OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- A support program was launched in September 2018 by the SAC Foundation that will provide new opportunities for first-term Team Offutt service members to connect with families in the local community.
The program is called Team Offutt Home Away From Home and its mission is to help alleviate some of the anxiety and challenges young service members may face when stationed away from family for the first time.
Throughout the year, participating members will have multiple opportunities to attend off-base activities and events hosted by volunteer families.
“Bowling, seeing a movie, attending a sporting event, visiting the zoo, going on a picnic, or joining in a family holiday or event celebration…these are just some of the types of fun activities host families would be doing with their first-term service members,” said Karen Guy, executive director of the SAC Foundation.
To qualify, service members must comply with all military service standards, be in their first-term and single. Additionally, they must complete a short questionnaire and sign a liability waiver.
Qualifying service members will then be matched with qualifying host families who have agreed to host two service members for a minimum of one day per month for at least a year.
The SAC Foundation, which is a committee of volunteers from Cobalt Credit Union, contribute to social programs in support of the military as one of their primary efforts. Over the past year, they have worked with Offutt leadership to establish the program, modeled after similar programs being used at other bases.
“This program is just one more example of the outstanding support we get from the community,” said 55th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick. “We can’t thank the SAC Foundation enough for taking the time and effort to support our base. This program will surely benefit Team Offutt members for years to come.”
Cobalt Credit Union, formally SAC Federal Credit Union, has provided financial services for base personnel since it was established at Offutt in 1949.
“This program grew out of what has been a strong working relationship with Offutt Air force Base for many years,” said Gail DeBoer, President and CEO of Cobalt Credit Union. “We are excited to have a new way to support that relationship and most especially our first-term service members.”
For more information, or to apply for the program as a participant or host family, visit www.SACFoundation.net and click on the “Home Away From Home” tab.