The EFFAC is here to help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica D. Keith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  Emergency situations can arise anywhere, at anytime. It can be a man-made event such as a shooting incident, terrorist attack or a vehicle crash, or it can be a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane or tornado. The possibilities are endless and as servicemembers, we are conditioned to react quickly and efficiently during such occurrences, but what do you do when the crisis is over? Where do you turn when it's time to pick up the pieces and carry on with life?

The Emergency Family Assistance Control Center is one of the first places servicemembers go to receive information and help if their lives have been rocked by a crisis. The EFACC is a "one stop shop" which provides professional assistance to servicemembers and their families during and after an emergency situation.

The legal office, medical group, mental health and family advocacy, Chaplain, and many other base agencies work with The EFACC team to provide the best available service to military personnel here and across the country.

If a crisis occurs without warning, such as a car bomb explodes causing injuries, the Wing Commander can activate the EFFACC. Once activated, it is operational within one hour. If there is warning ahead of time, which is the case with many natural disasters, the EFACC is set-up beforehand so service can be immediately available to those affected.

The EFACC is not unique to Goodfellow. Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil, Airman and Family Readiness Center NCOIC, said Keesler Air Force Base activated their EFACC in August 2005 when hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. They provided food, shelter and financial assistance to military families whose homes were severely damaged during the storm.

"The EFACC is here to service our servicemembers when they need help," said Sergeant O'Neil.

Goodfellow's EFACC has not been activated for a real-life crisis in the two years Sergeant O'Neil has been part of the team, but he said they are prepared if a crisis occurs and will be able to act quickly and effectively . They ensure they are capable of handling a disaster by participating in quarterly exercises that test their readiness, sometimes running them for as long as 36 hours. Their most recent exercise was the base-wide active shooter event.

If a crisis does occur, the EFFAC will initially operate on a 24 hour basis unless the Wing Commander determines alternate hours will better meet the needs of sevicemembers here.

The base EFACC 's primary location is the Airman and Family Readiness Center, located in building 145 and a secondary location has been established off base in case the A&FRC is damaged. For those looking for information or who are interested in joining the team, contact the A&FRC at (325) 654-3893.