WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - The Army Family Covenant was signed here in Hawaii three years ago in a ceremony with the Army's vice chief of staff and senior Hawaii Army leaders. This covenant is a pact - by Army leadership - pledging to provide a quality of life commensurate to the quality of service asked of our Soldiers and their families.
AFC's commitment to its Soldiers and families is paramount here at U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii. Since the covenant was signed in 2007, the garrison's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs have been at the forefront in implementing the covenant's initiatives.
Many of these programs specifically assist Soldiers and families who are facing a deployment or have recently returned from a deployment. AFC initiatives also provide support for the spouses and children of those who are currently deployed.
Our Army community benefits every day from these programs. Many of our recreation facilities now have extended hours, as well as enhanced programming to meet the needs of all members of the community. New gym equipment has been purchased and a new Outdoor Recreation facility is scheduled to be built in fiscal year 2011.
One of the more dynamic AFC programs is the Warrior Adventure Quest. This initiative seeks to reset Soldiers' negative stressors to positive, after they return from deployment, through a variety of challenging but fun physical activities. In Hawaii, these include a high-ropes course, and paintball and ocean adventures. Units are typically targeted to go through the program within 90 days of redeployment.
Our newly formed Club Concept initiative seeks to go the extra mile in improving the quality of life for our Soldiers. Programs such as Rocktoberfest and Right Arm Night build a sense of camaraderie and morale, and provide events where the community can come together in a social setting and enjoy a sense of unity.
All of this is in addition to the generous support from our Child, Youth and School Services that has eliminated registration fees and provided free or reduced rates for families of deployed Soldiers, wounded warriors and fallen Soldiers. These families also now receive up to $300 in free Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills Unlimited, or SKIES, classes and up to $100, per child, for Youth Sports.
Hawaii's own Blue Star Card program provides discounts and activities specifically geared to the spouses and families of our deployed Soldiers. Each month, this program provides activities such as Walk off the Wait and The Big R to help pass the time during deployment and provide entertainment for these families.
Based on surveys, Soldiers and families appreciated AFC benefits like our extended gym hours, free fitness classes, the $1-off bowling coupon, new Outdoor Recreation programs and CYSS benefits.
Plus, the popular monthly programs include Texas Hold 'em and Family Fun Fridays, in addition to the wide variety of activities offered every day through Outdoor Recreation, libraries, fitness centers and arts and crafts centers.
In its support of the AFC, our FMWR staff is continually seeking to provide additional entertainment, programming and money-saving options for Soldiers and families alike.
USAG-HI is fully committed to the AFC and its primary goal - to care for our Soldiers and their families.
Strong families are the backbone of our Army. We want to ensure that our Army families remain Army Strong!
(Editor's Note: This article appeared in the Hawaii Army Weekly's Oct. 29 special insert on the Army Family Covenant. Click <a href="http://www.hawaiiarmyweekly.com/special-inserts/">here</a> to view the entire 8-page feature.)
Social Sharing