Open house highlights A&FRC capabilities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  There was an open-house event showcasing the myriad of support resources available to military members and their families at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center here March 28.

The event was designed to increase the level of knowledge and understanding of the center's capabilities and its mission supporting warfighters and their families.

The center's mission is to assist military members and their families in adapting to the unique demands of military life, a mission the staff takes very seriously.

"Our job is to make families more resilient in dealing with what military life throws at them. We do that by providing resources to help them overcome deployments and change of station moves, along with life's little ups and downs," said Mrs. Cheryl Anderson, the interim director of the A&FRC.

While the center has held open-house events in the past, especially during the holiday season, this was the first time visitors were led through the building by a staff member. This event also gave other agencies on base, which have a similar mission, a chance to educate members on what they have to offer.

"We have several base groups represented today, such as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and the commissary," said Mrs. Anderson.

The A&FRC changed its name from the Family Support Center a number of years ago and has tried to educate all facets of the military community said Mrs. Anderson.

"Air Mobility Command changed the name because many single Airmen felt excluded from the services that were offered at the FSC. They felt that way based on the name 'Family'; it was like they were not welcome at the center," stated Mrs. Anderson.

"We have tried really hard to correct that misperception," she added.

The idea for the open-house tour came after a visit from Senator Byron Dorgan two months ago. Several commanders from the base accompanied the senator and were impressed by what the center had to offer. Col. Bobby Fowler, 319th Operations Group commander, recommended getting the word out to the base about the center.

"He has even gone as far as to recommend that his squadron commanders have their staff meetings at the center," said Mrs. Anderson with a smile.

The event, which was expected to bring in close to a hundred people, was enjoyed by many.

"It's great," said Mrs. Anna Sims, wife of Capt. Bill Sims, Area Defense Counsel. "It's really great to see all the resources available to those new to the military. I know it was my first stop when I got here."