A&FRC focused on meeting needs of all

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Airman and Family Readiness Center here offers a variety of services and programs for single and married military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, retired service members and their families.

The center also assists senior leaders with developing and executing policies and programs that enhance community readiness, resiliency and quality of life for those in the military community.

“The Hanscom Airman and Family Readiness Center is the bedrock of the installation’s family support system,” said Brandi Ruiz, the A&FRC’s new director. “From the Air Force Aid Society to key spouse volunteer program, the center offers services and programs via classes and groups to units and individuals on a wide variety of topics.”

Ruiz, the spouse of a retired chief master sergeant and hired earlier this month, understands the needs of the military community. She is also familiar with the Hanscom community, having lived here with her husband from 2007 to 2011.

“We’ve been blessed to have multiple assignments and moves and can relate to what people are dealing with when they face transition, deployments or are having a hard time finding a job,” she said. “Thirty years, four kids, eight assignments, 11 or 12 deployments, countless extended TDYs – I get it.”

Ruiz points out that while their name may imply they support only Airmen, she encourages civilians and service members of all branches, as well as their families, to see what programs are available.

“If you have access to us, we’re going to help you,” she said. “We collaborate with sister services to provide information and education on so many aspects of military family life and personal growth.”

She highlighted some of those areas.

Deployment Readiness

Hanscom’s readiness NCO, a special duty assignment, provides family services during all phases of deployment and extended TDYs.

“Tech. Sgt. Sean Germain is the principle military advisor to me and our staff on matters regarding readiness, resilience and deployment for the Total Force and their families,” Ruiz said. “He also works with other IDS [Integrated Delivery System] agencies and our staff to develop redeployment and reintegration materials.”

Exceptional Family Member Program and School Liaison Program

This EFMP program is for active duty service members who have family members with special needs. The program is available throughout all branches of the military.

The school liaison officer is the point of contact for school-related matters between commanders, military families and local school systems.

“Laurel Wironen, who manages both programs, ensures that families have a smooth transition,” Ruiz said. “Whether it’s helping to handle registration, getting the most current information about schools, advising parents about which documents are required or other issues surrounding students’ placement or adjustment in a new school, she can assist.”

Employment and Transition Assistance Program

This program provides tools and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for after- military service.

“Dan Mazzuca manages the transition assistance program and other congressionally-mandated programs that help service members understand how to prepare to be a civilian, whether separating or retiring,” Ruiz said.

Among the programs managed through the Employment and Transition Program are preseparation counseling, job fairs and workshops on resume writing for civilian or federal employment.

Personal Financial Readiness Program

The Personal Financial Readiness Program offers information, education and personal financial counseling to help individuals and families maintain financial readiness.

“Kathy Vaillancourt provides services that are designed to address money management issues throughout an individual’s employment lifecycle,” Ruiz said.

Relocation Assistance Program

The Airman and Family Readiness Center also provides relocation information, education and skills development to military and civilian personnel.

“Whether personnel are inbound to Hanscom or have orders to a new assignment, Julie Frederick-Horner provides up-to-date base and community information to help manage the mobile military lifecycle for all personnel,” Ruiz said.

Personal and Family Work Life Program

This program provides activities that are educational and offered in group or individual settings.

“This program, run by Christina D’Amico, is designed to enrich and improve the quality of individual and family life by providing the knowledge and skills needed for effective living,” Ruiz said.

The services provided by this program include the Key Spouse Program, Bundle for Babies and Heart Link.

Casualty Assistance and Survivor Benefit Plan

“If there’s a death or a member who is seriously ill or injured, Rachael Desharnais ensures that Air Force Personnel Center and local leadership is briefed and fully aware of what’s happening,” Ruiz said. “Further, she coordinates any benefits that are available to the member or surviving family members.”

All A&FRC programs are free and held on base at the Community Support Center in Building 1240.

“I am passionate about the programs we run and the people who manage them,” she said. “There is something here for everyone.”

For information about the many services and support Hanscom's Airman and Family Readiness Center provides, call 781-225-2765 or visit www.hanscomservices.com/AirmanAndFamilyReadinessCenter.asp.