PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- When your spouse is deployed, it is inevitable that your car will break down, your house will spring a leak, and everyone in the household will come down with a rare illness.The good news is there is help, no matter what the situation. And the best place to start is the Airman and Family Readiness Center, located in Bldg. 300 at the 911th Airlift Wing. The 911th AW offers deploymentbriefings, a mandatory briefing for all Airmen deploying. While the briefing is useful for deploying Airmen, it is also geared for spouses. "We always look forward to talking directly with spouses when it comes to deployment issues, as it helps them eyeball the folks they can rely on to help them," said Mr. Terrance Stuart, director of Family Support, 911th Mission Support Group.
"Having spouses, significant others, and family members on hand lets them filter through the issues they are most interested in," he added. As part of the Yellow Ribbon Initiative,a deployment briefing is provided and spouses are introduced to the Military One Source program.
Through Military One Source help is essentially a phone call away. The program provides 24/7 availability for consultation at no cost.
To learn more about this program, go to www.MilitaryOneSource.com.
Another program geared toward spouses is the Pittsburgh Military Family Support Group. It is an opportunity for families and loved ones to network and exchange ideas with other spouses and families. The PMFSG normally meets once a month and focuses on a fun theme. "Our Pittsburgh Military FamilySupport Group is a great informal
organization that offers fellowship for interested spouses all year around and are a great sounding board," said Mr. Stuart. Many of our services are for spouses, such as the spouse employment program, they are always encouraged to get assistance with finances as part of the family team," said Mr. Stuart. With the assistance of sponsors, key spouses, the chaplain, legal, the health and wellness center, family advocacy, education office, base leadership, and other organizations, it is a team effort with AFRC to provide resources and assistance to families who need it the most. Last year, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designatedJuly 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of
the Air Force Family, a year-long focuson Air Force programs highlighting the importance of and commitment to the entire Air Force family. For more information on deployment briefings and the programs offered to spouses, visit the Airman and Family Readiness office or call (412)474-8544.