Air Force officials launch new community Web site

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WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  On Oct. 1, Air Force officials introduced a new Web site for Airmen and their families that provides a 24/7 resource for information on topics like relocation, military child education and finances.

The new site phases out the "AF Crossroads" Web site while assuring most of the same services are still available to all users.

Programs such as "Plan My Move," spouse employment job sites and scholarship information can be found there, as well as new features like videos and podcasts of Air Force news and events from around the world. 

"This new Web site consolidates up-to-date [Department of Defense]-wide information applicable to our reserve families," said Christina Fornander, Airman and Family Readiness Center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. "The Web site links to important military websites which provide medical, financial, employment assistance, and educational resources."

Mrs. Fornander points out that while they're several important Web sites providing practical resources and services, it can be easy to get confused. The new community site works to consolidate those Web sites. She said the consolidation was especially important with reserve member's dependents.

"The Web site was created with our Airmen and families in mind," said Maj. Karen Terry from the Pentagon Airman and Family Services Division. "We wanted to be able to offer them helpful information on topics that affect their daily lives, and give them the ability to access it whenever and wherever they wanted. This site allows us to do that."

The site's appearance is streamlined to make it easier for users to find what they are looking for within a few clicks of the mouse. Although the Web site is now a "dot mil" site in order to comply with security requirements, it will still be accessible by all Airmen and their families from any computer. 

"What is important to our military member is often not the same focus as the family members," Mrs. Fornander said. "This Web site will provide accurate information for the military member or family member no matter what the topic is they wish to learn more about as well as provides practical guidance on the agency to contact for more personalized assistance."

Visitors interested in joining chat rooms and discussion boards to communicate with other Air Force family members can do so at www.militaryonesource.com or www.militaryhomefront.com. Beginning Sept. 30, GI Mail was no longer available.

The new Air Force Community Web site is located at www.afcommunity.af.mil. For more information, contact the local Airman and Family Readiness Center or visit the new site.