Supporting the Air Force’s exceptional families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Holly Cook
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Having a family member with special needs might be hard but Air Force families don't have to go through tough times alone. The Exceptional Family Member Program is here to lend a hand by providing force support and medical services.

After a family is recognized as requiring special needs, the sponsor enrolls in the program and from there the EFMP accommodates them with the proper medical attention.

But, EFMP offers more than just medical services, it also provides force support.

"We provide information, referrals, recreational activities, educational classes, support groups and seminars for families enrolled in the program," said Tatineesha Harris, 86th Force Support Squadron EFMP family support coordinator. "Every month we have arts and crafts, rock climbing, movie nights, bowling and we take the children to the pool."

Everything from day trips around the country to youth sports programs, exceptional families can communicate with other military families in their same situation.

"All the activities that the program holds are really good because it lets us meet other families with special needs," said Krystal Siembida, wife of Master Sgt. Jeremiah Siembida, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa command programs manager.

When coming to the different events, EFMP families not only bond with different members of the program, but also get to see places around Germany they might have never known about.

"The field trips that we are having this summer allow the families to see places outside of Ramstein," said Harris. "Some places they wouldn't have been able to go to because of their special needs."

For more information about EFMP or if you would like to volunteer to work at an event, contact the Airman Family and Readiness Center at DSN: 480-5100 or commercial at 06371475100.