Building teams, solving problems

By USAG Vicenza DFMWRNovember 13, 2008

Building teams, solving problems
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

VICENZA, Italy -- To gauge the emphasis that the Army Family Covenant puts on supporting the families of Soldiers, just take a look at what's happening here.

"The AFC offered the Army Community Service the opportunity of having a full-time employee who could focus on the programs for the wellbeing of the community" said Frannie Packard, acting director of U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza Army Community Service.

"AFTB focuses on helping military families survive and thrive in the Army, with a mission to educate and train in knowledge, skills and behaviors" said Rose Holland, AFTB and AFAP Program Manager.

AFTB courses are designed to prepare Soldiers and families to move throughout the changes within the Army by offering three different levels: for newcomers in the community and in the Army; for emerging leaders or those who want to enhance their communication and management skills; and for those who want to develop the skills acquired with Level I and II in order become a mentor and manage home or work conflict.

"AFTB courses are also available online through www.myarmylifetoo.com. If you are an active duty Soldier you can earn promotion points, and if you have children, AFTB will also provide free childcare" said Holland.

AFAP is a program designed to listen to Soldiers and families and producing solutions to fix any problems. Some of the changes that occurred thanks to AFAP are:

Service members' Group Life Insurance increased from $50,000 to $450.000; Basic Allowance for Housing increased by 11-percent; Army Emergency Relief grants in overseas locations to assist with financial aid for spouses; Family Separation Allowance was increased from $75 to $100 per month; Army Family Team Building; and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers were born.

"Without the Army Family Covenant, these changes couldn't have occurred so quickly and drastically," said Holland.

"Soldiers and families wouldn't have an opportunity to become mentors and examples of leadership within the Army and community" she added.