Wingmanship: A&FRC takes lead on mission on, off base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As human beings, every Airman has a certain amount of needs, goals and aspirations that can affect them on and off base; the Airmen and Family Readiness Center makes it their goal to meet those needs so their customers can complete the Air Force mission.

The A&FRC offers a variety of services which focus on family preparedness and morale for service members and retirees.

Linda Plummer, A&FRC transition assistance specialist, finds creative and helpful ways for military members to make the adjustment to civilian life, which can oftentimes be a daunting task for those who undertake it.

"It's going to be stressful, but it's going to be an exciting time in their life," she said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobless rate for veterans was 9 percent in 2013, compared to their civilian counterparts who had an estimated unemployment rate of 7 percent.
 
Plummer makes it her mission to help bring those statistics down even lower.

"I've been on base for 38 years," Plummer said. "I like what I do; it's gratifying to help somebody get a job. There's nothing better than having somebody call you back up and say, 'Hey, I got a job based on your lead, or based on you helping me with my resume, 'so that is very fulfilling."

Erich Lofton, A&FRC community readiness specialist, helps give Airmen information to help them improve their lives overall and help their careers progress. Whether it's a work-related issue, helping Airmen hunt for houses, financial advice or coordinating a personal problem with the chaplain on base, both his and Plummer's job walk a fine line between advisor and caretaker.
 
"We're kind of like advanced social workers," he said. "If something needs to be done, we do it." Lofton credits the wealth of knowledge available at the A&FRC as their customer's biggest assets when it comes to family and Airman readiness.

"When they come in here, they can ask for anything," he said.

Commitment is one of the primary passion's that drive Lofton and Plummer forward in their goal to help others.

"We're taking care of them from cradle to the grave," Lofton said enthusiastically.