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  • 48th Fighter Wing

    Military and Family Readiness

    Strengthening a Ready & Resilient Community

  • 48th Fighter Wing

    Military and Family Readiness

    Strengthening a Ready & Resilient Community

  • 48th Fighter Wing

    Military and Family Readiness

    Strengthening a Ready & Resilient Community


Military & Family Readiness Center

The 48th Fighter Wing Military and Family Readiness team supports Commanders with strengthening and sustaining operational readiness through assisting Airmen, Civilian Airmen, and their families with balancing the unique demands of military life. Click on the program or service you are needing more information on or keep scrolling to see how we can best support you and your family!

Air Force Aid Society


  • Emergency Assistance

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

  • Standard Assistance

    AFAS Standard Assistance may be in the form of no-interest loan or grant. The purpose is to help stabilize the member’s emergency financial situation in order to solve a problem, so the member can focus on the Air Force mission. A budget is required, and payment is made to the final vendor/recipient (i.e. landlord for rent, mechanic for car repairs, etc.). A Zelle payment option may be requested.

    AFAS Standard Assistance is intended for a variety of emergency financial situations that any Airmen or Guardians could face. Standard Assistance can help with:

    • Basic Living Expenses
    • Medical or Dental Care
    • Funeral Expenses
    • Respite Care
    • Vehicle Repairs
    • Travel Emergencies
    • Pet PCS Transportation (from or to an overseas assignment)
    • Special Needs (Exceptional Family Members)
    • Pet Emergency Surgery or Treatment
    • Pay/Allotment Problems
    • Disasters
    • Assistance to Surviving Dependents

    AFAS Standard Assistance is available to:

    • Active duty Air Force members
    • Guard and Reserve members
    • Retired Air Force members (not on a continuing basis)
    • Spouse of Air Force or Space Force member who is enrolled in DEERS and holds a valid military dependent ID card (with a Power of Attorney)
    • Dependent family members enrolled in DEERS holding a valid military dependent ID card

    How to Apply: The Standard Assistance process begins with completing an application. You may submit your application online by visiting the AFAS Portal at: https://portal.afas.org

  • Falcon Loan

    The Air Force Falcon Loan is intended for a more focused spectrum of emergency situations, such as emergency financial help with rental or utility assistance. The Air Force Falcon Loan cannot exceed $1,000 and is appropriate for:

    • Rental and utility bill emergency assistance
    • Vehicle Expenses
    • Emergency Travel
    • Emergency Medical and Dental Expenses
    • Child Care Expenses

    The Air Force Falcon Loan is available to:

    • Active duty Air Force personnel (including spouses with a Power of Attorney)
    • Guard and Reserve personnel on active duty
    • Service members with no existing outstanding loan balance to AFAS

    How to Apply: The Falcon Loan process begins with completing an application. You may submit your application online by visiting the AFAS Portal at: https://portal.afas.org.

  • Education Support

    AFAS education grants, loans and scholarships are available to dependent children or spouses of Airmen and Guardians, both active duty and retired.

    GENERAL HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM

    • The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program is the centerpiece of AFAS education support initiatives, awarding competitive education grants to eligible Air Force and Space Force dependents based on family financial need.

    AFAS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

    • Each year AFAS awards merit-based scholarships as a complement to the needs-based support allocated through the hallmark Arnold Education Grant program. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may also be evaluated on academic merit and considered separately for an AFAS Merit Scholarship.

    AFAS SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM

    • This no-interest loan program, also offered as a complement to the main Arnold Education Grant, is designed to help Air Force and Space Force families with incidental college expenses. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may have the opportunity to secure a Supplemental Education Loan.

    AFAS MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

    • Each year AFAS awards merit-based scholarships as a complement to the needs-based support allocated through the hallmark Arnold Education Grant program. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may also be evaluated on academic merit and considered separately for an AFAS Merit Scholarship.

    AFAS SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM

    • This no-interest loan program, also offered as a complement to the main Arnold Education Grant, is designed to help Air Force and Space Force families with incidental college expenses. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may have the opportunity to secure a Supplemental Education Loan.

    SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

    • This program provides entry-level job training to active duty or Title 10 Air Force or Space Force Spouses with a goal to help secure immediate, viable employment. Student spouses are eligible to receive up to $2,500 for short term programs/certifications (3-12 weeks) that would lead to employment.
  • How to Apply

    For additional information about these programs, and how to apply, please visit: https://afas.org/how-we-help/education-support/

Air Force Families Forever

Air Force Families Forever (AFFF) provides support for surviving next-of-kin family members of deceased regular Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and Reserve Component Airmen who died in Active Duty, Inactive Duty for Training (IDT), or Annual Training (AT) status. Support is provided through Military and Family Readiness Centers at installations closest to where the survivor resides.

Next of Kin: widow (remarried or not), each parent (mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, father through adoption, mother through adoption, foster parents who stood in loco parentis), each child (natural, adopted, and step-children), and each sibling (brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, step-sibling)

Information and Referral
  • Engagement through targeted contact and incremental outreach
  • Referral to eligible federal, state, and local resources
Remembrance and connection
  • Connection to installation and community support networks
  • Recognition of deceased Airmen/Guardians
  • Coordination with installation leadership
Installation Access
  • Sponsorship for NOK through Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS)
  • Introduction to installation approved Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

TAPS offers compassionate care to those grieveing  the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Services or as a result of their service.

To find out more information about TAPS, pleas call the 24-hr helpline at 800-959-8277 or visit https://www.taps.org/

Casualty Assistance

The mission of the Casualty Assistance Program is to provide prompt and accurate reporting, compassionate notification, and thorough assistance.

The objectives of the Casualty Assistance Program are to:

  • Provide prompt and accurate casualty reporting
  • Provide dignified and humane casualty notifications to surviving family members
  • Ensure efficient and compassionate follow-on casualty assistance to those designated to receive benefits and entitlements

Casualty Assistance Representatives are trained advisors who assist if service members are:

  • Seriously ill or seriously injured
  • Duty status - whereabouts unknown
  • Missing
  • Deceased
Support

The Casualty Assistance Program may provide support in a variety of ways, including:

  • Assistance with arranging emergency transportation and travel
  • Burial expenses
  • Explaining benefits and entitlements
  • Assisting with information and referral
  • Coordinating with helping agencies for emotional and/or spiritual support
  • Liaising with Mortuary and the Honor Guard
Eligibility

When a casualty notification is required, assistance may be provided to:

  • Primary next of kin
  • Secondary next of kin
  • Individuals, other than primary or secondary next of kin, who are designated or eligible to receive benefits and/or entitlements
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

TAPS offers compassionate care to those grieveing  the loss of a loved one who died while serving in the Armed Services or as a result of their service.

To find out more information about TAPS, pleas call the 24-hr helpline at 800-959-8277 or visit https://www.taps.org/

Crisis Support

Crisis and disaster resources are intended to provide immediate assistance and referral to individuals and families.

Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (AFPAAS)

AFPAAS is a web-based program that delivers accountability data for personnel. During an emergency involving an evacuation or major mishap, full accounting of affected personnel will be initiated through AFPAAS.

When directed by leadership, Military and Family Readiness Center personnel are trained to assist with case management, as well as reporting Total Force Accountability through AFPAAS.

Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC)

In the event of a disaster or all-hazards event, the Military and Family Readiness Center is able to provide support through standing up an EFAC.

When activated, the EFAC may provide immediate disaster relief, information, and a variety of on-site services.

An EFAC will typically include on-site representatives for:

  • Medical Services
  • Casualty and Mortuary Affairs
  • Religious and Pastoral Care
  • Non-Medical Counseling
  • Mental Health
  • Housing or Temporary Lodging
  • Transportation
  • Legal Services
  • Child and Youth Services
  • Financial Services
  • Public Affairs
  • American Red Cross
Evacuation Operations

Evacuation operations may be initiated by the Department of Defense, in response to a situation that endangers the lives of personnel.

The Military and Family Readiness Center may act as a temporary safe haven where evacuees can stop for a short period of time while en route to a more permanent or final destination.

Deployment Readiness

Deployment readiness is intended to support service members, and their families, throughout all phases of the deployment cycle. Support is available before, during, and after deployments lasting longer than thirty (30) days.

All military members, to include Guard and Reserve, DoD civilians, and family members who hold a current government-issued ID card are eligible for deployment support services.

Pre-deployment

Pre-deployment support is initiated through a pre-deployment briefing that is mandatory for deploying Airmen and Guardians. Families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Information is provided regarding deployment expectations, stressors, remaining connected, return and reunion, and available resources.

Pre-deployment briefings are offered at the Military and Family Readiness Center on a weekly basis.

Deployment

Information regarding activities and support is available through the monthly “Link 2 Lakenheath” newsletter, as well as social media on the RAF Lakenheath Military and Family Readiness Center Facebook page.

For family members who have special needs, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support Coordinators are located at the Military and Family Readiness Center.

To increase the network of support and outreach, communication with unit Key Spouses is encouraged.

Reintegration

Reintegration support is available through a reintegration briefing, which is offered at the Military and Family Readiness Center on a weekly basis.

Enhanced support for reintegration is available through non-medical counseling. There are two Adult Military and Family Life Counselors located at the Military and Family Readiness Center; as well as Embedded Military and Family Life Counselors with 48
MSG, 48 MXG, and 48 SFS.

Employment Assistance

The RAF Lakenheath Employment Assistance Program provides education and training in order to assist service members, civilians, and family members with achieving short and long-term employment in both public and private sectors.

Employment Assistance may be provided in the following areas:

  • Local Labor Information
  • Resources for Service Members Transitioning Out of the Military
  • Career Consultation
  • Group Workshops
  • Individual Appointments
Employment Resources

Workshops are offered for the following topics:

  • Federal Employment and Navigating USAJobs
  • Federal Resume Writing
  • Resume 101 (Includes Civilian Resume and UK CV)
  • Interview Insight
  • LinkedIn

Appointments may be scheduled for the following areas of interest:

  • Resume Review
  • Mock Interviews
  • LinkedIn Review
  • Job Search Assistance
  • Employment Questions and Tips
  • USAJobs
  • Negotiating Salary and Benefits
  • Cover Letters
  • LinkedIn and Effective Networking

The Military and Family Readiness Center is equipped with the following:

  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Fax Machine
  • Information: Job and Volunteer Opportunities
On-base Employment Opportunities
  • Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Positions
  • Federal Employment
  • Civil Service
  • Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
  • Banks and Credit Unions
  • Contract Positions
  • Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
  • Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS)
Off-base employment opportunities
  • Online Job Listings
  • Jobcentre Plus and Staffing Agencies
  • Education and Teaching Profession
  • Nursing and Healthcare Jobs
  • Military Friendly Companies
Visa Vignette for Off-base Employment

As part of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), family members (military or civilian) must be command-sponsored with an Exemption Vignette (Visa Vignette); and no employment restrictions to work off base without a work permit.

A National Insurance Number (NIN), which is the equivalent to a Social Security Number (SSN), is also required to begin work.

For more information regarding a Visa Vignette, please contact the RAF Lakenheath Passport Office:

Financial Readiness

Personal financial resources assist Airmen, Guardians, and family members with achieving and sustaining financial readiness through education, training, and individual support.

Financial Support

The Military and Family Readiness Center is equipped with certified personal financial counselors who may assist in a variety of ways.

Support may be provided through workshops, unit briefings, individual appointments, or tailored upon request. Topics may include:

  • Individual Financial Counseling
  • Moving Out of the Dorms
  • Developing a Budget
  • Investing
  • Car Buying
  • Home Buying
  • Credit/Debt Management
  • Retirement Planning
Mandatory Touchpoints

There are twelve (12) mandatory touchpoints when a service member must receive financial training, which includes:

  • Accessions
  • First Duty Station
  • Thrift Savings Plan Vesting
  • Continuation Pay
  • Transition
  • Pre/Post Deployment
  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Birth of First Child (to include adoption)
  • Disabling Sickness or Condition
  • Subsequent Duty Station (to include grades E-4/O-3 and below)
  • Promotion (to include grades E-5/O-4 and below)
Financial Resources

Download our Financial Resources guide for Airmen, Guardians, and Family Members.

Exceptional Family Member Program

The Exceptional Family member Program (EFMP) supports a continuum of care for Airmen, Guardians, and their families to promote readiness and improve the quality of life for family members with special needs. RAF Lakenheath EFMP assists with assignment coordination, family support information, and community resources and referrals. To receive full access to services, family members must be command-sponsored to their assigned installation. EFMP is a DoD-mandated enrollment program offered by all branches of the military. This, in part, assists with assigning active duty personnel to locations where the special needs of family members may best be met.

Family Support

EFMP Family Support Coordinators are located at the Military and Family Readiness Center and may assist in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

  • Non-medical support
  • Education/information and referral
  • Resource navigation (on and off installation)
  • Needs assessments and services plans
  • Unit training and outreach
  • Community inclusion
  • EFMP family events
  • Relocation assistance/warm hand-offs
Medical

EFMP Medical is the process that documents and evaluates the medical and educational needs of family members. All families with one or more family member(s) with special needs must participate in the EFMP Medical review process before Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel is authorized. EFMP enrollment may be initiated in several ways:

  • Screening Process during Medical Appointments
  • Referral from School or Key Community Personnel
  • Screening during In or Out Assignment Processing

As soon as a special need is identified, active duty sponsors must contact the nearest Air Force Military Treatment Facility to speak with the EFMP Special Needs Coordinator; who will provide guidance and any necessary documents.

Enrollment in EFMP remains in effect until the medical or special education needs no longer meet criteria, until the Airman or Guardian separates from active duty, or until the family member is no longer a military dependent.

For additional information regarding EFMP Medical, please visit:
https://raflakenheath.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/Exceptional-Family-Member-Program-EFMP

Respite Care

The Air Force recognizes that parents with children with special needs can benefit from some additional support. Respite child care is designed for active duty Airmen and Guardians who have children enrolled in EFMP and are diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs. At no cost to the family, eligibility requirements include:

  • Active Duty or Reserve/Guard Member in an Active Duty Status
  • Must be Q-Coded
  • Verification of at least one child who has been identified as an Exceptional Family Member with a moderate or severe special need

For additional information regarding EFMP Respite Care, please visit:
https://www.dafchildandyouth.com/expanded-child-care
or contact the RAF Lakenheath Community Child Care Coordinator at:
Commercial: 01638-52-2170 | DSN: (314) 226-2170

If you would like to be contacted by an EFMP Family Support Coordinator, please provide us with the following information:


EFMP

Key Spouse Program

  • Program Overview

    The Key Spouse Program (KSP) is an official Unit Family Readiness Program designed to provide information and resources to military spouses; in order to support families with successfully navigating the military lifestyle.

    The Key Spouse Program is:

    • A Commander’s program intended to enhance the communication flow from leadership to unit family members
    • Designed to increase readiness, connectedness, and resiliency
    • A Commander’s initiative that promotes partnerships with unit leadership, families, Military and Family Readiness Centers, and other installation community agencies
  • Key Spouses are...

    Key Spouses:

    • Are selected and officially appointed in writing by the unit Commander
    • Provide a copy of the signed appointment letter to the Military and Family Readiness Center
    • Complete KSP initial training
    • Attend continuing education training
  • KSP Support

    The Military and Family Readiness Center provides support in a variety of ways, including:

    • Scheduling initial KSP training
    • Providing continuing education training opportunities
    • Offering information and referral
    • Maintaining a current roster of trained Key Spouses and Key Spouse Mentors
    • Creating and maintaining unit organizational Key Spouse e-mail accounts
  • Spouse Orientation

    As part of Newcomers’ Orientation, the Military and Family Readiness Center hosts Spouse Orientation; which provides the opportunity for spouses to:

    • Increase awareness of the Air Force/48th Fighter Wing mission
    • Learn about customs and traditions
    • Receive information about protocol and available resources

    Key Spouses, and Key Spouse Mentors, are welcome and encouraged to attend Spouse Orientation.

  • Resources

    To find out more information about the Key Spouse Program, and access helpful resources, please visit: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Airman-and-Family/Key-Spouse-Program/

Key Spouse Program

Need someone to talk to?

Contact one of our amazing Military Family Life Counselors today.

  • Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) provide confidential non-medical counseling, consultation, and outreach services.

    Adult and Embedded Military and Family Life Counselors are licensed clinicians who provide support to service members and their families.

    Support may be offered for:

    • Individuals
    • Couples
    • Groups
  • Military and Family Life Counselors offer individual appointments, briefings, and presentations across a wide range of topics, including:

    • Anger Management
    • Communication
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Deployment
    • Grief and Loss
    • Marriage and Couples
    • Parenting
    • Return and Reunion
    • Stress Management
  • In support of the 48th Fighter Wing, Adult and Embedded Military and Family Life Counselors are located at:

    Military and Family Readiness Center
    Phone: +44 (0)7826-286432
    Phone: +44 (0)7392-438088

    48th Maintenance Group (MXG)
    Phone: +44 (0)7393-917782
    Phone: +44 (0)7760-475530

    48th Mission Support Group (MSG)
    Phone: +44 (0)7471-962245

    48th Security Forces Squadron (SFS)
    Phone: +44 (0)7961-017103

Voting Assistance

  • Military Voting

    The mission of the Voting Assistance Program is to ensure that citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) understand their voting rights, as well as how to register and vote.

    Military voting is different because extended or overseas absences can prevent service members from using normal state voting rules. A special law, called the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) requires that states and territories allow certain groups to register and vote absentee in federal elections.

    All members of the United States uniformed services (on active duty), their family members, and U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States are eligible to vote under the UOCAVA law.

  • Step One

    Register and request an absentee ballot.

    Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA) by visiting FVAP.gov.

    Print, sign, and send to your local election office by 1 August, or locate your state’s deadline by visiting FVAP.gov.

    Tip: To identify your local election office, use your legal residence or the U.S. address where you last resided.

  • Step Two

    Once registered, your ballot should arrive by early October.

    Complete your ballot and send it to your election office by the following deadlines:

    • On a ship at sea: 5 October
    • Outside the United States: 13 October
    • Stateside: 27 October

    After you send your ballot, you may confirm it was received by contacting your election office.

    If your ballot doesn’t make it to you on time, you may complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) by visiting FVAP.gov.

  • Federal Voting Assistance program (FVAP)

    For voting related questions, please visit the FVAP website at: http://www.fvap.gov or contact the Air Force Total Force Service Center (TFSC) 24-hour voting assistance line at: 1-800-525-0102.

Voting

48th Fighter Wing Resource List

Upcoming Events


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Apr
01

Reintegration Brie ...Military & Family Readiness Center

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02

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03

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03

Federal Employment ...Military & Family Readiness Center

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03

Reintegration Brie ...Military & Family Readiness Center

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04

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Military & Family Readiness Center

Building 950

Opening Hours

  • Monday-Thursday
    7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday
    7:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday-Sunday
    CLOSED
  • Holiday, Family & Goal Days
    CLOSED

Commercial: 01638 52 3847

DSN: 226-3847