A&FRC offer valuable courses to Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joseph C. Boals
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Airman and Family Readiness Center assists servicemembers and families with life in the military. 

One way the A&FRC does this is by offering different educational courses free-of-charge.
"Our mission is to support readiness by helping families and single Airmen adapt to the demanding Air Force life," said Master Sgt. Frank DeVillier, superintendent of the A&FRC. 
"Our courses are open to all Airmen and their families including active duty, reservists, National Guard and Department of Defense civilians." 

A popular course is the transition assistance program for those separating the Air Force. The pre-separation briefing is mandatory, but many Airmen take advantage of the other courses offered with the career focus program. 

"I took the Career Focus courses because they were offered," said Staff Sgt. Charles Woosley, 2d Communication Squadron. "I learned a lot in the resume writing class. I didn't know there was a difference between a federal resume and a civilian resume. The class helped me prepare for work in civil service." 

The transition courses help active duty Airmen prepare for the reserves. 

"The courses aren't required but they are well worth the time," said Major Kevin Smith, 11th Bomb Squadron. "I learned a lot about federal jobs in the federal employment workshop. The course gave me experience in writing Federal resumes, finding federal jobs and the proper websites to use so I can find a job while in the reserves." 

Anyone can take the transition assistance program or career focus program courses at any time. In addition to transition courses, the A&FRC offers the personal financial management classes which focuses on information and referral, education and counseling to plan for day-to-day living needs as well as retirement. 

Other courses help Airmen and families learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access 2007. 

September has two special events scheduled. A course on the Troops to Teachers program is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 10. On Sept. 18 a class on communication styles will be offered. 

For more information or to sign up for these classes, contact the A&FRC at 456-8400.