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MSG corner: Airman & Family Readiness Center

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  This week, the 36th Mission Support Group highlights the 36th Force Support Squadron's Airman & Family Readiness Center.

The A&FRC's goal is to improve the health and welfare of the military community.
The center helps Airmen adapt to the demands of the ever-changing life of those in the military. The A&FRC provides services that range from helping servicemembers in permanent change of stations, to helping the Airmen and their families get accustomed to new life in Andersen.

The staff is comprised of consultants and specialists trained to assist base leadership in developing policies in order to help individuals, families and the community's quality of life, ultimately improving performance and their motivation to serve.

"My responsibility is to identify personnel and family readiness issues," said Joseph Catahay, 36 FSS A&FRC flight chief. "Our staff recognizes trends by working with squadron leadership, civilian and military agencies. We utilize formal and informal assessment tools in order to assist our Airmen."

One of the A&FRC's priorities is to assist Airmen in transition when permanently changing duty stations.

"We consider our newcomers program robust enough to fulfill the needs of everyone," said Mr. Catahay. "One of our most prized accomplishments, which have had great success, is the free island tour offered every month. It is a great time for newcomers, deployers and those who haven't had a chance to tour the island."

From plans of moving the location of their office, to finding ways to improve and promote their programs, A&FRC personnel are constantly seeking ways to improve the Andersen Airman's quality of life.

"Plans of moving to a new site are in place," said Mr. Catahay. "The proposed site for A&FRC is at a building that is in a more centralized location."

The A&FRC has also launched a free Guam familiarization program that hosts free events geared towards single Airmen. These events promote cultural awareness through hands-on experience with traditional fishing, language, dancing and cooking.

There are also plans of including the local United Services Organization in future base orientations, giving the newcomers a glance at what to expect during their stay on Guam.

"The USO is a huge supporter of the base and military community," said Mr. Catahay. Their knowledge of local services and events will only make the program stronger and more successful."

The A&FRC also hosts Hearts Apart events that are designed to provide spouses and families an opportunity to relax for the evening and interact with other deployed spouses and families.

"Deployed spouses and children have enjoyed the monthly Hearts Apart events," said Mr. Catahay. "Now they can also enjoy a free dinner at the Magellan Inn Dining Facility every quarter."

The A&FRC is constantly bustling with a many activities. From caring for accompanied Airmen

and their families, to enriching the experience of single Airmen and those deployed to Andersen, the plethora of projects and programs of Andersen's A&FRC is a testament of their dedication to supporting the Airmen who make the mission happen.