A&FRC offers CNA program to Barksdale spouses Published Aug. 15, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Amber Corcoran 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Every year for more than 10 years and counting, the Airman and Family Readiness Center here has applied for and received grants through the Air Force Aid Society to send a number of military spouses to certification programs in the local area. According to the AFAS website, www.afas.org, the AFAS supports the mission of the Air Force by relieving financial distress of Air Force members and their families, assisting with education goals and improving quality of life through proactive programs. This year, the A&FRC has enough funds for five spouses to attend the Certified Nurse Assistant program at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City. "We spoke with both the Shreveport and Bossier Chambers of Commerce and got a feel for what the labor market was like and that's how we chose which program to offer," said Stephanie Reyes, A&FRC chief. "This is the second year we've offered the CNA program. With all the hospitals and assisted living facilities, the program seemed like a good fit for the area." The spouse must provide a General Educational Development diploma, high school diploma or most recent college transcripts and submit an essay of 50 words or less describing why they want to become a CNA, by the Aug. 21 deadline. If selected, they'll be required to complete a local background check, tuberculosis skin test and a general physical. "After the main qualifications are reviewed, we numerically judge the essays and choose our top five to attend the course," said Reyes. The CNA course from BPCC is 160 hours over 10 weeks, starting Oct. 1. Upon completion of the course and exam, the spouse will be a certified nurse assistant in Louisiana and can begin work immediately. Questions may be directed to Beverly Ryles at 456-8400. For interested applicants, e-mail beverly.ryles@us.af.mil with the application, school information and essay.