20th Force Support Squadron, Shaw AFB
"Provide, project, and sustain combat ready forces... any challenge, any time, any where."
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Airman and Family Readiness Center Your
comments are important to us! Hours
of Operation: |
The Goal of the Airman and Family Readiness
Center is
to enhance quality of life and increase family
well-being and readiness by providing programs
and services available to all DoD customers and
their families. Please check our Monthly
Calendar or Information
Portal for
exact dates and times of programs or call the
AFRC!
AFRC PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE:
Family
Life Education - Learn life
skills on how to be a better person, better
couple, and better parents. Civilian spouses
can learn benefits of being a military spouse.
We help keep our AF families strong.
Personal
and Family Readiness - Assistance
is available to families before, during and
after a deployment, TDY, or remote tour.
Relocation
Assistance - Visit our loan
closet free for use for those PCSing in or
out. Child Care for PCS - 20 Free hours of
child care is available.
Spouse
Employment and Education Opportunities -
Offers spouses who PCS in with assistance
in streamlining job
search, resume
writing, interview and local
area connection.
Volunteer
Opportunity - Join the volunteer
work force. Volunteer work counts as employment
experience and skills earned can lead to
a great job.
Personal
Financial Management Programs -
All the information you need on Credit
Management, Effective Budgeting, and Investments.
Click
here for the AFRC
Monthly Calendar
Click
here for the AFRC Financial Newsletter
Click
here for the AFRC Monthly Information Portal
Click here for the AFRC School Liason Newsletter
- Monthly Programs
- Special Programs
- Links/Information
- Deployed Spouses
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.
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, festivities and
friendship. Children are welcome,
but they must remain in your care.
The
Aiman's Attic
Building 1402 on Stuart Ave (across the
street from Shaw Lanes and the auto resale
lot and in the same building with the Shaw
Thrift Shop!). Click here for
map. Hours of operation are Tuesday
and Thursday 10a.m. to 12p.m. Eligibility: E5 and below only. Phone:
895-4877s
HEART
LINK PROGRAM (New AF Spouse Orientation)
This day long workshop (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m) 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.
College scholarships offered to military dependants
The Shaw ESC (Enlisted Spouses Club) and Shaw OSC (Officers’ Spouses Club) are offering college scholarships to military spouses and high school seniors who are military dependants. $12,000 was given away in scholarships just last year! Applications can be picked up at the base Education Center, Airmen and Family Readiness Center, or high school counselor's offices. Deadline is March 31. For more information or an electronic copy of the application, please contact Charlotte Teel at charlottalove05@hotmail.com.
Become a volunteer! <-- click here
Parent Skills and Support <--click here
Military Child School Liason Information <--click here
March Event Highlights
01 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. 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.
02 Mar - SPONSORSHIP TRAINING, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Sponsorship Training is mandatory for first-time sponsors or those who have not sponsored anyone within the last year. To register, call Airman and Family Readiness 895-1252.
02 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
03 Mar - BUDGET CLASS, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. This budget class is for families E-4 and below and is designed to increase the awareness and the importance of effective budgeting, credit management, and savings/investing. Please call 895-1252 to attend.
03 Mar – Job Search, 10:30 am to Noon at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Shaw Spouses and Military Members Interested in Local Employment! The Army Air Force Exchange Services, Defense Commissary, and the South Carolina Employment Security Commission (Job Service) Personnel Specialist will be available to answer questions on hiring procedures and provide information on various job vacancies.
04 Mar - PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the DPC
04 Mar - Spouses Café, 10:00a.m.-Noon. Spouse’s Café is a monthly informational gathering for spouses. Come share information food and conversation. Call the Airman & Family Readiness Center 895-1252 for more information
04 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
05 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
05 Mar - DTAP (Disabled Transition Assistance Program), 10:00 a.m. to noon.
05 Mar - Give Parents a Break, 6:30 -10:10:30 p.m. 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).
05 Mar - A Night Out, 7:00 to 10:00p.m. Night out for deployed and remote spouses, information on coping skills, and financial wellness, Military Family life Consultant will be guess speaker.
08 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
09 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
10 Mar – Bundles for Babies, 9:00-11a.m. 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.
11 Mar - PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the DPC
11 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
12 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
12 Mar – Pre-Deployment Day Retreat, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This retreat will assist couples before deployment with coping skills and communication.
15 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
16, 17, 18 Mar - 3 DAY TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) SEMINAR, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
16 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
17 Mar - Children & Deployment Discussion Forum, 10:30 a.m.-Noon at the Library. Children can enjoy story time and crafts while parents talk.
18 Mar - PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the DPC
19 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC
22 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
22 Mar - DEPLOYED-REMOTE SPOUSES DINNER, 6:00 p.m. 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.
23 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC.
23 Mar - RESUME WRITING, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
24 Mar - Troops to Teachers, 10:00-11:30a.m.
25 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
25 Mar - PRE-DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the DPC.
25 Mar - INTERVIEWING SKILLS, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
26 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC.
29 Mar - PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFING, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
30 Mar - REINTEGRATION BRIEFING, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the DPC.
30 Mar – VA Benefits 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Spratt Education Center.
30 Mar - Exceptional Family Member Parent Support Group, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
31 Mar – Small Business Workshop, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
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 - 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:
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:
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:
16 April 2010
Become a Key Spouse!
Find your Squadron Key Spouses or call the AFRC and inquire today!!