Demand Reduction 247-3944
Alcohol & Drug Prevention/Treatment 247-2731
Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Coordinator
Hotline 247-7272
Coordinator 247-4444
(247-SARC)
“From our house to yours” Quarterly Newsletter
Relocation Assistance
2-3
Transition Assistance
4-6
Parents to Be 7
Family Services 8-9
Money Matters 10-12
Family Readiness 13
Upcoming Events & Information
14-16
A&FRC Calendar 17-19
Apr/Jun 2011
Volume 5, Issue 2
Inside this issue
The Airman & Family Readiness Center hours of operation are
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00am-4:00pm
Thursday 7:00am-3:00 pm
The A&FRC will be closed on the following dates:
30 May 2011
The Family Services Loan Closet and Airman’s Attic
hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm
Page 2
Relocation Assistance
Helpful Relocation Web Sites
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/ http://www/militaryinstallations.dod.mil
http://afmove.hq.af.mil/default.asp http://www.militaryonesource.com
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/units/ja/index.asp
Sponsorship Training
Sponsorship training is an annual requirement for sponsors of inbound military and civilian personnel. (AFI 36-3009) The A&FRC provides relocation information, education, and skills development, and ensures current information and resources are available. Sponsorship is a commander’s program and is extremely important to the entire Fairchild community. It provides informed sponsors who make a dramatic impact on new members of Team Fairchild. A well-prepared sponsor is an important part of mission readiness!
Online training: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/esat
Right Start Dates:
8 Apr 2011, 13 May 2011, 10 Jun 2011
Right Start is part of the welcoming process at Fairchild AFB. A wide range of agencies from on and off base are represented to provide information about Fairchild AFB and the Spokane area. This brief is usually on the second Friday of each month from 0800-1200. Spouses highly encouraged to attend.
June 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Moving Off
Base Briefing 1400-1600
2
Pre-Sep
Brief
1000-1130
3
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
4
5 6
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
7
R3 Brief
0900-1100
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
8
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
9
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
10 TAP
0730-1600
Right Start
0800-1230
Pre-Deployment
0800 and 1400 Heartlink 0900-1500
Employ Forum
1300-1500
11
12 13 10 Steps to a
Federal Job 0800-1500
14
15 Civilian
Resume Part l 0730-11130
Moving Off Base Briefing 1400-1600
16
Pre-Sep
Brief
1000-1130
17
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
18
19 20
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
21
R3 Brief
0900-1100
22 Civilian
Resume Pt I1 0730-1130
23
24
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
25
26 27
28 Smooth Move
1300-1530
29
Moving Off
Base Briefing 1400-1600
30
Pre-Sep
Brief
1000-1130
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 19
Page 18
May 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
3
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600 R3 Brief
0900-1100
4
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
5
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
6 TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
Pre-Deployment
0800 and 1400
Employ Forum
1300-1500
7
8 9
Sponsorship
Training
0900-1030
10
11 Civilian
Resume Pt I 0730-1130
Moving Off Base Briefing 1400-1600
12
Pre-Sep Brief
1000-1130
13
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
Right Start
0800-1230
14
15 16 10 Steps to a
Federal Job 0800-1500
17
R3 Brief
0900-1100
Bundles for
Babies 1400-1600
18 Civilian
Resume Part ll 0730-1130
19
20
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
21
22 23
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
24
Smooth Move
1300-1530
25
26
Pre-Sep Brief
1000-1130
27
Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
28
29 30
31
R3 Brief
0900-1100
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 3
Smooth Move Dates:
26 Apr 2011, 24 May 2011, 28 Jun 2011
Hosted by the Airman & Family Readiness Center, this class helps military and civilian personnel, and family members, prepare for their upcoming PCS. Experts from Housing, Travel Pay, Tricare, Family Advocacy, Legal Claims, and the A&FRC provide information on relocation entitlements and what to expect during your relocation process. Numerous resources are also available. Meets the vMPF requirement for Legal Claims out-processing. Spouses are encouraged to attend!
To reserve your class seat call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246
Moving? How About Free Child Care?
The Child Care for PCS Program is intended to help relieve some of the stress felt by families in the process of a PCS move. For active-duty Air Force families, the Air Force Aid Society will pay up to 20 hours of child care (per child) in licensed Family Child Care homes on base or in affiliated homes off base. Families may use this program at both the losing and gaining bases. Families may use the 20 hours of child care within 60 days before the family's departure from a base, and 60 days after arriving at the new base. This program is open to all ranks.
Active-duty Air Force families with PCS orders may obtain a Child Care for PCS Certificate at the Airman & Family Readiness Center at each base.
Relocation Assistance
TAP Workshop Take the guesswork out of your transition to civilian life! This four-day workshop is intended to assist those military members who are six months to two years from their separation or retirement date with planning their transition from the military to civilian community. Included in the class is information on self assessment, financial preparedness, job search, resume writing, interviewing, and negotiation skills. The Small Business Administration also is present for those who wish to start a business of their own.
Transition Assistance
Upcoming TAP Classes 5-8 Apr 2011 3-6 May 2011 7-10 Jun 2011
Class Times: 0730-1600 Civilian Attire Preferred
Helpful Transition Websites
http://www.va.gov http://www.usajobs.com
http://www.militaryonesource.com http://www.dol.gov
https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource http://vba.va.gov
http://www.transitionassistanceprogram.com
Page 4
Upcoming 10 Steps To A Federal Job Classes
18 Apr 2011 16 May 2011 13 Jun 2011
Class Times: 0800-1500 Spouses Encouraged To Attend
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 17
April 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
2
3 4
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
5 TAP
Workshop 0730-1600 R3 Brief
0900-1100
6
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
7
TAP
Workshop
0730-1600
8 TAP
Workshop
0730-1200
Pre-Deployment
0800 and 1400
Right Start
0800-1230
Employ Forum
1300-1500
9
10 11
12
13
Civilian
Resume Pt 1
0730 –1130
Moving Off
Base Briefing
1400-1600
14
Pre-Sep Brief
1000-1130
15 Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
16
17 18
10 Steps to a
Federal Job
0800-1500
19
R3 Brief
0900-1100
20
Civilian
Resume Pt I1
0730 –1130
21
22 Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
23
24 25
Moving Off
Base Brief
0800-1000
26
Smooth
Move
1300-1530
27
28
Pre-Sep Brief
1000-1130
29 Pre-Deployment
Brief
0800 and 1400
30
Information
Are You Deploying Soon?...
Operation Pillowcase Free pillowcase with your favorite photo for deployed
service members and their families. Leave this tangible keepsake with your loved ones or take one with you.
Bring in a photo and choose your favorite color of pillow case (pink, white, blue, green). Ready in about 1 week!
Flat Daddy/Mommy
Free life-size posters of deploying service member to help your children stay connected during your
deployment. Simply come in to the A&FRC to have your picture taken, no appointment necessary. Ready in about
2 weeks.
Page 16
Coming soon! Class time and
date TBD
Transition Assistance
Upcoming Resume Classes 13 Apr 2011 Part I, 20 Apr 2011 Part II 11 May 2011 Part I, 18 May 2011 Part II 15 Jun 2011 Part I, 22 Jun 2011 Part II
Class Times: 0730-1130 Call 247-2246 to make class reservation
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 5
Discovery Center 0700-1600 M, Tu, W, F
0700-1500 Th
The Discovery Center is a multi-media resource center for members and families. Use the internet to check personal e-mail, access internet job banks, acquire local area job information, apply for jobs on-line, find national and international job information. Professional assistance in resume review, cover letter preparation, and local job contacts is available by appointment. Spouse employment assistance is available to help customers in achieving short-term and long–term employment and career goals.
For more information contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246
Employment Forum
Save the Date! Are you a military member retiring or separating? Are you a military spouse looking for employment? Do you have a military ID? The Employment Forum will offer resources and opportunities for you to explore employment in the local Northwest.
8 Apr 2011 6 May 2011 10 Jun 2011
Forum Times: 1300-1500 No sign up is required
Job Search Networking
Every Wednesday 1200-1300 Network with other job seekers, learn from each other, obtain job leads and local area employment sources. Facilitated by employment experts. Registration not necessary.
Transition Assistance
R3 Briefing 5 & 19 Apr 2011
3, 17, & 31 May 2011 14 & 68 Jun 2011
Class Times: 0900-1100 Return/Reunion/Reintegration (R3) briefed at the Base Education Center by the base Chaplains and Mental Health. Briefing is for military and civilian personnel, and family members who have returned from a recent de-ployment or experiencing the reintegration of a service member. Service members required to attend 30-60 days after return date to help with a smooth transition to home and work life.
Call A&FRC at 247-2246 to register
Page 6
Pre-Separation Counseling 14 & 28 Apr 2011 12 & 26 May 2011
2, 16 & 30 Jun 2011 Class Times: 1000-1130
Excellent information and resources to make the decision critical to the next state of life—employment, veterans’ benefits, health care, financial, DD 214 and much more. Military personnel are required to attend at least 90 days prior to separation or retirement; spouse is encouraged to attend.
Call A&FRC at 247-2246 to register.
Upcoming Events
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 15
HOME-BASED CAREER & TELEWORK
JOB DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM™
27 April, 2011, 0900 – 1600 At Fairchild Air Force Base
Education Center
Learn how and where to find legitimate home-based work opportunities. This program is ideal for:
Military spouses*
Transitioning personnel
Service disabled veterans Open to all DOD ID card holders
*Non-military spouses of active-duty Air Force members will be given preference to attend this program, which is funded by a
grant from the Air Force Aid Society
Workshop will cover: Self-assessments (are you ready?)
Telework resume tips
Pros and cons of home-based work
How and where to find jobs
Recognizing work-at-home scams
Telework-friendly companies
Registration at the Airman and Family Readiness
Center, or 247-2246
Opens 21 March for non-military spouses of active-duty Air Force
Opens 11 April for all DOD ID card holders Federal endorsement not intended
Upcoming Events
Operation Homefront
16 April 2011, 1400-1700
Free, fun-filled event held for families of deployed
service members who have, will, or are experiencing
the deployment of a loved one. Deployment/
Reintegration support resources available as well as
related programs (Operation Pillowcase/Flat Daddy/
Mommy). Located at the FunSpot.
Volunteer Recognition Event
16 April 2011, 1400-1700
Held in conjuction with Operation Homefront to rec-
ognize all volunteers of Team Fairchild. Located at
the FunSpot.
Page 14
3rd Annual Military Spouse Appreciation
Spa Day
7 May 2011, 1000-1400
For ALL military spouses! Come get pampered! Free
hair cuts, facials, manicures, mini-massages, jewelry
cleaning and much more. Lunch and chocolate and
fruit bar provided.
Located at Balfour Beatty Community Center.
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 7
Parents to Be
Bundles for Babies
17 May 2011, 1400-1600
Are you planning to become a parent? The Airman &
Family Readiness Center would like to invite
“expectant parents” to a fun and educational class
providing information on welcoming a new addition to
your family. Topics discussed include: the
developmental stages, financial planning and the
emotional aspects of having a new baby. Classes are
open to all expectant families and those who have
had a baby within the past three months. All
“Parents to Be” that attend will receive a FREE
bundle of baby goodies.
Please call to reserve
your slot at 247-2246
Operation Stork
Expecting a child? Operation Stork gives away free
layettes to all military members expecting a child.
This program is funded by the Washington State
American Legion Auxiliary and Fairchild OSC.
Layettes must be reserved before expected birth.
Stop by today and sign up.
Contact Family Services at
247-2246
Page 8
Family Services
Interested In Becoming A Volunteer?
Please call or visit Family Services, in the Airman & Family Readiness Center, for more information about
becoming a volunteer. Free child care may be available. Contact Pam Martin at 247-2246.
Volunteers make a difference!
FAMILY SERVICES LOAN CLOSET Family Services will provide for your PCSing needs. We have many household and baby items you may need while you wait for your household goods or if you have recently shipped your household goods.
Loan Closet is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Call 247-2246 for more information
Page 8
Airman’s Attic The Airman’s Attic provides gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys, and other household items free to any valid ID card holder E-5 and below (Active Duty, Retired, Reserves), Monday-Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm. On Thursdays all military ranks and civilians may use the Airman’s Attic. Stop by and take advantage of this great resource. We accept donations Monday-Friday during our regular business hours. Due to limited space, any large items such as furniture can not be accepted at the center but will be posted on ―Share board‖ describing item.
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm Call 247-2246 for more information
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 13
Family Readiness Personal and Family Readiness
Pre-Deployment briefings every Friday at 0800 and 1400
Personal and Family Readiness provides mobility and deployment assistance to members/families to meet pre-deployment, sustainment, and post-deployment challenges. Services and activities help prepare members/families to successfully manage separations and reintegration, increase individual and family morale and unit cohesion, and support operational readiness. Each separation is different, thus the importance of providing sustained support. Numerous resources are available and provided at this briefing—Spouses highly encouraged to attend! Call 247-2246
Heart Link
10 Jun 2011 0900-1500
Heart Link is a beneficial program that strives to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness. In this orientation class, spouses will learn about the Air Force mission, military customs, traditions and protocol, as well as support resources and services available to them. This is a wonderful way to meet other Air Force spouses, and learn about military life together.
Advance registration is required
Lunch provided! Child Care Reimbursed
For more information, or to sign up for the next class, please call your
Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246.
Money Matters Aid Societies
Remember the Aid Societies are here to help you with emergency financial needs. The Airman & Family Readiness Center is the resource for all branches of service with access to the Air Force Aid Society, Navy & Marine Corps Emergency Relief, and Army Emergency Relief. Most assistance is provided as interest free loans with repayment set according to member’s budget.
For more information contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246 or visit
the AFAS website at http://www.afas.org
Car Care Because We Care The Car Care Because We Care Program is designed to keep the primary family vehicle of deployed active duty Air Force members in top running condition by providing preventive vehicle maintenance at the base Auto Hobby Center. This FREE maintenance includes oil/filter change, lubrication, and vehicle safety checks. Winterization services are included Nov-Mar.
When an active-duty Air Force member is TDY/deployed/on a remote tour (more than 30 days), the spouse may obtain a voucher from the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Active–duty Air Force only. First Term Airmen whose 1st duty station is FAFB are also eligible for this service, one time, after completion of FTAC and/or a Personal Financial Management appointment at the A&FRC. Obtain a voucher within six months of reporting date to FAFB.
For more information call 247-2246
or visit http://www.af.as.org
Page 12 Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 9
Family Life
Exceptional Family Member Program
The Air Force’s Exceptional Family Member Program
(EFMP) is designed to provide support to military family
members with special needs. The EFMP
Program-Family Support (EFMP-FS) is the community
support function provided by the A&FRC that includes,
but is not limited to on-and off-base information and
referral, parent training, support groups, relocation
assistance, financial management, and school
information. For more information call A&FRC at
247-2246. Several EFMP events are held throughout
the year to increase awareness of this program.
American Red Cross Fairchild AFB
Office hours: Thursday 8-3/ Friday 8-4 or contact Inland Northwest
Chapter at:
315 W. Nora Avenue
Spokane, WA 99205
Tel (509) 326-3330
http://www.spokaneredcross.org/
MFLC
The Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC) program provides FREE non-medical, short term, situational, problem-solving counseling services to address issues that occur across the military lifestyle. It helps service members and their families cope with normal reactions to stressful situations, particularly deployments and reintegration. Phone consultations and evening appointments are available. In-person appointments can be on-base or off-base. Can be in the office at the A&FRC, or any public place, indoors or out. No notes or records are kept.
For appointment or information call (509) 435-1992 or (509) 570-2428 Confidential direct lines.
Money Matters
First-Time Home Buying Basics April 26 1800-2030
Taught by Julie Griffith, Regional Director of Money Management International And Kevin Schindler, VA
Loan Specialists, Global Credit Union Receive free materials, personal advice. Learn the
entire process, from getting preapproved to closing and beyond! Located at the A&FRC.
Dinner Provided
Grocery Shock: Coupon-Free Strategies to Cut Your Grocery Bill
21 Apr and 19 May 1100-1230
Learn how to save money on your grocery bill without
cutting coupons - Save time and money with easy strategies you can adapt to meet your needs.
Attendees will receive free materials and sample healthy, affordable meals. Located at the A&FRC.
Registration is limited - call A&FRC to guarantee your spot.
Page 10
Commissary Tours 19 Apr, 17 May and 21 Jun
At 1830
Make the most of your benefits! Learn insider secrets and strategies to cut your grocery budget without
clipping coupons. Attendees will receive free goodie bags of Commissary products. WIC dietitians will be on
hand to answer your questions. Tours last 30-45 minutes.
Money Matters
Volume 5, Issue 2 Page 11
Financial Classes
Learn how to set financial goals with these informative classes. Learn investment basics, investment options and allocating investment to meet your needs. How to set financial retirement goals and living within your means to achieve financial freedom. Home buying classes are also offered to explain the rules and regulations associated with buying a home. Car buying is offered for those in the market for a new car. These classes are given on a need basis. Please for more information or to request a group class.
Please call your Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246.
Personal Financial Readiness
Life in the military means constant changes. Take the time to make sure you are ready financially for those changes. If you need assistance, the A&FRC has financial counselors on staff. Topics include everything from creating a spending plan or budget, setting up an emergency fund, enrolling in TSP, reading your credit report, home buying, and much, much more.
Please call 247-2246 to schedule an appointment
Moving Off Base
Are you an airman planning to move off base? If so, you will need to attend the ―Moving Off Base‖ briefing to get approval to make the move.
4 & 25 Apr, 2 & 23 May, 6 & 20 Jun at 0800 13 Apr, 11 May, 1, 15 & 29 Jun at 1400
Call 247-2246 to set-up an appointment