FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 7, 2015) -- Fort Benning leaders and volunteers recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of Army Family Team Building, the Family training and readiness program that gives participants an understanding of Army life and culture.

The concept for AFTB was developed in 1992. A program policy letter was jointly signed on Dec. 16, 1994, by then Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Richard A. Kidd, designating AFTB as an official Army program. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Dennis J. Reimer and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Richard E. Hall proclaimed Dec. 16 "Army Family Team Building Day" in 1998.

To remain relevant to the needs of Family members, the program receives periodic reviews and updates. The most recent update was in 2013.

"We teach everything from acronyms and terms to customs and courtesies, traditions, community resources, chains of command and social functions in one class, which we offer each month," AFTB program manager Jane Bresko said. "We also have classes for leaders in Army community to enhance professional growth and a four-day seminar that benefits spouses at the company command level. It should be the first stop to help spouses better acclimate to the Army lifestyle."

The event also recognized Barbara Singleton, who has been an active volunteer since AFTB began and was instrumental in bringing the program to Fort Benning.

"This program is run strictly by volunteers," Bresko said. "Right now we have 11 active volunteers and we are always looking for more."

Upcoming classes include Level K-Military Knowledge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan.7-8 at the ACS Training Room, the Instructor Training Course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 14-16 in the ACS auditorium and the Junior Leadership Seminar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 26-29 at McGinnis-Wickam Hall.

AFTB is located at 7117 Baltzell Avenue, Building 7. For more information about the program, call 706-545-2794 or visit www.benningmwr.com/army-family-team-building.