News

Right Start gives newcomers tools for successful life at Robins

  • Published
  • By Holly Logan-Arrington
  • Robins Public Affairs

It takes time to learn the ropes when you’re the newcomer in town.

Thanks to the Right Start program at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Airmen like Master Sgt. Demetris Redfield, superintendent for the 78th Air Base Wing’s Support Staff, who arrived at Robins in early March, can settle in to their new Air Force home more easily.

“It was valuable to learn about the other side of the base like the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System,” Redfield said.  “Getting a tour was very enlightening and helpful during my journey here.”

Dell Steplight, the Relocation Program manager at A&FRC, said the statutory, regulatory or policy requirement for military newcomers consists of an eight-hour orientation, which provides a single, consolidated event that introduces 34 programs and services offered at Robins and the surrounding communities, as well as an one-hour narrated mission partners base tour.

“It’s designed to welcome all newcomers to the base – military, spouses, authorized Department of Defense civilians, and all branches of service – setting the tone for a positive relocation experience,” she said.

Members of the Armed Forces, their authorized dependents and other designated populations, such as civilian personnel who are assigned/authorized to attend as a result of a permanent change of station to Robins, are required to attend the program.

Steplight said the orientation is beneficial for those who attend.

“A PCS move for families can be stressful. Right Start gets them off to a good start by getting families integrated quicker to the base thus alleviating some stressors,” she said. “I would highly recommend Right Start for all personnel PCSing because each base and every PCS are different.”