Barksdale M&FRC

06/05/2026

Eligible Air & Space Force families caring for a loved one with special needs may qualify for support through our Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).

AFAS provides up to $3,000 per special needs family member over a two-year period to help offset expenses and support your family’s unique needs.

Learn more and apply today: afas.org

06/01/2026

Readiness Safety Tip – June 2026:

🚨 ** Thunderstorms & Lightning Preparedness** 🚨

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is observed annually in the 3rd full week of June (21-27 June 2026). It’s a national effort by the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Council to raise awareness that no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. “When thunder roars, go indoors!”

Key Facts –
🔹Lightning can strike up to 15 miles from the storm’s core
🔹Approximately 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the U.S. annually
🔹Over the past 30 years, the U.S. has averaged 51 lightning deaths annually with a 10% survival rate thus far
🔹Most victims are male, often due to outdoor activities during storms

Know Your Risk & Take Action –
🔹Lightning Safety Games & Links for Kids & Teens: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-kids
🔹Thunderstorms & Lightning ready.gov link: https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning
🔹National Lightning Safety Council: http://lightningsafetycouncil.org/
🔹National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm
🔹National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning-safety
🔹AFPC Crisis Support link: https://www.afpc.af.mil/Military-and-Family/Crisis-Support/

05/26/2026

05/16/2026

Today, we celebrate Armed Forces Day—a time to honor the men and women who currently wear the uniform of the U.S. Department of War.

From the Active Duty ranks to the Reserve and National Guard, your dedication to the mission ensures our national security and the preservation of our freedoms. At MCTO, we are proud to support you throughout your service and as you look toward your future.​​

Whether you are participating in TAP to prepare for transition, utilizing DoW SkillBridge for career growth, or staying connected through YRRP, our mission is to ensure you have the resources needed for success in and out of uniform.​

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the all-volunteer force.​

Explore our resources for the force:​
TAP: https://tapevents.mil​
DoW SkillBridge: https://skillbridge.mil​
YRRP: https://www.yellowribbon.mil​

Transition

05/15/2026

Did you know your credit could impact your security clearance? With Continuous Vetting now in place, your financial health is monitored year-round. Don't let debt jeopardize your career. Learn how to protect your credit: https://ow.ly/CLRl50YWFjj

DoW Photo

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

DID YOU KNOW – PCS SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season can bring unexpected costs and added stress for military families. Several types of assistance are available to help ease the transition.
• Rent & Deposit Assistance
AFAS may assist with rent and security deposits at a new duty station when PCS-related expenses create financial hardship.
• Child Care Assistance
AFAS can help cover short-term child care costs (up to $1,000 per family) while packing, traveling, or settling into a new location. Learn more about our Child Care for PCS program here.
• Pet PCS Transportation
Financial assistance is available for eligible “out-of-pocket” dog and cat transportation expenses during a PCS move.
• PCS Vehicle Shipment
AFAS may help cover vehicle shipping costs incurred during a PCS move.
Wherever the mission takes our service members and their families, we’re here to help support the journey.

Our May Newsletter is now available online. Get all the latest updates and opportunities for our military families!

Read now: https://bit.ly/4uGEoud

05/12/2026

💬 Ready to strengthen your relationship?
Join us for ELEVATE, a FREE 4-session couples program designed to help you communicate better, manage stress, and deepen your connection.

Spots are limited – register now and invest in your relationship! Call (318) 456-8400, option 7.

Air Force and Space force couples who complete the course are eligible for a $160 AFAS grant!

05/11/2026

🚨 UPDATE 🚨

Gas Grant Update: Due to overwhelming demand, the AFAS Limited-Time Gas Grant program has reached its funding cap and will close at 3:00 pm Eastern Time, and Applications will no longer be accepted.

We appreciate our Military & Family Readiness Center partners who helped share this limited-time pilot directly with eligible Airmen and Guardian families. We’re grateful for the strong response and remain committed to exploring new ways to support service members and their families.

If you are experiencing other financial challenges, please visit www.afas.org to learn more about our assistance programs.