Program gives parents much needed break

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Have you ever found yourself taking care of your children by yourself? Your spouse is deployed to some far corner of the world supporting a contingency operation you know little about. Meanwhile, you're left behind to change diapers, feed hungry mouths and ensure your children are properly cared for. Wouldn't it be comforting to know that relief is available? 

Forty-seven members of Team Offutt took advantage of the Give Parents a Break program at Child Development Center I here June 6. 

The program gives spouses of deployed Airmen and parents who may be going through a stressful time, an opportunity to enjoy up to five hours of free time without having to worry about their children's needs. The program is free as all expenses are paid by the Air Force Aid Society. 

"Give Parents a Break started in 1995 to give spouses of deployed Airmen an outlet," said Rosalyn Johnson, 55th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Services Flight Chief. Since that time the program has been extended to spouses of Airmen on extended temporary duty, those who work long shifts, and for parents who may be struggling with a difficult situation like a death in the family. 

"These parents are with their children all the time and the GPAB program offers them an opportunity to run errands and take care of things without having to worry about caring for their children," Mrs. Johnson said. 

Since May 2008, 493 parents have taken advantage of Offutt's GPAB program. Eighty-two parents used the program from April - May 2009. 

According to the Airman and Family Services Flight, the program is open to the spouses of all active-duty Airmen or single Airmen parents. Interested parents must obtain a "GPAB" certificate from their sponsor's squadron commander or first sergeant. Certificates may also be obtained from a chaplain, medical professional or a representative from Family Advocacy or the Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

After obtaining the GPAB certificate, parents must bring the certificate, along with their child's immunization records to the CDC to register for the program. If a parent has a child with a special need, he or she must also bring a copy of that child's current individual education plan at the time of registration. 

Staff Sgt. Melissa A. Nueva, a flight attendant with the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron, said she appreciates the service that GPAB provides. 

"I recently had twins and I also have a five-year-old son so at times things can be really hard," Sergeant Nueva said. "Things can get a little chaotic at our house with juggling our work schedules and the kids needs; it can get stressful pretty fast." 

Sergeant Nueva is thankful for GPAB, because not only is it a good stress reliever, but it also gives her a chance to spend time with her husband, Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Nueva, chief of development and instruction with the 55th Maintenance Operations Squadron. 

"My husband and I don't get much 'us' time; whenever we get a day off we spend it with our children, we kind of put ourselves last; so the GPAB program is the best for us because without it, we wouldn't have that time to reconnect with one another." 

Offering a couple an opportunity to spend time together and providing stress relief aren't the only benefits GPAB provides. One benefit both Sergeant Nueva and Airman 1st Class Angela C. McCraven, a medical logistics technician with the 55th Medical Support Squadron, appreciate is knowing their children are properly cared for. 

"When my son is at the CDC I know he's properly taken care of," Airman McCraven said. "He goes to the CDC regularly and the providers take good care of him." 

"My boys receive quality care at the CDC and they enjoy the time they spend there," Sergeant Nueva added. 

Another nice bonus of GPAB, is having free time to run errands or do much needed shopping, Sergeant Nueva said. 

"There's something to be said for going shopping without having to bring diaper bags and the entourage of two carts, plus no one stares at you and asks -- are they twins," Sergeant Nueva said. 

Both Sergeant Nueva and Airman McCraven recommend GPAB to their fellow Airmen. 

The program is really helpful to parents who may need to get away for a while, Airman McCraven said. 

"Give Parents a Break affords you the time to do what you need to do and decrease stress, that way you can be the best parent and spouse you can be," Sergeant Nueva added. 

GPAB is offered the first Saturday of every month for children 6 months to 12 years of age. For more information about the program, call the AFRC at 294-4329. To make a reservation for the next GPAB session, call CDC I at 294-2203. Parents can make reservations prior to registering their child for the program; however they must register no later than the Friday prior to the next GPAB session.