92 FSS/FSFR 03/12 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 509-570-2428 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) AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS 4 W Castle St, Fairchild AFB WA 99011 (509) 247-2246 DSN 657-2246 From our house to yours Quarterly Newsletter 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: 28 May 2012 The Family Services Loan Closet and Airman s Attic hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm Apr/Jun 2012 Volume 6, Issue 2 Inside this issue Relocation Assistance Transition Assistance 2-3 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 Scan It!
Relocation Assistance 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! June 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Online training: http://apps.mhf.dod.mil/esat Right Start Dates: 13 Apr 2012, 11 May 2012, 8 Jun 2012 3 4 Base ing 5 6 Base ing 1400-1530 7 8 Right Start 0730-1230 Heart Link 0900-1500 9 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 0730-1200. Spouses highly encouraged to attend. Call 247-2246 to register 10 11 12 Civilian Resume 0730-1130 R3 17 18 Base ing 13 TSP and Investments 1130-1230 Base ing 19 20 10 Steps to a Federal Job 0800-1500 14 Pre-Sep 15 21 22 16 23 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 24 25 26 Smooth Move 1300-1530 R3 27 Base ing 28 Pre-Sep 29 30 Page 2 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 19
May 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 7 Base ing 1 8 R3 13 14 15 Civilian Resume 0730-1130 Bundles Babies 1400-1600 R3 20 21 Base ing RC Closed 27 28 A&FRC Closed 22 Smooth Move 1300-1530rief 29 R3 2 Base ing 1400-1600 9 16 Employ Forum 1300-1500 23 I10 Steps to a Federal Job 0800-1500 First Time Home Buying Seminar 1800-2030 30 Base ing 1400-1600 3 4 10 17 Pre-Sep 11 12 Right Start 0730-1230 18 24 25 31 Pre-Sep 5 Military Spouses Day 1000-1400 19 26 Relocation Assistance Smooth Move Dates: 24 Apr 2012, 22 May 2012, 26 Jun 2012 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, TMO, SLO, 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. Page 18 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 3
Transition Assistance 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. Upcoming Classes 3-6 Apr 2012 8-11 May 2012 5-8 Jun 2012 Class Times: Civilian Attire Preferred April 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Base 3 R3 8 9 10 Civilian Resume 0730 1130 4 11 Protecting Children 1200-1300 Base ing 1400-1600 5 12 Pre-Sep 6 0730-1200 13 Right Start 0730-1230 Reconnections 1130 1300 7 Event Fun Spot 1200-1500 Month of Military Child 14 Helpful Transition Websites http://www.va.gov http://www.usajobs.com http://www.militaryonesource.com http://www.dol.gov https://turbotap.org http://vba.va.gov http://www.transitionassistanceprogram.com Upcoming 10 Steps To A Federal Job Classes 18 Apr 2012 23 May 2012 20 Jun 2012 Class Times: 0800-1500 Spouses Encouraged To Attend 15 16 Base 17 R3 22 23 24 Smooth Move 1300-1530 29 30 18 10 Steps to a Federal Job 0800-1500 25 Home-Based Career Program 0900-1600 19 20 Car Buying Basics 1130 1230 26 Pre-Sep 27 Reconnections 1130 1300 Caring For People Forum 0830-1630 21 28 Page 4 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 17
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 you picture taken, no appointment necessary. Ready in about 2 weeks. Page 16 April is Month of the Military Child Join us at the Fun Spot April 7 2012 1300-1500 Following the Easter Egg Hunt come to the Fun Spot for free food and excitement. Deployment related material available for your loved ones. Spouse Appreciation Day 5 May 2012, 1000-1400 Free Lunch. Pampering for all military spouses Transition Assistance 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. 16 May 2012 Forum Times: 1300-1500 No sign up is required Upcoming Resume Classes 10 Apr 2012 15 May 2012 12 Jun 2012 Class Times: 0730-1130 Call 247-2246 to make class reservation 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 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 5
Transition Assistance Heart Link 8 Jun 2012 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. Page 6 Pre-Separation Counseling 12 & 26 Apr 2012 17 & 31 May 2012 14 & 28 Jun 2011 Class Times: 1000-1200 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. 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. Employment Discovery Resource Center 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 Job Search Networking Group Every Wednesdays, 12:00 1:00 Resume Reviews At A&FRC Discovery Resource Center Home-Based Career & Telework Job Development Program 25 Apr 2012 Time: 0900-1600 Open to spouses of active-duty Air Force personnel Learn how and where to find legitimate home-based work opportunities. The first 50 spouses to register will receive a Free book for the class. will cover self-assessments, pros and cons of home-based work, recognizing work-at-home scams, telework-friendly companies, and more. Register with the A&FRC at 247-2246 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 15
Upcoming Events Caring For People Summit 27 Apr 2012 Who: Any Adult with base access What: Caring for People Summit a forum to identify and prioritize issues that affect Team Fairchild members and families When: Friday, Apr 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Why: Be part of the solution! Voice your concerns and suggestions on Air Force policy and/or support services Parents to Be Bundles for Babies 15 May 2012, 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 Where: Base Chapel Lunch provided! Must RSVP: Airman & Family Readiness Center POC Ms Melissa Still at 247-2246 or melissa.still@us.af.mil 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 14 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 7
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. 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 Loan Closet is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm Call 247-2246 for more information Family Readiness Personal and Family Readiness briefings every Friday at Personal and Family Readiness provides mobility and deployment assistance to members/families to meet predeployment, 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 Reunion/Reintegration R3 ing 3, 17 Apr 2012 1, 15, 29 May 2012 12, 26 Jun 2012 Class Times: Return/Reunion/Reintegration (R3) briefed at the Base Education Center by the base Chaplains and Mental Health. ing is for military and civilian personnel, and family members who have returned from a recent deployment 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 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 13
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 Family Life Soup with the SLO First Wednesday of the Month 1200-1300 Join the School Liaison Officer (SLO) for an opportunity for parents of school age children to have soup and discuss issues concerning them. Bring your own sack lunch. For more information or to talk with the SLO. Please call 247-2246. 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 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. Page 12 Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 9
Money Matters The Path To Home Owning 23 May 2012, 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! Please call your Airman & Family Readiness Center at 247-2246. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) 13 Jun 2012, 1130-1230 Need information on the Thrift Savings Plan? The purpose of the TSP is to provide retirement income. It offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer with 401(K) plans. It is always a good time to start saving for retirement. The A&FRC would be glad to give you information on this government savings program and what makes up the TSP program. Call 247-2246 for more info or an appointment. Page 10 Car Buying Seminar 20 Apr 2012, 1130-1230 Not sure where to start? Get the essential information you need to choose, buy, finance, and maintain your new vehicle. Determine how much you can afford to spend. Learn some of the tricks needed to work with car dealerships. Money Matters Base Are you an airman planning to move off base? If so, you will need to attend the Base briefing to get approval to make the move. 2, 11, 16, 25 Apr 2012 /2, 7, 14, 21, 30 May 2012 / 4, 13, 18, 27 Jun 2012 Call 247-2246 to set-up an appointment 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. Budget Appointments M-F 0800-1500 Learn strategies to meet your financial goals. Life in the military means constant change. Work with a financial counselor to establish a financial goals to save and meet your budget needs. Please call 247-2246 to schedule an appointment Volume 6, Issue 2 Page 11