JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Deployments are a fact of life for servicemembers and the Joint Base Andrews Airmen and Family Readiness Center is available to assist servicemembers and families with all stages of deployment to including pre-, sustainment, and post-deployment.
The AFRC staff works with individuals, unit leadership, key spouses, and other base agencies to provide advice and assistance with personal and family readiness issues.
"The goal of the AFRC is to provide individual and family services that promote adaptation to military life to strengthen families especially during stressful times such as deployments," said Master Sgt. Erika Perrin, AFRC Readiness NCO. "Two of our mandatory programs for deployed service members are the pre-deployment and reintegration briefings."
Mass Pre-deployment briefings are mandatory for all deploying personnel and are available at the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell bldg. 1443, the first and third Tuesday of the month from 7:45 a.m.to noon.
Deployment 101 is an audience-focused class that is geared towards the needs of first-time deployers, family members, and those individuals who desire more in-depth deployment preparation information. This class is offered the last Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the AFRC.
Mass Reintegration briefings are mandatory for all personnel returning from deployment and are available at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, bldg. 1191, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration is required and returnees must attend within four duty days upon return from deployment. For more information or to register, call the AFRC at 301-981-7087. Individuals should be registered no later than noon of the duty day prior to the briefing. Spouses are encouraged to attend.
The AFRC also offers services to assist and sustain family members of deployed service members.
The 'Hearts Apart Program' provides deployment assistance for families of deployed service members and is designed to keep family members connected," said Sergeant Perrin.
A few of the services that families can take advantage of in "The Hearts Apart Program" to keep families networked are: morale call, Hearts Apart Support Groups and events, and the Key Spouse Program.
Registered family members are authorized one 15 minute "free" morale phone call per week to their deployed loved one throughout the length of the deployment. Registration for morale calls can be done at the Pre-Deployment briefing or afterwards by registering with the AFRC.
Another service to keep deployed service members and families connected is the Hearts Apart Support Group. The Hearts Apart Support Group is an informal support group for the purpose of networking and gathering resources to assist the deployed member's loved ones in dealing with the stresses brought on by deployment. Currently, the support group meets the second Friday of each month at the AFRC from 4 to 6 p.m. Information, refreshments, and activities for children are provided.
"Hearts Apart" also offers activities throughout the year for families. Events such as summer barbecues and a December Holiday Dinner are offered "free" of charge to deployed family members.
"These events are held to allow family members to socialize and network with others with similar circumstances, get connected with available resources, and have some fun," said Sergeant Perrin. "Typically, these events offer a relaxed atmosphere, food, and activities for all to enjoy."
In addition, the AFRC's Key Spouse Program is available to ensure outreach, support and information is available to all spouses through unit volunteer key spouses. Key spouses work closely with First Sergeants and Commanders to ensure the needs of unit personnel and their family members are being met, particularly during deployment. They offer activities to create phone trees, e-mail groups, social and informational events to keep families connected.
For more information, on how to register for programs or other services offered by the AFRC, call 301-981-7087 or stop by 1191 Menoher Drive.