Commander Thoughts

thoughts 42FSS COMMANDER'S

Greetings Maxwell-Gunter Community,

As we move into the second month of 2021, the FSS team has new and exciting virtual opportunities to share with you! We have seen and heard you (virtually)… your “likes,” “shares,” “thumbs up,” and comments on our social media platforms have been overwhelming; we are tailoring our virtual customer-experience to serve you and your families. In addition to our virtual fitness classes and youth center programming, this month we are introducing virtual “meal prep” and “happy hour tips” featuring our very own staff from the Maxwell Events Center (the Club). Every Thursday we are offering Trivia on the “Life at the Max” Facebook page with an opportunity to win a $50 gift card. We have launched a rewards loyalty program where you earn points for every dollar spent at FSS facilities. Lastly, for the “big game”, we are offering a virtual “Football Squares” contest with a chance to win $50 each quarter and $100 for the final score.

If you want to step away from the screen, spend some time outdoors with us! My family and I stayed at Lake Martin for the first time last month. And let me tell you… this is a hidden gem that is just over an hour away. Lake Martin’s cabins, cottages, and camping trailers come fully furnished (bring your own linens) with a full kitchen, cable TV, and screened patios to enjoy a meal, cup of coffee or a good book with a lake view. At Lake Martin you are steps away from the lake with plenty of trails and paths to enjoy the outdoors. Check out our weekend getaway special for Valentine’s Day weekend or come pay us a visit over the three-day weekend.

Whether it is virtually or outdoors, we’re excited to offer you “Life at the Max!”

AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

55 South Mitchell Street Building 677 334-953-2353

Find Us on Facebook at 42 FSS Airman & Family Readiness

FEBRUARY CLASSES

Register at least one duty day prior to the class

• Resume Writing “Private Sector” 3 February, 1000 – 1100 • Relocation/Sponsorship Awareness

Training – Gunter, Bldg. 847 – 3 February, 1300–1500 • Right Start “Orientation for Newcomers”

Virtual 4 February, 0900–1100 • First Duty Station Officer – Virtual 5 February, 0900-1130 • PCS Financial Briefing – Virtual 5 February, 1300-1400 • Promotion Financial Brief – Virtual 5 February, 1400-1430 • Retirement Planning Starter – Virtual 5 February, 1500-1600 • Disaster Financial Preparedness – Virtual 10 February, 1210-1250 • Pre–Separation Brief & TAP 3 Day

Workshop (ONLINE ONLY) 8-10 February, 0800–1600 • Job Search Strategies 10 February, 1000 – 1100 • Ready, Set, Goal! – Virtual 11 February 1000-1030 • First Duty Station Officer – Virtual 12 February, 0900-1130 • PCS Financial Briefing – Virtual 12 February, 1300-1400 • Promotion Financial Brief – Virtual 12 February, 1400-1430 • Retirement Planning Starter – Virtual 12 February, 1500-1600 • For Deployed Families – Pandemic Shopping 17 February 1200-1300 (PFRC) • Resume Writing “Private Sector” 17 February, 1000 – 1100 (EA) • Single Parent Success - 18 February 1000-1030 (P&WL) • Latch Key Program – 18 February, 1700–1800 • Relocation/Sponsorship Awareness Training 19 February, 0900–1100 (RA) • Financial Friday – Virtual – 19 February

By Appointment • Resume Writing “Private Sector” 24 February, 1000 – 1100 • Financial Friday – Virtual – 26 February,

By Appointment

INTERESTED IN BEING A

The Airman & Family Readiness Center provides initial and recurring training. If you would like more information about becoming a Key Spouse, contact your unit Commander’s Section, First Sergeant, or the Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)

The A&FRC provides the family support component to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The A&FRC has an EFMP-FS Coordinator on staff to assist families in finding the resources they need while stationed at Maxwell AFB-Gunter Annex. This program provides information and referral, advocacy and many other services.

What are the benefits/purpose of enrollment in the program?

Enrollment allows assignment managers to consider the documented needs of exceptional family members. This assists the Air Force Personnel Center in assigning families to areas where the member’s special needs may be met. Each assignment will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the sponsor’s grade, specialty and tour eligibility

What is an exceptional family member?

An exceptional family member is a family member (child or adult) with a physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual disability that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling.

APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

GENERAL HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM

The Air Force Aid Society is committed to helping Air Force families pay for college and offers grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 based on each student’s particular level of need, with the highest levels of assistance going to the students who show the greatest need. The Arnold grant remains the centerpiece and gateway to three education programs.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Dependent children of Active Duty, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, Retired Air Force members, Retired Reservists with 20+ years of qualifying service, and deceased Air Force members. Spouses of active duty members and Title 10 Reservists. Surviving spouses of Air Force members who died while on active duty or in retired status are also eligible to apply. All eligible students must enroll as full-time undergraduates in colleges, universities or vocational/trade schools whose accreditation is approved by the US Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs and must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.

MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

Incoming freshmen with top GPAs as verified through the Arnold Education Grant application will be contacted directly by AFAS in June to compete for these $5,000 merit-based scholarships. A minimum of 10 scholarships are awarded annually.

SUPPLEMENTAL LOAN PROGRAM

FAS provides the loan applications in August to eligible applicants identified through the Arnold Education Grant Program, regardless of whether or not they have sufficient financial need to receive the Arnold Grant. Sponsoring members may request up to $1,000 per eligible student to help reimburse out-of-pocket education expenses. Repayment is by allotment over a 10-month period.