Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

The Bundles for Babies class held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center will be missing a homey touch the next few months.

Cindy Baldwin has been making blankets for the class for two and half years. But sadly due to cancer and upcoming radiation treatments, Baldwin has decided to take a hiatus until she can see how much energy she has. "I'm hoping to be back in November," said Baldwin. "But right now I'm still buying fabric to make the blankets."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) is sponsoring a photo contest in recognition of Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 11. The theme is "A day in the life of a military spouse."

Spouses from all branches of service can participate by submitting a contest entry form and a digital photo depicting any aspect of their life as a military spouse. Contestants must include the completed entry form with their photo submission. Entry forms are available at the A&FRC office in Building 150 or can be requested via email at stephanie.green@hil.af.mil.

On March 16, Dave Saeva, representing TriWest Healthcare Alliance, presented a check for $5,000 to the Utah Military Families Foundation (UMFF). The UMFF President John Hall, and Vice President Kris Sayre, accepted the gift on behalf of the UMFF. The UMFF focuses its efforts on military family activities, largely through the Airman and Family Readiness Center, such as Hill Heroes, Hearts Apart, Military Spouses Appreciation, Couple's Reintegration Dinners, Heart Link, the Families with Special Needs programs and similar activities.

There is plenty of assistance available to members who are relocating. Relocation Assistance is just one of several Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) services designed to assist all Department of Defense employees and their families. The relocation assistance primary areas of responsibility are facilitating the Base Newcomer's Orientation, Sponsorship Training and Smooth Move Briefings.

Come learn about the Air Force, its traditions and base resources as well as meet new friends at the Airman and Family Readiness Center's Heart Link program on Tuesday, March 8.

The program, which will start at 5 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. at the A&FRC, is open to all military spouses, military members and key spouses. Even if you think you might know all there is to know about the Air Force and Hill, you might be in for a surprise.

Being a stepparent can be challenging, but so can being a stepchild. In a six-week class entitled Smart Steps, both children and parents are brought together to learn how to overcome these challenges.

"While the adults are learning a topic, the kids are learning the same topic in 'kid's terms," said Kim Taylor, a community readiness consultant with the Airman and Family Readiness Center and one of the class instructors. "It's unique in that it involves the whole family."