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Programs available to families, Airmen affected by deployments

Master Sgt. Rey Ordonio, 92nd Maintenance Squadron assistant flight chief, reads a book to Blake Juarez at the Airman and Family Readiness Center on November 25, 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The Airman Family Readiness center offers United Through Reading which allows members who are deploying to have a recording made of them reading books. This resource is one of many offered at the A&FRC for families during deployments. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski)

Programs available to families, Airmen affected by deployments

Published Nov. 24, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Sometime in their career, perhaps more than once, there is a good chance an Airmen will deploy. While this can be hard for military families, there are resources that help make a deployment easier.

The Airman and Family Readiness center offers several different resources for military families, such as, Hearts Apart Coffee Club, Operation Pillowcase, Flat Mommies and Daddies, and United Through Reading, which is the newest program available.

"United Through Reading allows members who are deploying to have a recording made of them reading books," said Tech. Sgt. Andrea Potts, 92nd Force Support Squadron A&FRC NCO. "The footage is made into a DVD that their families can cherish forever."

The A&FRC also offers special and sustainment programs like free oil changes, a deployed Give Parents A Break Program and returning home childcare. These programs are offered to help Airmen and their families stay connected. The A&FRC is available to help any member and their families affected by deployment.

"We maintain Skype and webcam capabilities," Potts said. "We also offer materials like Write From the Heart letter writing kits, communication books, kid's scrapbooks, all free of charge."

The A&FRC wants families to know they aren't alone when their loved one is away. They are here for families and Airmen to help them deal with very real and unique circumstances they may face.

"Family members are welcome to attend pre-deployment briefings," Potts said. "We can walk them through and introduce them to the A&FRC and what we have to offer."

The A&FRC is here for anyone affected by deployment and can help bring perspective, concerns and insights.

For more information on these programs, contact the A&FRC at (509) 247-2246 or visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fairchildafrc.