TAP helps Airmen transition to civilian life Published Sept. 17, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Defense Department, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs worked together to prepare servicemembers separating or retiring from the military through the Transition Assistance Program workshop Sept. 14-17. The class facilitates the transition from military life to civilian life by helping members learn how to seek employment and learn about veteran benefits. "It's not mandatory, but I recommend that everyone come to it. They will not get this information anywhere else," said Linda Plummer, a representative from the Airman Family and Readiness Center. "In today's economy, jobs are scarce and we want them prepared." She also said members will not know about their veteran's benefits unless they attend TAP or go to a VA office. Airmen regularly travel the distance from Dallas to attend the optional workshop. Col. Terri Topin, the previous deputy director of strategic planning and partnerships for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Headquarters in Dallas, attended the class to prepare for her retirement in January. She said she was determined to attend the workshop for the transitioning tools and to learn about all her benefits. "Anyone who is transitioning needs to come because there's so much you take for granted," she said. "It's a different way of thinking." She said military members grow accustomed to simply going to the hospital to "fix us when we're sick," but civilians have primary care physicians they have to go to, to get referrals and they also have to pay premiums. Military members feel comfortable around other servicemembers and they share a connection to eachother, Colonel Toppin said. When military members transition to civilian life, they no longer feel connected to the people who surround them, but TAP teaches servicemembers what to expect. The colonel said when she first joined she would see senior officers "petrified" of their retirement because they didn't know what to expect but programs like TAP started and there was a sense of calmness when it came time for military members to retire. Ms. Plummer said retirees may attend the class two years prior to their separation but she recommends they attend TAP a second time about eight months prior to the retirement. Members that are separating but not retiring may attend the class one year prior to their separation and all members may attend the workshop within 180 days after their separation if they have access to the installation, she said. About 30 people can attend TAP every month, but should sign up early because there is often a waiting list. For more information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 676-4358.