JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- At least three hundred Guardsmen are expected to cross the threshold of the 108th Wing Military Airman and Family Readiness office door in 2024.
That’s the average number of individuals Doug Ridgway, 108th Wing Airman & Family Readiness Manager provides guidance and resources to each year regarding issues ranging from finance to deployment preparation. Add on the number of groups he addresses each year, and that number increases drastically.
What’s the draw? The services offered can be a lifeline or reset for those in need.
As described on the official website, (https://www.afpc.af.mil/airman-and-family/), “The Air Force Military Family Readiness System promotes military family well-being by offering programs and services that enhance family readiness, resilience and quality of life.”
Simply stated – “We walk Airmen through life challenges to ensure they are successful,” said Ridgway.
There are 14 programs under the agency’s umbrella, said Ridgway. While the National Guard programs mirror those run by the active-duty Air Force many of the resources are only applicable to members in Title 10 status. When dealing with members who are in Title 32 status, Guard program managers refer those members to their State Family Program. Other assistance sources include contractors, vetted non-profit organizations and Veterans organizations.
Services are: Deployment Support/Yellow Ribbon Program; Personal and Family Life Education; Personal Financial Readiness; Employment Assistance; Military Child/Youth Program and Education; Transition Assistance Program; Wounded, Ill and Injured Warrior(member and/or family member); Disaster Preparedness; Relocation Assistance Program; Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP); Community Outreach and Cooperative Interface; Voting Assistance and Educates on Survivor Benefit Plan (not a SBP counselor) and Volunteer Support.
Throughout an Airman’s service, there are key career or life milestones where members are directed to use the Airman and Family Readiness services. For example, updates in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) or in the Military Personnel Data System (MILPDS) about the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, retirement, and promotion, will trigger the notification for members to complete a computer based financial training.
Also, it’s mandatory for members in processing from basic training and tech school, and those going and returning from deployments to see me, said Ridgway. Spouses are also welcome to use our services. In the case of deployments, anyone the member lists on the family information sheet as an emergency contact can also call for information and seek certain assistance he said.
The 108th office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on drill weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged if the issue is complicated and will take considerable time.