460th FSS

Volunteer Services

The Airman and Family Readiness Center coordinates requests for volunteers with agencies needing assistance. Both active-duty members and dependents are invited to visit the A&FRC to learn about available volunteer opportunities. In addition to the altruistic benefits of volunteering, volunteers can also:

• Get free on-the-job training & build/maintain skills
• Contribute additional manpower and resources to various agencies missions
• Make new friends

Transition Assistance Program

Members who are separating or retiring from military service are required to participate in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) which includes:

• Pre-Separation (Benefits & Entitlements Pre-Brief)
• Transition Assistance Program – Goals, Plans & Success (TAP GPS) Workshop (Department of Labor & the Veterans Administration)
• Capstone Event appointment (verification of Career Readiness Standards (CRS))

Pre-Separation, 5 day Transition GPS Workshop, VA Benefits Briefing I&II and the Capstone are MANDATORY. Pre-Separation counseling must be completed at least 90 days prior to separation or retirement, and is a prerequisite to attend the mandatory 5 day TAP GPS workshop. Capstones must be completed no earlier than 180 days and no later than 90 days before separation or retirement. It is also important to register on www.ebenefits.va.gov
Additional assistance for Federal employment, resume writing, job searches, interviewing skills, goal setting, etc. is provided in workshops and may be requested via one-on-one appointments. To learn more about the TAP GPS curriculum, visit: www.DoDTAP.mil.

Relocation Assistance Program

The A&FRC helps military members and their families prepare for relocation to a new base, and assists in making the adjustment to life at a new base upon arrival. The Relocation Assistance Program provides:

• Newcomers Orientation – workshop for newly arrived personnel that provides an introduction to installation services, policies, local community information, and mandatory agency briefings. Spouses are encouraged to attend; childcare is not provided.
• Prior to PCS’ing, learn up-to-date information about your new installation & community through the Military Installations websites: www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil and the Plan My Move website: www.militaryonesource.mil
• PCS With Ease Workshop – Get all of your questions answered from A&FRC, Legal, Finance, TMO, and others regarding need to know information to help prepare you for your move.

Personal & Work Life

Personal & Work Life (P&WL) provides prevention, enrichment education and consultation to enhance social competence for couples, individuals and families, building resiliency and to assist with the mobile military lifestyle. Services focus on the development and improvement of interpersonal competencies and social relationships. Our P&WL services compliment those offered by other helping agencies and are offered in individual or group settings. The following programs are available:

• 4 Lenses Workshop is an easy and effective method to learn how to identify and understand personality and temperament preferences. Having this understanding can enhance relationships within one’s personal life and in the workplace.
• Heart Link Spouse Orientation is a great way for new spouses to learn the ins & outs of being a military spouse. This interactive workshop covers topics such as customs & courtesies, common acronyms, base support agencies, etc.
• 10 Great Dates – each date is designed to help you concentrate on a separate skill to build and maintain a successful marriage.
• Bundles for Babies, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, covers financial aspects of bringing up a child. Other agencies are on hand to provide information, as well. Expecting AD parents receive a layette/bundle from their respective Aid Societies upon completion.
• Deployment Readiness Workshops Based on Emotional Intelligence and Four Lenses these workshops help families to prepare for deployments and to maintain strong connections and bonds while apart.
• Key Spouse Program provides consistent communication and support between unit leadership and the family members of the unit.

Personal Financial Readiness

Meeting financial obligations and goals is a common objective of every family. The Personal Financial Readiness Program offers information, education, and personal financial counseling. Information, news articles, and other written materials are available to assist with personal financial management. A&FRC has staff available for one-on-one appointments. We can also provide various financial workshops including:

• Understanding the Blended Retirement System
• Six Steps to Financial Freedom
• DNA of a Credit Report
• Budgeting & Credit Management
• Consumer Protection & Account Maintenance
• Financial Planning for Deployment or Remote Tours
• The Basics of Investing/TSP

A&FRC also provides mandatory financial briefings for First-Term Airmen and First Duty Station Officers, as well as all newcomers E-4 and below. The center has AFCPE Certified Financial Counselors and staff certified as Identity Theft Specialists & Credit Report Reviewers.

Personal & Family Readiness

The Airman & Family Readiness Center provides support for active duty members and their families in all phases of deployment, from pre-deployment to sustainment to reintegration for homecoming. Workshops and resources are available, including:

• Pre-deployment briefings provide information on a host of resources, benefits and entitlements available to deployed members and families.
  Spouses of the Deployed Packages provide information regarding coping with deployment and support programs such as AFAS Car Care program, Give Parents a Break, and Hearts Apart Events.
• Monthly Hearts Apart events provide social networking and resources for spouses and families of deployed members. The events are hosted by the A&FRC & Team Buckley First Sergeants.
• Reintegration resources are always available through the A&FRC’ Discovery Center. Additionally, Reintegration Briefings provide information to ease the adjustment back into work and family life at Buckley AFB.

Information & Referral

The A&FRC’s connects individuals and families with the right resources and provides skills to meet specific work and personal life needs. These skills and resources are provided through workshops, appointments, and self-help materials in the A&FRC Discovery Center. If the A&FRC cannot provide assistance, referrals will be made to programs or agencies that can assist.

Employment

Airman and Family Readiness Center staff is ready to assist service members and their families who are seeking alternate employment opportunities. Through the Employment Assistance Program, individuals will learn to utilize the skills and techniques required for a successful job search. Our services include:

• Resume writing classes
• 1-1 assistance with resumes and CVs
• Referral to on- and off-base employers

Staff is available to assist in identifying skills and interests. Our Discovery Room contains up-to-date computers to assist with job search, resume writing, and filling out federal forms and applications.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Coordinator / School Liaison Officer

The Department of Defense established the Exceptional Family Member Program to recognize and meet the unique needs of military families with special needs dependents. The A&FRC has a dedicated EFMP-Family Support Specialist on staff to help families discover local resources, accessing EFMP sponsored activities, navigating the educational and medical system, accessing information, and ultimately getting your family’s unique needs met. The staff is also available for one-on-one consultation as needed.

The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is the installation’s liaison with the local school districts, including home schools, private schools, charter schools and virtual schools. The SLO is committed to ensuring members and families are well informed about local education policies and schools. This allows families to make informed decisions regarding which school will best fit their children’s needs. The SLO can also assist with navigating various educational issues that may be encountered. Contact the SLO at 720-847-6694.

EFAC

During times of crisis, whether from natural (Katrina) or man-made disasters (9-11), the A&FRC converts to the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC). Normal center operations cease and the A&FRC becomes the focal point for assisting individuals impacted by the event. Partnering agencies such as Mental Health, Legal, Chaplains, American Red Cross, Public Affairs, and Air Force Aid provide one-stop assistance to those impacted by the crisis. In addition to information, advice, financial aid, and counseling and care services, individuals can utilize the EFAC communication center with phone lines and computers to reach loved ones around the world. The EFAC also provides a lifeline of information to the community and victims via the EFAC line 720-847-EFAC (3322).

Casualty Services/Survivor Benefit Plan

The Casualty Office provides education and counseling on benefits offered such as those from the DoD, VA, IRS, Social Security, DHS, and state and local agencies. This office also assists in times of injuries and deaths and is responsible for providing prompt and accurate casualty reporting, notification to surviving families, as well as follow-on assistance for as long as needed. Education is provided regarding Service member’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Virtual Record of Emergency Data (vRED) completion. SGLI provides insurance up to $400,000.00 to designated beneficiaries while the vRED is a vital part of each member’s military personnel file, providing the Sole source contact information for primary next-of-kin, secondary next-of-kin, and other persons to notify in case of an injury, emergency or death. The vRED serves as the official document required by law for designating beneficiaries for Death Gratuity, Unpaid Pay and Allowances and the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition of remains.

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Office also provides education and counseling to retiring service members and their spouses. Prior to retiring, members will receive a thorough briefing on various aspects to consider regarding whether or not to participate in the Survivor Benefits Program (SBP). The briefing is mandatory for the service member and encouraged for spouses.