Florida to help Reserve families in need Published Oct. 25, 2005 ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- If a reservist’s family in Florida has an emergency its budget can’t handle while he or she is on active duty and deployed, the state wants to help. Starting July 1, financial assistance is available to eligible residents of Florida who are dependents of military people in the reserve components. “This shows real support for our troops from the good people of Florida,” said Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi, vice commander of Air Force Reserve Command. “We are very thankful that the Florida State Legislature appropriated money specifically to take care of our Reserve families who may need help while a reservist is off serving our country.” Air Force Reserve Command is working closely with the Florida National Guard to iron out the details of applying for this aid. Some examples of what this money could be used for are health care, reasonable living expenses, housing, vehicles, or renovations to meet disability needs. “The Florida National Guard State Family Readiness office will evaluate each application on a case-by-case basis,” said Betty Schuster, chief of the family readiness program at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB. “Those eligible for this aid include dependents of reservists who are federally deployed, fighting the global war on terrorism or participating in state operations for homeland security.” To apply for this aid, a reservist or family member can contact the Air Force Reserve family support offices at Duke Field, Homestead Air Reserve Base or Patrick AFB in Florida. After July 1, applicants can find instructions online at http://www.dma.state.fl.us/family under the “Florida Family Readiness Program” heading.