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MFSC ribbon cutting celebrates unity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
  • 87 ABW/PA
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership and honored guests joined together to officially open the new Military and Family Support Center Dec. 7, 2012, here.

The MFSC, formerly called the Warfighter and Family Readiness Center, conducted its ground-breaking ceremony 18 months ago. The new building consolidates key functions to offer the joint base community a centralized location for service member and family support needs.

"On behalf of the men and women of the Military and Family Support Center, we thank you for being here today to join in this celebration of this wonderful new building," said Kuzmick. "This building represents the vision, talent and skills of so many people, many of whom are here today."

The new facility merges the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Navy Fleet and Family Support Center and Army Community Service into one to support all service members and families, regardless of military affiliation.

Kuzmick went on to thank joint base leadership, civilians and private contractors for their work in ensuring the construction of the one-of-a-kind facility.

The 18,000-square-foot facility will create a one-stop military and family support service center that provides counselors and professionals from all branches of the military in the areas of: transition assistance, relocation services, volunteer information, financial skills development, casualty assistance, wounded warrior support, family life education, emergency financial assistance, school liaison support, exceptional family member program and personal and family readiness.

The building's design was awarded in 2010, with the vision that this facility be a welcoming place for military personnel and families, with ample light and a feeling of spaciousness, as well as kid friendly.

"This facility was strategically placed in the hub of the joint base," said Army Col. Joseph Poth, former JB MDL deputy commander during the ground breaking ceremony June 2011. "It represents warmth, compassion, safety and most importantly a home for the joint base community."

Karen Doll, wife of Army Col. Jeffrey Doll, Army Support Activity-Dix commander, along with other key spouses were present for the ceremony.

"It was inspiring to be part of such a momentous occasion," said Doll. "Coming to a new installation is always a challenge and this joint base is certainly unique. This beautiful new building will become a one-stop shop for all the incoming families and that's a wonderful thing."

Air Force Col. John Wood, JB MDL commander, said some final words before base leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon.

"The building serves not only as a testament to how far joint base consolidation has come, but also a representation of the hard work of everyone involved with its planning and execution," said Wood.

The ceremony guests were then permitted to tour the new facility, taking in the "earthy" color scheme of both the walls and carpet.

The MFSC provides service members and their families with targeted support and services, contributing to mission readiness, resiliency, and well-being of the JB MDL community.

The MFSC hours of operation are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 754-3154 for more information about the MFSC and the services they provide.