Help support military families by becoming a Family Child Care Provider

 At the Military & Family Readiness Center, we believe that strong families build mission success. That’s why we offer activities, classes, and resources to support a healthy balance between work and family life.

Stop by or give us a call for more info: (662) 434-2839

Classes & Trainings:

We offer training on a variety of personal and professional development topics. Classes can be scheduled for individuals or groups and customized for unit needs.

Popular Classes Include:

• Four Lenses (personality & communication styles)

• Communication Skills

• Time Management

• Team Building

• New Military Family Learning Network Webinars

Events & Programs:

Heart Link – Hosts a quarterly Heart Link Spouse Orientation program designed to assist new spouses in gaining a better understanding of the Air Force culture.

Bundles for Babies: Discusses finances, labor and delivery, and infant care for active duty AF and/or their spouses assigned to Columbus AFB who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 months of age. Includes a FREE $150 ZELLE deposit per eligible child!

Adoption Info
Resources and guidance for families considering adoption.

Military families face unique challenges—deployment stress, reintegration, and the demands of parenting and finances.

The Military & Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program is here to help.

What MFLC offers:

• Free, short-term, non-medical counseling for service members and their families
• Education and support around deployment, reunions, and military-related stress
• Flexible services—available on or off base
• Confidential sessions for individuals, couples, families, or groups
• No records kept (exceptions: child abuse, domestic abuse, duty to warn)

Who are the Counselors:

• Licensed professionals with a Master’s or Doctorate

• Trained to work with individuals, couples, children, and families

• Coordinate with other military support services to complement care

How they can help: 

Life Skills
• Anger management
• Communication
• Relationship issues
• Conflict resolution
• Parenting support
• Decision-making skills

Military Lifestyle Support
• Deployment & reintegration stress
• Coping strategies
• Homesickness
• Relocation adjustment

You don’t have to face it alone.
Reach out to the MFLC program at (662) 435-1110 for confidential, supportive care.

Resilience means handling life’s challenges—our program helps you and your family prepare for deployments or extended TDYs. We offer personalized pre- and post-deployment briefings. Call (662) 434-2794 or (662) 434-2790 for an appointment.

Some Of Our Programs Include:

Hearts Apart Social: Social event for family members whose sponsor is deployed, remote, or on extended TDY 30 days or more.

Give Parents A Break Program:

Eligible members holding a GPAB Certificate of Eligibility will apply for funding through the AFAS portal. Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable child care expenses.

• $40 per dependent child per month for up to 3 months will be provided to eligible members.
• Funds can be used for the following childcare providers.
• Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
• Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
• Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation
• Give-Parents-A-Break Application Instructions

Huggable Uniformed Gifts (HUGs): Deployment Dolls: The MFRC can make dolls for Airmen to give to children, spouses, parents, significant others, or your dog! The front of the doll has a picture of the Airman, and the back is made of uniform material.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Become a VOLUNTEER! Volunteers support the base and community in roles from the Medical Center to the Airman’s Attic. In addition to making a difference, volunteers are recognized annually with awards like the Volunteer Excellence Award and Volunteer of the Quarter/Year.

Contact M&FRC for a Volunteer Application at (662) 434-2790.

Downtown Opportunities:

United Way of the Golden Triangle

American Red Cross

Casualty Services

The Columbus AFB Casualty Services Program ensures prompt reporting, respectful notification, and compassionate support to next of kin. The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) helps survivors of retired members apply for benefits like retired pay, VA benefits, SGLI, and Social Security.

Casualty Assistance Links

• The Veterans Administration
• Retired Pay Online Frequently Asked Questions
• Military Records Storage
• Social Security
• Military One Source–Active Duty (Casualty information)
• Report the Death of a Retiree
• How to Request DD Form 214
• Reporting the Death of Civil Service members

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

Overview:

Military pay stops upon a member’s death, but the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) allows retiring members to provide eligible survivors with a monthly annuity. Designed so spouses can’t outlive the benefit, SBP includes Cost-of-Living Adjustments to keep up with inflation. Active duty members with dependents are automatically covered at no cost. Before retiring, members must choose whether to continue SBP, which reduces retired pay through subsidized, pre-tax premiums. SBP is the only way to extend a portion of military retired pay to survivors—if declined (with spouse’s consent), no annuity is paid.

SBP Links

Survivor’s Benefit Plan Information
Military One Source (SBP)

WELCOME TO THE 14TH FLYING TRAINING WING

Wing Newcomers Orientation

Newcomers Orientation is from 0900-1530. It is held in the Kaye Auditorium and includes base/community information fair. Please locate and download the Columbus Air Force Base App for Apple or Android before attending. Register at the M&FRC by calling (662) 434-2790.

The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) at Columbus AFB assists you with information and education to ease the personal and family stressors military families experience with a permanent change of station (PCS).

New Student Pilots

Click here for information to assist you with your transition to the 14th Student Squadron.

Classes/workshops
Wing Newcomers Orientation

Newcomers Orientation is from 0900-1530. It is held in the Kaye Auditorium and includes base/community information fair. Please locate and download the Columbus Air Force Base App for Apple or Android before attending. Register at the M&FRC by calling (662) 434-2790.

Online Pre-Arrival Orientation

Smooth Move Workshop

This workshop is highly recommended before you begin your PCS out-processing. Start your move with expert information from Tri-Care, Housing, Military Pay, TMO, Medical Records, and MFRC.

Sponsorship Training

An electronic version of sponsorship training called eSponsorship Application & Training (eSAT) is the required training course to become a sponsor. Click here for the Military OneSource’s MilLife Learning Training Course Catalog.

Contact M&FRC for all the Sponsorship Resources and Information

Remember being new to the Air Force or a base? You can help others have a smoother experience by becoming a Key Spouse Liaison—a trained volunteer who supports fellow spouses during deployments, TDYs, and everyday military life.

Interested?
Contact your squadron’s First Sergeant or call the Military & Family Readiness Center at (662) 434-2790.

The Key Spouse Responsibilities:

• Welcome new families

• Build support networks through outreach and events

• Stay in touch with unit families and listen to concerns

• Connect families with base and community resources

• Serve as a communication link between families, the Commander, and First Sergeant

What Key Spouses Don’t Do:

No gossiping – Bound by Privacy Act rules

No counseling – They refer, not advise

No judging – They listen and connect you to help if needed

Separating Or Retiring Soon?

The Military & Family Readiness Center is here to help you transition smoothly from military to civilian life through the DoD Transition Program.

We’ll guide you through every step to meet your Career Readiness Standards and set you up for post-military success.

Key Requirements:

• Initial Counseling is the first required step

• Must be completed no later than 365 days before separation

• You’ll be assigned a personalized Transition Tier

• Pre-Separation Counseling also due by 365 days out

Call (662) 434-2631 or (662) 434-2790 to get started.

Links

• National Association of State Department of Veteran Affairs
• DoDTAP VMET
• MyPay
• eBenefits
• Department of Veteran Affairs

Follow the Columbus AFB EFMP on Facebook

Why Enroll in EFMP?

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) ensures service members with dependents who have medical or special education needs receive assignment consideration and support. It helps confirm that required services are available at the next duty location before a PCS. Enrollment is mandatory for active duty members with dependents who have special needs, per DoDI 1315.19 and federal disability laws.

EFMP Support Team:

• EFMP-M (Medical)
• EFMP-A (Assignments/Personnel)
• EFMP-FS (Family Support at the M&FRC) – Offers resources and referrals

Call (662) 434-3323 for more info.

DAF Family Vector-Number one resource for our EFMP families, whether they’re seeking information about respite care, Tricare, an upcoming permanent change of station, or how to connect with local area support networks

Safety videos – Highlight how families can take precautions in the home to help prevent injuries to children with physical, developmental or cognitive disabilities. The focus of the videos includes fire and burn prevention, drowning, choking and falls prevention

Tricare Special Needs – Benefits, eligibility

Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) Federally funded Parent Training and Information Center established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) – Resources for parents, young adults, professionals, and educators

Parent Toolkit, Military Families and Students with Learning Disabilities – Guide to educate and empower parents, others to help military children who struggle in school

POSSIBILITIES: A Financial Resource Guide for EFMP Families – Free 200+ page resource. Created for parents with children under 18 years of age who have disabilities. Experts and parents worked together to make this comprehensive guide

Parent to Parent – Emphasizes emotional and informational support

Government Benefits – Location to sort through government benefits available

Disability.gov – “Connecting the disability community to information and opportunities”

Social Security Online – Information on Social Security benefits for children with disabilities

Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities

Air Force EFMP Respite Care – EFMP Respite Care helps Air Force families with children with special needs by providing 40 hours of respite care per month so they can leave the house, go to an appointment, or just rest, while knowing that their child is well cared for.

Give Parents A Break Program:

Eligible members holding a GPAB Certificate of Eligibility will apply for funding through the AFAS portal. Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable child care expenses.

• $40 per dependent child per month for up to 3 months will be provided to eligible members.
• Funds can be used for the following childcare providers.
• Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
• Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
• Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation
• Give-Parents-A-Break Application Instructions

Military Onesource

Military OneSource provides links to information on EFMP and Forms needed for enrollment. Also, if you have a family member with special education, or medical needs, please contact EFMP-Medical at (662) 434-2115 for enrollment.

EFMP & Me – is the OSN resource to connect families to helpful tools and information.

• Military One Source EFMP
• TRICARE
• ECHO General Info The TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)
• ECHO Fact Sheet
• ECHO Application
• Wrightslaw
• PAVE

EFMP Education

Center for Parent Information and Resources
AF Special Ed Connection – DirectSTEP 2019

Personal Financial Counseling (PFC) helps you and your family take control of your finances, tackle money challenges, and achieve long-term goals like education, homeownership, and retirement planning. Financial Readiness Training is required for E-6 and below and O-3 and below upon arrival to new duty station. Call (662) 434-2790 to schedule a meeting with our Personal Financial Counselor.  

PFCs help you:

• Manage money, credit, and debt

• Set and reach goals (education, homebuying, retirement)

• Navigate benefits and military pay

• Prepare financially for deployment or transition

Services Include:

• Free, confidential consultations

• Budgeting and credit help

• Support during deployment

• Referrals to military and community resources

Workshops Available:

• Money management & budgeting

• Credit & debt strategies

• Saving, investing & retirement

• Car buying, home buying & mortgages

• TSP, BRS, and military benefits

• Estate planning & raising financially savvy kids

Quick Tips:

• Create a written budget

• Save for emergencies (aim for 10%)

• Start retirement contributions early

• Check your credit at annualcreditreport.com

• Compare financing options before big purchases

• Track all expenses, including automatic withdrawals

Helpful Financial Websites

• Military One Source
• Blended Retirement System Resources
• Thrift Savings Plan
• Investment Information via SEC
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Federal Trade Commission
• Identity Theft Information
• Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
• SaveAndInvest.org
• Snowball Debt Management

(No federal endorsement intended for non-government sites)

The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) is the official charity of the United States Air Force. It promotes the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance to members and their families, sponsoring educational assistance programs, and offering a variety of base community enhancement programs that impact member/family welfare.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency assistance usually combines an assessment of the emergency and an evaluation of the personal budget to decide whether to make an interest-free loan, a grant, or a combination of both. Financial assistance is given when a qualifying individual cannot otherwise pay for specific basic needs essential to continued personal effectiveness as a military member. Funds may be given for verifiable emergencies, including food, emergency travel, vehicle repair, rent (initial rent and security deposit or eviction), and the prevention of utility disconnection.

To Apply:

AFAS Member Portal – Complete an application for Air Force Aid and submit online. You may call the Military and Family Readiness Center at 662.434.2790 if you have questions or need assistance with the application. Applicants will need to enroll in Zelle for direct deposit of any approved funds directly from Air Force Aid.

Additional Links:

Army Emergency Relief

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

AFAS Community Programs

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE: The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program, 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.

Bundles for Babies: Discusses finances, labor and delivery, and infant care for active duty AF and/or their spouses assigned to Columbus AFB who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 months of age. Includes a FREE $150 ZELLE deposit per eligible child!

Child Care for PCS:

Eligible members with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Retirement, Palace Chase, or Separation from service order will apply for funding through the AFAS portal. Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable childcare expenses.

• $200 per dependent child up to age 12 (not to exceed $1,000 per family) will be provided to eligible members
• Funds can be used for the following childcare providers:
• Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
• Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
• Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation
• Child Care for PCS Application Instructions 

Eligibility Expansion:

• • Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members. Must apply within 60 days of arrival or departure.
  • Air National Guard and Reserve members activated under Title 10, USC, for more than 15 days with a PCS order. Must apply within 60 days of arrival or departure.
  • Air Force and Space Force members with retirement orders, including those on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL), Palace Chase, or when separating from active-duty service. These categories are eligible within 60 days at the departure location.

Give Parents A Break Program:

Eligible members holding a GPAB Certificate of Eligibility will apply for funding through the AFAS portal. Approved funds will be directly deposited into the member’s designated bank account via Zelle or ACH to cover allowable child care expenses.

• $40 per dependent child per month for up to 3 months will be provided to eligible members.
• Funds can be used for the following childcare providers.

• Base Child Development/Youth Centers offering a monthly GPAB event with a minimum of 8 children in attendance
• Family Child Care (FCC) provider homes at assigned installations
• Day Care Centers or Day Care Providers on or off the installation
• Give-Parents-A-Break Application Instructions

Employment Readiness Program

Searching for a new job? The Military & Family Readiness Center is the right place to help with your employment search! The Employment Readiness Program provides no cost consultations, programs and services to help families in the job search process. Consultants are available to guide spouses and family members on career planning, job seeking, and resume writing, as well as to help them prepare for interviews and negotiate offers. We are here to assist you if you are looking for a new career or simply a temporary job.

Apply for all Federal Government jobs, including those at Columbus Air Force Base, on USAjobs.gov.

USAJobs.gov – Columbus Area

Useful Websites in Job Search and Transition

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) – consultants provide professional guidance to military spouses on careers, education and training, employment readiness and career connections.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – search for jobs online that connects military spouse-friendly companies with jobs to military spouses seeking employment.

Learn more at msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) – provides financial assistance to eligible spouses pursuing licensure, certification or an associate degree.

Employment Workshops Offered On Regular Basis

Resumes & Interviews – A resume is the key to obtaining interviews. The Military & Family Readiness Center can help make sure your resume advertises your skills and abilities. Then the job interview is your opportunity to market yourself and learn more about the position.

Federal Employment – We offer USAJobs workshops every other month, or call and set up a one on one appointment. https://www.usajobs.gov is updated daily with excellent opportunities to join the Federal Government in such career fields as Logistics, Financial Management, and Contracting. These appropriated funded civil service positions are paid for by money appropriated by Congress.

NAF Employment – There are many opportunities to join the Federal Government as a Non-appropriated funds (NAF) employee where you can work in the services industry for the Air Force. NAF positions can be found in the Air Force clubs, bowling centers, golf courses and many other activities and are paid from these self-generating activities.

Self-Employment – Do you want a job where you can be your own boss, set your own hours, or have the flexibility you need to raise a family and support your military career? We offer a 2 day Entrepreneur Workshop quarterly, conducted by Mississippi State University Small Business Development Center using Small Business Administration curriculum.

Local Aviation Companies

There are a number of aviation companies in Columbus and surrounding area that can offer employment opportunities include but are not limited to:

• L-3 Communications
• Stark Aerospace, Inc.
• Airbus Helicopters
• Aurora Flight Sciences
• M1 Services

And, don’t forget about volunteering. It is a great way to learn new skills, create important networks and gain experience while contributing to the community.

Other Job Boards

• Career One Stop
• OPM.gov – Veterans Employment