Air Force Families Forever expanding services at JBSA

  • Published
  • By David DeKunder
  • 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas --  

The Air Force Families Forever, or AFFF, program is expanding its services.

The AFFF is a long-term assistance program that supports family members or next of kin of deceased Airmen, whether they are regular Air Force or Reserve component members, who have fallen or passed away while in combat or conducting non-combat related duties.

Criselda Guerrero-Smith, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston Military & Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant/personal and work-life program lead, said AFFF is expanding its program and services to focus on the particular needs of individuals.

“We are trying to reengage and make sure the community knows we are here,” Guerrero-Smith said. “The Air Force has not forgotten about them, and we’re here to help when they’re ready.”

The AFFF is expanding support and services to eligible family members and next of kin, including spouses, parents, children, step-children and siblings.

Expanded support includes lifetime targeted contact and engagement, installation access, and utilization of installation approved support services and recreation activities.

One of the ways AFFF currently provides assistance to family members and next of kin is helping them obtain Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, cards that allow them to gain access to installations.

“That DBIDS card allows them to visit and participate in events on base,” Guerrero-Smith said. “It just opens the door for it to be a lot easier for them.”

Other support AFFF provides to families includes:

  • Referral to eligible federal, state, and local resources to include partnering non-governmental organizations
  • Connection to installation and community support networks
  • Recognition/memorialization of deceased Airmen
  • Coordination with installation leadership to include family members in the Air Force culture

For more information on AFFF, call the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston M&FRC at 210-221-2705, and ask for AFFF. Additional information on AFFF may be found at: www.afpc.af.mil/Benefits-and-Entitlements/Air-Force-Families-Forever.