The best! Tinker’s A&FRC tops in Air Force

Published March 28, 2014
By Kimberly Woodruff
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Tinker's Airman and Family Readiness Center team is simply the best!

The A&FRC was recently named the Best Airman and Family Readiness Center in the Air Force for 2013. The team has also been recognized as the best in Air Force Materiel Command for both 2011 and 2013.

With a mission to support military families, not only those in the Air Force, but all branches, it isn't surprising this team does it so well. Ninety-five percent of the staff is current, former or retired members of the military. There are 20 members on the team and eight part-time volunteers.

"This group is very familiar with the needs of the military family" said A&FRC Director Rickie Smith, who is retired from the Army.

There are 11 core program areas of the A&FRC including transition assistance, relocation assistance, family readiness, emergency financial assistance, personal financial management, career focus, school liaison officer, exceptional family members program representative, casualty assistance representative, survivor benefit plan representative and personal work and life program.

Perhaps one of the most important and immediate services is emergency financial assistance, which provides assistance with rent or mortgage payments, food, utilities, vehicle and travel expenses.

"In 2013 the A&FRC distributed $140,500 in emergency assistance to active duty Air Force personnel, which included $27,000 in grants to families affected by last year's tornadoes," Mr. Smith said. "In addition, another $105,700 in financial assistance was distributed to widows, retirees and other service component personnel."

With force shaping facing Airmen, the Transition Assistance Program has been a priority for A&FRC. In 2013 there were 28 TAP classes and six additional workshops have been added this year. Additionally, the A&FRC staff is going mobile with pre-separation counseling to take the briefing out to squadrons affected by personnel cuts.

"Transition is something everyone faces," said Steve Auld, Transition GPS manager and community readiness consultant. "While in the military, there is security and confidence with the freedom to do a job, but with retirees, this is a major lifestyle change."

Mr. Auld said he does this job because he loves it. "I've had a lot of jobs, but I enjoy the military, the people, the discipline and dedication," he said. "The payoff is simple -- hearing 'thanks, you really helped me,' that's why I do this job."

A&FRC not only serves military members, the center also assists spouses and family members who are looking to enhance their job finding skills. The staff conducts classes and seminars on federal job searches, resumé writing, interviewing and salary negotiations.

Education is also an important element of the program. In 2013 A&FRC helped introduce 65 new spouses to military life through the Heartlink program. Spouses learn all about military acronyms, customs and traditions, valuable resources and, more importantly, they get a chance to make some new friends.

"I love teaching workshops. I enjoy sharing knowledge and seeing a change," said Carolyn Smith, CRC for the 72nd Air Base Wing and the Navy. Ms. Smith has been doing this job since 1996 when she first started with Navy Fleet and Family.

"I enjoy helping people," she said. "It is never the same day because I never know who is going to walk through the door or what type of help they will need."

CRCs are assigned to specific groups or units and they meet with first sergeants or commanders so they can learn the issues or needs of that particular group. They will even take a briefing on the road to get all personnel trained and up to speed.

Personal Financial Management counseling educates people about budgets, checkbook maintenance and debt liquidation. CRC Cathy Rosner said she loves the A&FRC mission with the Airmen and civilian population. "Every day I know I've made a positive difference in someone's life and helped them manage another one of life's stressors," she said.

Patti Black, community readiness specialist, is new to the consultant side, after switching over from providing casualty services. "I'm still learning," she said, "but one thing I can say is, if someone has a question, come to A&FRC because we will know a source that can help."

John Thurmon, 72nd Force Support Squadron director said the Tinker AFRC is the best program he has seen. "They are dedicated to helping all Tinker personnel," he said. "They go above and beyond providing services for Tinker like the holiday basket operation, in which 600 pounds of food and $5,000 in vouchers provided 400 holiday meals to Airmen."

Helping families cope with deployments is another area where the A&FRC excels. For family members left behind while loved ones are deployed, everyday things like auto maintenance, child care or dealing day-to-day can become a burden quickly. The A&FRC provides support to these families by providing free child care so mom or dad can just have a quiet break. The center also offers free morale phone calls to loved ones deployed overseas.

"I am very proud to lead this fine group of professionals who make a positive difference daily in the lives of Team Tinker personnel," Mr. Smith said.

For more information about A&FRC programs, visit the center in Bldg. 6001 or call at 739-2747.