A&FRC revamp newcomers welcome Published May 3, 2018 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Airman and Family Readiness Center officials here will introduce a revamped employee orientation program for newly hired personnel at the Community Support Center May 21 and 22. On May 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., new Hanscom employees will attend an Installation Mission and Management Brief, previously known as Installation Commander’s Welcome, that is mandatory for Air Force military and civilian personnel who work on the installation. “Because there are so many mandated, Air Force Instruction-driven briefings new employees are required to attend, the former Installation Commander’s Welcome was not entirely inclusive for family members and sister services’ personnel,” said Brandi Ruiz, A&FRC director. Therefore, A&FRC officials created a separate event for all newcomers to the installation, including family members and sister services’ personnel, about the on- and off-base community. “During the Hanscom Welcome and Information Fair, happening May 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., all members of the Hanscom community will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from a variety of base service-type organizations,” said Christina D’Amico, A&FRC community readiness consultant. “Attendees can also learn more about living and working in New England.” D’Amico added that the format of the fair would be informal for people to come and go freely. In addition, while part of a newcomer orientation, others interested in learning more may attend as well. “We wanted to create a program that was truly open to everyone that lives, works and plays at Hanscom Air Force Base,” she said. "It's important to remember that spouses, as well as any Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard members and their families, have a strong presence here and we want to make sure they are welcomed, aware and informed." The Installation Mission and Management Brief will take place once a month on Mondays. The Hanscom Welcome and Information Fair will occur the next day in a two-hour format. Future offerings include June 25 and 26, July 30 and 31 and Aug. 20 and 21. A&FRC officials noted that while the Installation Mission and Management Brief is mandatory for newly arrived Air Force military and civilian personnel, spouses and personnel from other military branches working or living on Hanscom may also attend. Attendees will hear from base safety, emergency management personnel, federal voting representatives, the housing office, inspector general, sexual assault response coordinator and others. Military and civilian personnel at their first duty station will also receive an equal opportunity briefing. Newly-minted company grade officers will receive a mandatory financial management briefing. In addition to this welcome program, D’Amico highlighted that the A&FRC has many other workshops available for eligible personnel new to the area, such as the T and City Orientation offered on May 11. The A&FRC offers a variety of services and programs for single and married active duty military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, retired military personnel and family members. Programs are free of charge and held on base. To learn more about these opportunities, visit https://www.hanscomfss.com/airman-family-readiness-1 or call 781-225-2765.