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New AFRC annex opens

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center will open a new annex in the Blatchford-Preston Complex Mall Community Activity Center, March 1.

The facility will be available to all service members, coalition forces and their families 24/7. In addition, the facility will be manned by AFRC staff from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

"Having a second location gives people more choices of where to access our services," said Elsa Summers, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron AFRC team lead.

With more facilities being constructed nearby and as a significant portion of the population continues to migrate to the BPC, Summers said, "It is another way for the AFRC to provide outreach to the community that is more convenient for them."

During the hours the annex is manned, the facility will provide financial program advice.

"There is no need for an appointment," Summers said. "We provide financial assessments and Right Decision briefings on alternating Wednesdays between 11 a.m. and noon."

Initially financial classes will be offered, but the AFRC will add diversity to the program based on customer feedback, she added.

With more family members here, the AFRC is striving to be more inviting as well.

"As the first AFRC in the (U.S. Central Command area of responsibility), it was important to provide a family friendly space," Summers said. "The annex is in the community activity center, so older children will have access to the pool tables, ping pong and video games, while the annex will have toys for younger children available."

After the annex opens, the main AFRC facility, located in Memorial Plaza, will change its work hours to 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.