Base helping agencies demonstrate dedication to F.E. Warren families Published March 6, 2017 By Terry Higgins 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Air Force Global Strike Command has proclaimed 2017 the Year of the Family, and with this program comes several improvements to F.E. Warren Air Force Base. “Our Airmen and their families are the fuel that keeps us going, and we are going to continue to support them in all they do,” said Gen. Robin Rand, Air Force Global Strike Command commander. Leaders from across the command were tasked to find solutions and best practices that would address issues affecting Airmen and their families. These leaders have chosen to focus on the following priorities: Live: A major focus within this area will be where Airmen live. The dormitories on base have undergone several new renovations and construction projects. “Dormitory 838 recently had the electrical wiring upgraded and air conditioning added,” said Richard Singhas, chief of unaccompanied housing. “Building 241 was converted into a dorm, the interior was repainted and new carpet installed, and there will be an additional $210,000 spent on furniture which will be installed this September.” Learn: Many improvements are expected in the realm of educational opportunities that are available to active duty members and their dependents. The Education Center provides everything an Airman needs to make progress on a degree plan. Every Airman is eligible for $4,500 per year in tuition assistance towards a degree. The education support staff provides walk-in customer service Monday through Friday from 0800 – 1200. They also offer degree planning support and briefings designed to support Airmen who have never attended higher education courses, said Mark Leuquire, education services specialist. The Airman and Family Readiness Center supports families who are enrolling their children into school for the first time. “The Airman and Family Readiness Center is hosting an informational lunch and learn for parents of children entering kindergarten. This is a great opportunity to prepare your child for the new school experience,” said Nancy Warner, F.E. Warren School Liaison Officer. Play: Several quality of life initiatives will enhance the fitness center and entertainment facilities, and family support agencies will host a number of morale-building opportunities. “We have purchased around $100,000 in new cardio equipment that will be added to the Independence Hall cardio room,” said Andrea Bauer, fitness center director. The Commissary will also undergo improvements such as an improved inventory, interior décor, upgraded equipment and other facility improvements. Construction began in 2016 and will continue throughout 2017, with scheduled completion in late 2018. “We’re excited to get this started,” said James Freeman, 90th Missile Wing commissary store director. “The renovation will give the store a new vibrant color scheme and make huge improvements that will enhance the shopping experience for our customers.” Morale Welfare and Recreation has lots to offer those who take advantage of the many possibilities that are offered by their programs. “During the first quarter of 2017 we have hosted 30 trips that supported 250 people,” said Amy Hebert, community commons director. “Each week, we have hundreds of customers buy tickets, rent gear and participate in our programs.” Pray: The Year of the Family will also focus on spiritual health. In addition to offering a number of religious services on base, the F.E. Warren chaplain team offers volunteer and fellowship opportunities to all Airmen and their families. Airmen can hang out at Higher Grounds and enjoy free snacks and access to big-screen televisions, while couples can take advantage of marriage retreats like the one the chapel recently hosted at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo. “Couples involved were able to spend quality time together, as well as strengthen their marriage by understanding individual needs, and the importance of communication by working together to combat marital difficulties,” said Tech. Sgt. Cecilia Toomey, noncommissioned officer in charge of chapel operations. Care: Enhancing base care includes programs related to child care, special needs and access to specialty care for all members. The Airman and Family Readiness center is partnering with the base chapel and Outdoor Recreation to sponsor a number of programs to support family members of deployed Airmen including Deployed Family Days, free movies and lunches, as well as various support networks. The clinic offers a number of services to care for Airmen and their families as well. One such program is the Internal Behavioral Health Consultation Service Program. “I address a variety of health issues common to primary care including depression and anxiety, responses to physical illness and pain, as well as substance use and abuse. I even deal with behavior change such as obesity, smoking, sleep and self-management of chronic conditions,” said Dr. Earl Faulkner, 90th Medical Operations Squadron internal health consultant. Each month, the clinic also hosts a number of resiliency courses on topics such as parenting, marriage, anger management and building healthy relationships. Year of the Family efforts will serve as the foundation for quality of life programs for 2017, as well as for future generations of Airmen. For more information on any of these services, please contact F.E. Warren Public Affairs office at 307-773-3381. “We are rooted and grounded in our Airmen,” said Rand. “Being an Air Force family is a sacrifice we make together, no matter what.”