AFRC Ribbon Cutting

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Juan E. Torres
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  After being scattered around Yokota and periodically changing locations for the past 18 months, the Airman & Family Readiness Center has come become once again a one-stop center for reliable information.

The AFRC reopened their doors in building 535 in front of the Yokota Community Center on Nov. 29, 2016.

Col. Neil R. Richardson, 374th Airlift Wing vice commander, along with the members of the AFRC, assisted in the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening and return to their building.

According to Roger Pratt, Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist, the AFRC staff are here to educate and instill knowledge to help others. They’re here to provide people the services that they may need.

Assisting active duty members, retirees, DOD civilians and dependents by providing workshops and individual consultations, the AFRC offers services to help enhance Yokota’s community through resiliency, readiness, and self-sufficiency. Their core service areas include relocation assistance, volunteer resources, personal financial readiness, personal and work life, and employment assistance.

“The AFRC’s focus is education. It’s preparing people and giving them the knowledge, skills and abilities to improve their quality of life,” said Sonya R. Meier, AFRC chief. “We’re in the people business. We’re making sure we’re taking care of the entire family. We want to make sure that no one’s falling through the cracks.”

The AFRC provides Airmen and families support and services, contributes to mission readiness, resiliency, and the well-being of the Air Force community. It supports and maintains mission readiness by assisting individuals and families with adaptation to the challenges and demands of expeditionary operations and the military lifestyle.

“Our goal is to support anyone who’s in the military, whether a service member or dependents, and to make sure they’re offered the services they need,” Meier said. “Being able to take care of them and help in every aspect of their lives is why we’re here.”