Hanscom AFB  Military and Family Support Center

The Federal Voting Assistance Program – FVAP.gov – ensures service members, their 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, or VAG, is a reference guide for everything you need to know about absentee voting in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.

The VAG is available at: www.fvap.gov/vao/vag. Select your state to find your local election office’s contact information.

Voting forms are available at: www.fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms.

Special Messages:

• DoD Civilians and retirees are eligible to apply for privatized base housing at Hanscom AFB.
• Base personnel live in six states, so the housing research area is wide, most are in NH and MA.
• Housing is very expensive here and utilities may be more expensive than what you are used to.
• Child care off-base is also extremely expensive ($300-$400 per week) and difficult to secure and the CDC has a wait list for some categories.
• Oct - Apr features 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, snow, etc. 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 Sept brings a wide range of temperatures, from the 50’s in May to 90+ 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 & ticks (active in temps over 40 degrees) are problematic, so pets (and you) should be protected. Ticks are found in tall grasses, so 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 products).

Visit these "Wi-Fi" Hot Spots if you need internet connectivity while settling in: Airman and Family Readiness Center, Base Lodging, Education Center, Bowling Center, and The Commons.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). 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 are part of the network of agencies, programs, services and partnerships which supports the overall well-being of military families. Military and Family Support Centers provide information, education and support programs to help balance the demands of military life. The Military and Family Support Center should be one of your first stops once you arrive at a new installation to connect with key programs, services and support systems.

• Deployment support provides information, education and support to assist you and your family during all phases of the deployment cycle.
• Relocation assistance provides an array of services during the relocation process to meet your moving needs.
• Personal financial management provides information, education and one-on-one financial counseling to assist you and your family in maintaining your financial readiness.
• Employment assistance offers comprehensive information, tools and resources to support career exploration, education, training and licensing, career connections and employment readiness.
• Scholarship opportunities include the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or associate degree in a portable career field and occupation.
• Personal and family life education provides information and education to assist you and your family in developing resilience skills that can help as you navigate your mobile military lives.
• Information and referral can assist you in identifying and clarifying needs to determine appropriate forms of assistance and in locating services and programs available both on and off your installation.
• The transition assistance program prepares separating, retiring and demobilizing service members and their families with the information, skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition from military to civilian life.

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

• Exceptional Family Member Program
• Family Advocacy Program
• New Parent Support Program

These services may vary by location and installation. Find your specific center on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.