Doors to open at 33rd FW Nomad University

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  Cutting the ribbon of Nomad University Jan. 28 will mean doors of support opened for Airmen with personal issues related to the 33rd Fighter Wing drawdown.

The area set aside in the same building as the dining facility provides a central location for family support, internet usage, faith-based spiritual support and a place for children to occupy themselves while their parents make decisions on their future.

"The concept came from wing leadership who wanted something to help smooth transition," said Master Sgt. Steven Zellers who is responsible for maintaining the university.

In September the sergeant helped prepare what was needed to ask 9th Air Force for financial assistance which resulted in $21,000 to cover initial set up.

"In all assignments the biggest concerns are usually family-type issues," said Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Kesler, 33rd FW command chief. "There is always great stress on getting children to new schools, helping the spouse get employment, transferring all financial requirements, selling homes, changing registration on vehicles, moving pets, changing medical and dental care just to name a few. The Air Force assists members moving into their new duty but even more importantly they do a great job of helping families during this transition. "

Eglin's Airmen and Family Readiness Center personnel are ready to support appointments at the university so wing members will not have to travel to the other side of the base, away from their duty location, for support. Working with wing leadership they plan to address any stress commonly experienced when Airmen and their families are uprooted in a military permanent change of station.

"The unknowns are the primary drivers of this stress and the relocation program is designed to help reduce most of these unknowns through an A&FRC program called Smooth Move," said Jim Helms. "Smooth Move is attended by both the military member and spouse and is facilitated by the A&FRC, Law Office, Finance, Travel, Traffic Management Office, Housing and TRICARE. These are normally the primary agencies military PCS'ing need to get information from and ask their various questions to."

One of the most anticipated personal concerns with the drawdown is homeownership in the current market.

"Since this is a complete relocation of the entire organization during a depressed real-estate market we may expect to see some additional financial burdens, particularly those families who are home owners," said Mr. Helms. "I have been working with local community experts as related to these and other concerns and have provided referral information to individuals and their leadership (primarily first sergeants). While at the Nomad University I expect to provide briefings, education, literature and referral as related to the need."

Other Eglin support to the wing includes chaplain's assistance, which has been located at the Nomad University site for a few months.

"One of the most important features of the centrally located Nomad University is the ability to provide 'face-time' with the chaplain and other helping agencies," said Chaplain Rob Sugg. "By setting up shop near the dining facility, our Airmen get to know us, and hopefully trust us with their concerns."

Other Eglin services like Eglin Mental Health Community Outreach Service' s "Consultation without Documentation" will continue to be available at the 33rd FW's Nomad Clinic, located down the road from the university site.

For more information on the Nomad University contact Sergeant Zellers at 883-1030.