The Air Force spouse: heart of the team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class DeAndre Curtiss
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman spouses recently attended a Heartlink seminar at the Officer's Club, Jan. 27, providing them a chance to learn about the Air Force and meet new people.

The objective of Heartlink, a spouse orientation program, is to increase retention by improving spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocol and support resources available.

"Heartlink is a wonderful opportunity for spouses to learn about the mission of the Air Force, find out what tools are available to them, meet some new friends and to network with one another," said Ms. Shirley Bratton, director, Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Created by the Air Combat Command Family Matters program in 2002, and now available Air Force-wide, the free program is offered once per quarter to help spouses gain a better understanding of the Air Force and their base through guest speakers, interactive segments and giveaways.

Here, the program is led by the base Community Action Information Board and the Integrated Delivery System with the Airman and Family Readiness Center facilitating the program.

"It gives spouses a way to get involved and ask questions," said Tech. Sgt. Joya Stotz. "They come out feeling better about the Air Force and see there is a support side to military life."

The recently released 49th Fighter Wing Strategic Plans states that one focus area is to develop and care for Airmen and their families. The Heartlink program directly reflects that focus and exemplifies a part of developing and caring for families.

The theme of the January program was "The Air Force Spouse: Heart of the Team" and the attendees certainly knew walking out what a valued member of the team they are.

"The spouse is often the key to personal preparedness and mission effectiveness as well. The spouse plays a central role in the reenlistment decision in the end, impacting retention," said Ms. Bratton. "Heartlink is affecting our members Air Force-wide."