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JBSA News
NEWS | June 12, 2008

Easier way to call home for deployed Airmen

By Shannon Carabajal 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

The 37th Communications Squadron has implemented a new morale system allowing deployed Airmen to call home using a DSN number without the assistance of a telephone operator.

The Automated Health and Morale System eliminated the need to go through the base operator, giving Airmen a chance to connect with loved ones at home from a DSN phone. AHAMS allows for 30 minutes per week, automatically resetting every Sunday night.

"The system automates health, morale and welfare calling by providing the capability to identify and authenticate the calling personnel by an assigned personal identification number," said Gary Watts, 37th Communications Squadron. "It also controls the time allowed each caller, 30 free minutes a week," he added. The system alleviates the tremendous workload on current telephone operator services.

To make this system a reality, Mr. Watts said deploying Airmen are issued a personal identification number during a pre-deployment briefing given weekly by the 37th Mission Support Squadron Personnel Readiness Function. The program is explained and Airmen are given a card with instructions for making calls home.

The system automatically tracks PINs assigned to deploying Airmen, allowing them to make morale calls from their deployed location at anytime.

Those already deployed won't miss out on the chance to use the new system. Members of the 37th CS are working to make sure Airmen currently deployed are assigned PINs and receive dialing instructions.

"We obtained a list of currently deployed personnel and are providing them with system use directions and their PINs," Mr. Watts explained.

It's important to morale that these steps are taken to make sure Airmen are able to stay in touch with their families while deployed, Mr. Watts said.

For more information about this program or for assistance obtaining PINs and instructions for using the system, contact Betty Tatum, 37th CS.