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48th Fighter Wing
Military and Family ReadinessStrengthening 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.
How We Help
From first arriving on installation to separating or retiring from the Air Force, we offer a wide range of services and resources across career and lifecycle touchpoints.
To learn more, please select any areas of interest by clicking below.
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 aris... Air Force Aid SocietyEmergency AssistanceAir 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:
AFAS Standard Assistance is available to:
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:
The Air Force Falcon Loan is available to:
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 SupportAFAS 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. For additional information about these programs, and how to apply, please visit: https://afas.org/how-we-help/education-support/.
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Air Force Families Forever (AFFF) links families of fallen Airmen and Guardians to their Air and Space Force family, with the intent of promoting survivor resilience and fosterin... Air Force Families ForeverProgram OverviewAFFF 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 an 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 (NOK): widow (remarried or not), each parent (mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father 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
REMEMBRANCE AND CONNECTION
INSTALLATION ACCESS
TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS) TAPS offers compassionate care to those grieving 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, please call the 24-hour helpline at:
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The mission of the Casualty Assistance Program is to provide prompt and accurate reporting, compassionate notification, and thorough assistance. CasualtyProgram OverviewThe objectives of the Casualty Assistance Program are to:
Casualty Assistance Representatives are trained advisors who assist if service members are:
Support The Casualty Assistance Program may provide support in a variety of ways, to include:
ELIGIBILITY When a casualty notification is required, assistance may be provided to:
TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS (TAPS) TAPS offers compassionate care to those grieving 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, please call the 24-hour helpline at:
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Crisis and disaster resources are intended to provide immediate assistance and referral to individuals and families. Crisis SupportProgram OverviewCrisis 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:
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.
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Deployment readiness is intended to support service members, and their families, throughout all phases of the deployment cycle. Deployment ReadinessProgram OverviewSupport is available before, during, and after deployments lasting longer than thirty (30) days. 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.
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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-t... Employment AssistanceProgram OverviewThe RAF Lakenheath Employment Assistance Program provides education and training in order to assist service members, civilians, and family members
Employment Resources Workshops are offered for the following topics:
Appointments may be scheduled for the following areas of interest:
The Military and Family Readiness Center is equipped with the following:
ON-BASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
OFF-BASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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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 famil... Exceptional Family Member ProgramProgram OverviewThe 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:
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:
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: 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:
For additional information regarding EFMP Respite Care, please visit: Contact UsIf you would like to be contacted by an EFMP Family Support Coordinator, please provide us with the following information:
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Personal financial resources assist Airmen, Guardians, and family members with achieving and sustaining financial readiness through education, training, and individual support.... Financial ReadinessProgram OverviewAirmen, Guardians, and family members with achieving and sustaining financial readiness through education, training, and individual support. Financial SupportThe 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:
Mandatory TouchpointsThere are twelve (12) mandatory touchpoints when a service member must receive financial training, which include:
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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 suc... Key Spouse ProgramProgram OverviewThe Key Spouse Program (KSP) is:
Key Spouses:
Key Spouse Prgram Support The Military and Family Readiness Center provides support in a variety of ways, to include:
Spouse Orientation As part of Newcomers’ Orientation, the Military and Family Readiness Center hosts Spouse Orientation; which provides the opportunity for spouses to:
Key Spouses, and Key Spouse Mentors, are welcome and encouraged to attend Spouse Orientation.
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48th Fighter Wing Resource List
