A plan to care for your family

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Single parents, military-to-military couples with children and caregivers in unique situations are required to have a family care plan on file with their first sergeant.

Commanders and first sergeants implement The Family Care Program, which requires Airmen to complete an Air Force form 357, Deployment Care Certification.

"It's the commander's program, but we facilitate it for him," said 1st Sgt. (Master Sgt.) Eric Orndoff, 442nd Logistical Readiness Squadron. "A family care plan ensures an Airman that there won't be any distractions so they can focus on the mission while knowing their family is taken care of."

According to AFI 36-2908, Family Care Plans, once an Airman is notified by the commander of their need to file a family care plan, or update their current plan they have 90 days to complete the task unless extenuating circumstances prevent the member from being able to do so. In this case, with the commander's approval a maximum of 30 days can be added.

"Usually this is something that gets taken care of during inprocessing and is addressed annually or every six months for military members married to other military members," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Harris, 442nd Force Support Squadron chief of customer support.

Harris said it is every Airman's responsibility to talk to their first sergeant when they arrive at a duty assignment or after they experience a life changing event such as divorce.

"Staff assisted visits are conducted to make sure folks don't fall through the cracks, because I'm usually the first person to find out when they come here to change their personal records," Harris said.

Harris pointed out that family care plans are an arrangement that prepares for worst case scenarios that may arise in a member's life and gives the Air Force an avenue to provide assistance.

"Family care plans can be very in depth," Harris said. "It can cover school bus schedules, extracurricular activities, church events - really anything you can think of. The goal is to maintain a lifestyle for the dependent that is as normal as possible while the Airman is gone."

Orndoff explained the AF form 357 is designed to allow Airmen to designate who will be the caregivers of their dependents.

"When I get an AF form 357 I call the appointed caregivers and ask them if they understand what their responsibilities may be," Orndoff said. "I give them my phone number too so I can help out if a need does arise."

Orndoff said he has had Airmen complete the form in as short as a week while others have required more time.

"The form requires signatures before it can be turned into a first sergeant, and sometimes that can take an individual a little longer to get in touch with the caregivers they have chosen within the 75 mile radius," he said.

Senior Master Sgt. Cesar Ortiz, 442nd Force Support Squadron superintendent, said a power of attorney, in conjunction with the AF form 357, allows the caregiver to have the authority to act on behalf of a dependent.

"This gives them the right to help out especially with what I consider the big two issues, medical and school," Ortiz said. "With a power of attorney they can legally declare they are the caregiver in the absence of a military member."

Ortiz said Airmen need to be mindful of what AFI 36-2908 describes as unique situations that require special arrangements.

"For example a member may have a relative living with them whose first language isn't English, or maybe doesn't drive. How will that person communicate or get around in the absence of their reservist caregiver?" Ortiz said. "If an Airman isn't sure they fall into a unique situation, I encourage them to speak to their first sergeant or commander about the matter."

Harris explained if an Airman is taking care of someone that is not covered under AFI 36-2908, leadership may deem their situation unique.

"The commander and first sergeants can mandate the member complete an AF form 357 that ensures the safety and welfare of individuals who rely on an Airman to take care of them," Harris said.

Ortiz emphasized Airmen need to put a lot of thought into a family care plan, because unforeseen issues can happen any time.

"Everybody should sit down and consider what will happen if they get into an accident on their way to a unit training assembly and are in a coma," Ortiz said. "Without a family care plan, you have nothing in place to provide for those who depend on your continued care. It's a benefit for those who rely on you, and the last thing you need is to be in a jam like that."