TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center is taking precautions to protect personnel and prevent the spread of COVID-19 while continuing to serve Tinker Air Force Base’s families.
The front desk area, resource center and lobby of the A&FRC are currently closed to customer traffic. The Airman’s Attic is also closed to both shoppers and donations, and the food pantry will operate by appointment only. All in-person classes have also been cancelled at this time.
Although almost all A&FRC personnel have transitioned to working from home, the Center is still taking calls during normal duty hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Staff will be available to answer the main phones and point customers to the appropriate email accounts and phone numbers for teleconference appointments.
Patrons who need Personal Financial Readiness help will be assisted with conducting spend plan reviews, debt reduction, car buying advice and TSP/investing via phone. The Smooth Move Workshops are now online and the A&FRC will email checklists of the Five Essential Departments that servicemembers need to have an understanding of during a PCS. Servicemembers should email a copy of the completed form and they will be signed off in virtual out-processing.
In regard to Tinker Family Orientation, the A&FRC team has built a welcome package that includes information for incoming servicemembers and their families. They are also working on setting up a Zoom conference call for servicemembers.
Members needing Survivor Benefit Plan Briefings will be provided the information via virtual teleconference, Skype, FaceTime or over the phone. Members having video capability will be required to show identification or give a Department of Defense number over the phone for verification purposes.
A program consultant will then walk Airmen through the required steps. Casualty Assistance Representatives will work with the primary next of kin to provide a brief of entitlements and assist them filling out the needed paperwork. Due to new guidance, this brief may have to be done via fax and telephone conference if a member cohabitated with the PNOK and was ill with COVID-19.
The Transition Assistance Program is still required for members separating from the service no matter the reason. Initial Counseling, Pre-separation Counseling and Capstones will be provided via Skype, FaceTime or over the phone. The TAP class itself may be completed via JKO.
Questions for the Exceptional Family Member Program will be answered as needed and the Military Family Life Counselors are still available for virtual counseling.
The A&FRC can still provide emergency funds through the Air Force Aid Society. Depending on the nature of the emergency, checks can be provided at the Center or be sent by mail. Caseworkers will go over the needs of the applicant and decide on which direction to take. These changes will be implemented until further notice. For more information, the A&FRC can be reached at 739-2747.