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Key Spouses program spreads resiliency

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Coming to a new base or being new in the military can be challenging. Key Spouses can help ease the transition--as well as provide resources for well-being throughout one's career.

Key Spouses are civilian spouse volunteers of enlisted and officer members and are appointed by the Commander. Key spouses are a peer-to-peer wingman support network connecting spouses with resources and information; creating a friendly and resilient environment for them.

"It's absolutely crucial for spouses to learn about resilience," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Roman, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron First Sergeant.

"I think the spouses are sometimes forgotten because we focus on the active duty members and how they need to become resilient. It's just as important for spouses, since they are the constant thread in families ... left to deal with the deployment and temporary duties while taking care of the home and family."

The CES Key Spouse team has monthly events for spouses such as financial, exercise and parenting classes as well as social and family gatherings. These classes are made to inform spouses and to give them an opportunity to socialize with other spouses in the CES community.

"The Airman & Family Readiness Center has a lot of great resources, but the spouses can have a hard time getting to the classes, as many of them have young children," said Megan Schuliger, Key Spouse mentor and wife of Lt. Col. John Schuliger, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "So we bring the classes to the spouses in an informal format so they have the opportunity to network. We shorten the class, give them the information, and we give the children a place to play and have snacks." Most events hosted by the CES Key Spouses team have volunteers who watch the children on-site during the event.

Most squadrons have a key spouse within the unit as part of their team. Meetings are held regularly to discuss deployments and issues within the unit they are representing. The first sergeants also help relay information.

"In CES, we meet monthly to discuss the needs of the families," Roman said. "We will lend a hand, watch some kids, make a meal or do whatever just to help with the challenges of military life."

To find out more information on the Key Spouse program or activities being offered by the A&FRC visit their web page at www.scottafrc.com or 256-8668.