EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center’s Hearts Apart online forum here helps families of deployed military members get assistance for issues, network and bond.
The forum opens the third Tuesday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. It begins with discussion topics followed by subject-matter experts to address concerns.
The virtual, confidential platform provides better ease of access to the center, from the comfort of home, said Master Sgt. Terrell Hannah, readiness NCO.
“The last thing our deployers should worry about is the family members they leave behind,” Hannah said. “The AFRC and base community members give participants the tools they need to get through a separation.”
Hannah said many spouses with young children at home find it difficult to go to the AFRC. He also said some are intimidated to speak to a uniformed service member in person.
In the forum, participants seek help for things like broken household appliances and yard equipment, or loans to handle a crisis like a death in the family, to name a few. Hannah and the counselors steer them to resources, for their particular need.
For example, a first deployment spouse and a fifth deployment spouse, benefited from the experience of a spouse who went through similar challenges.
The experienced spouse passed on her contact information to the two spouses and made herself available to address their issues.
Forum discussions can continue after the hour-long time period concludes.
For more information or to get the forum link, call 882-9060.