ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers a monthly "Welcome to Andrews" orientation for military members and their spouses moving into the area.
The center is offering a new welcome format in order to better reach spouses coming to Andrews Air Force Base.
"This month was the first time the A&FRC organized the 'Welcome to Andrews' orientation which consisted of two days," said Keisha Helm, A&FRC computer resource assistant, and orientation and classes coordinator. "Even though the first day is a mandatory briefing for new military personnel, we highly encourage spouses to attend. We had a fantastic turn out for both days with excellent positive feedback from those in attendance. We also want to extend an invitation to all Airmen and their families to come to the briefing as a welcome to Andrews."
The spouses' briefing covers various services offered on base and serves as a networking opportunity through the center's Heart Link program.
"The goal of Heart Link is to inform and educate military spouses about the resources and services available at Andrews," said Ms. Helm. "Heart Link provides an excellent networking opportunity ensuring our spouses are self-sufficient during times of military members' TDY, deployments, and remote tours."
The welcome orientation also includes a free tour of downtown Washington, D.C. "I am so excited to be working on our upcoming welcome to Andrews orientation that is scheduled for Thursday and Nov. 16," said Ms. Helm. "This will include a bus tour of Andrews and Washington, D.C. and an orientation to the Metro system."
The "Welcome to Andrews" orientation fulfills one of the center's primary goals. "We provide individual and family services that promote retention and adaptation to military life," said Ms. Helm. "Therefore, the A&FRC has a pivotal role in our community by making that transition as smooth and supported as possible."
As a prior Active Duty Army Soldier and a new member to the A&FRC staff, Ms. Helm understands the impact the center and the orientation have on the military community.
"As prior military, I am able to talk on a more personal level because I have experienced the heartache of being separated from loved ones, the fear of deployment, and the expectation and anxiety involved in career transitioning," said Ms. Helm. "The A&FRC has allowed me the opportunity to affirm that change can be beneficial and worthwhile. I am ecstatic to be assisting the A&FRC on programs that will provide a helping hand to military families."
Upcoming classes at the A&FRC include Veteran's Benefit Day today, Salary and Benefits negotiation on Tuesday, getting a job with the Federal Government on Nov. 20, and how to write effective resumes and cover letters on Nov. 29.
For more information on the welcome orientation and upcoming classes, contact Ms. Helm at 301-981-7087.