934th Airman and Family Readiness win DoD award

  • Published
  • By Paul Zadach
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MINNEAPOLIS ST PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION --  The 934th Airlift Wing has won the Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award for 2014.

The Reserve Family Readiness Award recognizes one National Guard and Reserve unit from each of the seven Reserve components and the winners are those units with the best programs to support their military families. 

On Feb. 27, Lt. Col. Susan Maki, 934th Force Support Squadron commander and Mr. Mike Sanford, the 934th Airman and Family Readiness program director, will receive the award during an official ceremony at the Pentagon.

While the 934th Airman and Family Readiness list of accomplishments is impressive, A&FR Director Mike Sanford attributes the office's success to a philosophy of making sure everyone who comes through the door leaves satisfied.  "We try to provide something useful to each Airmen or family member who walks through the door.  We ask them before they leave if the visit has been helpful.  If they don't say yes, we have not done our job," Sanford said.  "We have traditional Reservists working here on the UTAs and we understand the challenges that TRs have with the limited amount of time they are out here and the huge amount of things they need to get done in that time.   If we don't have an immediate answer for them, we will find a resource for them that will give them the answer," he said.

Each Reserve Command is asked to select their top unit for recognition at the annual ceremony.  Selection is based on measurable factors using specific criteria established by each RC, such as: 
· Command involvement in the program that builds its effectiveness 
· Specific, innovative programs that support unit mission and family readiness
· Efforts that build community support (e.g., outreach to faith communities, Veteran Service Organizations, behavioral health providers, medical resources, and household supports)
· Delivery of support to the total force (unit/individual support given regardless of branch) 

During the year, the 934th Airman & Family Readiness office was the the leading "go-to" resource for Airmen and family members during times of separation.
Throughout the year, 367 Airmen deployed or mobilized in support of various operations. In addition, another 340 members deployed for wing exercises. A&FR supported the Airmen and their family members by providing information and resources. A total of 388 Airmen and spouses were briefed on the availability of resources (national, state and local) for them.

The 934th A&FR office continues to support those who are transitioning in their career or are unemployed or under-employed. The office assisted 52 military members find employment by offering the Career Transition Course, a 3-part course consisting of Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills and Networking. During this course, participants learn about corporate and federal resumes, complete mock interviews, a "30-second elevator" speech, and a thorough review of the LinkedIn website. In addition, A&FR staff presented at the local Veteran's Career Fair on employment opportunities and resume writing to over 500 veterans. In addition, the A&FR office was selected as a short-notice presenter at the MN Federal Executive Board's Diversity Day, presenting federal resume writing to 51 participants.

A&FR also created the Airman Helping Airman holiday program. This program allows military and DoD civilians to donate gift cards to assist other military members and DoD civilians who may be struggling financially for various reasons. Total number served in the five-state region was 138. A&FR also partnered with the Army Guard and Union Gospel Mission providing 288 Thanksgiving Day meals for military members of all services and their families. This program helps those struggling with unemployment or other financial hardships by providing a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal to their families. The office also assisted 84 service members and civilians needing financial assistance. A total of $7,432 in grants and donations were solidified.

The A&FR partnership with the Retiree Activities Office provides another resource located in the same building.  Working together, the two sections provide a one-stop shop where Airmen, families and retirees can go for information and help.
This partnership organized the Joint Retiree Appreciation Day. A&FR staff provided information about benefits and resources for those in attendance, ensuring a successful event. Approximately 300 retirees and family members attended. In addition, the A&FR office created a presentation provided to Reservists retiring from the military, making it a mandated requirement for those out-processing. This last year 107 retirees received this briefing.
 "
We take a team approach and discuss some of the more difficult issues among our A&FR Reservists here to develop the best possible solution," Sanford said.  "Sometimes it is very challenging, but we do not consider our job complete until we have provided that Airman or family member with something that is helpful to them."

Training new members of the Key Spouse and Supporter program is also conducted by the A&FR office.  "This program is really taking off," said Sanford.  We have gained a lot of new members in the past year and they are really able to reach out and connect with families.  This is especially important with a Reserve unit that doesn't have all the full time resources of an active duty base.  It's a great resource for families of deployed Airmen and provides a connection for them to the military and other resources that can help deal with the stresses of a deployment."

Sanford says that even the best program will not function well if it does not have the support of leadership.  "We have tremendous support from our wing's leadership.  Because of this, it really does help us to help others, which is what our job here is all about."