Exclusive services for Airmen and families under-utilized at Tinker Published Aug. 27, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Being in the military has its benefits. And some of them are offered exclusively to military members and their families. But, oftentimes, benefits are overlooked even though they are free or significantly discounted. Tinker's Airman and Family Readiness Center and the chapel both offer several services specifically designed for Airmen and their dependents. "Don't shortchange yourself," said Master Sgt. Gary Smith, superintendent at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "All of the services we provide across the base are available for people to use, but unfortunately some people are too proud to seek out help agencies." The A&FRC services are organized into one of four categories -- relocation, transition, readiness and financial management. Services include seminars, counseling, workshops and loan programs. Additionally, the center offers a military and family life consultant who will meet and converse with an Airman or dependents anonymously. An MFLC rotates from one installation to another, every 45 days. During a stay at Tinker, a consultant will meet an individual on or off-base. During their meeting, a consultant will converse or listen to an individual's worries. "That's been a huge thing here because it's anonymous and there's no documentation," Sergeant Smith said. "The feedback we've gotten has been huge. It's good to know people are using this service." The consultant and other A&FRC programs are offered at no cost to Airman and their families. "Everything that we offer over here is free," the sergeant said. Sergeant Smith said if these programs were to be offered outside of Tinker, they could cost Airman and their families' big bucks. A company's relocation assistance package for instance cost up to $100. Or, a company resume-writing class could cost $200 or $300. The Tinker chapel offers Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islamic and ecumenical programs including worship services, youth ministries and choir. The chapel also works to connect persons of other faith backgrounds with resources and opportunities to help them practice their faith. Furthermore, the chapel also offers "100-percent privileged communication," said Chaplain (Capt.) Mark Juchter. "You can come here for counseling or just a listening ear and know what is said in that setting will go nowhere," said Chaplain Juchter (pronounced Yook-ter). "We're the only agency within the Air Force where that is guaranteed 100-percent." The chapel also hosts Latte Lounge, a coffee bar, in Bldg. 5913 or Loop Hall. In addition to free beverages, the lounge has digital video games, a pool table, high-definition televisions and a wireless Internet access. The Latte Lounge is open Fridays and Saturdays. "It's a place to relax and for fellowship," said Chaplain (Capt.) Scott Nupson. "It's a place to hang out in a safe, positive environment." Chaplain Juchter said if Airmen were to go to a name-brand coffeehouse instead of the Latte Lounge, they could pay roughly $5 for a drink. "I think sometimes people have a misconception of what the chapel offers," said Staff Sgt. Adam Swift, chaplain assistant, "but when they come, they are pleasantly surprised." For more information, call the A&FRC at 739-2747. Or, call the chapel at 734-2111. This is the second in a three part series on Airmen's benefits.