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First AFRC opens doors in AOR

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing is now home to the first Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility. The center opened its doors and added family members to those they serve following the ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 29, 2012.

Daniel Ginsberg, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, along with Air Force Central and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing leadership were on hand for the ceremony.

With more families joining service members assigned here, there is now a greater need of extended services to support those families. The revamped center now provides many of the same programs offered at stateside installations.

"We are opening up new services to accommodate the families as they (permanent change of station) here," said Teresa Carrillo, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron AFRC team lead. "It's important they know we are here to support them any way possible throughout their transition."

With any new undertaking, challenges and obstacles are bound to arise. Brig. Gen. Roger Watkins, 379th AEW commander, is ready to meet those challenges head on.

"In every challenge, there is an opportunity," said Watkins, who's wife will be joining him after he extended his tour another year. "We've now got a fantastic opportunity to take care of the most important people in our lives - our families. I look forward to going through this challenge with each and every one of you."

A few of the military spouses were on hand to participate in the ceremony and were recognized for their willingness to be the pioneer families for this first of its kind program.

"This is a great opportunity and now a wonderful amenity to have," said Jeanette Wicks, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Rory Wicks, 379th AEW command chief. "This truly shows the commitment the Air Force has to providing the best opportunities available to support the Airmen and their families."

Watkins and Carrillo cut the red ribbon while Chief Wicks unveiled the new sign on the building.