Heart Link: Helping Dover spouses connect with military life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Airman & Family Readiness Center will host Heart Link, an orientation program for Air Force spouses, Sept. 16 at The Landings Club from 6 - 9 p.m.

The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen military families by helping spouses understand the important role they have in the Air Force community.

"Spouses play an important role as part of Dover's community," said Laura Kantor-Chupp, 436th Mission Support Squadron A&FRC community readiness consultant. "This orientation program gives them the tools and resources to enhance family readiness."

Informative briefings will be conducted by Base Legal, Finance and Protocol offices, as well as TRICARE to give spouses the knowledge they need to better navigate the military system.

"The workshop is designed to increase spouse awareness of military culture and traditions, support resources and services," said Mrs. Kantor-Chupp.

Additionally, on-and off-base agencies such as the Health and Wellness Center, Commissary, Spouses' Clubs and Child Development Center will participate in an information fair.

"It's a great program to help couples make an easier transition to the military life," said Sue Holliday, A&FRC director. "This educational briefing will also teach spouses how to live and deal with the military and what they might go through during deployments.

"Deployed Airmen can keep their minds focused more on their jobs when they feel their families at home are taken care of," she said.

The orientation is mainly focusing on spouses married to servicemembers for five years or less, but is open to all military spouses in the community.

"All spouses are welcome to attend," said Mrs. Kantor-Chupp. "Everyone will go away learning something they did not know."

A C-5 or C-17 incentive ride is being coordinated for military spouses attending the program. More information will be provided the night of the event.

Free childcare and refreshments will be available.

The registration deadline is Sept. 12. For information or to register, call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 677-6930.