Military and Family Support Center

The Federal Voting Assistance Program ensures service members, eligible family members and overseas citizens have the tools and resources to register to vote and request an absentee ballot regardless of their state of residence. The Voting Assistance Guide is a reference guide for everything you need to know about absentee voting in all 50 states; the U.S. territories and Washington, D.C.

The VAG can be found online. Select your state to find your local election office’s contact information.

Voting forms are also available online.

You may also reach a voting representative at Hanscom AFB by emailing vote.hanscom@us.af.mil.

Special Messages:

• Department of Defense civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Hanscom Air Force Base.
• The housing research area is wide as base personnel live in six states. Most homes are found in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
• Housing is very expensive here and utilities may be more expensive than to which you are accustomed.
• Child care off-base is also extremely expensive ($300 to $400 per week) and difficult to secure. The Child Development Center has a waitlist for some categories.
• From October to April, weather includes everything from black ice on the roads (if you have to scrape your windshield in the morning, watch for ice patches on bridges, ramps, etc.) to freezing rain and snow. Winter driving involves reducing speed and lengthening space between vehicles.
• Massachusetts has strict firearm laws. Don't drive into the state with firearms without checking the state laws on the Mass.gov website.

May to September brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50s in May to 90-plus in August. It can also be very humid. (This is why we enjoy the ocean and the many lakes/rivers!) During this time, be prepared for seasonal allergies (mold, pollen, etc.). We have a pretty short growing season. Mosquitoes and ticks (active in temperatures over 40 degrees) are problematic, so pets (and you) should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses and it is recommended to check everyone over after outdoor activities. It helps to wear light-colored clothing. Protect yourself and family members between dusk to dawn from mosquitoes (stay indoors or check out many of the over-the-counter repellant products).

Visit these Wi-Fi hot spots if you need internet connectivity while settling in: 

• Hanscom Military and Family Readiness Center
• Education center
• Bowling center
• The Commons

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions: The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included.

Military and Family Support Centers provide information, education and support programs to help balance the demands of military life. Offerings include:

• Deployment support to assist you and your family during all phases of the deployment cycle. Learn more about deployment support.
• Relocation assistance to help you prepare for an upcoming move and get settled into your new location. Learn more about the military Relocation Assistance Program.
• Confidential non-medical clinical counseling provides support for a wide range of issues from marital conflicts and stress management to coping with grief and deployment adjustments Learn more about confidential non-medical counseling.
• Personal and family life education assists with developing knowledge and skills to help you navigate your mobile military life.
• Personal financial readiness assists you and your family in building and maintaining your financial readiness.
• Employment assistance supports career exploration, education, training and licensing, career connections and employment readiness for military spouses, transitioning service members, and other family members. Learn more about the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, or SECO.
• Information and referral can assist you in identifying and clarifying needs and locating and connecting to services and programs available both on and off your installation.
• Morale, Welfare and Recreation, or MWR services provide lots of ways for you to connect with friends and others for entertainment, rest and relaxation — all at reduced or no cost. Learn more about MWR programs and services.
• The Transition Assistance Program provides the information, skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life. Learn more about transition assistance programs and resources.

Military and Family Support Centers may provide other programs such as the following:

Exceptional Family Member Program

Family Advocacy Program

New Parent Support Program

Federal Voting Assistance Program

Services may vary by location and installation. Use the Search tool to find contact information for your installation Military and Family Support Center. Just enter your installation name, Zip code or state.