Kiera Bolton is the new Community Readiness Consultant at the Military and Family Readiness Center, and she first began as a volunteer. When Kiera moved to Columbus, Mississippi, in April 2026 with her husband, who came to Columbus Air Force Base to serve as a T-6 instructor pilot, she quickly found a way to get involved in the military community. Kiera has been around the military for about 3 years; she began volunteering at the Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) in June, assisting with various programs and learning more about the resources available to military families.
She explored many opportunities to find employment on base; Kiera asked for advice on the best way to get started. She was advised to start volunteering, gain valuable experience for her resume, learn how the system works, and build connections with people throughout the installation. She took that advice to heart by volunteering with the employment program and beginning to build a professional network.
When a position became available at the M&FRC, Kiera applied and was hired in October as a Community Readiness Consultant. What began as a volunteer opportunity has become a career that allowed her to give back to the same community that helped her along the way.
Supporting Military Members and Families
In her role, Kiera supports two key programs: the Employment Assistance Program and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Both programs provide resources and guidance to help military members and their families navigate employment opportunities and career transitions.
The Transition Assistance Program supports active-duty service members preparing to separate or retire. This includes individuals planning to leave the Air Force within the next two years, as well as those facing medical separation or medical retirement. The program helps service members prepare for their next chapter by providing tools and guidance for the transition to civilian life.
Through the Employment Assistance Program, Kiera helps military spouses, active-duty service members preparing for transition or retirement, and military-connected children who are seeking employment. The M&FRC also helps eligible individuals with access to the installation and a Department of Defense (DoD) ID.
Employment support includes resume workshops, personalized feedback, and guidance on tailoring their resume to specific job announcements. The team also offers mock interviews and instruction on navigating USAJOBS.gov. From preparing application materials to understanding the hiring process, the M&FRC helps individuals feel more confident and prepared in their job search.
The M&FRC also coordinates volunteer opportunities, helping individuals find placements that match their interests and goals. Anyone who wants to volunteer at the M&FRC or support another organization on base, the M&FRC team can connect them with opportunities and introduce them to the installation’s network. While the M&FRC manages the volunteer program, volunteers serve with the organizations and programs where they are placed.
Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others
Of the programs she supports, Kiera finds the employment program especially rewarding because she has personally benefited from the same resources.
She understands how valuable it can be to visit the M&FRC for the first time, schedule an appointment, have someone review a resume, and receive guidance on the employment process and finding work on the base.
Now, she can provide that same support to others. Kiera enjoys helping individuals build their professional networks, identify suitable opportunities, and apply for positions that align with their skills and experience.
Seeing people succeed after receiving assistance is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job. For Kiera, the experience reminds her how meaningful it can be to give back to a community that has supported her own journey.
Upcoming Event: Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS)
The M&FRC will host Kids Understanding Deployment Operations (KUDOS) on November 23, from 9AM to 1PM!
KUDOS helps military children better understand the deployment process and what their parents do in service to the country. Through age-appropriate activities, children can learn about deployment and what to expect when a parent prepares to leave.
The program is open to children ages 4–18. Children who are not registered for the Youth Center’s Thanksgiving Break Camp must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Registration deadline: November 13.
Military families are encouraged to sign up before the deadline and take advantage of this opportunity to help their children better understand the deployment experience.
Thank you to the M&FRC and Kiera Bolton for all you do for military families and individuals who need help taking the next steps in life. If you need help or guidance, contact or visit the Military and Family Readiness Center at any time while on-base.