A&FRC aids families Published July 17, 2008 By Emily Smith 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Airmen & Family Readiness Center's Personal and Family Readiness Program provides information, education and individual assistance to families of Pope Airmen during all phases of deployment. This includes a variety of programs such as Hearts Apart, Phoenix Spouse, Pre-Deployment Briefings, Morale Calls, and Car Care Because We Care. These are just a few programs that 43rd Force Support Squadron, offers to those spouses and families left behind when an active duty member deploys. Hearts Apart is a support group for spouses. Once a month the A&FRC hosts a luncheon for these spouses to come together and eat, share ideas and to fellowship. The Deployed Spouses' Dinner, hosted by the Leadership spouses and the A&FRC, is offered every 4 months and is geared towards the whole family. Dinner is provided as well as games and activities for children. The Personal and Family Readiness program also holds Pre-Deployment Briefings. These briefings are mandatory for active duty members before they deploy or go on temporary duty assignment for more than 30 days. The briefings are held weekly and are geared to help alleviate some of the difficulties associated with deployments or remote assignments. Spouses are encouraged to attend to find out which agencies can assist them while their loved ones are gone. Morale Calls and Car Care Because We Care are two programs funded by the Air Force Aid Society and are aimed at fixing financial issues during deployments. Morale Calls help keep families connected by providing free phone cards handed out to active duty members. Car Care Because We Care provides a safety check and free oil change on vehicles. Give Parents A Break is offered twice a month to provide the spouse of a deployed airman with a quiet afternoon to themselves. Parents can bring their children to the Child Development Center to let them play and socialize with other children while mom or dad takes a break. Finally, Phoenix Spouses is an additional resource for Commanders and first sergeants. They are trained by the A&FRC to assist and provide for family members in their squadrons. All of these programs are free of charge to encourage families to take advantage of the great services offered and to make deployments just a little bit easier. For more information on the programs listed, contact Elizabeth Smothers at 394-2538.