Barksdale AFB [2d SVS Squadron] - Airman / Family Readiness Center

Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri: 7:30am-4:30pm

Mission
The primary focus of this facility is to support Barksdale AFB Readiness by assisting families and single military members adapt to the demands of Air Force life. To accomplish this mission, they offer a variety of educational programs and services that are open to all military employees and their families including active duty, reservists, guardsmen and DoD civilians.

Core Activities
Core activities include Air Force Aid, Family Life, Personal Financial Management, Readiness, Relocation Assistance, Spouse Employment, Transition Assistance, Volunteer Resource, Leadership Consultation and Crisis Assistance.

Training Closures
The Airman & Family Readiness Center is closed 7:30-9:30am on Fridays for training.

Deployed Families Movie Night
The Airman & Family Readiness Center invites deployed families to attend a Dinner & a Movie Night August 28 at 6pm. Pizza and beverages are provided. Snacks are available for purchase from the theater. Please RSVP by August 26 by calling 318.456.8400.

Bundles for Babies
Bundles for Babies is an Air Force Aid sponsored program facilitated by Airman & Family Readiness Center staff and the New Parents Support Program. Bundles provides expectant parents with a wealth of information enabling them to be responsible parents as well as a bundle of baby items. The program addresses financial implications, child safety and nurturing the child, as well as family resources available to them.
August 27 & September 24, 9am

Buying a Home Workshop
Attend this workshop to learn what it takes to find the right home and to secure financing by knowing the right questions to ask real estate agents and mortgage bankers.
August 27, 1:30pm

Career Assessment/Individual Transition Plan
This workshop uses the MBTI and interest, values and skills inventories to provide a basic foundation of self assessment as it relates to career choices. Participants will have a better understanding of themselves in order to make career decisions. Tools will be provided for participants to research career options.
August 13 & September 10, 8am

Computer Workshops
Both the Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel Workshops are free for active duty spouses. Participants must have basic computer skills to attend. There is limited space so sign up early!
Microsoft Word 2007 - August 5 & 7, 6pm
Microsoft Excel 2007 - August 12 & 14, 6pm

Federal Employment Workshop
The Federal Employment Workshop aids participants in gaining an understanding of the Federal employment process and information about the Federal resume such as format, content and KSAs. Participants receive hands-on experience in finding key words, writing KSAs and using usajobs.gov. Please bring copies of OPR/EPR (if available), VMET, awards, transcripts and a floppy disk or flash drive to save a resume.
August 12 & September 9, 1pm

Finance 101
This program is designed for those individuals who have questions, concerns or need guidance on how to properly and effectively handle finances. This class covers checkbook management, basic budgeting, credit reports and other financial issues.
August 13 & September 10, 8am

Heart Link
Heart Link is a spouse orientation program that increases knowledge of the AF mission, customs, traditions, protocols and available programs / services in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
August 19, 6pm

Military & Family Life Consultants
Military and Family Life Consultants (MFLC) are here to listen and are available to help service members and their families regarding deployment/reintegration, marriage and relationships, parenting/siblings and family, communication challenges, stress and anxiety, depression, grief and loss and daily life issues. Consultations and training are free and anonymous. After hours and weekend appointments are available. Group and off-site meetings are also available. Scheduling an appointment is easy! Call the MFLC directly at 318.918.9379 or the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 318.456.8400.

Military Spouses Virtual Assistant (MSVA) Training Program
The MSVA Program is for military spouses wanting to gain a portable career in utilizing the internet and becoming a virtual assistant. The Military Spouse Virtual Assistant is an independent contractor working from home, providing support services to businesses via email, phone and fax. If you meet the following requirements, you are eligible to attend:

         • If you have two years administrative support experience within the past eight years.
         • Internet access and a good working knowledge of how to use the Web, email, attachments, browser, etc.
         • A home office (or the space and resources to set up same).
         • A computer with Windows 95, 98 or 2000 operating system & basic applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
         • A strong desire for self-employment or an employment change.
         • The ability and willingness to attend all phases of the Program.
         • A date of separation ( DoS ) at least 12 months after the date of this training program.

If you would like to participate in this training program, please complete and submit the online application by SEPTEMBER 12.
Oct 7: 8am-3:30pm, Oct 8: 6:30-8:30pm & Oct 9: 8am-3:3pm

Personal Readiness Briefing
With so many upcoming military deployments, it is vital to have personal and family affairs in order. This program is available to provide information and support during all phases of deployment. This briefing is mandatory for all active duty members that have a "firm" deployment tasking and are within 60 days of departure. Spouses, family members and/or significant others are welcome to attend.
Tuesdays, 8am
Thursdays, 2pm

September 2008 Calendar (Adobe Acrobat PDF)

Pre-Separation Briefing
In anticipation of retirement or separation, the law directs that members attend the pre-separation briefing as soon as possible within the preceding 24 or 12 months respectively. The briefing provides resources available for making a successful transition back into civilian life and is mandatory.
Voluntary Separations - Mondays, 8:30am & 1:30pm
Involuntary Separations - Thursdays, 8:30am
Retirements - Thursdays, 1:30pm

Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP)
PREP is a comprehensive communication enhancing program that teaches skills designed to assist couples with better communication skills and increase their connection with each other.
September 12, 9am-4pm

Resume Workshop
Learn how to write a resume, what employers look for and what information to include in a resume at the Resume Workshop. Participants need to bring a floppy disk or flash drive to save their resume, copies of their OPR/EPR (if available) and their VMET. To obtain a copy of your VMET please go to: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet
August 12 & September 9, 8am
August 26 & September 23, 1pm

Right Start
Right Start is facilitated by the Airman & Family Readiness Center Team and is a must for all newcomers! Base and community speakers provide new arrivals an overview of the base and local community programs, services, history, recreational and cultural opportunities. Spouses are also encouraged to attend.
August 6 & 20, 7:45am, Barksdale Club
September 3 & 17, 7:45am, Barksdale Club

Sponsorship Training
In the Sponsorship Training, participants learn the importance of good sponsorship, the responsibilities of a sponsor and the resources available for providing newcomers with the best possible relocation experience. This training is a mandatory annual and initial training for those assigned as sponsors.
August 14 & September 11, 10am

TAP Seminar
The TAP Seminar is facilitated by the Department of Labor and is a 3-day program designed to help military members and their spouses make good career decisions as they move from military service to civilian life. Topics covered in the seminar include personal appraisal, career decisions, applying for the job, resumes, dress for success, the interview and job offers.
August 5-7 & August 19-21, 8am
September 9-11 & September 23-25, 8am

Troups to Teachers
The Troops to Teachers workshop is for active duty, active duty spouses and DoD civilians interested in a second career in education.
September 10, 10am

Veteran Benefits
Attend the Veteran Benefits one-day briefing, facilitated by 4 veteran representatives, which is designed to assist military members in understanding their benefits after their military service. Topics include information on filing for compensation, service-connected compensation, non service-connected pension, education benefits, medical/dental care through the VA, VA guaranty home loans, VGLI/DVI Insurance, veterans’ benefits/educational benefits for surviving spouses and dependent children, final burial benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program.
August 13 & 27, 9am
September 17, 9am

Veterans' Job Fair
Please bring your DD-214 or ID card and resume.
September 11, 10am-2pm, Bossier Civic Center (620 Benton Rd.)