Your New Home

Army Community Service
ACS at Fort Wainwright is locaed in Building 3451. Call (907) 353-7298. ACS at Fort Greely is located in the south wing of Building 655. Call (907) 873-4346 for more information.

Information, Referral and Follow-up (I&R) Program
The Information, Referral and Follow-up (I&R) Program inprocesses and out-processes all newcomers, provides individual and Family assessment and assistance, information about community resources and outreach assistance, and offers help in problem resolution. I&R staff can help clients find the answers to perplexing problems or find information that is not readily available elsewhere. Call (907) 353-7298 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-3284 at Fort Greely.

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS)
The BOSS program supports the overall quality of life for single and unaccompanied Soldiers (including single parents) focusing on three core components: 1. Quality of Life; 2. Recreation and Leisure Activities and 3. Community Service. On Fort Wainwright BOSS meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month. Call (907) 353-7648 for more information.

Soldiers Against Drunk Driving
A key BOSS program at Fort Wainwright, Soldiers Against Drunk Driving is a volunteer-driven, designated driver and call-in program. For a free ride home whether on or near Fort Wainwright, call SADD at (907) 353-6610.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
The Family Advocacy Program's mission is to prevent child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault through education and intervention activities. Command education, troop education, parent education and support, community education, youth and safety education, offender accountability, and abuse prevention training are all part of the program.

Educational programs to manage stress, time, conflict and anger are available to Soldiers, dependents and units. Training to improve Family life and build relationship skills is also available. Call (907) 353-7317 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-3285 at Fort Greely.

The FAP's New Parent Support Program (NPSP) reaches out to expectant, new Families and/or young Families to provide support services such as educational workshops and ongoing special events. FAP and NPSP staff members offer a variety of playgroups, parenting classes and home visiting educational services to enhance Family life. Call (907) 353-7515 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4385 at Fort Greely.

The FAP Victim Advocacy Program reaches out to the victims of domestic violence, whether Soldiers or civilian Family members. Victim Advocates provide advocacy, court accompaniment, safety planning and many other victim services, as needed. Call (907) 353-4202 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4385 at Fort Greely.

The FAP Sexual Assault Prevention
and Response Program is a new program for all victims of sexual assault. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) is responsible for training deployable sexual assault response coordinators and unit victim advocates, coordinating the Sexual Assault Review Board and responding to all sexual assaults.

The SARC provides annual, predeployment, and post-deployment training to all Soldiers and education on sexual assault upon request. This program is a confidential resource for active duty victims. Call (907) 353-7272 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4385 at Fort Greely.

Mobilization and Deployment Readiness Program
The Family Readiness coordinator and the M&D staff manage this program to promote well-informed, self-sufficient and confident Army Families, reducing their stress and isolation by linking them quickly with their new community.

The coordinator is the primary support person for Family Readiness Group (FRG) training, coordination and liaison. The FRG is a primary communication bridge between unit commanders and Family members. The ACS program coordinator presents both regularly scheduled and special rear detachment operations training, Operation R.E.A.D.Y., mobilization and deployment briefings and other special programs for Soldiers and Family members. Mobilization and Deployment provides support and resources for rear detachments during deployments.

The M&D program also promotes selfreliance by educating Family members and service members about preparing Families for deployment. Unit Family readiness groups and rear-detachment commanders are given information and training on strategies for coping with military separation.

The staff also provides assistance to prepare units for deployment such as briefings and information on community resources, financial preparedness, maintaining Family relationships and what to expect when the deployed Soldier returns home. Additionally, the deployment specialists are the local experts on Military One Source. Call (907) 353-4374 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4346 at Fort Greely. Army Family Team Building (AFTB) The Army Family Team Building (AFTB) program manager and master trainers inform Family members about the Army, allowing Soldiers and Family members to improve their local community. They work YOUR NEW HOME closely with Soldiers and Family members to improve the overall readiness of the force by teaching and promoting personal and family readiness through progressive and sequential education for everyone from newcomers to seasoned veterans. Topics vary from military customs and courtesies to leadership skills and group conflict management. Soldiers can earn promotion points by completing AFTB training in a combination of online and classroom settings. Call (907) 353-2382 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4346 at Fort Greely.

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)
The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) program gives grassroots support to Soldiers and Family members to raise issues as far as Headquarters, Department of the Army and the United States Congress. They work to change laws to improve the quality of life and community well-being when circumstances, finances and/or regulations prevent making changes that can benefit the local garrison. Most local AFAP issues are resolved through the local program; those that are not are forwarded up the chain of command as necessary to achieve resolution. Call (907) 353-2382 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4346 at Fort Greely.

Relocation Readiness Program (RRP)
The Relocation Readiness Program (RRP) provides a wide range of services to relocating Families. One excellent program is the Standard Installation Topic Exchange Service (SITES), an automated database of military installations worldwide. Other services include welcome packets, relocation adjustment workshops, pre-move and post-move workshops for newcomers, travel maps and cultural-diversity programs, including English as a second language. The RRP also provides a wellstocked lending closet for Soldiers and Families in transition that offers a wide range of kitchen and household items for temporary loan. The program provides an outstanding, free, newcomers orientation for every Soldier and Family member who arrives at forts Wainwright and Greely. ACS pays for childcare for those attending the orientation. Call (907) 353-7908 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-3284 at Fort Greely.

Employment Readiness Program
The Employment Readiness Program offers individual and group services that maximize opportunities for Family members to attain initial or better employment. Training on resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success and career planning are among the classes available to ensure Family members locate the best possible job with career potential. The program manager is available to assist customers in reviewing current job openings on and off post. Call (907) 353-4327 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-2479 at Fort Greely.

Financial Readiness Program
The Financial Readiness Program provides budget counseling, debt liquidation and credit information, consumer education, checkbook management assistance, and lifetime financial planning through individual counseling sessions and community education classes. Consumer assistance with handling deceptive, illegal or unethical business practices is also available. The Financial Readiness Training for First-Term Soldiers program is a mandatory, eight-hour, twice-monthly presentation provided to all first-term Soldiers; Family members are welcome to attend. Call (907) 353-7438 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-2479 at Fort Greely.

Exceptional Family Member Program
The Exceptional Family Member Program provides social services support, information and advocacy to Family members with special needs. EFMP links exceptional Family members to proper services and, upon departure, screens them again to ensure proper services will be in place at the next duty station. The EFMP manager advocates for and provides direct casework services to EFMP clients and follows up with them and their service providers to ensure they are receiving appropriate services. The manager maintains up-to-date and accurate information on available resources and assists EFMP clients to prepare for their next duty assignments. Call (907) 353-4243 Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4385 at Fort Greely.

Army Volunteer Corps
The Army Volunteer Corps is managed by the Army Volunteer Coordinator (AVC) who registers all post volunteers and assists in placing them in positions of their choice. The coordinator also assists supervisors with volunteer placement and problem solving.

The ACS volunteer manager directs the efforts of volunteers in many of the ACS program areas to expand the entire program's service delivery capabilities and provides volunteer job descriptions, training and orientation, recognition and accounting for time contributed. Free childcare is provided to ACS volunteers while they are working at ACS, as funds permit. Call (907) 353-4327 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-4346 at Fort Greely.

Food pantry
A food pantry is also maintained by the Armed Services YMCA on Fort Wainwright. The ASYMCA supports military members and their immediate Families throughout Alaska. For information call (907)353-5962.

Emergency Food Program
Emergency food assistance support is available at both ACS offices. The FRP manager operates the program, and the Army Emergency Relief Officer assists to provide emergency food assistance support to Soldiers or Family members who request funds for emergency food to meet short-term needs. Additionally, the soldier's chain of command (supervisor, squad leader, first sergeant or commander), FRG leader, chaplain and others may contact the FRP manager to refer Soldiers for assistance. Call (907) 353-7453 at Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-2479 at Fort Greely.

Soldier and Family Life Consultant Program:
Need someone to talk with? Is something different? Feeling out of control? Soldier and Family Life consultants are available to provide short term confidential assistance to Soldiers and dependents. Call (907) 388-2553 for the Soldiers' Military and Family Life Consultants (MFLC) at Fort Wainwright and (907) 803-3563 at Fort Greely.

Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Army Emergency Relief provides emergency financial assistance to eligible Army personnel, their Families, retirees, widows and orphans. Categories of authorized assistance include, but are not limited to, non-receipt of pay, emergency travel expenses, rent, food, utilities, medical and dental expenses and essential vehicle repairs. AER can provide loans to get your vehicle winterized. Unit commanders can approve up to two loans per year in limited amounts to protect Soldiers and Family HOME members from predatory lenders. AER exists solely for "helping the Army take care of its own." Call (907) 353-7453 for Fort Wainwright and (907) 873-3479 for Fort Greely. Callers can be transferred to an AER representative after duty hours by calling toll-free (800) 410-9144.

EDUCATION
Active duty and reserve component Soldiers, their spouses and civilian employees of the Army can use the services of the Community Education Complex at Fort Richardson and the Army Education Center at Fort Wainwright to advance their education. Education counseling can help focus goals into plans, help identify career interests and point out academic weaknesses. Counselors can provide information on Veterans Administration education benefits and other financial aid and scholarship programs, how colleges work, how to earn a degree, and other general education advice. They can also explain how to apply for college credit for experiential learning from military training.

Fort Wainwright's Education Center is in Buildings 2110 and 2107; the telephone number is 353-7486. Counseling services are available Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment on Friday.

Multiuse Learning Centers
Computer lab access and related MLC services are available Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule group training in the MLC computer lab, call 353-7297.

Army Personnel Testing
Services and testing hours are separate, with APT service available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon; and testing by appointment only. To schedule testing, please call 353-6154.

Army personnel tests include all those required for reenlistment, retention and reclassification or for application to various programs such as Warrant Officer Flight Training, the Physician Assistant program, nursing and others.

Exams for college credit
Students should consult with their home colleges for information on obtaining an approved proctored exam. College exams can be proctored by a variety of professionals which may include librarians, chaplains and commanders. Limited proctored exams are available, but must be scheduled in well in advance. Proctored examinations have been completed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Colleges will sometime protector exams for a sitting fee.

Basic skills instruction
A Functional Academic Skill Training class is offered from 8 a.m. to noon. Eight week sessions run continuously. FAST class is limited to 20 students at a time.

Educational counseling
Counseling appointments are available. Information about education planning, tuition assistance and the GI Bill is available. Appointments may be available at lunchtime and after office hours, if needed.

Several colleges and universities maintain offices at the Fort Wainwright education center including, Central Texas College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Alaska and Wayland Baptist University.

Counselors can assist active duty personnel with enrollment for the eArmyU program. Eligible Soldiers can choose the e-course program or the Technology Package program that includes a laptop computer and an Internet service provider account. In addition, counselors can assist Soldiers in using the new GoArmyEd portal. GoArmyEd is the virtual gateway Soldiers use to request Tuition Assistance (TA) online, anytime for classroom, distance learning and eArmyU online college courses. TA pays 100 percent of tuition costs for postsecondary courses for eligible Soldiers working toward a degree, certification or licensure program.

There is a TA cost cap of $250 per semester hour and an annual cap of $4,500. The GoArmyEd portal gives Soldiers one-stop access to many regionally accredited colleges and universities and more than 1,000 available degree plans.

A number of colleges and universities provide courses on post during the lunch hour, evenings and weekends. Programs include various degrees at the associate, bachelor and master degree levels. At Fort Wainwright, these include the University of Alaska, Central Texas College, Wayland Baptist University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Fort Wainwright also offers classes through the University of Alaska Southeast via satellite. All on-post institutions are fully accredited and belong to the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) association.

The post also offers a multitude of "distance learning" opportunities as well. The Distance Learning Center can network a student into Army training such as the First Sergeants', Basic Non- Commissioned Officer Course or Battle Staff courses offered live from locations such as Fort Bliss as well as set up joint conferencing with other installations for training.

The Fort Wainwright Distance Training/ Learning Center is in Building 1031; the telephone number is 353-6799.

fort greely
Fort Greely's education center assists Soldiers with education support services, such as tuition assistance and information about other benefits. The education center may also serve as a proctor during scheduled exams. Computers are available at this location for distance education and online proctored exams. The proximity to Soldiers and convenience of this location are sure to make civilian education more attainable. The center is down the hall from the Lunch Room dining facility and Sideline Sports Lounge. Services are available to Military Personnel, Department of Defense Employees, Military Family Members, Retired Military, and other authorized employees serving on Fort Greely. The Education Services Office is in Building 661. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 873-4369.

SCHOOLS
Schools serving Fort Wainwright are part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. On-post students in grades K through 6 will attend Ladd or Arctic Light elementary schools, depending on housingarea residence.

On-post students in grades 7 through 8 attend Tanana Middle School, and those in grades 9 through 12 attend Lathrop High School.

Families residing off-post should contact the school district to determine which schools service their area. You may contact the school district at 520 Fifth Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99701; or call (907) 452-2000. The website is www.k12northstar.org.

Army School Support Services can assist families with school issues and questions. The SSS office is located in the Fort Wainwright Youth Center, Building 4109 Neely Road. For assistance, call (907) 361-9377. Schools serving Fort Greely are primarily served by the schools within the Delta/Greely School District. On-post students in grades K through 3 are bused to Delta Elementary School. All District students in grades 4 through 8 attend Fort Greely Middle School. All Fort Greely students in grades 9 through 12 are bused to Delta High School.

Families residing off-post should contact the school district to determine which schools service their area. You may contact the school district at P.O. Box 527, Delta Junction, AK 99737; or call (907) 895-4658. The website is www.dgsd.k12.ak.us

Yukon Koyukuk School District provides home school support for residents of Fort Greely. Visit www.yksd.com for more information. To enroll in any Alaska public school, students must present immunization records showing vaccination for DT, DPT, or TD; polio; measles (series of two shots); rubella; Hepatitis A (series of three shots); Hepatitis B (series of three shots); and Varicella (chicken pox). A signed physician's statement is required if there are medical reasons a child cannot be vaccinated.

In addition, kindergarten students must present birth certificates indicating they will be at least 5 years old before Sept. 1 of the school year. Physical exams are required for kindergartners. New students must show their birth certificates.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serves more than 14,200 students in 35 schools - from rural elementary schools of 100 students to comprehensive high schools of more than 1,200 - covering nearly 7,400 square miles. That's roughly the size of Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island combined. The area also includes two military bases - Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base - as well as growing cities and close-knit rural communities. Fairbanks, the state's second largest city, is the hub of the Interior and an ethnic melting pot. Students and their families come from more than 40 different language backgrounds, including Spanish, Lao, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, German, Tagalog, Thai and Hmong. The Athabascan people also continue to influence this rich cultural tapestry as the original residents for the last 10,000 years or so.

The school board is aware of that diverse population and is committed to hiring teachers, administrators and support staff who represent the community. The district also addresses the needs and perspectives of families with differing lifestyles, political orientations and viewpoints. This approach has attracted many families who might otherwise consider home-schooling or privateschool options.

Needless to say, the district transcends the one-size-fits-all method. Students in grades K through 12 can choose rigorous academic courses, career technical education, an extended learning program, special education, advanced placement classes, university programs, a wide range of electives, and a variety of extracurricular and other student activities.

Students of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District also enjoy a technology-rich environment. All schools are wired, every teacher has a computer and a "technology blueprint" integrates technology into the curriculum. Projectors, computer labs, SMART boards, document cameras, and a variety of instructional software for reading, writing and math more than enhance the classroom experience. And PowerSchool Premiere, a student records management system, encourages interaction between teachers, students and their parents.

Rounding out the curriculum are courses in career-technical education, special education, advanced placement, extended learning, specialized university, a wide range of electives, extracurricular activities and a variety of student activities.

Elementary school students receive recess, general music and physical education and band. Orchestra lessons start in fourth grade, and an awardwinning visual arts program integrates art lessons with subject areas at all grade levels.

The district employs state-required standards-based assessments (SBA) in grades three through 10, the TerraNova CAT in grades 5 and 7, and a High School Graduation Qualifying Exam. Other surveys may include the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment, an early screening profile for new kindergarteners, and ACT or SAT tests.

In 2005, the average Fairbanks student placed in the 63rd percentile on national standardized tests, with significantly higher composite SAT and ACT scores.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
than state and national averages. Most schools feature small classes, and recent surveys indicate a high level of parental satisfaction and support.

The school system is neither totally autonomous nor totally centralized. That attitude allows each of the 35 schools to respond to their community's desires and expectations within a framework of strong central leadership that sets goals, allocates funding and staffing, and ensures maximum accountability and consistency. To receive the regular high school diploma, students must satisfactorily complete the State Board of Education's and the school district's required course of study. Parameters include a minimum of 22.5 credits in the following subject areas: English (4 credits), social studies (3.5 credits), science (3 credits), math (3 credits), physical education (1.5 credits), health (.5 credits) and seven elective credits.

To enroll in any Fairbanks public school, parents and students must present immunization records showing vaccination for DT, DPT or TD, polio, measles (series of two shots), rubella, Hepatitis A (series of three shots), Hepatitis B (series of three shots), and Varicella (chicken pox). Other requirements include: a signed physician's statement explaining any medical reasons a child's lack of vaccination, new students must show their birth certificates and kindergarteners must be at least 5 years old before September 1.

CHILD, YOUTH AND SCHOOL SERVICES
Child, Youth and School Services
includes all programs serving children: Youth Services, School Age Services, Child Development Centers, Family Child Care and Outreach Services. All CYSS programs are developmental, high quality and are certified by the Department of Defense, and fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Afterschool Association, the latter two being civilian agencies.

For information and referral, contact Parent Central Services at 353-7713 at Fort Wainwright. Contact Fort Greely Central Registration at 873-4599 for information and referral related to CYSS programs at Fort Greely.

CYSS programs have parent advisory councils that meet monthly. All parents are invited to attend and provide input. Parents are also invited to visit programs at any time and to extend their volunteer time and talents to the community children.

Army School Support
Services School Support initiatives provides a variety of programmatic strategies and resources that help "level the playing field" for transitioning military students. Fort Wainwright School Support Services can assist Families with school issues and questions. The SSS office is located in the Fort Wainwright youth center at 4109 Neely Road. Drop by or call for assistance, 361-9377.

Child Development Services Child Development Services offers care for children from 4 weeks through 12 years old in three major systems:
• Child Development Centers
• Family Child Care homes and
• Outreach Services.

CDC facilities offer full-day, hourly and part-day preschool. (Fort Wainwright does not have kindergarten in the CDC.) The Fort Greely CDC also houses the SAS program, a blend of kindergarten and school-age children.

Family Childcare (FCC) offers the same services in certified homes where there are well-trained, carefully screened providers.

Outreach Services (OS) includes Parent Central Services, information about on- and off-post child care programs, Family-care plan screening, training for babysitters, parent and community education, play groups and arrangement of special child care needs, such as for units having special functions and wishing to have child care available on-site. The Central Registration office on Fort Greely is at the front desk of the Child Development Center, Building 847.

Families needing care or having questions about child or youth programs should start by calling the Parent Central Services office at 353-7713 (Fort Wainwright) or 873-4599 (Fort Greely). Relocating Families should call ahead and inquire about care options.

All CYSS programs offer a wide variety of developmental activities of very high quality, which promote the intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth of children.

CYSS programs includes water, science and sensory play, outdoor time, dramatic play, creative art, active play with climbing and balancing, music and opportunities for storytelling and looking at books. Growth in language and socialization is particularly encouraged through familystyle dining where nutritious meals and snacks are served.

The CYSS philosophy is that young children learn best through play and exploration. CYSS staff provide the time and encouragement to ensure children come to the program each day happy to be there.

Alaska has a Day Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for Families with limited incomes. The Parent Central Services staff can answer questions about this program or any childcare needs. Families needing care or having questions about child or youth programs should start by calling either Parent Central Services office.

Full-Day Care
The hours of operation for full-day child-care are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely. Services are offered Monday through Friday except on federal holidays and some training holidays.

At Fort Wainwright, the full-day care facility is in Building 4024 near the main gate at 600th Street and Gaffney Road, 356-1550.

At Fort Greely, the Child Development Center/School Age Services programs are in Building 847 on Big Delta Avenue, behind the Post Chapel.

Kindergarten Care
Kindergarten Care provides beforeand after-school care programs when school is in session. Fort Wainwright's Kindergarten is in Building 4166, School Age Center. Care is offered from 6 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. (6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright) when school is in session, and 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright) for teacher in-service days, most school closure days and school vacations.

Daily care may be available in the program for Families who do not need monthly care. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are served during the school year with lunch served during full-day sessions.

On Fort Wainwright, Part-Day Preschool is in Building 4176 at the corner of 600th Street and Neely Road. Preschool is offered in morning and afternoon sessions for two or three days a week and in the afternoon for five days a week.

On Fort Greely, a Part-Day Preschool program will be available in the Child Development Center (Building 847) from September through May, providing a full ratio group of 10 children enroll. It will be offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Hourly Care provides drop-in care with reservations accepted two weeks in advance. Children are accepted for same-day care if space is available or for a Family emergency. Identical developmental care and nutrition are provided in Hourly Care as in the rest of CYS. The fee is $4 per hour. At Fort Wainwright, Hourly Care is in Building 4176. Call 361-9056.

Hourly Care at Fort Greely may be reserved with 24-hours notice depending on availability. Hourly care children are blended into existing care rooms when space is available in existing ratio groups.

School-Age Services
School-Age Services provides before- and after-school care programs for school-age children when school is not in session.

Care is offered from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 5:30 p.m. (6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright), and at Fort Greely from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3:45 to 6 p.m. (Wednesdays, 2:45 to 6 p.m.) when school is in session and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely for teacher in-service days, school closure days and school vacations.

All school-age programs are developmental and recreational, with activities ranging from field trips to homework assistance, as well as the opportunity to develop new friends. Drop-in and daily care is also available in all programs for Families who do not need monthly care. Breakfast and an afternoon snack are served during the school year with lunch served during full-day sessions. Parents and youth are welcome to visit the program at any time. Fees are based on Family income. Registration for the program is through Parent Central Services.

Fort Wainwright school-age care is in Building 4166 on Neely Road near Arctic Light Elementary School. The phone number is 361-7394. A summer camp is provided with exciting activities for the children between May and August.

Fort Greely school-age care is in Building 847 on Big Delta Avenue (behind the Post Chapel). The local school district bus picks up children at the program and transports them to the school in Delta Junction. The phone number is 873-4599. A summer camp, Camp Boonndocks, is provided with numerous activities for children/ youth during the summer school out months of May and August.

Youth Services
Youth Services (YS) offers a variety of programs to meet the social, recreational, physical and cognitive development needs of youth and teens. Programs vary at each post but strive to cover all program areas. Youth Services is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of America and has national affiliations with BGCAs all across the country and overseas. Contact YS for more detailed program information by calling 361-5437 at Fort Wainwright and 873-3405 at Fort Greely.

The sports program offers health and nutrition workshops, sports clinics and intramural and group sport activities. These include tee ball, baseball, softball, indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball and cheerleading, along with a variety of adventure activities, such as rock climbing and white-water rafting. The arts, leisure and recreation programs include arts and crafts and a snack area.

Youth Services staff makes sure all inbound youth feel welcome; they also manage the college scholarship search program and work with teens in special programs such as Teen Discovery and job fairs, as well as assisting the Torch and Teen Supreme Clubs as they plan future programs and community events. Additional activities include Rent-a-Youth, Promise Passport (a youth volunteer initiative), arts and crafts, dances, cookouts, field trips, workforce preparation and sports and game competitions.

The Fort Wainwright YS program is constantly growing and has added many new programs for the youth. It has been recognized by the Pacific Region as a quality program. This facility includes a racquetball court, a teen weight room, a large gymnasium, snack bar, game room, lounges, computer lab and, in winter, an outdoor ice rink.

A state-of-the-art technology lab is available for youth to develop technology skills. The YS program is in Building 4109 on Neely Road next to the Shoppette.

The Fort Greely YS program, in Building 653 on Big Delta Avenue, is also growing and is adding new programs as new youth interests are defined. The facility has a movie/club room, a homework area, snack bar, youth technology lab and game room.

Outreach Services
Outreach Services offers a variety of childcare support services for Families and agencies of the community. An element of OS is the Parent Central Services, which provides a one-stop center where parents can enroll all their children, 4 weeks through 18 years of age, for programs offered by CYSS. For safety and health purposes, children and youth of all ages must enroll before use of this service.

Staff members are available to help parents determine which programs can best meet their Family's needs. For those parents needing off-post childcare, the Parent Central Services staff can offer information and referral services. For information regarding enrollment procedures or any other OS information at Fort Wainwright, call 353-7394 or 353-7713. The Parent Central Services office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fort Greely currently accommodates Outreach Spaces for special events at the Child Development Center with prior approval from the Director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Children with special medical or educational concerns are referred to the Special Needs Accommodation Process prior to being allowed to attend CYSS programs. The primary function of the SNAP team is to ensure each child is placed in the environment that most appropriately meets all of his/ her needs. Special emphasis is placed on providing consistent care for each child in a safe, healthy, non-restrictive environment. Parents are invited to attend and participate in the team meeting scheduled to review the child's needs. Parents should address questions and concerns to the OS Director.

Short-Term Alternate Child Care programs and Special Child Care openings can be made available to meet the surge childcare needs of the community. Surge care is provided when an excessive number of children need care during a specific time period, such as during a community meeting like the Army Family Action Plan conference or during a special unit function.

The OS Director will work with the unit or agency to meet special unit childcare needs during any functions, such as a unit ball or field day. For information, please call the OS Director, 353-7372.

Volunteer Child Care in the Unit Setting provides training for unit members who volunteer to provide childcare during Family Support Group meetings, fundraisers and other unit functions Training should be requested at least four weeks prior to the anticipated need date unless it is an emergency. Parent Central Services also maintains a teenage babysitter referral list.

Sitters must be at least 13 years of age and must complete babysitter training prior to being placed on the referral list. OS provides teenage babysitter training classes several times each year. If space is available, youth as young as 11 years of age may participate in the training. However, they will not be included on the referral list until after they are 13 years old.

Family Child Care
Family Child Care provides an excellent option for parents who find Family housing a more comfortable setting for their child. FCC providers are an important part of the CDS team and offer equivalent developmental care to that found in child development centers.

FCC providers are always needed for Families wishing care for their children in a smaller setting and have proven to be a wonderful opportunity for spouses who wish to remain at home and begin professional careers as providers.

FCC homes are multi-age and some provide extended hours. Some homes have achieved an extra mark of excellence by receiving National Family Child Care accreditation or Child Development Associate credentials. The FCC director is readily available with assistance and can provide immediate resources to get an FCC home started through their extensive "Toybrary." The Toybrary includes cribs, art supplies, toys, games and many other resources available for loan to FCC providers at no charge.

Specialized training is offered on a variety of topics, including small business practices. FCC provider training includes an in-home Family interview, a 40-hour orientation, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes, and nutrition and health information.

Fire, safety and health inspectors ensure all homes are safe before they begin operation, and a background screening is completed on all Family members 12 years and older. Army regulations require that anyone providing regular care in Army quarters must be certified through the FCC office. Persons interested in joining the FCC team should call or stop by the FCC office at Fort Wainwright, 353- 6266 (Building 1049) or Fort Greely, 873-4593 (Building 655) in the Gabriel Auditorium.

The School Liaison Officers can provide school registration information and clearance information and may assist in resolving problems. For information, call the Fort Wainwright office SLO at 361-9377. The Fort Greely School Liaison Officer can be contacted at 873-4599.

SKIES Unlimited, a program designed to complement and enhance the lives of military children. The SKIES acronym stands for schools of knowledge, inspiration, exploration and skills.

On Fort Wainwright, the SKIES Unlimited program offers children's classes in tae kwon do, gymnastics, dance, tennis, art, horseback riding, piano, art, driver's education and many more classes. On Fort Wainwright call 361-3218 for SKIES Unlimited program information.

The Fort Greely SKIES Unlimited program contact can be reached at 873-3406. The programs currently include gymnastics, piano and swimming classes.

Scouting
Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are available on both forts Wainwright and Greely. Those interested may contact the Farthest North Girl Scout Council at (907) 456-4782, (800) 478-4782, by email at fngsc2@alaska.com or online at www.fairbanksgirlscouts.org. For Boy Scouts of America in Fairbanks, contact the Midnight Sun Council at (907) 452-1976 or visit www.midnightsunbsa.org.

CHAPELS
Protestant and Catholic worship services, as well as other denominational services, are available on all posts. At Fort Wainwright they are held at Southern Lights Chapel (8th and Neely) and the Northern Lights Chapel (next to Monterey Lake). At Fort Greely, services are conducted in the Main Post Chapel, Building 845 (Big Delta).

The religious education program involves a variety of activities, which include weekly CCD classes for Catholics and Sunday school classes for Protestants, with ages ranging from nursery school through adult groups. Weekly Bible study and other adult religious education are also a vital part of the religious education program. Vacation Bible schools are an annual event at each post.

The Protestant and Catholic congregations offer a wide variety of activities through the innovative leadership of chapel councils. These include adult and children's choirs, Catholic and Protestant Women of the Chapel, Christian men's organizations and many special Family and social events.

The chaplains conduct off-post religious retreats for single Soldiers, engaged couples, Families, youth and married couples. These range from one-day retreats to weekend activities for couples and Families, to a week of camp for children and youth during the summer.

There is a Chaplain Family Life Center at Fort Wainwright. Family life chaplains have advanced degrees in marriage and Family counseling and provide individual, couples and Family counseling. Soldiers, couples and their Families may contact their unit chaplain, the Family life chaplain or the chaplain from their respective faith group. The Family Life Center is located behind the Northern Lights Chapel in Building 3429 on Rhineland Road at Luzon Avenue. Family Life chaplains may be reached by calling 353-6112.

A chaplain is on duty at night and on weekends to meet emergency needs of anyone seeking assistance. You may reach the duty chaplain on all posts by calling the chaplain on-call at (907) 353-4180 or 353-6666 for Fort Wainwright or 873- 2476 for Fort Greel

y and asking to speak to the chaplain. The "Alaska Post" and the commander's channels (Cable channel 5 on Fort Wainwright, channel 6 on Fort Greely) list a complete schedule of all religious activities. Schedules are also available from the post chapels.

For information about the Fort Wainwright religious program, call the post chaplain at 353-9825. For information about the Fort Greely religious program, call the post chapel administrator at 873-2476.

COMMISSARIES
Despite its distance from the Lower 48, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) commissaries in Alaska stock all the produce, fresh meat, dairy products and other food items you are used to with the express purpose of helping to improve your quality of life and helping stretch your paycheck.

Shoppers may bring guests into the commissaries, but patrons must show a valid ID card at checkout to purchase groceries. We are confident you'll enjoy your shopping experience and find friendly, knowledgeable and helpful employees to make each and every trip to the commissary a pleasant experience.

The Fort Wainwright Commissary is in Building 3703A, and is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Call 353-6218 for information. The commissary carries more than 10,500 line items in various categories.

A complete deli and bakery operation, along with a "Grab 'n Go" section are customer favorites. The deli department offers sandwiches made to order, as well as fresh sushi made daily for healthy alternatives. Special orders are always welcome. The commissary at Fort Greely, Building 601, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and closed Sundays and Mondays. Call 873-4407 for more information.

Surveys conducted on a regular basis show customers shopping the commissary can save more than 30 percent on their grocery bills. In addition, you'll find substantial savings during periodic "case lot" sales.

For more information on features and special events at your local commissary, check out www.commissaries.com. Click on the locations link and choose the commissary nearest you.

AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross (ARC) is mandated by Congress to provide service to the Armed Forces of the United States. At the same time, federal law prohibits the Red Cross from using tax money to meet its costs in providing these services.

Therefore, funds donated by the American public directly to the organization and through the Combined Federal Campaign pay for all operating costs. Services provided for military personnel and their families include:
• Emergency communications concerning the death or critical illness of family members. These emergency messages provide the service member and family with information about the emergency and provide military authorities with details necessary to make informed leave decisions in accordance with regulations.
• Communications to meet other emergency needs in situations involving the breakdown in child-care plans or vehicle breakdowns while traveling through Canada.
• Communications of a non-emergent but essential nature, such as birth notifications, that cannot be handled effectively except by the use of Red Cross resources.
• Financial assistance on behalf of military aid societies to meet travel expenses in connection with emergency leave, and to meet other emergency needs in selected situations. Service members have after-hours access to AER through the Armed Forces Emergency Services Center at (877) 272-7337.
• Help families communicate and locate family members throughout the world during times of natural disasters.
• Referral or information about other appropriate offices, agencies or organizations that provide services to military personnel and their families.

The 24-hour number for emergency communications is (877) 272-7337. The Red Cross office is located in Building 1024 on Apple Street at Fort Wainwright. Call 353-7234 for more information. An additional office is located on the second floor of Bassett Army Community Hospital.

ARMED SERVICES YMCA OF ALASKA
The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska on Fort Wainwright is located in Murphy Hall (Building 1047, Suite 8), and has served the Alaska military community continuously since 1941. Their mission is to focus on the needs of military personnel and their families. The Armed Services YMCA programs and services are offered to all service branches to include the Alaska National Guard and their family members.

Working in partnership with the military and civilian communities, the Armed Services YMCA provides more than 30 programs and services on a year-round basis. Programs and services differ between installations, largely in response to local needs and conditions. Outreach activities are available on a limited basis at Fort Greely.

Two military courtesy lounges are provided to the traveling military: the Atwood Military Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and a facility at the Fairbanks International Airport. Low cost transportation for all military personnel is provided through the shuttle van service , giving rides to those in need. At press time, the fee was $1 each way. For Fort Wainwright rides, call 353-3733.

The ASYMCA operates the Thrift Store on Fort Wainwright at 102nd Street and Chestnut Street in the north post area. The Thrift Store features seasonal sales and discount programs, such as Operation Giveaway, throughout the year. Consignments and donations are accepted. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. Call (907) 356-1211.

Known as the "go-to" organization, the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska provides support to organizational clubs (e.g. booster clubs, Family Readiness Groups, etc.) and individuals in need. "Filling the gap" is a trademark of the "Y." For more information on the Armed Services YMCA, call 353-5962 on Fort Wainwright.