Wright Start program readies newcomers

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Gaither
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Navigating any new base, whether active duty or civilian, can be a daunting task.  The Wright-Patterson Wright Start program aims to educate and remove the uncertainty associated with relocating, replacing it with assurance.

The Wright Start program, previously known as Newcomers Orientation, is a revised collection of informational briefs, introducing individuals to Wright-Patterson, its on-base agencies, as well as, off-base community agencies.

Stephanie Cummiford, Airman and Family Readiness community readiness specialist, is the facilitator and focuses on making it more informative, interactive and fun.

“Through research and working with wing leadership we have tried to design the program to be informative but not extremely dry.  It’s meant to be more enjoyable,” said Cummiford.  “I give fun facts about Ohio that a lot of people don’t know.  The briefers and I want to make it more enjoyable and more interactive for everyone.”

Although the program is mandatory for all active duty personnel, to include First Term Airmen, families and civilian employees are highly encouraged to attend.

The Wright Start program is offered on the second Tuesday every month at the Wright-Patt Banquet Club from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Individuals who need, or civilians and family members that would like to sign up for Wright Start, can sign up through their Command Support Staff or during their medical in-processing. 

The program begins with several briefings that lead into the information fair, hosting various agencies and organizations from Five Rivers Metro Parks to the Rising 6.  After lunch, the program continues with briefings from other organizations such as Claims, Legal and Equal Opportunity.

“The Information Fair consists of local agencies on and off base that set-up tables and give informative materials to our members, and that runs right into lunch,” said Cummiford.  “All of this makes it a really unique in that everything is in one place.”

On average, the program hosts 50 participants, and more than 70 during the PCS season. Not to miss any Airman, Cummiford makes sure information about the program reaches single Airmen as well.

“Having single Airmen come to events like Wright Start gives them a chance to meet people and learn about the different activities,” said Cummiford.  “Having lunch at the club is a good way to keep them centrally located during the information session where they do not feel rushed and it also encourages them to have lunch together.”

This 88th Air Base Wing program, with the coordination of the Airman and Family Readiness Center, is simply one of many that is designed to help active duty members and their families, civilian employees and retirees obtain more information to navigate the base better. These programs in turn help support the warfighter by improving the quality of overall living and work environments.

“The main thing is letting people know that the Airman and Family Readiness Center is here for them and that we have services designed specifically for them,” said Cummiford.  “We have a Facebook and LinkedIn page, and we’re constantly trying to get the information out there because we do a lot.”

In addition to the Wright Start program, Cummiford oversees Plan My Move, Kids on the Move, and Sponsorship programs.

“Wright-Patterson may be Area A and Area B, but it’s all about the people and individuals we work with and letting them know we’re here for them,” said Cummiford.