Family first during deployments

  • Published
  • By Col. Cassie Barlow
  • 48th Mission Support Group commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  There are not many people on RAF Lakenheath who have not been affected by a deployment in the last few years. When a military member is preparing for a deployment, their family is usually one of their first concerns. Often times a military family will ask a family member or friend to come from the states to help their spouse during a deployment. Within the wing, we have setup some very easy processes to assist you with getting these helpers on base with the appropriate access. A military member can easily apply for a special needs pass for a helper.

The process to receive a special needs pass starts with the military member. Please do not leave this to the last minute.

Here is the step-by-step process:

Step One
Contact Pass and Registration at 226-5990 or 226-1739. They will advise you on the special needs pass process and send you an application.

Step Two
Fill out the paperwork. The paperwork required to file the application includes: 

a) Copies of passports or identification cards for the visiting helper, the children concerned and your identification card. 

b) A letter addressed to the 48th Mission Support Group commander explaining what is happening, when it is happening and what you need. 

c) If the special needs pass if for a foreign national they will need to have a police check. For the U.K., you can get an application at a local police station. This process in the U.K. can take up to four weeks. 

d) A copy of your family care plan for single parents. 

e) A letter from base housing if the helper is "living" there for the duration of the deployment. 

f) If special medical requirements are needed, a letter from the doctor. 

g) Two record forms for Pass and Registration (part of the application package) 

h) If your deployment is short notice, please attach a letter from your first sergeant, commander or a copy of your orders. 

Return all the necessary paperwork to Pass and Registration.

Step Three
Once the pass has been processed and approved, bring the helper to Pass and Registration to get their pass.

Family first!