A&FRC helps new Sabers avoid relocation, culture shock Published Dec. 11, 2007 By Valencia Wright Airman & Family Readiness Center SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Relocation and cultural adaptation has been identified by the Airman and Family Readiness Center as a challenge to personal readiness. To help overcome these challenges, the A&FRC offers sponsorship training. The training provides sponsors tool to help provide better logistical support and anticipate the immediate needs of newcomers. The Individualized Newcomer Treatment and Orientation Relocation Program, introduces newcomers to the various services and facilities available on Spangdahlem and Bitburg. To help them learn about the German culture first hand, a Train Trip to Trier is offered to all newcomers. The cost is five Euro per person for the train ticket and between 15-20 euro for lunch. During the trip, a tour guide teaches participants how to use the train system, what special rates are available and how to attain them. Once arriving in Trier, there is a historical walking tour of the oldest city in Germany. Lunch follows in a traditional German restaurant. The A&FRC Loan Locker offers transitioning military families' household items such as dish packs, pots, pans, irons and strollers to assist them while waiting for household goods to arrive or after items are shipped. In addition, to help newcomers stay in touch with those back home there is a state-of-the-art resource room with six DSL computers and a WiFi internet connection. The Spangdahlem Airmen's Attic, located in the housing area at building 408A, offers a variety of free household items, clothing, food, small appliances, electronics and military uniforms for valid ID cardholders. All items are free, and donations are welcome. However, electronics and food items are only available to E-5s and below. For more information about the Airmen's Attic, call 452-2244. The A&FRC understands moving can be stressful to families. That's why they put families first. Families transitioning in or out of the Eifel can also take advantage of childcare during permanent change of stations sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society. Active duty Air Force families are eligible for 20 hours of free childcare from Family Home Day Care Providers 60 days after arrival or before departure. For more information about A&FRC events or to make a reservation, call 06565-61-6422 or 452-6422.