Helping agencies available to Airmen affected by force management

Published Jan. 24, 2014
By Kimberly Woodruff
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Air Force is cutting 25,000 from its forces in a necessary move to curb spending (see story). Airmen who are seperating from the Air Force have several options for assistance during their transition.

Military Personnel Section
Gathering information and talking with the professionals is a great idea. Personnel needing help going over the records or needing to make changes should stop by MPS in Bldg. 460, room 204, during business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tech. Sgt. Wendy Frometa reminds everyone that personnel should check their records on the Air Force Portal in Virtual MPF. The Personnel Records Display Application will show the records to include awards and decorations, EPRs and reenlistment eligibility. Airmen up for reenlistment may still reenlist, but that wouldn't stop them from meeting the Quality Force Retention Board if selected, Sergeant Frometa said.

Air Force Recruiting
Airmen who either voluntarily separate or retire, or who are on the list to be released from the Air Force, can sign up to be on active reserve duty. Master Sgt. Craig Cloward, 507th Air Refueling Wing Recruiting Squadron, said there are a lot of reserve jobs available at Tinker AFB. Col. Sadly, MPS chief, said they wanted to pick up as many of the Airmen as possible.

Reservists serve one weekend every month and two weeks a year. Base pay is based on rank and is pro-rated. For two days of work each month, reservists will be paid for four days.

This is a great way to keep up a military career. Airmen can even retire from the reserves. The only difference is that they cannot draw retirement pay until the age of 60. For more questions regarding the Air Force Reserves, call Sergeant Cloward at 739-2980.

Workforce Oklahoma
Workforce Oklahoma is a State run agency with a large database of employers in Oklahoma, and services are free to customer, who can also apply for unemployment there. Veterans' service division has representatives who can help with job search, interview skills, and computer classes. Military spouses can also benefit from Workforce Oklahoma. There are two offices in metro area: Midwest City- 713-1890 and south side Oklahoma City, 89th and Western- 234-5000

Airman and Family Readiness Center
Everyone separating from the Air Force must have a Pre-Separation briefing, a GPS Transition workshop and VA briefing. Airmen affected by Force Management should call 739-2747. Those Airmen will be pushed forward to get into classes sooner. A&FRC is willing to come to squadrons and units to give an on-site pre-separation presentation.

Military OneSource
www.militaryonesource.mil offers help on a variety of issues including depression, stress and anxiety. They also have education and job resources. Military crisis line 1-800-273-8255 press 1 and for immediate help, call 1-800-342-9647.

Tinker Chapel
If you're feeling stressed and just want to talk, call the Chaplain at 734-2111.

Family Advocacy
Family Advocacy has a variety of classes dealing with families and coping skills.
Stress Management Class held in three sessions in the 72nd Medical Group Nightingale Room. Upcoming classes are March 4, 11 and 18; June 3, 10 and 17 and Sept. 9, 16 and 23.

H.A.S Class (Healthy Thinking, Anger, Stress) is held in two sessions in the A&FRC conference room. Upcoming classes are Feb. 6 and 7 and March 6 and 7. For more information, call 582-6604.