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Widow Support Group on base promotes resiliency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Scott Air Force Base continues its support of resilience efforts through the Scott Air Force Base Widow Support Group.

Barbara Wilson, who lost her husband in 2005, founded the group as a way to show support for other widows, and to share and help out where she could.

"To be truthful, when I lost my husband, I was really depressed, but there were people around who helped me. I just wanted to give back," she said. "Before the group formed at Scott, I had attended other local support groups, but soon saw the need to have one here on the base."

The group meets at the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at noon on the second Thursday of the month. Anyone who's lost a spouse is welcome to attend and learn about benefits and other important information.

Peggy Beauvais, an Airmen and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, said "What sets the group apart is that it keeps them connected to the military and the services the Air Force provides. A civilian support group would not be able to understand all of the benefits there are and how to access them."

Wilson agreed and said that without talking to the group, she wouldn't have known that she was eligible for any Veteran's Assistance benefits.

"By talking and sharing, the members find out information that can help them. I have helped members of our group get the benefits they deserve. And, I know what it feels like. In this group, we want everyone to know that they're not alone, and that you're not the only one going through this."

Beauvais said that someone is always available to listen, provide support and share because they have been through the same thing. The group is involved in community service projects which also helps a person shift their focus from grief and loss to helping others, she said.

For more information on the group, call Barbara Wilson at 337-3646 or Rose Wilson at 234-7685.