Top Story>>Hearts out to the spouses

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle R. Clace
19th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

The Airman and Family Readiness Flight is planning a free Heart Link Orientation for military spouses March 27 at 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, bldg. 668.

The purpose of the orientation program is to inform the spouses about military life at a basic level and to give the bases leadership a chance to show their appreciation for the support spouse’s offer Airmen. It’s targeted towards spouses that have been exposed to the military lifestyle for five years or less.

“A lot of times it can take spouses years to learn how to navigate the military and the culture,” said Ms. Julia Noe, Airman and Family Readiness Flight community readiness consultant.

The orientation is designed to give spouses the opportunity to intermingle with different agencies that they would come in contact with the most and give them a better understanding of the resources available to them.

The commanders will provide a mission brief, which will make it easier for the spouses to understand exactly what the Airmen do here at Little Rock Air Force Base and what mission they are supporting.

“The Heart Link Orientation is key to spouses new to the Air Force understanding the base's mission, AMC/AETC mission, and tie that into the overall mission of the Air Force,” said Mr. Phil Thierry, Airman and Family Readiness Flight chief.

The spouses will receive briefs from the first sergeants, Tricare, Chapel, Health and Wellness Center, Services Family Advocacy, Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Legal, Army and Air Force Exchange Services, Spouse Panel, protocol, personnel, finance and Department of Defense Military and Family Life consultants.

“Spouses become aware of all the helping agencies in the Air Force who's primary function is to take care of Airmen and their family members. Spouses are better prepared to deal/cope with separation should the active duty member deploy, which is almost a given under present circumstances,” said Mr. Thierry.

Throughout the day, the spouses will be given the opportunity to meet with one another, which will strengthen and expand their support system to other spouses. They will also meet with the key spouses on base.

“[The veteran spouses] can teach a lot of the new spouses what they’ve learned over the years to make their life a lot easier,” said Ms. Noe.

Heart Link differs slightly from base to base and is tailored to each base, Ms. Noe explained.

“For instance, I added a C-130 aircraft tour that gives the spouse a more tangible connection to not only Little Rock but what their [Airman] does,” she said.

It will give them a visual connection that everyone is supporting the C-130 aircraft.

At the end of the orientation, spouses will be greeted by the 19th Airlift Wing commanders and command chief, where they will be given the opportunity to ask questions.

“It’s very important that they are shown by leadership how much they’re supported and that they appreciate the support and the sacrifices that the spouse makes, said Ms. Noe. “It’s one thing to say we appreciate you; it’s another thing to show it by showing up and telling them that.”

The commanders will also explain the significance of carrying a coin within the Air Force and what it means to the Airmen. They will then present the spouses a Heart Link coin to signify their graduation and participation of the program that was created just for them.

Ms. Noe explained that the program also helps the military member because if they know they have the support they need from their spouse, then it takes the stress off of them from having to do everything.

“Through the spouses better understanding the culture and how to navigate the different agencies, it takes a lot of burden off the military member in having to explain this to them,” she said.

The Airmen and Family Readiness Center will also provide childcare reimbursement during the hours of the program to spouses who attend. It’s up to the parent to go through the Family Childcare Program or to find another childcare provider. They then bring the receipt to the AFRC and they will be reimbursed.

Breakfast and lunch will also be provided for the spouses.

“We appreciate the sacrifices the spouses make and the support that they provide, so we don’t want this to come at their expense,” said Ms. Noe.

There will be four Heart Link Orientations throughout the year and space is limited. Spouses who wish to partake in the event will need to register in advance. For more information or to register for the orientation, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Flight at 987-6801.