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Show July 29, 1993 Whether you're arriving at Hill or PCSing out, the Family Support Center can smooth the transition. by Nancy Brewer Hill AFB Family Support Center Some of us may not remember the days when military members were ordered from one duty station to another with little regard shown to how the move could impact them personally or their family, if they had one. Some may feel it hasn't changed that much, but those who have lived the military lifestyle for nearly 30 years can attest, "We have come a long way." Programs and services that enhance morale and effectiveness of military members are continually being improved, especially those related to relocation issues. The military lifestyle provides many opportunities to travel and visit exotic places. Opportunities abound to meet and make new friends and experience different cultures. This is one way of viewing an impending permanent change of station. Then, reality kicks in. The anxiety of selling a home, if one is owned, can be ovemhelming. Also, the family income may be cut in half until your spouse finds a job at the often it means he or new location she has to start at the bottom of the pay scale. Children have to leave their fmailiar surroundings and friends. Teen-ager- s may be devastated, and nothing you do can make them understand why you are upsetting their lives. The physical and psychological stress related to moving can definitely be challenging and the fact that the set, military member will be trying to tle into a new job takes a back seat to taking care of personal and family needs. Congress responded to studies identifying the negative impact of the "gypsy" lifestyle and passed legisla- - tion that directed the establishment of a Relocation Assistance Program at installations with 500 or more personnel. RAP is designed to help both the military member and his or family relocate. It is built on the premise that a lot of this stress can be avoided and eduthrough proper cation. This strategy empowers relopre-planni- cating families to make better decisions. Judy Maughan has recently joined the crew of the Hill AFB Family Support Center. She has arrived from Yakota AB, Japan, and will manage the RAP. Maughan is a military spouse who has lived in several overseas and stateside locations and has also survived three unaccompanied tours. Maughan is currently 8-1- Ifiilra GAVE HHP either revamping or adding the following relocation programs and services:, A "Settling In" seminar will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 0 a.m. Military personnel will be briefed on available programs and services and will receive help processing their travel orders. Military spouses are encouraged to attend this informative workshop. D "Smooth Move," a monthly information seminar, is available for active IFF fami- lies who are undergoing a change of station. Lots of guest speakers will be on hand to answer questions any family member may have. This is a must for the family. H A "Spouses Meet Utah" seminar will be held monthly to help spouses learn about Utah and meet new friends. Topics such as employment opportunities and child care are among the subjects discussed. Questions are encouraged. Fun activities are also a part of the program. DA "Relocating with Children" seminar will be offered periodically to address issues affecting children during a move. Methods of preparing children and how to overcome some of the challenges of uprooting children will be offered. D Sponsorship training will be offered as a monthly classroom program or., by appointment. This program is designed to prepare individuals for this important task. An orientation booklet will be provided complete with a reminder checklist. B The Utah video and brochure program is available for those who want to learn something about this duty station. Stop by and watch one of the videos or check it out for 48 hours at no charge. It is a great way to develop 21 enthusiasm about Utah. D The Family Services Program is a volunteer staffed program designed to assist Air Force members and their families with the challenges associated with military life, particularly relocation. Family Services also has a base brochure program and loan closet program. In addition, the service offers a layette program for those having their first child delivered at Hill's hospital. A gift layette containing needed items, and some fun ones, for the newborn child is provided by volunteers. They are also in need of volunteers. Free child care is provided while a person is volunteering. B A "Waiting Spouses" program is in place to assist spouses of military members who are on extended temporary duty or on a remote assignment. Workshops to help with preparation and reunions will be offered. Other programs at the support center relate to relocation: Career Focus, Personal Financial Management, Transition Assistance and Personal and Family Development. Also, keep a close watch on the support center monthly calendar for many new and unique programs. For instance, in August the Davis County School District superintendent and several school principals have been invited for a forum on education in Utah. The calendars are available at the commissary, base exchange. Thrift Shop, orderly rooms or at the family support center. The support center staff's goal is to get people settled as quickly as possible. If you have just arrived or know someone coming to Hill, tell them to visit the support center and take advantage of the programs. When you get PCS orders, make sure you tell your spouse or best friend first and then visit with Maughan. She can help you develop a personal relations plan and advise you on the next workshop you should attend. 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