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Scott AFB Key Spouse Appreciation Night

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Leyinzca Bihlajama
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

Team Scott came together to show their appreciation for Key Spouses and all they do for military families on Friday, April 19 here.

The event provided an opportunity for Key Spouses from across the installation to network, sharing experiences and hearing from key speaker and mentor, Mrs. Ashley Minihan, spouse of Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Mike Minihan.

“If I had not had my Key Spouses to help and support me, support everyone in our group and in our squadron, I don’t think we would have stayed in [the Air Force],” said Mrs. Minihan, recalling the pivotal role Key Spouses have played throughout their time in the Air Force. “What you do is amazing and 20 years later, I still cry about it. Just know that 20 years from now, someone will remember what you did.”

The function also recognized 375th Air Mobility Wing Key Spouse of the Year, Adrienne Humann, highlighting Humann’s dedication and devotion to the Airmen and families of the 375th Civil Engineering Squadron. In her role as a Key Spouse, Humann’s primary focus is that the unit as a whole is being supported.

“I became a Key Spouse because I truly want to help others... I want to help all Airmen,” said Humann. “That’s why I am excited for the rebranding. It is more inviting and makes sure all are included and cared for.”

Women gives speech in front of crowd.

Adrienne Humann, 375th Air Mobility Wing Key Spouse of the Year, highlights dedication and devotion to the Airmen and families of the 375th Civil Engineering Squadron. In Humann's role as a Key Spouse, her primary focus is that the unit as a whole is being supported. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Madeline Baisey)
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Humann’s rebranding comment is with regard to a recent change in the program. The Key Spouse Program is a Commander led initiative enhancing the connection and flow of communication between units and families. The program originated in 2009 and has seen its fair share of changes throughout the years, with the most recent update occurring last month.

During the Major Command Spouse Conference in March, the Department of the Air Force announced the Key Spouse Program is changing to the Commander’s Key Support Program.

“The basis of the program isn't changing,” stated Jessica Volkman, 375th Military and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. “The program continues to provide resources, information and connection with the leadership and families. This ensures unity among the unit. Changing the name to Commander’s Key Support Program hopefully will take away the stigma that it is only a spouse program and better emphasize that the volunteers can be anyone a commander deems fit to support the role.”

In addition to a new name, the program is focusing on readiness, resource and connectedness in an effort to help to strengthen networks within units and meet the needs of the modern family.

“This is a readiness program; the focus is making sure not only our members have the information and resources they need, but also that our spouses and families are well informed, so that they can be prepared for whatever comes next,” said Sarah Bloom, 375th Military and Family Readiness community readiness consultant.

Updated virtual training in support of the KSP rebrand is expected to be available later this year through MilLife Learning.

“As they are working on restructuring the training for the program, our volunteers are currently still appointed as Key Spouses or Key Spouse Mentor,” said Volkman. “When the new training arrives they will then be appointed as Key Support Liaison or Key Support Mentors. So our families are going to hear both terms for a little bit longer.”

The changes came as part of a collaborative effort between the Air Force Personnel Center and current and past volunteers, as a means to realign efforts to meet present military family needs.

For more information about Scott’s CKSP contact the Military Family Readiness Center at (618) 256-8668.