Family Readiness = Mission Readiness

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean Kelly, Tech. Sgt. Shawn Swanson and Jennifer Aubrey
  • Airman & Family Readiness Center
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  On September 11, 2001, our nation suffered the most horrific terrorist attack ever committed on American soil. On that fateful day, over 3,000 innocent people lost their lives at the hands of extremists determined to disrupt our way of life. As a result of the attacks and in an attempt to prevent others, deployments of servicemembers, including those at Dover Air Force Base, have increased significantly.

When faced with the deployment of a military member, it frequently takes the entire military community to help families get through the difficult period of separation. For many family members, the initial step in asking for assistance is a visit to the Airman and Family Readiness Center, which provides support unique to the Air Force way of life when the member is away on military duty.

One mission of the A&FRC is to assist in family readiness. While defined as 'being completely prepared, in fit condition, or immediately available for action or use,' what does family readiness mean to you?

At the A&FRC, it means helping families help themselves during separations such as deployments and remote tours.

Family readiness is a link between families, formal base support networks and leadership. On occasion, military spouses may be unsure about seeking assistance using a formal base support network. A&FRC professionals are a valuable resource in providing needed information and support to family members.

When Airmen are away and know their loved ones are being taken care of at home, they are better able to concentrate on the mission. We believe that family readiness equals mission readiness.

The A&FRC provides the following resources and workshops that are made available to families of Airmen deployed or on remote tours for the duration of the separation.

Hearts Apart: A family member can make two 15-minute phone calls per week from the privacy of their own home using the Defense Switching Network. The program is not just open to married people. Single members can enroll parents, siblings, children or their significant others in the program.

Phone cards: Airmen deploying for more than 30 days are authorized a $20 phone card provided by the Air Force Aid Society. In addition, members receive a $20 phone card from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Phoenix Spouse Program: Family members who have volunteered to maintain close contact with squadron commanders and first sergeants to keep them informed on how the deployed member's family is doing during the course of the deployment. Currently, there are 45 Phoenix Spouses at Dover AFB who provide that vital link between squadron leadership and families of deployed Airmen.

Car Care Because We Care: An AFAS-sponsored program entitling each family member a free oil change and safety check on their primary vehicle. The intent of the program is to give the active duty member peace of mind that the primary vehicle is in good running condition prior to the deployment.

Give Parents a Break: An AFAS-sponsored program that helps reduce the stresses of parenting. During deployments, spouses can receive a certificate from the A&FRC to participate in the scheduled program at the Child Development Center the second Saturday of every month for four hours of free child care.

Returning Home Child Care: When the military member returns from a 30-day deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, they qualify for 16 hours of free child care through the Family Child Care Extended Duty Program.

The A&FRC is here to assist family members during this difficult time of separation. If you have questions about any of the family readiness programs offered, call Tech. Sgt. Shawn Swanson, A&FRC family readiness NCO-in charge, at 677-6930.