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Passion for improving reservist lives, careers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brandon Kalloo Sanes
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

The 920th Force Support Squadron’s Airman & Family Readiness office is a one-stop-shop for reservists and their families seeking support with civilian employment opportunities, deployment resources, financial assistance and more.

All of their services are complimentary and available year-round for single and married service members and their eligible family members.

“It’s like being a life coach because you help Airmen with the different phases of life. We help them find a balance between their military career, civilian job and family life.” said Kelly Linfert, 920th A&FR director. 

The A&FR’s team of three support the 920th Rescue Wing 2,000 reservists before, during and after they deploy. Deployed family support can include free meals, oil changes, childcare, tutoring services and a stipend for extracurricular activities of up to $300 per month, covering everything from karate to music lessons. If there’s an emergency or natural disaster, the office contacts every single family on their roster to offer additional resources. They can also match deployed service members with foster care for pets, meaning reservists don’t have to give up their four-legged friends to meet their military obligations.

Air Force Reservists are also eligible for the Emergency Assistance program, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. The program provides emergency financial assistance in the form of a grant or no-interest loan, offering financial stability in emergencies such as a vehicle repair or emergency bereavement travel.

These are just pieces of what this office does for the 920th RQW. A financial wellness assessment with an A&FR representative can cover various aspects of finance including credit building, investing, and identity theft solutions. Linfert encourages Reservists to take advantage of the services they provide because in addition to financial readiness resources, they also assist with job searches and interview prep.

“I was recently hired at a VA hospital in Tampa with Ms. Kelly’s help,” said Staff Sgt. Quinton Townsend, 920th FSS Journeyman. “She helped me revamp my resume and she also sat down with me to practice interviewing. She has an open door policy and will literally stop what she’s doing to help you.”

Linfert also reviewed Townsend’s retirement portfolio and offered insight, empowering him to make investing decisions that make the most sense for him and his life goals. Townsend said he appreciates the work the office does and thinks it’s an important resource for military members like himself.

“This is my passion, “said Linfert. “I love helping people, working with people and trying to make their lives a little better.”

The A&FR office serves Air Force Reservists by assisting them with family matters. Their mission is to improve morale and readiness, allowing 920th RQW warfighters to better focus on the objective at hand.