If you have orders for a remote assignment, it is suggested that you attend the Smooth Move Briefing. Please call 385-4663 to register for the smooth move briefing and let us know where you are going and what your Report No Later Than Date is so that we can have personalized information prepared for you. Family members are encouraged to attend!

If you don't wish to attend the briefing, please be sure to contact us to fill out a Remote Assignment data card for your family members so that they can be informed of the programs and benefits that they have available to them here at Ellsworth during your tour.

Whether you are single or married, we have programs to support you and your immediate or extended family during the course of your remote tour of duty and to prepare for homecoming. Below are details about the following Readiness Programs available to you and your family.

Emergency Communication Services
Morale Call Program
Give Parents a Break
Car Care Because We Care
Deployed/Remote Events & Dinners
Keeping Families in Touch
Free Shipping Supplies
Heart Link

Emergency Communication Services

The American Red Cross provides Emergency Communication Services for military members and their families to keep personnel in touch with their families following the death or serious illness of a family member or other important events, such as the birth of a child. This is often the fastest method to inform the remotely assigned service member and the information or verification in a message also assists the service member's commanding officer with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

To find out how to contact the American Red Cross to utilize the Emergency Communication Services or other services they provide, click HERE.

Morale Call Program

This program will allow loved ones to make two 15 minute phone calls per week to you during your deployment through the Ellsworth base operator. To utilize the program have your loved ones contact the base operator using one of the following numbers (605) 385-6489/6490/2761. They may call anytime except during 0600 and 1100 hours Monday through Friday due to a large amount of official calls. Have them provide the operator your name and DSN phone number. Please remember that you need to provide your loved one with your DSN number if one is available at your location. The operator will then connect them to your number. If your loved ones have any questions or experience any problems, have them call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663.

Give Parents a Break Program

Every parent and child deserves a little break from demands of full time parenting!

The “Give Parents a Break” program is designed to provide eligible parents with free child care one Saturday a month at the Ellsworth Child Development Center (CDC) and Youth Center. Children must be between 6 weeks – 12 years of age. “Give Parents a Break” is normally scheduled for the fourth Saturday of each month. This program is a collaborative effort between the Air Force Aid Society and the Ellsworth Child Development Center. Please stop by the Airman & Family Readiness Center with a copy of the sponsor’s TDY/Remote PCS orders to obtain a certificate. Certificates can also be obtained from a Chaplain or First Sergeant. Click here for more information and future dates.

Car Care Because We Care

You can get a free oil/filter change, lubrication, and vehicle safety check on your primary vehicle at the Ellsworth AFB AAFES Main Service Station, courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society. Service is limited to twice per calendar year if your spouse is assigned to a remote tour. To obtain a voucher from the Airman & Family Readiness Center, simply bring in a copy of the sponsor’s TDY/Remote PCS orders. Once you receive your voucher, you can arrange your own appointment with the skills center.

Deployed/Remote Family Events.

The Airman & Family Readiness Center has FREE monthly activities for family members of deployed/remote military members. Fun filled events are planned for different locations throughout the area to help break up the time while your service member is away. Please give us a call at (605) 385-4663 to find out what is going on this month. Check out when our event is scheduled to occur!

Deployed/Remote Dinners.

This is a chance for family members of deployed and remote spouses to enjoy a delicious FREE dinner along with information, entertainment, and supervised children activities. It's all part of a fun evening for parents and kids. Check out when our next dinner is scheduled to be served.

Keeping Families in Touch

The Airman & Family Readiness Center has free resources materials for all family members to help them understand and successfully cope with family separations. FREE activity books, pamphlets, handouts, and letter writing kits are available for adults and children of all ages. These educational have lots of ideas for couples, parents, and children to help loved ones “keep in touch” while separated due to remote tours.

Stop in and take a look at all the materials we have to offer!

Free Shipping Supplies for Military Families from the United States Post Office

The U.S. Postal Service has introduced a Military Care Kit, or “Mili-kit” to make it easier for military families and friends to send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. Since the inception of the Military Care Kit, the U.S. Postal Service has shipped more than 150,000 kits. Each kit contains three flat rate boxes, two cube boxes, nine address labels, and 16 customs forms. There is no charge for the kit. Click HERE to find out how to obtain your kit.

Heart Link: A Spouse Orientation Course

This is a fun and fact filled course offered ever quarter to all spouses. If you are new to the military this is your opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to you as part of the Air Force Family. If you are new to Ellsworth, this is your chance to meet wing leadership and helping agency staff members as you tour a variety of base facilities with a friendly group of military spouses. We pay for your child care and provide a free lunch.

Click HERE to find out when our next course is being offered!