What is a Phoenix Spouse? Published June 10, 2009 By Shelley Merritt 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron Phoenix Spouse SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Being a Phoenix Spouse is an amazing opportunity that allows a small group of people to make a huge difference. Phoenix Spouses are volunteers appointed by the squadron commander whose mission is to support spouses of deployed members and build a strong squadron family. When my husband was first deployed in 2007, I had only lived at Scott for six months. It was and still is our first duty station, so I was not yet familiar with going through a deployment as a spouse. However, thanks to my Phoenix Spouse, I received regular phone calls and check-ups to make sure I had everything I needed and that I was OK. Those phone calls made me feel like I wasn't alone and like I had someone who really cared about me on base. I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer as a Phoenix Spouse when I was asked by the 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. Since then, the other two Phoenix Spouses and I have worked extremely hard to build a solid program. All three of us love to help others and support the missions of our active duty members. The initiatives we have made (i.e. bi-monthly newsletters, chat group, quarterly get togethers with squadron spouses) have greatly impacted the 375th LRS because our commander and first sergeant (Lt. Col. Timothy Gillaspie and Master Sgt. David Southall) see the support of the spouses and families as an intricate part of our active duty members being able to fully focus on their mission whether overseas, or at Scott. We look forward to continuing our efforts in building a strong squadron family.