New info line offered for all military ID card holders Published Dec. 3, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Danielle Grannan 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Beginning Nov. 30, the Airman and Family Readiness Center here will offer an information phone line to all military ID card holders. The new information line, which will complement the existing Military OneSource Web Site, will provide easier access to information for active duty, guard and reserve military members, their family members, retirees and veterans. "This effort will provide a more efficient line of communication between the base and those seeking information and hopefully, clear up some of the confusion about where to go for assistance," said Col. Michael Allshouse, 55th Mission Support Group commander. "Callers can be assured that they will be helped in a timely manner." The AFRC is the cornerstone of the Offutt family support system, helping the military family achieve readiness and enhance their quality of life. All services are free. This service is expected to provide a "one-stop shopping" experience for those with questions or seeking information about various offices and services available on the base. Some of the most frequently asked questions are often bounced from one office to another if the caller is not sure who would be best equipped to provide the information. "I think the biggest impact of this information line is that currently there is no single Offutt AFB point of contact to get information," said Barry Wilkinson, a community readiness consultant at the AFRC. "Thus, people calling Offutt feel they are getting the run around too many times. We hope to eliminate that by providing a one stop information and referral call center for all persons needing assistance and information." It should be noted that this information line is not to be used for emergencies or medical crises. Examples of the type of information available through this effort are locations and instructions for getting a military identification card, how to contact deployed family members, sources for financial help and information about medical services. Beginning Nov. 30, the Airman and Family Readiness information line can be reached at (402) 630-4397 and will be in operation from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other services offered by the AFRC include newcomer's briefings, classes on growing your money, home and car buying, new parent support programs, resume workshops and pre- and post-deployment briefings for military members and their families. For more information about these or other programs, visit www.offuttafrc.com.