Spouses get oriented with ‘Heart Link’

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Dover Air Force Base is scheduled to host an Air Force spouse orientation program at Chapel 2 in the Eagle Heights housing area Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.

'Heart Link' is a program designed to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness by increasing spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocol and available resources and services.

"All spouses are welcome to attend the upcoming Heart Link," said Col. Eric Wydra, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander. "Still, the target audience is spouses who have been associated with the Air Force for five years or less. We really want to help them acclimate and understand the important role they have in the Air Force Community."

Master Sgt. Sean Kelly, 436th Mission Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center superintendent, agreed with the colonel. "The Air Force is unique and different than many civilian communities across the nation. We want new spouses to fully understand the ins-and-outs of their new family - their Air Force family," he said.

The upcoming Heart Link event will feature interactive workshops where new spouses will be exposed to hands-on classes in accounting and finance, the A&FRC, family readiness, the legal office, protocol and TRICARE.

Additionally, each spouse will receive an 'Air Force 101' book, which covers a wide range of Air Force facts, customs and information ranging from acronyms to rank insignia. Each spouse will also receive 'The Spouse's Guide to the Air Force,' which is designed in question-and-answer format.

"All of the tools we provide are designed to make the spouses' transitions as easy as possible," said Sue Holliday, A&FRC community resident consultant and Heart Link program manager. "Military members are encouraged to accompany their spouses to Heart Link. Your participation in your spouse's transition will help make it smoother."

Airmen should understand their spouse may experience difficult times transitioning into the Air Force, she said.

"The wellbeing of the entire Team Dover family is a top priority for the base," said Colonel Wydra. "We want to get all new spouses oriented. The commander (Col. Steven Harrison, 436th AW commander) and I put full faith in our Airman and Family Readiness Center. Couple their expertise with Airman and spouse involvement, and we'll have all new spouses involved and understanding the Air Force in no time!"

The A&FRC has stepped up to the colonel's call and are striving to help as many new spouses as possible.

"The event's atmosphere here is very warm and everything will be taken care of for you," said Mrs. Holliday. "There's no need to worry about children or child care -- we've already taken care of that. We provide on-site childcare and light refreshments, all free of charge."

Pre-registration is required for the event. For information and to register, call 677-6930. All spouses must be registered by Oct. 26.