BUNDLES FOR BABIES, A class for expecting parents. Get tips on coping skills, a free layette, and information on how your new addition may impact your finances. To register call 895-1252 - Sponsored by Air Force Aid Society.

DEPLOYED-REMOTE SPOUSES DINNER, Monthly. All spouses and family of deployed services members are invited to attend a dinner at the base Palmetto Chapel. Call 895-1106 or 895-1252 for more information.

DTAP - Disabled Transition Assistance Program, at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. DTAP is a component of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This class is for service members who may be released because of a disability or who believe they have a disability qualifying them for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Programs. If you have been injured at anytime during your career--on or off duty--then attend DTAP. Know your benefits. Call 895-1252.

FIRST DUTY STATION OFFICER BUDGET COURSE, All first duty station officers are invited to attend a budget course specifically designed for the new military officer. This course is mandatory for new officers to the AF and is optional for all others who which to participate. Please call 895-1252 to register.

GIVE PARENTS A BREAK, The Air Force Aid Society provides “Free Child Care,” The purpose of this program is to offer eligible parents a few hours break from the stresses of parenting. A referral certificate is required. Call the AFRC at 895-1252 for more information. Please pre-register at the Child Development Center (CDC) (infants to 6 years old) and Youth Center (ages 6-12).

INTERVIEWING SKILLS at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Mr Craig Cox from the Employment Security Commission will teach you how to interview for a job. Learn need to know skills on how to prepare and present yourself during an interview. Call 895-1252 to sign-up.

Military Child Education- The Military Child Education Liaison serves as a conduit of school information and is the primary point of contact for public and private school matters. Also add the two attachments School Handbook and School Orientation Schedules.

PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, at the Deployment Processing Center is mandatory for individuals departing on extended deployments (30 days or more). This briefing covers family separation preparation, anti-terrorism measures, and sexual assault awareness briefings. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend the briefings.

PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, all transitioning military personnel planning to retire or separate are required to receive pre-separation counseling. Retiring service members are eligible for counseling 24 months prior to leaving active duty. Separating members are eligible for counseling 12 months prior to leaving active duty. Early completion is important to ensure a smooth transition to civilian life. Orders are not required and this briefing does not obligate you to separate/retire from the military. During pre-separation counseling, you’ll be reminded about your current entitlements, and briefed on preparing for civilian employment/life. You will complete a DD Form 2648, Pre-separation Counseling Checklist, which helps you identify your needs and develop a personal transition plan. Call 895-1252 to register.

REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, at the Deployment Processing Center- Mandatory for individuals returning from deployments outside CONUS This briefing includes return and reunion in-processing information and issues, medical screening is conducted. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend the briefings. Call 895-1252 for more information.

RESUME WRITING CLASS at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Mr. Craig Cox from the Employment Security Commission will teach you how to best market yourself with a resume. Learn need to know skills on how to write the most effective resume for today’s competitive job market. Local and national job search information discussed to help in your job search efforts. Call 895-1252 to sign-up.

SPONSORSHIP TRAINING, Sponsorship Training is mandatory for First-Time Airman sponsors or those who have not sponsored anyone within the last year. To register, call Airman and Family Readiness 895-1252.

TAP - Transition Assistance Program 3 Day Seminar -Thinking of becoming a civilian again within the next year? A 3 day seminar to help if you are retiring or separating to plan for life after the military or government service. Open to all members of the military, government civilian employees and spouses. Join in to receive three days of vitally important information as you leave the military environment. A TAP seminar is held monthly at the AFRC. It is designed to provide separating and retiring members, civilian employees and their spouses with the tools necessary to conduct a successful job search as a civilian. Call 895-1252 to register.

Transition Assistance Program
Offers military members the opportunity to learn how to seek gainful employment with the civilian work force. Recommended start date is 1 year prior for separtees, 2 years prior for retirees.www.TurboTAP.org

TROOPS TO TEACHERS - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY- Answer the Call to Teach! South Carolina Needs New Teachers…if you are interested in becoming a teacher or want to explore the options available to you in education sign up now! Spouses interested in becoming teachers or seeking educational opportunities are welcomed. Please call for more information or to register 895-1252/1253.

VETERANS BENEFITS BRIEFING at the Spratt Education Center. Learn about your veterans’ benefits you have earned them for serving in the military. VA representative Dr Timothy Ferguson will present information on Disability, Education, Home Loan, Life Insurance, Health Care and more. Call AFRC at 895-1252 to register.

Military One Source - Your one source for endless military information!!

Military and Family Life Consultant - Need to talk? Non medical counseling and coaching, brief solution focused, no records made or kept, confidential except for "Duty to Warn", marital, couples, family, parent-child assistance. Deployment and reunion issues. Meet off base or on, consulting by phone or face to face. Call 803-840-8265.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS – SCHOOL PHYSICALS Did you know that several schools are going to uniforms for this school year? In District Two, uniforms are mandatory for students attending Furman and Hillcrest Middle Schools. In District 17, students attending Crosswell, Lemira and Wilder Elementary Schools and students attending Bates and Chestnut Oaks Middle School will wear uniforms. Does your child need a school physical to attend school or to play an athletic sport? Forms for both School District Two and School District 17 are available for your convenience. Contact Mr. Kennedy, the Military Child Education Liaison, at (803) 895-1358 for more details.

Volunteer Opportunities at area schools please contact the School Liaison Officer, Mr. Kennedy 895-1358

Air Force Aid Society
Non profit organization offering emergency financial assistance through interest-free loans or grants on case by case basis. Visit the Air Force Aid Society website at www.afas.org or call the AFRC at 895-1252 for assistance.
AIR FORCE AID-Emergency Assistance - Do you have a family or financial emergency? Stop by the AFRC to pick up the AFAS Form 2.
AIR FORCE AID-Education Scholarship - for sons/daughters and spouses of active duty. Additional eligibility information is available.

AIR FORCE COMMUNITY – FAMILY LIFE, www.afcommunity.af.mil This site provides information to Airmen and their families on services by installation Airman and Family Readiness Centers. These centers are the focal point for personal and family readiness, and assist people with adapting to the military lifestyle. This comprehensive site is not intended to replace the wide range of services available at your local center, but should offer some useful tools. A&FRC assist Total Force Airmen, DOD civilians, retirees and their families with a wide range of services.

AIR FORCE MOVE at http://afmove.hq.af.mil/default.asp you can estimate your household shipment weight, access passport/visa information, see your weight allowance table, read moving tips, etc.

Be sure to get your DePLAYment Tags at the AFRC! Just bring us a copy of your spouses orders then log in to http://www.myairforcelife.com to register and get information or win prizes!! Use them throughout the Year of the Air Force Family to receive discounts and benefits at 20th FSS Facilities. Look for the DePLAYment Tag symbol on advertised progams for your special promotions today!

Don't forget your free oil change at the Shaw Auto Hobby Shop! Come to the AFRC for your FREE voucher!

Military One Source - Your one source for endless military information!!

The Spouses Cafe
Every First Thursday of the Month, 10 a.m. - Noon! All Active Duty, Retired, Reservist Spouses are Welcome to Attend our monthly spouse informal gathering for fun, food, festivities and friendship. Children are welcome, but they must remain in your care.

A Night Out (click here for schedule)!
All deployed spouses, remote spouses and single parents invited to attend!! Join us for dinner, support resources, food, fellowship and friendship. If you need a break from your children we can provide childcare vouchers!! Call us at 895-1252 to sign up!

HEART LINK PROGRAM - Feb. 9, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m
This day long workshop offers spouses an opportunity to learn about Shaw Air Force Base, Air Force life, as well as the benefits and services available to service members and their families. Make new friends and have a delicious luncheon. Meet and greet, ask questions and get answers! Learn how to speak in acronyms and find out why the Military Spouse is the really toughest job in the military.

Coming up in February:

02 Feb - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Deployment Processing Center. Mandatory for individuals returning from deployments outside CONUS. This briefing includes return and reunion in-processing information and issues, medical screening is conducted. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend the briefings. Call 895-1252 for more information.

05 Feb - Give Parents a Break, 6:30 -10:10:30p.m.

05 Feb - A Night Out, 7:00 to 10:00p.m.

09 Feb - Heart Link, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

12 Feb - Hearts Apart Valentine Dinner, 6:00 to 8:00p.m.

15 Feb - DEPLOYED-REMOTE SPOUSES DINNER, 6 p.m. at the Carolina Skies Club.

17 Feb - Children & Deployment Discussion Form, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Library.

22 Feb - Military Youth Saves, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Youth Center.

23, 24 Feb - Investment Series, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Free Deployed/Remote Family Dinner Schedule:

15 February 2010
22 March 2010
26 April 2010
24 May 2010
28 June 2010
26 July 2010
23 August 2010
27 September 2010
25 October 2010

Pre-Deployment Day Retreat:

12 March 2010
14 May 2010

Post-Deployment Day Retreat:

12 February 2010
16 April 2010

Become a Key Spouse!
Find your Squadron Key Spouses or call the AFRC and inquire today!!