EFMP Goal:
To establish, implement and maintain the Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support (community support) entity of the Air Force’s Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support coordination with the Medical Assignments components by enhancing the quality of life of special needs family members.

Mission:
There are currently 99 EFMP-FS coordinators who provide full-time assistance to families at all major Air Force Installations. EFMP-FS provides coordination of family support services on and off-base through family needs assessments to determine the needs and resources required for each family. Below are some of the services offered.
• Maintain in-depth information on local, state and federal resources for families
• Develop Individualized Service Plans
• Provide information, education, and briefings to leadership and overall community in an effort to raise program awareness
• Offer workshops, seminars and various support group and educational briefings for school personnel, base professionals and members/families
• Market Air For respite child care program where parents receive free child care to help reduce the stress associated with caring for an EFM
• Advocate for improved services for families

Support:
DoD ID Cardholders and their families may obtain assistance with EFMP-FS at the local A&FRC
Phone: 509-247-2246, DSN 657-2246

Additional support through Military OneSource is available 24/7 under “EFMP & Me”
Phone: 800-342-9647

Download 2022 TAP Calendar

MISSION
The mission of TAP is to provide service members with the knowledge, skills, and abilities, to empower them to make informed career decisions, be competitive in a global workforce and become positive contributors to their community, as they transition from military service into civilian life.

VISION
The vision of TAP is to continually help improve service member outcomes as they relate to employment, education, financial health, and general well-being.

PURPOSE
TAP is the predominant program that provides assistance, information, training, counseling, and services to eligible, transitioning service members, to be career ready upon separation, retirement, or release from military service, thus enabling service members to pursue additional education, seek or return to employment in the public or private sector, start their own business, pursue vocational training or other forms of self-employment.

Collaborating with other integral agencies can help to maximize resources, and provide our service members with current, relevant, and accurate information on various topics. Agency partners include, but are not limited to, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the Department of Education (ED), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

TAP is congressionally mandated and is applicable for all service members who have at least 180 continuous days or more on active duty; this includes National Guard and Reserve. These are your core TAP elements:

Individualized Initial Counseling:
between the service member and a TAP counselor is now the official start of the transition process. During the IC session, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual Transition Plan to identify their unique needs during the transition process and post-transition goals.

Pre-separation Counseling:
The purpose of Pre-separation Counseling is to provide a high-level overview of available benefits, services, and resources members and their families may be authorized. Pre-separation Counseling is the second step in the transition process; following Initial Counseling. Pre-separation Counseling will begin as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding an anticipated retirement date; between 14-18 months before an anticipated separation but NLT 365 days before retirement, separation, or release from AD.

5-Day Transition Workshop:
DoD Transition Day – Day 1:
• Transition Overview—presents a transition overview of the TAP Curriculum components and mandatory CRS.
• Managing Your Transition—introduces topics important for transition and associated resources.
• Military Occupational Code (MOC) Crosswalk and Gap Analysis— assists with identifying skills and demonstrates how to translate skills, training, and experience into civilian credentialing appropriate for civilian jobs.
• Financial Planning for Transition—builds on the financial training provided during the Military Life Cycle (MLC) and helps Service members understand how the transition will impact financial situations.

Veterans Affairs – Day 2:
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits and Services Day provides information about VA benefits, services, and tools, and shows how to find the help and support needed for a successful transition

Dept. of Labor – Days 3 – 5:
Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Fundamentals for Career Transition Day(s)
provides a high-level overview of the process used to find and obtain employment.

Capstone:
can only be completed once the service member has completed Initial Counseling, Pre-separation & the 5-Day TAP workshop.

All capstones will take place with a Transition Officer at the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC). The purpose of the appointment is to ensure that each service member has met all congressional mandates and to guarantee that each service member’s transition plan supports them in their post-military goals.

Program Overview:
The Air Force Casualty Services Program’s primary goals are to provide prompt, accurate reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to the next of kin for as long as needed. The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) works closely with commanders at all levels to ensure the success of the program. The CAR works closely with survivors of retired Air Force members to ensure potential benefits are applied in a timely manner. The CAR provides limited casualty service to members of sister services, certain foreign nationals, and civilians.

Casualty Assistance:

Active Duty Death:
A Casualty Assistance Representative is there to give family members a clear idea of how the Department of Defense will assist, starting with the first meeting with the Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR). It covers the planning and details of the funeral or memorial service and continues through the application and processing of all benefits and entitlements.

We can also assist with locating resources to help with a variety of issues including general support, grief support, and financial counseling. We can connect you with experts on VA benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors' Pension, Service Member Group Life Insurance (SGLI), burial expenses, state benefits, and military records, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and Tricare.

Retiree Death:
If you are a surviving family member of a retired Air Force or Space Force member residing in the United States, you can receive personal assistance in applying for eligible benefits on the member’s behalf.
Please have the following information available when making a notification:
• Retiree’s full name, grade, Social Security number, and date of retirement.
• Date, city, and state of death.
• Name, relationship, and phone number of next-of-kin.
• For general officers: Date and place of funeral, if known.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP):
Military pay stops when a service member dies. An active duty member who has eligible dependents is automatically covered by SBP at the maximum level at no cost to the member while he/she remains on active duty.
Retired pay stops when a retiree passes away. Prior to retiring, each member must decide whether to continue SBP coverage into retirement.
The SBP is a government program, which makes it possible for retiring members to ensure that after their death, their eligible survivors receive a portion of their military retired pay in the form of a monthly annuity. The SBP was structured so that a surviving spouse cannot outlive the annuity, and it has Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) incorporated so the annuity increases with inflation. The retired pay of those members who elect to participate is reduced by monthly premiums. The SBP is a unique plan: Government-subsidized premiums deducted from a participating member’s retired pay before taxes. SBP is the sole means for a member to continue a portion of their military retired pay to their eligible survivors. If a member chooses (with the concurrence of their spouse) not to participate in the SBP, an annuity cannot be paid.

Casualty/SBP Questions:
Do you have a casualty or SBP question you wish someone could answer for you? Your Casualty Assistance Representative at Fairchild AFB can help. One-on-one casualty/SBP counseling is available to all military members at Fairchild AFB and the surrounding area. For more information about these programs, call (509) 247-4488 or visit us in Building 2365.

Emergency Financial Assistance and Community Programs

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) provides emergency assistance to Air Force and Space Force families when unexpected financial emergencies arise with no-interest loans and grants. These financial assistance programs help meet immediate financial emergency needs and help make a positive step toward a lasting financial solution.

AFAS understands the challenges that come with active-duty military life, from deployments to PCS orders, and offers targeted community programs to help make everyday life on base a little easier and help take care of military families. 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS ARE NO LONGER PROCESSED AT THE MILITARY AND FAMILY READINESS CENTER (M&FRC)

Apply for Assistance at: https://portal.afas.org/my-applications

Financial Assitance:

• Standard Assistance: AFAS Standard Assistance is intended to help Airmen and Guardians stabilize emergency situations with a substantial financial impact. The collaborative process includes establishing a budget for long-term financial stability. Standard Assistance can be in the form of a no-interest loan, a grant, or a combination of the two.
• Falcon Loans: The AFAS Falcon Loan is an expedited, no-interest loan of up to $1,500. The streamlined application process allows for quick support when time and resources are limited.
• Emergency Travel Assistance:
  ALL EMERGENCY TRAVEL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED DUE TO SERIOUS ILLNESS/DEATH OF AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER, GRANDPARENT OR OTHER FAMILY RELATIONSHIP WILL BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS (ARC). PLEASE CONTACT THE ARC AT 1-877-272-7337 FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.

Community Programs Include:

Bundles for Babies: Offered quarterly at the Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC), this class is designed to teach soon-to-be parents basic parenting skills, as well as essential financial skills to help them budget for their new baby. The class is also a great opportunity to connect with other expectant parents on base. After completing the class, parents will receive a $50 Zelle gift from AFAS. This class is open to all ranks of service and is not limited to a first pregnancy. Contact the M&FRC at (509) 247-2246 to register.

Give Parents a Break (GPAB): This program is offered by the CDC in conjunction with the Air Force Aid Society for parents in stressful situations and who have children between 6 weeks and 5 years old. See your squadron commander, first sergeant, chaplain, doctor or other medical professionals, family advocacy personnel, Military and Family Readiness Center Personnel, or Child Development Center personnel for a GPAB certificate.

Child Care for PCS: This program is intended to help relieve some of the stress inherently associated with the PCS move process. AFAS will pay for 20 hours of childcare (per child) in Air Force or Space Force-certified Family Child Care homes. Air Force and Space Force families with PCS orders are eligible for this service. A copy of PCS orders is required to receive a certificate of eligibility (COE). Contact the M&FRC at (509) 247-2246 to obtain a certificate.

Spouse Employment Program: Provides funding for entry-level job training to active duty and Title 10 Air Force or Space Force Spouses with a goal to help them secure immediate, viable employment.  Student spouses are responsible for researching and registering for short-term programs/certifications (3-12 weeks), and are eligible to receive up to $2,500 which would lead to employment. Applications are available at https://portal.afas.org/.

General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant: Also known as the Hap Arnold Grant, is the centerpiece of AFAS education support. The application process for the Arnold Education Grant serves as the platform for other key education support opportunities at the Society. The Hap Arnold Grant is competitive in its need-based selection criteria and is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education costs. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are awarded to eligible Air Force and Space Force dependents each year. The specific amount awarded correlates to a student’s particular level of financial need. Find out more about the application process here: https://afas.org/application-procedures/

Federal Voting Assistance Program

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so - from anywhere in the world.

The Director of FVAP administers the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. UOCAVA, as amended by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, requires states to transmit requested absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters no later than 45 days before a federal election. Those citizens protected by UOCAVA include:

• Members of the Uniformed Services: (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps)
• Members of the Merchant Marines
• Eligible family members of the above
• U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.

FVAP assists voters through partnerships with the Military Services, Department of State, Department of Justice, election officials from 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

To see FVAP's overall mission, vision, and goals for the next several years you can check out the Strategic Plan.

The local Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) serves as the Installation Voter Assistance (IVA) office. The IVA Office provides Airman, Guardians, their family members, and all other voting-age citizens with information and assistance.

Election Forms and Tools: https://fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms

• Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
• Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
• Register to Vote locally with the National Voter Registration Form (NVRF)

www.fvap.gov Phone: (800) 438-VOTE (8683)

AFPC/DFFF https://www.afpc.af.mil/Airman-and-Family/Voting/ Phone: (210) 565-2034 DSN 665-2034 Email- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fairchild Installation Voting Assistance Office (IVAO) Phone: (509) 247-8683 (VOTE) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. M&FRC 4 West Castle St. Fairchild AFB, WA 9011

Spokane County Auditor for Spokane County Phone: (509) 477-2320 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 1033 W. Gardner Ave. Spokane, WA 99260

Enriches and improves the quality of individual and family life at Fairchild by providing the knowledge and skills needed for everyday living, relating to others, coping with life events, and easing adaptation to the military lifestyle. Personal & Work Life offers the following program:

Heart Link Spouse Orientation - This workshop is designed to familiarize spouses with Air Force life, get connected with community resources, and network with other spouses. This workshop is offered quarterly and includes a VIP tour of the base. For more information, please contact the Military & Family Readiness Center.

Download -
2023 Heart Link Schedule

Key Spouse Training - The Key Spouse Program is a commander's official unit readiness program in which Key Spouse volunteers keep connect spouses and families to the Fairchild community, especially during deployment. The Military & Family Readiness Center provides mandatory training for Key Spouses. If you would like to get connected with your Key Spouse, please contact your unit leadership or the Military & Family Readiness Center.

Work/Life Workshops - Provides information on a wide variety of topics including, but not limited to: communication, relationship skills, parenting, work/life balance, and stress management. Available as scheduled or by request."

Provides information, education, and one-on-one financial counseling to assist members and families maintain financial readiness. Services are designed to address money management issues throughout a service member’s military life cycle. Financial readiness educational opportunities ranges from setting up a simple budget to understanding long-term investment options.

Download Workshop Flyer

Provides training and information to support the customer in achieving short and long-term employment, education/training, and career goals. Provides skills development workshops, local labor market information, employment trend tracking, skills and interests’ identification, job bank or job referrals, linkages to alternatives to paid employment (e.g. volunteerism and education), and annual employment fair.

Assists in the recruitment, training, placement, and recognition of base personnel who provide volunteer service both on and off base.

Assists military individuals and families in identifying specific needs while providing appropriate connections to resources, including exceptional family member resources. I & R offers the following program:

Latch Key: This program is for children ages 10-12 who spend time alone at home before or after school and during the summer when school is out. Our goal is to give your children the skills they need to feel more confident about taking care of themselves. This class is required for children who live in base housing but is open to all dependents in the Fairchild Community.

Assists service members and their families in managing the challenges of deployments and separations before, during, and after they occur. Personal and Family Readiness offers the following programs:

Pre-deployment Briefing: Mandatory briefing for the military member (spouses encouraged to attend) covering, Red Cross, services for families during deployment, AFAS services, and overview of handouts.

Reunion Workshop: Mandatory briefing for the military member (spouses encouraged to attend). This class covers the stress of reunion on the family; communication challenges that can occur, and the truth about expectations for those returning from deployment. The post-deployment workshop features briefings by: M&FRC, Mental Health, Chaplain, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Family Advocacy, and the Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC).

Hearts Apart Program: Open to immediate family members who have a loved one currently deployed, on a remote tour or TDY. Allows deployed family members to network and interact with fellow families.

Right Start:
This Newcomer’s Orientation program is the Wing Commander’s program to welcome newcomers to Fairchild. Right Start is held monthly on scheduled Fridays. Right Start is mandatory for military members and DoD civilians. Spouses are cordially invited to attend. Sign-ups are mandatory, please call 509-247-2246. All attendees should arrive NLT 0715 for a 0730 start time. Right Start is facilitated by the Military & Family Readiness Center from 0730-1400 and then facilitated by Medical from 1400-1600.

Sponsorship Training:
The first step to becoming a successful Sponsor is taking the e-sponsorship application training (eSAT). This is a Department of Defense training, which is mandated for all new Sponsors and Command Support Staff. Sponsors who have not taken the eSAT training within the year prior to a new Sponsorship assignment must take the training again. Training certificates must be submitted to your unit Command Support Staff for unit Sponsorship Program record keeping. In addition to offering Sponsorship training, this site provides Sponsors with information on the military installations and Plan My Move websites. It also provides a sample welcome letter, a Sponsorship duty checklist, and a Newcomer and Family needs assessment, which can be tailored to fit the needs of the inbound member and their family.

Supplemental Sponsorship Training:
The M&FRC Relocation Program is here to support Sponsors and Command Support Staff who are charged with managing and monitoring the unit-level Sponsorship Program. This class is open to everyone! The focus is to gain knowledge on local relocation resources and agencies, understand how to utilize electronic tools, and be the best sponsor possible through all phases of relocation. Please call (509) 247-2246 to register.

Smooth Move:
Assists service members and their families with preparing for PCS assignments overseas or stateside. Representatives from the Military & Family Readiness Center, Tricare, Housing, and other agencies provide necessary information for planning your upcoming PCS.