Taking care of caregivers Published Jan. 22, 2010 By Maj. Belinda Petersen Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Deployments are a way of life in today's Air Force. Accordingly, Air Force members plan ahead and anticipate all contingencies while they are deployed. One plan that is required by all Air Force members with families is a family care plan that reasonably covers all situations, short and long term. Civilian and contractor personnel in emergency essential positions also are strongly encouraged to establish family care plans. The only people who are required to develop a written plan are single military parents, dual military couples with family members and military members with civilian spouses who have unique family situations. Written family care plans are maintained by the commander or first sergeant. When developing these plans, caregivers are identified and agree to take care of family members during the sponsor's absence. But who takes care of the caregivers when a family care plan goes into effect? There are several resources a caregiver can turn to for support. The first stop is the military sponsor. Airmen are responsible for taking care of their caregivers by providing them with everything necessary to care for their dependents, including powers of attorney and paperwork allowing base, commissary, medical and base exchange privileges. Airmen should also establish an allotment for the caregiver and ensure dependents younger than 10 have a special identification card. "As a commander's program, it is ultimately an individual Airman and his or her unit's responsibility to maintain updated family care plans in order to support and maintain family readiness," said Brenda Liston, chief of Airman, Family, Wounded Warrior and Community Operations at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "The Airman or caregiver can always see their first sergeant if they have any questions or need help," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Posten, AFPC first sergeant. "We are here to assist or direct them to the right agency." Another resource is the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at each base. A&FRC staff members support caregivers by conducting pre-deployment briefings and ensuring that a comprehensive list of where to find resources is provided to Airmen and their designated caregivers. They provide sustainment programs, resources and services that are also available to caregivers. Additionally, military family life consultants at A&FRCs provide face-to-face consultation for deployment support issues. Caregivers can use an MFLC for support of dependents in their care and their personal support while being a caregiver. In addition to these resources, there is a wealth of information found on the Internet. One site is Military One Source. Consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the Web at http://www.militaryonesource.com and by calling toll-free (800) 342-9647. Military One Source is a free service provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard and Reserve members and their immediate family members. The service is completely private and confidential, with few exceptions. "Immediate family member is defined as the spouse and children of the service member. In addition, anyone, blood relative or not, who has legal responsibility for a service member's child or children during deployment or separation from the family may use these services," said Arthur J. Myers, principal director of Military Community and Family Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense. "Services include face-to-face counseling, short-term telephonic consultation, E-consultation, health coaching sessions, webinar training participation, document translation, and telephonic translation." Another resource is MilitaryHOMEFRONT at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil. "Non-medical counseling is available to help with issues developing from a parent's absence," said Mr. Myers. "MilitaryHOMEFRONT contains excellent information about preparing for deployment in the 'Troops and Families' section of their Web site. The pre-deployment guide is full of information and resources, or if an online handbook is more convenient, the Web-based 'Deployment Connections' is also available." Earlier this year, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family, a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of and commitment to the entire Air Force family. "Taking care of families is a solemn promise we make to each Airman and family member," said Secretary Donley during his remarks to the Air Force Sergeants Association in August. All Airmen should have the confidence that they can rely on their fellow wingmen and the Air Force to help care for their families when they are deployed. For general questions on family care plans or other personnel programs, contact the Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.