AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --
When a deployment comes or life
happens, who are you going to call? The Airman and Family Readiness Center, of
course.
Airmen may rely on family members,
friends and coworkers for support during life changes. However, they also have
the option to receive assistance from the A&FRC to help balance their
personal and professional lives while meeting mission demands.
“The Airman and Family Readiness
Center is the first stop an Airman should make,” said Deanna Dlugiewicz, 31st
Force Support Squadron A&FRC director. “Our mission is about readiness
whether it be transitioning, relocating or financial help.”
The A&FRC’s resources are available
to active duty service members, families, Department of Defense civilians,
contractors and retirees. The 13-member staff provides free deployment support and
offers information on everything from finance to casualty assistance.
“We consult the commanders and first
sergeants to determine what level of readiness is needed at this base,” Dlugiewicz
explained. “Our goal is to act as an extension between leadership and our
customers. We’re here to help our customers think about how to get themselves
and their families prepared for whatever life throws at them.”
Members do not have to visit the
A&FRC to utilize their services. Airman and Family Readiness Center staff
members visit units upon request to meet the readiness needs of service members.
Team Aviano can take advantage of the
following services:
- Personal and Family Readiness: Provides training and support
services for customers and their families to help prepare personal readiness
before, during and after extended temporary duty assignments and deployments.
- Relocation Assistance: Offers assistance with all aspects of permanent
change of station to and from Aviano AB.
- Transition Assistance: Assists members within 12 months of
separation and 24 months of retirement with skills and knowledge needed for
reentry to the civilian work force.
- Personal Financial Management: Provides educational and counseling
programs for personal financial readiness, including indebtedness, money
management, credit and financial planning.
- Volunteer Resources: Offers resources for volunteer recruitment,
placement and training.
-Exceptional Family Member Program: The EFMP works with other
agencies to provide community support, housing, educational, medical, personnel
services, systems navigation and respite care services, for families with
special needs.
These programs are only a fraction
of what the A&FRC provides Team Aviano. Dlugiewicz encourages everyone to visit
them at least once to learn more about what they have to offer to base wyverns.
“A lot of times, after the fact, people
say they wish they knew about us,” said Dlugiewicz. “You don’t know what you
don’t know, so at least walk through the door and see what programs we have. If
we can’t help you, we will refer you to the right place. We’re here to help.”
The A&FRC is open Monday
through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to schedule
an appointment, call 632-5407.