Offutt's support for military families constant

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  President Barack Obama issued a proclamation recently declaring November as Military Family Month. With the declaration the president called on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of servicemembers and the nation.

The proclamation stated that a month is needed to honor the sacrifices of military families, because no one pays a higher price for America's freedom than the members of the nation's military and their families.

With Military Family Month, "we honor the families of our armed forces and thank them for their dedication to our country," the proclamation noted.

Here at Offutt a host of programs are offered year round to support military members and their families.

"Our Air Force families are incredibly important in helping us accomplish our unique and challenging missions," said 55th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois. "The military family provides the support needed for our Airmen to stay focused on the mission, take the fight to the enemy and overcome any obstacle."

"Here at Offutt, we celebrate Military Family Month 12 months a year," the command chief added, "ensuring our people are taken care of is a top priority."

According to the chief, Offutt is completely focused on the needs of the base's servicemembers and their families.

"Team Offutt is committed to taking care of military families every day," Chief Sirois said.

"We do this through programs like Heart Link, that teach military spouses about military life; the Air Force Aid Society, which provides short term financial assistance to Airmen in need; and with events such as dinners for families of deployed service members, where we ensure Offutt's family members understand they are greatly appreciated."

"At Offutt we have a culture of caring for and appreciating our Airmen and their families, 24/7, 365 days a year," Chief Sirois said.

Many of the programs Chief Sirois mentioned are available through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The center offers members of Team Offutt a wide variety of services, including counseling, financial assistance and even classes on how to buy a car or home.

Billie Gaines, the chief of the AFRC for the 55th Force Support Squadron, said Offutt's AFRC works hard to support those who call Offutt home.

All of the programs at the AFRC are in place to support the military family, Ms. Gaines said. "When I refer to families I'm speaking of active-duty Air Force, National Guard, Reserve, Army, Navy, Marines, spouses, eligible family members, retirees and civilians ... the total force."

"One of the unique things about the AFRC across the Air Force is that we touch everyone in some way through the programs we offer in the center," Ms. Gaines said, "from the time families arrive we provide newcomer support services, throughout their stay we provide sustainment services and when they are leaving we provide outgoing support."

For servicemembers and their families assigned to Offutt support doesn't stop with the AFRC. The Offutt community is fortunate to have two child care centers staffed by childcare professionals capable of caring for almost 500 children.

Rosalyn Johnson, chief of the 55th FSS Family Member Program Flight, said Offutt's child care providers give military parents peace of mind.

"The CDC and family childcare program provide quality care and services for children of military and Department of Defense civilians promoting cognitive, physical and emotional growth," Ms. Johnson said. "Daily activities are tailored to meet the individual needs of the children."

For Team Offutt members who may work part-time, full-time, evening hours or odd shifts, family child care providers care for their children, Ms. Johnson added.

Also, 20 hours of free childcare is provided to military parents who are new to Offutt, as well as those who are leaving Offutt. The CDC also offers childcare during special events such as the 55th Wing Birthday Ball, dining outs and parents night out.

Along with the many programs at the AFRC and family child care, members of Team Offutt can also look to Offutt's chaplains for support when needed.

Chaplain (Maj.) Steven T. Dabbs, senior Protestant chaplain with the 55th Wing Chapel, has been a military chaplain for 11 years and said Offutt's chaplains are dedicated to providing support in every facet to military families.

The primary mission of military chaplains is to facilitate the constitutional right to freedom of religion, Chaplain Dabbs said.

"We accomplish this through our three core processes, religious observation, spiritual care and advising leadership on ethical, moral and spiritual issues," said Chaplain Dabbs.

One popular service Offutt's chaplains provide Offutt families is confidential counseling. So far in 2009, Offutt's chaplains have conducted more than 660 marriage and family counseling enrichment sessions.

One session Chaplain Dabbs remembers fondly.

"I had a couple walk into my office one day. The wife told me I was the last stop before divorce court. After listening to both sides, I gave my opinion and told them what they needed to do to get their marriage back on track. Two weeks later, they nearly tackled me in the commissary. They were overjoyed declaring, you saved our marriage!"

Offutt's chaplains also conduct wedding ceremonies, marriage and family retreats, religious rites for children and youth and so much more.

"Chaplains are involved at the very inception of family. We conduct the weddings of those who become parents, provide religious rites for their children, create programs that foster marital and familial hope, strength and enrichment, and someday preside over the ceremony that commemorates their life's journey," Chaplain Dabbs said.

"Then the cycle continues with each generation, and at each overlapping interval of life you'll find a chaplain," he added.

For more information about Offutt's religious services, call 294-6244 or visit the 55th Wing Chapel Web site at http://www.offutt.af.mil/units/55wghc/index.asp.  

For more information about AFRC events or other events happening in and around Offutt for military families, visit the 55th FSS Web site at http://offutt55fss.com/.  

For more information about the CDC, call 294-2203 or 232-2526.