Welcome to Team Eglin: newcomers orientation streamlined

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Newcomers orientation here has been streamlined from six hours to four, but the information it provides to new Team Eglin members still contributes to a successful duty assignment.

"The program gives newly assigned Airmen a positive jump start on what this base's mission is and how they can connect to Team Eglin's helping agencies," said Elaine LaJeunesse, Airman and Family Readiness Center Community Readiness consultant and Relocation Assistance Program manager.

Eglin's orientation provides mandatory briefings from 16 partnering agencies and approximately 115 base points of contact.

"I'm glad the orientation is condensed to a half-day and still gives us the pertinent information we need," said Maj. Sarah Bong, a new member of 96th Dental Squadron.  "I'm also glad we get contact information from the agencies, so I know who to get in touch with for anything I may need."

Representatives from the 96th Security Forces Squadron, who discuss active shooter training; and the Installation Voting Committee, who brief the importance of voting and staying registered while stationed stateside or on deployment, are now on the schedule, LaJeunesse said.

LaJeunesse speaks about the A&FRC section and outlines the center's programs and services.  One newly added topic is the Military Life Cycle Model, a chart that recommends areas Airmen should concentrate on in various stages of their careers, from first enlistment to separation and/or retirement.

"The model helps the member focus on military career readiness and their eventual transition to the civilian sector," she said.

She also briefs up-to-date sponsorship information, available at "My Training Hub," here; and the Relocation Assistance program, that offers information about defraying moving costs by utilizing the Family Services loan closet, or 'loan locker.'

The service supplies families with household necessities such as dishes, flatware, cookware, tables and chairs and other items.  These items are kept for 30 days, but extensions can be granted upon request, LaJeunesse said.

"I think the orientation is awesome," said Tech. Sgt. Uriel Cantu, assigned to the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.  "It's really great for me and my wife.  We've never been to this area, so for us it's informative and points us in the right direction."

Spouses are encouraged to attend with their service members.  Each spouse who attends receives a gym bag.

LaJeunesse said the orientation offers new service members a great introduction and a solid knowledge foundation about Eglin.

"It's a proactive, educational tool that gives information up front, so if they ever need to contact an agency while they're here, they know exactly where to go to get their issues or concerns taken care of," she said.

Newcomer orientations are held twice monthly from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Spouses are encouraged to attend.  For more information, call 882-9060.