Airman and Family Readiness — Our number 1 priority

  • Published
  • Courtesy of the Creech Airman and Family Readiness Center
CREECH AFB Nev. --  The word deployment is enough to generate overwhelming emotions as well as panic. Most family members will experience some stress when a loved one deploys. They may go through a sense of loss and abandonment, disbelief, anger, and panic. The Airman and Family Readiness Centers (A&FRC) at Creech and Nellis recommend family members get involved in all aspects of their military member's deployment. This includes planning and getting involved in activities for pre-deployment, during deployment, and his or her reintegration to life back at home. 

Spouses are invited and encouraged to attend any pre- and post-deployment briefings and classes conducted at the Creech and Nellis A&FRC. During the briefings, spouses will receive information on the stresses and emotions they can expect before, during, and after deployment, as well as how to deal with children and family separation. They will also receive information on services that are available for those remaining on the home front, such as morale calls, car care, and family activities. 

Nearly every month the A&FRC hosts a deployed family event such as "Hugs From Home," pool parties, bowling parties, dinners, and movies. These events are open invitations to join and interact with the A&FRC staff and volunteers. The events are also a prime opportunity to make new friends and share experiences with other deployed families. Individuals can sign up for the A&FRC e-mail listing to be notified of these events. 

The A&FRC Resource Center also offers a wealth of self-help information on everything from parenting issues to financial and reunion issues, as well as public-use computers. Individuals can also make an appointment to discuss individual matters with a staff member. Spouses who are feeling overwhelmed can contact a Military Family Life Consultant (MFLC). The service is free and confidential, and appointments can be set up on- or off-base by calling 715-9128 or 715-6128. 

The A&FRC encourages family members to get involved, stay busy, stay connected.
For more information, individuals can call the Creech A&FRC at 404-0864 or 404-0865 or the Nellis A&FRC at 652-3327. The A&FRC is located inside bldg. 1018 at Creech or bldg. 312, at Nellis.