Key Spouses make a difference

  • Published
  • By Sonic Johnson
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Never heard of the Key Spouse program?

Simply put, the Key Spouse Program is a communication network between unit leadership and its families. Columbus AFB has nearly 20 spouses participating in the Air Force's Key Spouse program.

The Key Spouse program is a squadron/unit commander program and as such, can be tailored to meet the needs of their individual squadrons. In general, Key Spouses are a focal point for information and support to families in their squadrons.

"Key Souses serve as a happy medium between squadron peers and the formal command structure in the squadron by providing the personal touch to information flow," said Shala Cook, Key Spouse for the 14th Operations Support Squadron. "We also answer those peer-level questions that many spouses just would not ask the commander or their spouse."

Key Spouses provide someone to listen when people need to talk, and can also point families in the right direction for existing formalized support services. Key Spouses are directly linked to the Airman & Family Readiness Center, which provides an excellent source for information and support. Key Spouses are important resources for military families because they are peers, they "have been there, done that!"

Key Spouses provide an invaluable link to our younger population.

"At our previous base, we were married in October and my husband deployed in December," remembers Cook. "My only link to the Air Force was my husband and he was gone...I was lost and I will never forget that feeling."

Knowing who your organization's Key Spouses are can be another source of frustration in our dynamic training environment. Interested unit spouses or retiree volunteer(s) that would like to be a Key Spouse should contact their unit commander or first sergeant. For more information on the program visit http://www.columbus.af.mil/units/keyspouseprogram.asp.

Columbus AFB squadrons are always looking for energetic spouses who would like to volunteer and be a part of the Key Spouse Team. No experience is required, just a positive attitude and a compassion and commitment to help others. To learn more about your unit's Key Spouse Program, please contact the A&FRC for details.

"Air Force spouses have always helped other spouses," said Jamey Coleman, A&FRC Community Readiness Technician. "The current climate brings additional stressors, so it's important that we stay connected with each other and the unit, now more than ever."