By Justin Creech
Staff writer
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Spouses on Fort Belvoir who want to learn what employment, education and other opportunities are available to them on post should attend the Army Community Service, Relocation Readiness program’s Spouse Meet and Greet on Wednesday.

The meeting will be at the Vernondale Village Community Center from 10 a.m. to noon.

Along with information on education and employment, spouses can learn about child care, local schools and transportation systems in the area, along with many other subjects new residents to Fort Belvoir may be interested in.

“It’s also a chance for them to meet other spouses and make new friends,” said Amy Altersitz, Relocation Readiness Program relocation specialist.

This year, Altersitz has asked that spouses who want to attend reserve a seat via email and inform her of the specific subject or subjects they want to learn about.

“That way I have as much information as I can on the areas of interest the spouses are most curious about,” said Altersitz.

She also doesn’t spend the entire time talking. Altersitz takes questions from spouses frequently throughout the meeting.

“I talk about a subject area, take questions for as long as they want, and move on to the next area of interest,” said Altersitz. “So, it’s a bit of me talking, but also trying to answer questions.”

In regard to employment and education, spouses ask about job fairs on post, classes that teach how to write a resume and how they can attain a degree while being a military spouse.

Altersitz informs them of the options they have at ACS and Barden Education Center. She tells them they don’t have to sit in a classroom to obtain a college degree.

“People that haven’t always been in contact with ACS don’t know what we have to offer,” said Altersitz. “Many of the spouses have never taken advantage of the benefits the military has for them. So, it’s letting them know these options are available and letting them know they don’t have to sit in a classroom to go to school. They forget there are online classes and it’s a valid degree.”

The Meet and Greet is not like the Relocation Readiness’s Newcomer’s Orientation. If she could get a higher guaranteed turnout, Altersitz said she would gear the Meet and Greet more towards the Newcomer’s Orientation, though.

“If there was a higher turnout, and I geared it towards employment, then I can ask one of our employee specialists to come out and do a side brief,” Altersitz said. “But, until I get the big turnout, I can’t really coordinate people to take time out of their schedule for the possibility of no one showing up.”

To reserve a seat for this event, email Amy Altersitz at amy.j.altersitz.ctr@mail.mil, or call the ACS building at (703) 805-4590 and ask to speak with Altersitz directly.