RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Amidst change rippling across the Air Force, active duty members aren't the only ones to fill more than one person's shoes on the job. Hundreds of RAF Mildenhall spouses fill the job of two parents as their wives and husbands deploy.

"I can empathize," said Tech. Sgt. William Dominy, Airman, Family and Readiness Center readiness chief. "I've been a single parent before, wondering, 'Can I take a shower without the kids destroying the house?'"

Sergeant Dominy and other employees at the A&FRC oversee several programs to ease the stress for spouses of deployed members, such as a free monthly dinner. More than 130 came out for home-cooked Italian food Monday.

"We try to keep informal, because kids are there," he said. The dinner is run completely through donations.

They also give advice for how to cope. One of the key points to remember is to take care of yourself, Sergeant Dominy said.

"It's usually human nature to protect the children, because the other parent's gone," he said. "But you've gotta take care of yourself."

He said to stay active, start a new hobby, or take advantage of one of the many programs the base offers such as Give Parents a Break.

"If nothing else, it's a free five-hour power nap!"

It's best to plan ahead of time by attending the pre-deployment briefing, he said - especially since this is an overseas environment.
The pre-deployment briefs "help remind you to give your spouse the MyPay pin, online banking information, and know where all the important contacts are," Sergeant Dominy said. "Now your spouse is in a different country while you're gone."

Editor's note: For more information on pre-deployment briefings, where to get helpful advice and free benefits, contact Sergeant Dominy at DSN 238-3406 or check the News Briefs section on the Marauder Online. The next free dinner for families of deployed members is scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Bowling Center. 

Check out these services offered during deployments

· READINESS BRIEFINGS: Briefings are given to servicemembers and their families to assist them in the preparation, separation and reunion stages of deployment. Each workshop discusses tips and tools for families to cope and strengthen the relationship during a deployment. 

· SUPPORT PACKETS: Mailed out to qualifying family members who register for Airman and Family Readiness support during deployments. For Deployments and TDYs lasting a month or longer family members receive a Car Care Voucher, Give Parents a Break vouchers, and Breakaway Coupons from AAFES with discounts on theater passes, haircuts, and more. 

· DEPLOYED/REMOTE FAMILY MEMBER DINNERS: The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts a monthly free dinner and activity for the spouses and children of deployed troops. Check out the Community Connection or drop by the Airman and Family Readiness Center to register as a family member of a deployed Airman for dates and locations of events.

· MORALE CALLS: Families are able to make morale calls to the active duty servicemembers during deployments and TDYs lasting 14 days or more using the military telephone system. Calls are to DSN numbers only, limited to five per week and 15 minutes in duration. For families who will be elsewhere during the deployment: Our staff will coordinate with other A&FRCs to support morale calls from that area, if possible.

· COMMUNITY CONNECTION: The monthly newsletter published by the Mildenhall Airman and Family Readiness Center, is an excellent resource for important information and the class calendar. The Update can be picked up at the Post Office, The BXtra, or at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. (NOTE: If you don't see a class that you would like to see offered, please call the Airman and Family Readiness Center for a special request.)

· CAR CARE BECAUSE WE CARE: Funded by the Air Force Aid Society to help keep the family's primary vehicle in safe working order. Vouchers are available from the Airman & Family Readiness center (A&FRC). Members must be deployed away from their duty station for 30 days or more. Includes TDY assignments to schools (30 days or more). Service limited to once per deployment (maximum of two times per calendar year) and should be performed on the primary family vehicle only.

· GIVE PARENTS A BREAK PROGRAM (GPAB): Funded by the Air Force Aid Society to help families in times of stress, such as deployments for 30 days or more. This program provides childcare on scheduled days at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath.. Children between 4 months and 12 years are eligible, and referral vouchers are necessary. Contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center. 01638-54-3406 (Only one per month allowed for deployment).

· COMMUNITY RELATIONS TECHNICIAN/CONSULTANT: The Airman and Family Readiness Center staff can help. One-on-one consultations are available and can provide information, options and referrals. We are also here  just to "listen", so call 01638-54-3406 if you need someone to talk to.

· SPACE-A TRAVEL: Command-sponsored dependents may now travel without the active duty member accompanying them. Travelers need a Command Sponsorship Certification letter from the active duty member's Commander. For more information contact the Passenger Terminal at RAF Mildenhall, DSN 238-2242.

· AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY: Provides emergency financial assistance, to active duty Military and their family members. If the sponsor is not present to sign for the loan or grant, a financial power of attorney is needed. Call the Airman and Family Readiness Center for more information.

· PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PLANNING: Money management, checkbook maintenance, budgeting, and credit management are just a few of the financial topics we can help you with. Call 01638-54-3406 for an appointment with a staff member.

· SPOUSE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAP): Educational grants are available for college classes, if qualified, contact the Education Office, DSN 238-2350 for more information.

· VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Get involved, meet new people, keep up your skills or learn a new one! Contact the Volunteer Program Manager, Airman and Family Readiness Center, DSN 238-3406.

· CAREER FOCUS: Are you looking for a job? Our Career Manager can assist you with the process and put you on the right track. Call DSN 238-3406 for an appointment and more information.

· AMERICAN RED CROSS: Provides emergency communications during times of crisis. Also offers CPR, basic first aid, childcare classes and volunteer management programs. For details call DSN 238-2107 (for after hours emergency contact the Command Post at ext. 2121).