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Deployed service members supported by single A&FRC

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bahja J. Jones
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Life at home doesn't stop when a service member deploys. More often than not, it adds more stress as they are now geographically separated from on-going situations. The Airman and Family Readiness Center here supports deployed service members at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to help bridge the gap between the area of responsibility and home.

"We are here to support the member so they and focus on their job," said Ms. Brenda Wells, a 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron A&FRC community readiness consultant deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The 379th AEW has the only A&FRC in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's area of responsibility and supports all service members, families, civilians and contractors here from every branch.

Services available through the A&FRC fall under the following categories:
· Personal and Work Life
· Readiness
· Relocation
· Transition Assistance

These services include but are not limited to financial assessment and planning, resume writing, tobacco cessation and even family support programs for service members with dependents.

"I was able to get the information I needed to enroll in a student loan repayment program," said Army Spc. Robert Thornburg, a Task Force Cobra 1-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion communications relay operator deployed from Fort Bliss, Texas. "They also helped me get a better understanding of my credit report and to make a financial plan to keep me on track with my goals."

Due to the high work volume and shift work of many deployed members, the A&FRC offers mobile services to accommodate everyone.

"We are able to take our core services out to the service members who may not have time during their shift to stop by," Wells said. "We can host workshops for groups within a work center or meet with individuals one-on-one."

As the 379th AEW transitions from an expeditionary mission to enduring, they offer nearly all of the services that are available stateside to deployed service members here.

"People are here anywhere from a few months to two years," said Capt. Natasha Porcher, the 379th EFSS A&FRC flight commander deployed from Fort George G. Meade, Md. "It's important that we offer services in support of personal and professional growth and development."

Even if someone is just looking to use a morale computer to surf the web or wants to make a call back home, the A&FRC is here to help.

"We hope members see the A&FRC as an open environment to ask questions, receive assistance and genuine care," Wells said.

To attend a class or schedule a meeting with an A&FRC representative, call 437-7080.