Kadena AB  Military and Family Support Center

The Family Readiness Program assists with all stages of deployment, mobilization, separations, local or national emergencies, disasters, and evacuations. The Kadena A&FRC Readiness NCO and staff provide preparation information, education, and guidance aimed at optimally preparing military members/families for deployments and extended TDYs. Services include pre-deployment briefings, childcare, monthly social events, and other programs offered to assist families while their loved ones are away.

Pre-Deployment Briefings

• Briefings are held every Monday at 0830 at the Airman & Family Readiness Center (Bldg. 721) Briefings are mandatory for all military personnel deploying out of Kadena AB more than 30 days. 
• Briefing provides an overview of deployment check-list items, a review of the "cycles of deployment" and resources for the military member and dependent(s).
• Spouses are highly encouraged to attend pre-deployment briefings.

Resources and information provided at these briefings include:

• Car Care Because We Care -- Spouses of members who are deployed over 30 days are authorized a Free oil change and safety check on their primary vehicle sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. A copy of the deployed member's orders must be provided to obtain voucher. 
• Operation Rest -- Personalized pillowcases and t-shirts with a photo of a deployed service member. Great comfort item for the kids.
• Give Parents A Break -- This Air Force Aid Society sponsored program is designed to offer eligible parents a few hours break from the stresses of parenting. At Kadena, 4-5 hours of FREE childcare to parents' who "need a break" while their active duty member is deployed. Care is offered one weekend a month at either Wakaba CDC or Niko Niko CDC for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age and at Himawari School Age Program for children 5 years to 12 years of age. 
• Family Activities -- The A&FRC hosts a deployed family activity for spouses and children every month. These activities are open to all military branches of a deployed service member. It's a great opportunity to meet other families and network in a fun and festive environment. Childcare is available onsite.
• Deployed Spouses Dinner-The A&FRC host a deployed spouses dinner twice a year (June and December). The dinner is open to all spouses and children of a deployed or TDY service member from any service. Childcare is available onsite. This is a great opportunity to network and meet other spouses of a deployed service member. 
• Deployed Family Yoga-Available to deployed spouses every first Saturday of every month. Deployments can bring a lot of stress on families. Yoga helps reduce the physical effects of stress on the body. Deployed families can increase flexibility; improve respiration, energy and vitality. 

There are a number of resources to make a deployed member's reunion a successful and joyous one. Please see the following resources for further information.

Post-Deployment Briefing

• Briefings are held twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at 0800 at bldg. 721B Training Room. Briefings are mandatory for all military personnel returning from deployment and feature speakers from Finance, Chaplains Office, Mental Health, SARC, MFLC's, and the A&FRC. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend post-deployment briefings

Other resources available for post-deployment:

• Returning Home Child Care -- Active duty members returning from deployment 30 days or longer are eligible for 16 hours of childcare through the Family Child Care Center. Service is provided on a space-available basis. Please call FCC Office at DSN 315-634-3464 for more information.

• NEO/OAEEP training for units is provided by the A&FRC in the event of an emergency where family members must be evacuated.
• Evacuation Information Packet (EIP) are issued from the military member's host organization. All family members are defined as "non-combatants".
• Every active duty and their spouse (if applicable) are required to meet with their NEO Warden within 60 days of their arrival to complete an EIP.
• EIP's are kept with the family and include all necessary paperwork for non-combatants to evacuate and leave Okinawa in an event of an emergency.
• Prior to deployment, ensure that all information in your family's EIP is current.