A&FRC programs assist deployed servicemembers, families

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Community support can benefit even families that have diligently prepared for duty-related separations. The Airman and Family Readiness Center's pre-deployment briefings, which spouses are encouraged to attend, detail the center's wide spectrum of support programs available to families with members who are deployed or are on extended TDY.

One of these programs is the Key Spouse program, which offers leadership and unit support to the deployed servicemember's spouse through communication with the unit's key spouse, who provides a direct link to the unit's first sergeant and commander.

If given permission at the pre-deployment briefing, the key spouse will contact the servicemember's spouse to make sure the family is doing well and offer information or assistance if needed, said Hillary Dewitt, A&FRC Work Life consultant. "It's important for the spouses to attend that briefing, if at all possible, in order to receive the readiness information first hand."

"The key spouse is the liaison between the squadron and the spouse, making sure [the spouse is] getting connected with the services they need while their spouse is away," Ms. Dewitt said.

The key spouse can also offer understanding that a friend or relative might not possess.

"Another spouse might be able to relate to their situation. They may have experienced their own spouse deploying, and would have a common bond with the family that a civilian spouse or someone without a similar experience might not understand," Ms. Dewitt said. "She or he would be another person to talk to and relate to."

Ultimately, the Key Spouse program offers the family a support network of individuals who care about them and want to help them throughout the separation from their servicemember, said Master Sergeant Donald Gonsalves, A&FRC Family Readiness coordinator.

"What we want from the key spouse program is to tie the unit itself and those in it to the families left behind, so the families feel that there are people from their spouses' organizations who actually care and who have a direct tie to them. The program provides another set of eyes for coworkers and leadership and personalized support for the spouse and their family," he said.

Attending monthly activities sponsored by the A&FRC's informal support group, Hearts Apart, can also provide comfort for families during separations, Ms. Dewitt said.

"[At the events] we provide dinner and an activity to keep the kids entertained so the spouses can talk," she said. "The kids can form a little support group with other kids whose parents are deployed, and the parents can bond too. It's important for kids to form common bonds with other kids who are going through similar situations. I think the families look forward to the activities."

Additionally, base leaders and key spouses often attend Hearts Apart activities, interacting with and showing their concern and support for the families. Interaction with others in similar circumstances, as well as with base personnel and leadership can help families through separations, Ms. Dewitt said.

"Programs like Key Spouse and Hearts Apart keep families connected with the Hanscom community and leadership while their loved one is deployed," she said.

The A&FRC also coordinates some Air Force Aid Society programs, such as Give Parents a Break and Car Care Because We Care.

Give Parents a Break offers spouses of deployed servicemembers four hours of free childcare per month. Spouses can contact their first sergeant or the A&FRC for a referral certificate. Childcare is offered on the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations should be made two weeks in advance.

"This is a great program because it allows the parents some down time to do something for themselves," Ms. Dewitt said. "I think that's hard for a lot of people to do, but they need a break too -- even if it's just to go to the grocery store or have a few hours to themselves."

Car Care Because We Care offers preventative car care to ensure the family vehicle is in good condition while the military member is away. Vouchers for a free vehicle safety check, including an oil and lubricant change at the Auto Hobby Shop can be obtained at the A&FRC. 

"This program is very helpful, because the Auto Hobby Shop does a thorough safety check on the vehicle, so people can feel safe while they're on the road with their kids," Ms. Dewitt said. "They don't have to worry about being stranded somewhere or having to make costly repairs while their spouse is far away."

For more information on these or any other A&FRC programs call (781) 377-4222. 

(Editor's note: This is the third in a series of stories on deployment preparation and support services available at Hanscom for deploying servicemembers and their families.)