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Key Spouse Program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Airman Family and Readiness Center will host a Key Spouse Program orientation briefing Oct. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.

July 2009 to July 2010 has been named the Year of the Air Force Family and the Key Spouse Program is just one of several programs that are highly recommended to support the campaign.

This program is considered a link for First Sergeants and commanders to stay connected with their Airmen's families.

Each commander will select at least one volunteer spouse from each squadron to be the head representative for the program. All volunteers are welcome to attend the initial orientation.

Following the orientation, selected spouses will be required to attend a training session. The first session will be Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Balfour Beatty Community Center.

There will be subsequent training held each month until everyone is trained. Representatives will also be required to attend follow-up training quarterly.

During training, free child care is offered through Family Day Care.

Dusty L. Bailey, spouse to an Airman First Class Darius Bailey, F-15 Crew Chief, has been a member of the 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Key Spouse Program for six months. She has high hopes for the program.

"We really want to help spouses get to know each other, so they do not feel alone," Mrs. Bailey said. "Whether it is a listening ear or maybe a ride somewhere, whatever they need, we will be there to help."

As the program develops, Mrs. Bailey would like to focus on helping families in need and hosting outings with the spouses.

"I would like to start an arts and crafts club, bowling group and hopefully plan a trip to The Destin outlets after income tax return," Mrs. Bailey said.

For a lot of spouses, Tyndall Air Force Base is far from home and their families. Mrs. Bailey believes the program is a helpful resource for spouses who are homesick.

"The program helps boost morale of the spouses," Mrs. Bailey said. "It helps them feel more comfortable and make an easier adjustment to their new surroundings."

For those interested in the key Spouse Program call the Airman Family and Readiness Center at (850) 283-4204.