Enriches and improves the quality of individual and family life at Vandenberg by providing the knowledge and skills needed for everyday living, relating to others, coping with life events, easing adaptation to the military lifestyle. Personal & Work Life offers the following programs:

Heart Link Spouse Orientation: An orientation program designed for those who are newly married or just interested in learning more about Vandenberg and the Air Force and Space Force Life. The overall goal of the program is to ensure that spouses are aware of their importance and feel as though they are a part of Team Vandenberg. Information is given about community resources, TRICARE, deployments, and more. For more information and to learn the class dates, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

Key Spouse Program: An official "Unit Family Readiness Program" that supports Airmen, Guardians, and their families. The Key Spouse Program is designed to enhance mission readiness and resilience in order to establish a sense of community. The program promotes partnerships with unit leadership, families, Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) and other on and off base helping agencies. The motivation of the program is to effectively take care of Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Key Spouses are appointed in writing and receive formal training and continuing education to keep their skills sharp. The unit Key Spouse is a point of contact for both the duty member and their family.

Foster Care & Adoption: Working with local on and off base agencies, this program provides formalized assistance with referrals to appropriate agencies with specialized consultations for military families seeking to provide foster care or adoption to children in need. This is a confidential peer-to-peer support where families can speak to someone who has experienced adoption or foster care first-hand. Moreover, we utilize locally developed and researched resources (county, state, city & installation) to assist military families seeking to engage the Foster Care or Adoption life experience.

Provides information, education, and one-on-one financial counseling to assist members and families maintain financial readiness. Services are designed to address money management issues throughout a service member’s military life cycle. Financial readiness educational opportunities ranges from setting up a simple budget to understanding long-term investment options.

Provides training and information to support military, civilians, and family members in achieving employment short and long term, education/training and career goals. Provides skills development workshops, local labor market information, employment trend tracking, skills and interests’ identification, local virtual job postings on Facebook, linkages to alternatives to paid employment (e.g. volunteerism and education).

Employment Workshops

Employment workshops are offered for federal employment, resume writing, interviewing skills, job search, and social media networking. Workshops are held at the center as well as online partnering classes with military supporting programs, fellow military bases, and local agencies.

Spouse Licensure Reimbursement Due to PCS/PCA

Reimbursement up to $1000 for occupational state relicensing/recertification cost due to a PCS or PCA. The Military Spouse Interstate License Recognition Options map, located at https://www.veterans.gov/milspouses, can help identify the rights of a military spouse in the state for which the military installation is located.

Job Postings

Local and on-base job postings are posted on our Facebook page, 30FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center, every Wednesday. Our "Working Wednesday" post also provides helpful tips on an employment topic, along with upcoming employment workshops and job fairs.

Job Fairs

Job fairs include several local job agencies on and off base that are offering current positions to military, transitioning military, civilians, and military dependents. For a schedule of job fairs, please contact the center directly.

Assists service members and their families in managing the challenges of deployments and separations before, while, and after they occur. Personal and Family Readiness offers the following programs:

Pre-deployment Briefing: Mandatory briefing for the military member (spouses encouraged to attend) covering: Red Cross, services for families during deployment, AFAS services, and an overview of handouts. Predeployment/Reintegration sign-up: https://316wgdeploymentbriefs.checkappointments.com/

Global Hearts: Open to immediate family members who have a loved one currently deployed, on a remote tour, or extended TDY. Global Hearts allows deployed family members to network and interact with fellow families. Once the member has deployed, family members are placed within a community email distribution list that advertises community activities, as well as updates on what is happening in the local area.

Emergency Management: Ensures deployers have up-to-date information in AFPAAS and VRED to reinforce 100 percent accountability and distribution of emergency resources. Additionally, we brief members and their families about the operation of the Emergency Family Assistance Center at the Airman and Family Readiness Center during crisis or emergency operations.

Relocation Assistance:
The Relocation Assistance mission is to eliminate the stress associated with frequent moves by providing moving assistance planning, inbound and outbound relocation services and on-going relocation workshops.

Newcomers' Orientation:
The Newcomers' Orientation includes presentations from base agencies. Newcomers' Orientation is MANDATORY for all active-duty personnel, regardless of unit of assignment or prior assignment to the Pentagon. Spouses of active duty personnel and DoD civilian employees are highly encouraged to attend. Participants should not schedule any other appointments during this orientation.

Welcome to Pentagon (Newcomers Welcome) sign-up, click here!

Sponsorship Training:
The A&FRC Relocation Program is here to support Sponsors and Command Support Staff who are charged with managing and monitoring the unit level Sponsorship Program. The first step to becoming a successful Sponsor is taking the e-sponsorship application training (eSAT). This Department of Defense training is mandated for all new Sponsors and Sponsors who have not taken the eSAT training within the year prior to a new Sponsorship assignment. Training certificates must be submitted to your unit Command Support Staff for unit Sponsorship Program record keeping. In addition to offering the Sponsorship training, this website provides Sponsors with information on the MilitaryInstallations and Plan My Move websites. It also provides a sample welcome letter, a Sponsorship duty checklist, and a Newcomer and Family needs assessment, which should be tailored to fit the needs of the inbound member and their Family.

Manage Your move Workshop:
Are you relocating to/from the PentagonNCR? If this is your first PCS or your fifth, our A&FRC staff can help guide you through the steps to better Manage Your Move. Several Presenters such as Finance, Housing, TMO, EFMP and the School Liaison will be on hand to provide insights that might assist in your transition. Call us and register to attend the "Manage Your Move" briefing for a relocation assistance overview. This briefing is mandatory for all E-4’s and below, as well as all O-2 and below, however all are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The EFMP-Family Support (EFMP-FS) Coordinator serves as the installation's Point of Contact for all EFMP matters and is housed at the Airman & Family Readiness Center. The EFMP-FS coordinator ensures each family receives comprehensive coordinated family support through the military and/or civilian community.

Support Services: Assists with coordination of family support services on and off the installation to EFMs who have physical, developmental, emotional, social or intellectual impairments/disabilities

The EFMP-FS often coordinates family camps and/or activities introducing families to new interventions and opportunities to learn. Activities normally provide an environment filled with entertainment for the entire family.

Resource Navigation: Navigates key local, state and federal resources available to EFMs. Develops and maintains a comprehensive resource directory with descriptive information about the agencies and organizations. Resources may include various Parent Training and Information (PTI) centers, no-fee community case management agencies, intervention services, U.S. Department of Education information, Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP), etc.

Deployed Support: Enhances support and outreach to spouses of deployed members with special needs family members. Will often collaborate efforts with the A&FRC Readiness NCO to host combined family centered activities for deployed and EFMP families.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides the necessary tools and training for a successful transition from the military. It provides individualized transition counseling to help clients explore and assess their employment strengths. Our desire is to provide the Air Force member, DOD civilians, and their families with as many transition options as possible.

Transition Workshops Sign-up: https://pentagontransition.checkappointments.com/

TAP teaches subjects outside the normal transition time parameters (i.e. resume writing, skills assessment, etc.) so that potential separatees/retirees can anticipate future needs. TAP’S priority is to prepare those aforementioned with the information, skills, and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Beginning your transition process consists of the following four congressionally mandated steps:

STEP 1: INITIAL COUNSELING (IC)
The pre-transition interview allows the client and the counselor to determine a personalized plan for the transition process.

STEP 2: PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING
All separating and retiring Airmen are required to have Pre-Separation Counseling NLT 365 days prior to leaving Active Duty. This information is available through scheduled group briefings (a prerequisite for the TAP workshop). Contact the A&FRC for availability.

STEP 3: TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) WORKSHOP
Mandatory for all personnel retiring or separating from the military. Through the mandated components of TAP, separating service members have access to an array of workshops, assessments, and services to prepare them for the transition from active duty to civilian life. Seats are limited. Contact the A&FRC to register.

Step 4: CAPSTONE
Verification of Career Readiness Standards (CRS) is the Department of Defense’s tangible measurements of a service member’s preparedness for a civilian career. (Contact the A&FRC for requirements and to schedule your one-on-one appointment)

Other optional 2-day courses provide more in-depth information to assist with your transition:

DOL EMPLOYMENT TRACK
This track assists members seeking employment with resume writing, interviewing skills, networking, labor market information, and federal employment.

DOL CAREER & CREDENTIAL EXPLORATION TRACK
The C2E track assists with establishing clear goals, evaluating training options, and building an action plan. (Contact the A&FRC for requirements and registration).

ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRACK (Boots2Business)
Airmen pursuing self-employment in the private or non-profit sector will learn about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the benefits and realities of entrepreneurship, and the steps toward business ownership.

DOD EDUCATION TRACK

The ETAP schedule for FY21 has been published on the contractors website, click HERE!

The Air Force Casualty Services Program’s primary goals are to provide prompt, accurate reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to the next of kin for as long as needed. The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) works closely with commanders at all levels to ensure the success of the program. The CAR works closely with survivors of retired Air Force members to ensure potential benefits are applied in a timely manner. The CAR provides limited casualty service to members of sister services, certain foreign nationals, and civilians.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Military pay stops when a member dies. The SBP is a government program, which makes it possible for retiring members to ensure that after their death, their eligible survivors receive a portion of their military retired pay in the form of monthly annuities and VA benefits. The SBP was structured so that a surviving spouse cannot outlive the annuity, and it has Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) incorporated so the annuity increases with inflation. An active duty member who has eligible dependents is automatically covered by SBP at the maximum level at no cost to the member while he/she remains on active duty. Prior to retiring, each member must decide whether to continue SBP coverage into retirement. The retired pay of those members who elect to participate is reduced by monthly premiums. The SBP is a unique plan: Government-subsidized premiums deducted from a participating member’s retired pay before taxes. SBP is the sole means for a member to continue a portion of their military retired pay to their eligible survivors. If a member chooses (with the concurrence of their spouse) not to participate in the SBP, an annuity cannot be paid.

Casualty/SBP Questions: Do you have a casualty or SBP question you wish someone could answer for you? Your A&FRC at the Pentagon can help. One-on-one casualty/SBP counseling is available to all military members. Do not have time to come, just email us your casualty or SBP questions. We will research and respond to your questions within three business days. Most questions are answered within 24 hours.

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force and has been meeting the unique needs of Airmen and their families since 1942. AFAS's mission is to support Airmen and enhance the Air Force mission by relieving emergency financial distress, helping Airmen and their families achieve their educational goals, and improving their quality of life through proactive community programs.​

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Emergencies can cause a financial burden on families when they arise. AFAS provides no-interest loans and grants to help Air Force families meet immediate needs and make a positive step toward a lasting financial solution. Assistance can be provided on a case-by-case basis with situations such as (but not limited to) :

• Basic Living Expenses (Food, Rent, Utilities)
• Emergency Travel
• Vehicle Expenses
• Funeral Expenses
• Medical/Dental
• Child Care/Respite
• Moving Expenses

To apply for assistance, please sign in or register an account at https://my.afas.org/memberportal/Login/Login.aspx.

• After completing your application, please contact the 811 FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center to reach a caseworker.
• If you are in need of immediate assistance that cannot wait until the next business day please contact the American Red Cross at 1 (877) 272-7337.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Bundles for Babies: Financial planning for expectant parents. Open to all ranks and services, but only active duty Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps families may receive an AFAS bundle valued at more than $75.

Car Care Because We Care: Provides a cash-equivalent voucher so a primary vehicle can be given basic maintenance service to deployed families. Includes an oil/filter change and may include lubrication and a vehicle safety check on a modest grant basis.

Child Care Programs

• Child Care for PCS
  Helps relieve some of the stress felt by families during a PCS move. AFAS pays for up to 20 hours of child care per child in certified Family Child Care homes within 60 days of departure and/or 60 days of arrival at a new base. Open to all ranks if childcare is available.
• Child Care for Volunteers
  Air Force spouses who volunteer at on-base facilities (such as the pharmacy, tax office, legal office, A&FRC, and Airman’s Attic) in order to learn job skills are eligible for FREE childcare.
• Give Parents A Break
  Offers eligible active duty Air Force parents a few hours break from the stresses of parenting by provides funding child care for active duty Air Force families.

Do you have a passion to help others? Do you want to make a difference or even explore new interests? Try volunteering! You will be glad you did!

If you are interested in volunteering, contact us for any new opportunities or reach out directly to the organization you would like to work with.

The Installation Voting Office is available to assist with:

• Voter Registration
• Registration Updates after Separation/Retirement
• Absentee Ballot Requests
• Info on State, Territory, or National voting deadlines
• Including information on special and primary elections
• If you need assistance, Airman & Family Readiness Center is here to help you fill in and mail your voting materials.
• You can also access many voting-related questions and answers on the FVAP website.

The A&FRC staff work together with unit leadership to address personnel issues such as personal, interpersonal, and family concerns. Using a collaborative, multi-agency approach, the A&FRC assists leadership in addressing the organizations health, welfare, and readiness of its members.

• Morale and Workplace Dynamics: We offer team-building exercises to help individuals understand how to communicate effectively and work together more efficiently, to increase both morale and their level of camaraderie.
• Family Matters Consultant for Unit Commanders: We provide unit leadership assistance in assessing individual or family concerns and in making appropriate referrals.
• Facilitation of Personal Empowerment: Our team assist in providing individuals' a better understanding of their contribution and significance in the USAF.