Right Start gets newcomers connected

Nancy Pike, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., briefs Airmen and civilians about the SARC program on-base during a Right Start briefing at the Eagle’s Landing conference room, Sept. 20, 2011. Right Start is a mandatory program for all new-coming Airmen and base personnel that covers areas such as the chapel, base emergency preparation, equal opportunity and the history of the base. Pike is a native of Angier, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert)

Right Start gets newcomers connected

Tech. Sgt. Michael English, NCOIC 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., briefs new Airmen and base personnel during the Right Start briefing at Eagles Landing, Sept. 20, 2011. English briefs shelter locations on base and what to do during an on-base emergency. Right Start is a mandatory program that provides information about the base to new Airmen and civilians so they stay connected with base happenings. English is a native of Washington, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert)

Right Start gets newcomers connected

Tech. Sgt. Michael English, NCOIC 4th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., briefs Airmen and civilians, who recently arrived to base, about the local hurricane season at the Right Start briefing, Sept. 20, 2011. English explains how to prepare for a hurricane and how to stay safe during adverse weather. Right Start is a mandatory briefing for all recent arriving Airmen and civilians. English is a native of Washington, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert)

Right Start gets newcomers connected

Published Sept. 22, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- In-processing a new duty station tends to be a tedious, tiring experience. Here, however, in-coming Airmen and civilians have a program available to ease the process.

Every third Tuesday of each month at the Eagles Landing, the Right Start program welcomes Airmen, civilians and dependents new to the base with refreshments, food and a venue full of briefers prepared to inform Seymour Johnson's newest work force about opportunities and programs offered on base.

"Right Start is mandatory for all newcomers to attend within 30 days of arrival on station," said Staff Sgt. Letoya Biggs, NCOIC of the 4th Force Support Squadron military personnel customer support section. "It is designed to give new airmen, NCOs and officers a right start on the base by introducing them to the things that are available and what to expect from the wing. Right Start is a venue for the agencies to let everyone know what is offered so [newcomers] don't come onto an installation without knowing what is provided to you or who your points of contact are."

Right Start briefers cover everything from Security Forces' do's and don'ts to chapel services, base emergency preparation and the history of the local community. This program allows all newcomers to keep in touch and stay informed.

"Right Start is a great way to meet new people and build connections," said Anita Berber-James, community readiness consultant at the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC). "You meet newcomers that are just like you and they become your family, your support system. All from Right Start, you stay connected."

For more information about the Right Start program, contact the A&FRC at 722-1123.