A&FRC offers guidance, support for deploying servicemembers, families Published July 30, 2008 By Meredith March 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AFB, Mass. -- (Editor's note: This is the first of a series of stories on the deployment preparation and support services available on Hanscom for deploying servicemembers and their families.) Servicemembers facing deployment can look to the Airman and Family Readiness Center for guidance and support for themselves and their families. The A&FRC has numerous programs and resources to help servicemembers and their families through the entire deployment process of preparation, separation and reunion. Among the programs offered through the A&FRC are both one-on-one and family pre- and post-deployment briefings, which include resource materials and reunion and reintegration assessments; tools encouraging family communication, such as free, pre-paid phone cards and e-mail access and coordination of video-teleconferencing and financial planning sessions to assist families in getting and keeping their finances in order for the duration of the deployment. Additional support offered through the A&FRC includes: · morale calls using the military phone system · a morale e-mail program, along with free digital camera loans and on-site videotaping sessions, which allow family members to send messages, photos and video e-mails to deployed loved ones · creation and distribution of tactile reminders, such as the Readiness Emergency Sleeping Tool (REST), a pillow case imprinted with a photo of the deployed member; a "Bear Cares" teddy bear; a cloth doll of the deploying member for small children; a recordable picture key chain for the member and "Table Talk," a tablecloth that families make notes on during the separation and use at the reunion meal to transition the parent back to family life. The A&FRC will coordinate with the Air Force Aid Society which sponsors emergency financial assistance; Car Care Because We Care, which provides families with vouchers for a free 14-point vehicle safety check and the Give parents a break program, which offers families of deployed servicemembers free child care once a month for four hours. The center also facilitates the Hearts Apart Group and the Key Spouse program. Hearts Apart sponsors monthly activities and support groups for family members of deployed servicemembers and unit key spouses provide communication and support between commanders, first sergeants and families of deployed servicemembers. These programs and services are not exhaustive, however; service and family members can contact the center for other information and assistance, said Master Sgt. Donald Gonsalves, 66th Mission Support Squadron Family Readiness coordinator. "If anybody has questions or concerns, they can give us a call and ask. If we don't have the answer, we'll try to get them pointed in the right direction. We want to get them the help they need, whether it's a phone number, website or a support group downtown," he said. "We've got staff members who are willing to help in every aspect -- family life matters, financial guidance, relocations and everything else. That's what we do." For more information contact the A&FRC at (781) 377-4222 or go online to http://www.hanscom.af.mil/66abw/afrc/index.asp.