COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 14th Force Support Squadron is clearing the fog for new inbound personnel with a program-wide refresh to include a consolidation of education and resources targeted to assist with the experience of relocating to CAFB.
“Initially, Newcomers was held at the Columbus Event Center,” said Jamey L. Coleman, Columbus AFB Military & Family Readiness Center. “On average, we were required to set-up approximately 24 tables and 90 chairs for each Newcomers event. The decision was made to relocate the Newcomers event to the newly renovated Kaye Auditorium. The fixed seating eliminated the need for extensive setup and teardown and reduced the amount of time required for each event.”
The revised agenda now accommodates a spouse-friendly morning session and starts an hour later to allow families to drop off children at daycare or school. Participants are presented information such as operational security, chapel services, housing, Force Support Squadron sponsored events and community activities, and Military & Family Readiness Center services during the morning session.
Service members and their spouses also meet representatives from local businesses during a community connections event.
“The afternoon session was tailored to meet the needs of active-duty members and encompassed mandatory training requirements,” said Coleman.
Training provided includes Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Suicide Awareness, Equal Opportunity, Inspector General, and briefings from the Wing Safety Office.
“Several base agencies and community services including TRICARE, the American Red Cross, legal, SAPR, Visit Columbus, and Military One Source will have information booths in the Kaye lobby to provide participants with information and resources,” said Coleman. “The M&FRC staff will continually monitor and adjust the event to best serve our base.”
In addition to the relocation of the physical Newcomers event, the Newcomers section of the www.columbus.af.mil website will relocate under the 14th Force Support Squadron website at www.columbusairforcebaseliving.com for consolidated ease of access. The migration is underway, and announcements will be available once the transition is complete. Inbound service members and families can also find useful information about CAFB services and amenities on the CAFB app available for download at www.columbus.af.mil for both Android and iOS devices.