EFMP improves family care

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
  • 86th Airlift Wing public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Recently, the exceptional family member program completed an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century event. The goal was to help improve education and identify family members who meet the enrollment criteria. Additionally, program managers aimed to help motivate families to start working on EFMP paperwork early to avoid unnecessary delays.

The EFMP office is designed to take care of medical and educational needs of family members who are out-processing. The EFMP's priority is to provide family members of active duty service members with quality medical, educational and family services.

"The topic of our AFSO21 campaign will be 'Think EFMP.' Look for radio spots, posters and flyers around the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center and medical clinics," said Capt. David Weller, 86th Medical Group EFMP coordinator.

Living overseas can be stressful and creates challenges such as language barriers, differing medical practices, different standards of care and limited community medical resources.

Airmen and their families who are stationed overseas have to go through EFMP to ensure family members receive proper medical care at the overseas location.
"The exceptional family member program is the only program designed to look out for the medical and educational needs of family members who are out-processing," Staff Sgt. Ryan Persad, 86th MDG EFMP coordinator.

Getting the information to Airmen and their families to complete the medical clearance that is required can avoid delay associated with the EFMP office rather than waiting for the date that you are eligible to return from overseas.

"If your (DEROS) is coming up in the next six to 12 months and you have a family member who meets EFMP enrollment criteria or you are planning on an (OCONUS) assignment, get started on the paperwork for EFMP now," said Weller.

For more information, visit the EFMP office in Bldg 214, first floor, or call  DSN 479-2375; Commercial 06371-46-2375