Right start: We bring ‘em in Right!

Published Jan. 18, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Briefings, appointments and more briefings ... Anyone who has moved within the military system knows what it's like to sit through the onslaught of new-base information, to yawn through the mandatory Right Start.

Fairchild does it different. Here, you grab-bag the information you want, from colleges and banks to local-area attractions.

Sure, there are still briefings. As Air Force members, families and employees, there will always be information we just gotta have. Knowing how to contact Security Forces can be pretty important, for obvious reasons. Understanding which services the hospital offers is crucial. And laying eyes on the wing commander ... Well, let's face it. No newbie wants to chat with the commander in the BX without knowing he's the commander. Again, for obvious reasons.

Right Start's bulk of information, though, is offered during the breaks which, at an average of 20 minutes each, are noticeably longer and more frequent than the 10-minute-per-hour standard. The reason for such generosity? To allow attendees to peruse informational booths surrounding the Club Fairchild meeting center.

This vendor setup enables almost 50 agencies (from both the base and the local area) to share their wares in the class' four-hour time period. (In fact, the last Right Start, held Friday, let out 30 minutes early.) Some agency representatives give abbreviated briefings, enhanced by face-to-face booth time, and some do all of their talking at their booth.

"It's better organized than it used to be," said Tech. Sgt. Laurel Lenon, Right Start coordinator, who also said the base's successful program has been a work in progress. "We've limited the number of features so it isn't so overwhelming; it's really stream-lined now."

Sergeant Loren added that the "stream-lined" process is not only helpful to active-duty members. Spouses can also easily find the information they need.

"Most of the questions I get from spouses are about continuing education and child care," she said. These questions are answered during the Right Start program, along with any questions about what to do when they're left at home during a deployment.

During his welcome speech, Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, stressed the importance of this deployment information.

"My focus to commanders tells them that I want to make sure our families are taken care of while their loved ones are gone," said Colonel Hanson, adding that as a wing, the 92nd is "very engaged in the Global War on Terrorism, and we take that very seriously."

As in the past, Sergeant Loren received positive feedback on her Right Start setup; many responses compared Fairchild's Right Start favorably with introductory classes at other bases.

"The booths were really helpful," said Airman 1st Class Olivia Perales, 93rd Air Refueling Squadron flight records section. "I liked getting the information packets, and having the schools (represented) here - I'm glad to know what kinds of colleges are in the area."

Civilians at Fairchild are also welcome to attend Right Start briefings, and child care is available with a reservation through your appropriate Commander's Support Staff. Along with a great presentation and plenty of information, Right Start attendees are also treated to free doughnuts and coffee, Pizza from the Fun Spot and door prizes.

Summing it up, Tech. Sgt. Lenon said, "We simply want the first experience at Fairchild to be the best."