Heart Link

The newest graduates of the Heart Link program pose for a photo with Col. Jim Sears, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander, his wife Vikki and Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 14th Flying Training Wing Command Chief, during Heart Link August 7 at the Columbus Club. Heart Link welcomes spouses of new Air Force and Columbus AFB members and informs them of the organizations and other opportunities available to them on-base and in the local community. Pictured at the far right back row is Melissa McArthur, wife of Col. Howard McArthur, 14th Flying Training Wing Vice Commander and one of the Heart Link program's newest graduates. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Sharon Ybarra)

Heart Link welcomes new spouses

Published Aug. 9, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Military spouses are not required to attend formal training before becoming a member of the Air Force family and often are not fully prepared for the new cultures and other daunting tasks involved with military life.

For that reason, the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Columbus Air Force Base has a program to help spouses learn more about the Air Force and the base.

"Heart Link is a welcoming activity for both spouses that are new to the Air Force and spouses that are new to the base," said Laura Clagg, Airman and Family Readiness Director. "They get a head start by getting help understanding the language that we speak every day, introducing them to all of the different base services, the functions of the base and what they can tap into as a spouse."

Clagg said that the program gives a five-year head start to those who attend by teaching them vital things to know about living on a military base and social customs.

The Heart Link program, sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, helps spouses to understand common traditions, customs and courtesies, the different ceremonies held and many other Air Force activities.

"We are one of the only bases who hold this activity every six weeks," said Sharon Nichols, Airman and Family Readiness Financial Director. "We try to time it around when a new pilot class gets here."

"Stacy Pennington has really helped out a lot with this program," said Nichols. "She's very honest with all of the spouses, she can talk to them as a Commander's wife, but she can also talk as a spouse who has been there."