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Fleet and Family Support Center’s Relocation Assistance Program: It’s Your Move
Story Number: NNS030605-06
Release Date: 6/6/2003 11:06:00 PM
From Fleet and Family Support Public Affairs
CHARLESTON, S.C. (NNS) -- Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SS) Class Rick Cone never gave much thought to the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). Not until he needed to move his family across the country for the first time.
His wife, Jennifer, and their two children arrived from Seattle long before the moving van did. At the time, the Cones had no beds, no kitchen supplies and no familiar contacts at Naval Weapons Station Charleston.
But at least they had the FFSC. Cone’s associates pointed him toward the center, where relocation specialist Kama Bentley introduced him to the Relocation Assistance Program (RAP).
“My wife and I used RAP to find out about schools and other opportunities in the area,” Cone said. “They loaned us futons to sleep on and a kitchen loaner kit to survive on until our stuff arrived from Seattle. I went there to use their computer center several times. Also, the FFSC helped us get the records of the children’s shots transferred to Charleston."
“The program was definitely a positive influence. Jennifer was in tears, because she had no idea how we were going to fix meals. It was a life-saver for us,” Cone said. “Kama really went out of her way to help us.”
Bentley understands the headaches of those who must travel. She has been associated with RAP and the center since 1994 and has assisted thousands of personnel and their families in relocating.
“I sometimes work with close to 40 people per month,” Bentley said. “Relocation is one of the front lines in keeping everyone happy."
“I find it like being a traffic cop. It is a more dynamic position than shuffling papers,” she said. “If people come to RAP first, they can head off a lot of problems, and I think the program can become more proactive than reactive.”
RAP also provided information about area housing and schools, information about the YMCA and other local programs to get the family more involved in the community. The FFSC team introduced Cone to the South Carolina tax structure, where different counties have different taxes, and directed him to the least expensive options.
“One of the smartest things a service member can do is use RAP,” Bentley said. “There are entitlements servicemen can use that some do not know about. Many times service personnel can be partially reimbursed for moving expenses. Service personnel are happier, their kids are happier, so the family can be happier."
"And it’s good for America’s defense because when service personnel are happy, then they will do their jobs better. It’s a win-win situation,” Bently added.
May and June are peak times for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. Bentley advises all service members on the move, especially those headed overseas or to unfamiliar areas, to visit with a RAP specialist at their local FFSC well in advance. Planning and preparation are keys to a smooth move, and RAP can help. The program is designed to help all service members – single or married, Sailor or Soldier –make their transition to another base easier.
For those moving outside the continental United States, overseas FFSCs also offer the Intercultural Relations (ICR) program. ICR acquaints service members with the cultural norms of different countries and offers the opportunity to learn more about their new surroundings.
There are 55 FFSCs and 67 delivery sites worldwide. For more information on FFSC and its programs, or to locate the nearest center, visit FFSC on the Web at www.persnet.navy.mil/pers66.
For related news, visit the Chief of Naval Personnel Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnp.
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