About Us Quick Links Resource Center Emergencies

Family Readiness

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FOR DEPLOYED SPOUSES

Deployed Spouses Dinner
This FREE dinner is held the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Schilling Center in the Ballroom. The dinner is open to all spouses and children of a deployed or TDY service member. Childcare is available onsite. This is a great opportunity to network and meet other spouses of a deployed service member.

Give Parents A Break: (Deployed more than 30 days)
This program is designed to give relief, through free childcare, for your spouse while you are deployed. This program is offered the second Saturday of the month at Shima No Ko Child Development Center for children 6 weeks to 12 years.  Vouchers are distributed at The Airman and Family Readiness Center.  We just need a copy of your spouses’ order.  Vouchers must be submitted to Shima No Ko CDC by the Wednesday prior to the designated Saturday.  

Operation Rest
This program is designed to boost children and maintain the morale of the entire family using a visual reminder of the loved ones during a separation.  The Airman and Family Readiness Center will personalize pillowcases or T-shirts with photo transfers of both military and family members.  (The Airman and Family Readiness Center will provide pillowcases or T-shirts)

Car Care Because We Care: (Deployed more than 30 days)  
This is a preventive maintenance program worked in conjunction with the Kadena Auto Hobby Shop. This program is designed to allow spouses of personnel deployed over 30 days to take their car in for a free oil change, have all fluids topped off, and have a safety and road inspection completed.  Services are free and if any problems are detected, a written report will be given to the spouse.  Stop by the Airman and Family Readiness Center with a copy of your spouse’s orders to receive the voucher.

Morale Calls, and Video-Teleconferencing calls
The Airman and Family Readiness Center has worldwide DSN access.  We can place a morale call during normal duty hours 0730-1630 or after duty hours when arrangements have been made. Calls are placed in a private room and kids are welcome.  Call limitations are 15 minutes in duration but you can call as often as needed during the deployment. You are also authorized two 15 minute call a week from your home.  To access the Morale Call operator just dial 632-HOME (4663), tell the operator that you would like to make a morale call to.

Time Around The Dinner Table
Every other Wednesday bring your family to the Marshall Dining Facility for a low cost meal and an opportunity to network with other spouses of deployed personnel. Open to all family members of deployed service members.

Skoshi Warrior
This special event is offered annually and provides children a glimpse into preparation military members experience prior to deployments.  Activities include obstacle courses, Meals Ready-to-Eat tasting, mock deployment briefing, static displays of equipment and much more.

Free Auto Towing
Free island wide towing from the Kadena Force Support Auto Hobby Shop for all deployed spouses!  Spouses only need to provide a copy of the active duty member’s orders.  Towing is good only between the start and end dates on orders.  Service applies to towing of the vehicle to on/off base residence, AAFES Auto repair, Auto Hobby Shop or off base auto repair facility.  Towing to an off base auto repair facility, may require a wait until the next duty day.  Call the Kadena Auto Hobby Shop at 634-1126 to schedule an appointment.

PROGRAMS FOR RE-DEPLOYING/RETURNING SERVICEMEMBERS

Returning Home Care Program
Certain Air Force people returning from overseas deployments 30 days or longer (not to include going to the states to attend school) are entitled to 16 hours of free childcare under the Extended Duty Child Care Program.  The child-care is available to active-duty members and is designed to help returnees as they settle back into their home stations.   The care must be used within 30 days of returning from deployment. Service will be provided on a space-available basis. If care is not available when requested, the family child-care office will work to have it reserved for a later date.  Contact The Family Child Care Program at 634-3464 to schedule an appointment regarding signups and childcare providers. 

Playpass Discount Card
Get great, well-deserved discounts on activities and merchandise after your return from deployment.  Stop by the A&FRC to get your card.

OTHER PROGRAMS

Key Spouse Program
The Key Spouse Program is a formal unit program that offers informal peer-to-peer/Wingman support to families.  Imperatives for revised emphasis on this program are clear:  Impact of the long war’s TEMPO, force reduction, and the Community Action Information Board feedback shows signs of spouse stress with increases in domestic situations and suicidal gestures and attempts.  The Key Spouse Reference Guide below recognizes that everyone on the unit’s team—Commander, Key Spouse mentor, First Sergeant, Key Spouse, and Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)—impacts the unit’s culture and contributes to its ability to accomplish the mission at home and abroad.  This guide will help you define your role as a Key Spouse and provide information and referral resources that may be tailored to include local information.   DOWNLOAD KEY SPOUSE GUIDEBOOK HERE   
VIEW HEARTLINK CBT HERE

Okinawa Area Emergency Evacuation Plan (OAEEP) Program
This program ensures SOFA personnel are prepared for emergency evacuation. See our 5.5 min. video

* For more information contact The Airman and Family Readiness Center at 634-3366.
** Military members may download Family Readiness Information on our Sharepoint Site: https://kadena.eim.pacaf.af.mil/18WG/18MSG/18FSS/FSF/FSFR/default.aspx