An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

375th AMW thanks Key Spouses for family support

  • Published
  • By Karen Petitt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Colonel Gary Goldstone, Commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing hosted the first ever Key Spouse Appreciation Luncheon April 29 as a way to personally thank the men and women who have volunteered the past year as Key Spouses and Key Spouse Mentors for Team Scott.

Key Spouses serve as another layer for commander's to connect with their Airmen and families, and help ensure families know how to navigate and understand the numerous programs and benefits available to them.

General Duncan McNabb, Commander of U.S. Transportation Command also attended the luncheon and said "The Key Spouses are critical to a commander. They can reach out and help those who may not feel comfortable or may not know how to communicate with those in the chain of command. They serve as a friend and are a key part of taking care of our families. This program has been in place for many years, under different names, and it has proven to be successful in helping our Airmen."

The general and his wife, Linda, continue to strongly encourage active participation in the Key Spouse program because the program allows Key Spouses to reach out in ways that commanders or supervisors cannot.

Scott AFB increased participation in the program from 25 Key Spouses 20 months ago to about 120 now. Key Spouses serve throughout the 375th AMW as well as numerous Team Scott tenant organizations

"I raised my hand to go into harms' way. I am willing to do that and in that I'm OK, but when a spouse or child goes into harms' way, it changes everything. Key Spouses are there to help us deal with those stresses and make sure we're all OK. I thank those who have volunteered and are active in taking care of each other," General McNabb said.

Mrs. Abby Noble, a Key Spouse for the 458th Airlift Squadron, volunteered in October 2009 as a way to get to know people and get involved. This is her first base, and first tour with her husband, 1st Lt. Austin Noble, who is also currently deployed.

"I didn't want to feel left out, and I don't want others to feel that way, either," she said. "Our squadron seems to have a lot of young couples--new to the Air Force-types--so this has been a good way for us to learn together how the Air Force works, and to work through issues and where to go for answers. This, along with being involved in other groups, such the Officer's Spouses Club, is a good support system for me."

Mrs. Emily Manuel is a Key Spouse whose husband, Maj. Wayne Manuel, works in USTRANSCOM. She's seen the program at two previous bases and decided to participate in June 2009. She said she didn't come from a military background so she was very new to the culture. She said Key Spouses at previous bases helped her with all the "little" things she wouldn't have known about such as the "Give Parents a Break" program.

Col. Gary Goldstone, 375th AMW commander, and his wife, Mary, have led the charge for a robust Key Spouse program and have worked with the A&FRC staff to ensure training and "eyes on" connection with the volunteers.

"We do a lot of great communicating of information in the Air Force, but this is a way to truly connect. And, there's a distinct difference," said Colonel Goldstone. "Our Air Force's Key Spouse program provides another fantastic avenue for commanders and supervisors to remain engaged with their entire unit and its family members. And this enhances Air Force life and mission accomplishment."

Mary added, "The spouses who volunteer are amazing to me! We are in an environment where we're all busy, but these selfless Key Spouses make the extra effort to reach out and show they care. They share their valuable time to ensure others are taken care of, especially during deployments. We will continue to work with our A&FRC and Team Scott units to identify and train more Key Spouses to ensure continuity as we rotate during PCS season."

During the luncheon, Colonel Goldstone took the opportunity to recognize the Airmen and Family Readiness Center staff for their superb efforts and teamwork in supporting Team Scott families.

The wing plans to host this luncheon on an annual basis.

For those interested in learning more about the Key Spouse program or to volunteer, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 256-8668.