CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Recently, the secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff published our Air Force's mission statement and priorities. One of the five broad priorities communicated was "Develop and care for Airmen and their Families." Charleston's leadership team has been razor focused on ensuring this priority is at the forefront of everything we do.
Your 437th Force Support Squadron is a key enabler in providing programs and opportunities to help fulfill this opportunity every day. The 437 FSS has more than 440 proud professional military, civilians and contractors who strive daily to ensure we are doing everything we can to develop and care for our Charleston Airmen and their families. The focus of my writing is to communicate to you what your 437 FSS can provide ... specifically, for the spouses and family members of our deployed Airmen.
Charleston AFB is presently in one of its major deployment phases where hundreds of our Airmen are separated from their spouses and families in all the far reaches of the world. The entire wing is particularly focused on taking care of a critical part of our team and community, the spouses and families of our deployed warriors. Communicating to the spouses of our deployed Airmen is critical to mission survivability and takes place through many channels, to include one of Air Mobility Command's most robust and dedicated Phoenix Spouse program and also through our squadron's leadership teams.
The 437 FSS is also responsible for helping spread the word on the programs and activities that our Charleston AFB community has to offer. I could not resist this opportunity to let you know what we have to offer and look forward to providing! We can't advertise and spread the word enough, especially since our families and spouses are spread all across the greater Charleston community.
Our Airmen and Family Readiness Center, led by Ms. Linda Caldwell, offers our deployed spouses and family members numerous opportunities to get assistance and opportunities to have some fun. Here are some of the programs offered by the A&FRC.
The Heartlink spouse orientation is a great program for new military spouses. The orientation focuses on learning the Air Force culture, traditions, military language, benefits, services and the missions of Charleston AFB and Air Force.
The Give Parents a Break program is also another great program offered because most parents could use a break from the stresses of parenthood. The child development center and youth programs come to the rescue with that much deserved break and "down time." Both centers will be open for the Give Parents a Break program and offer free child care. This is a referral program and it is open to everyone. However, families must obtain a referral from one of the following before using the program: chaplain, squadron commander, first sergeant, physician or other medical professional, or a member of the child development or youth programs staff. There is one happening Oct. 10, and the remaining 2008 dates for the program are Nov. 8 and Dec. 6.
There is also the "Car Care Because We Care," program which is offered to spouses of deployed military members who are having car problems. Working with the A&RFC, we can use the base auto service center to assist and cover certain repairs.
These are just a few of the programs we offer to assist the spouses and families of our deployed Airmen; help us spread the word.
The 437 FSS wants to thank you for all the sacrifices you make every day and we look forward to serving you. If you want more information, our A&FRC offers a periodic newsletter on upcoming events and activities. Call them at 963-4406 to pass on your mailing or e-mail addresses.
Your 437 FSS serves the best customers in the world -- our Airmen, families, civilians and retirees -- we look forward to hearing from you.