New morale call system helps Airmen connect

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 62nd Communications Squadron is implementing a new morale call system here that deployed Airmen can use to call home on a DSN phone line without going through the base operator. 

The Automated Health and Morale System is designed to consolidate the base operator and give Airmen a chance to connect with loved ones at home from a DSN phone. 

In the past, Airmen had to use a human operator to place calls, making it more cumbersome to get a call through, said base officials. 

"The system will be much more efficient and easier to use than the system that is currently in place," said 2nd Lt. Philip Wachlin, the 62nd CS officer in charge of plans and programs. "Instead of calling up and explaining who you want to call and trying to keep track of time on your own, the system will automate everything for the user making it a very simple, fast and efficient process." 

Through AHAMS, each Airman is issued a pin number which they will use to make their calls home. The system allows for 30 minutes per week and also makes the user aware of how many minutes they have remaining during their call. 

In addition, users won't be able to make a call in an area code different than their home base. 

"I just recently returned from a deployment and used the old system through the operator," said Tech. Sgt. Dawn Journic, 62nd Mission Support Squadron team chief of the career development office. "I think this is a good idea. I would use it if I deploy again." 

Airmen will receive their pin before they deploy either as part of a pre-deployment briefing or as a task on their out-processing checklist. They will also receive thorough instruction on how to use the new system. 

The system is a DoD-wide implementation. All branches of service will soon be issuing a pin number to all deploying members of the military for use in the same way.