ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The Air Force is always looking for new and innovative ways of accomplishing its mission, and Robins Air Force Base, along with the VECTR Center in Warner Robins, have taken another step towards meeting that goal.

Col. Lyle Drew, 78th Air Base Wing commander, Robins Air Force Base, and Patricia Ross, Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center chief operating officer, signed a memorandum of understanding May 30 to provide contingency dormitory facilities for active duty military attending courses at the VECTR Center.

This partnership is a first within the Air Force because no other Air Force installation is providing housing or dormitory facilities in concert with community educational and training providers.

“Georgia has created not only a one-stop-shop for military and veteran support, but provides in-demand, state-funded training for transitioning service members, and Robins now provides them a place to stay during the duration of their program,” said Ross.

By signing the agreement, Drew’s goal was to help benefit service members, and thus the military, and the whole state as well.

“This MOU not only allows us to supply no-cost housing to active duty military attending in-residence courses at the VECTR Center, but the installation will benefit from a more robust trained workforce within the state of Georgia,” he said.

Ross reiterated the benefits that any service member stationed in the state of Georgia, or who lists Georgia as their home of record, have by coming to Middle Georgia as part of their transition process.

“The programs at VECTR allow our men and women in uniform to receive the services they need along with skills training leading to employment as soon as they take off the uniform.”

This program falls under the various branch’s transition programs as part of the DOD Skill Bridge program, better known by the individual services as the Career Skills Program. All someone needs to do is stop by their transition assistance office to see how they can leverage this opportunity.

This partnership on dormitory usage is just the next step in providing an effective way to address issues and meet needs that are not met in other ways or by other groups.

“We will continue to work with public and private organizations in order to strengthen relations with the local community and maintain base proficiency,” said Drew. “Innovation is not just a buzz word for the Air Force anymore, it’s a new way to operate and achieve.”