The Key Spouse program is only a few years old, but its effects here will be long lasting.
Key Spouses are the quiet volunteers who help make life better for those in need. They are an emotional link to the military spouse, and think of those who feel forgotten. Some describe Key Spouses as friends, mentors and moms.
But what exactly is a Key Spouse? The Secretary of the Air Force described the program as an official communication network designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of community among unit leaders, Airmen and their families. That is the official definition, but in the eyes of military families, it's much more than that.
The Key Spouse is part of the Command Team, and is an essential link to a healthy Air Force Family. For that reason, the Air Force mandated that every installation have a Key Spouse Program.
At Goodfellow, the Airman and Family Readiness Center is home to the program. It is run by Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil, AFRC Readiness NCO, who understands the mindset of an active-duty member entering the service.
O'Neil said in some cases, active-duty members may hold back information because they might be unsure, scared or just simply forget to bring the information home.
"Especially for old-schoolers like me, I would tell my wife not to contact my unit or my bosses for any reason," he said. "I didn't want problems I had to affect my job."
O'Neil can laugh at himself today, but he understands how the lines of communication can break down between the spouse and unit. The job of the Key Spouse is to act as a second conduit of information to military spouses.
While the definition of a Key Spouse may be clear, a better question may be why does the Air Force need Key Spouses?
This question really makes us look into the life of a military family. Spouses have a variety of stresses they incur while stationed at a base, and spouses of deployed service members are the most vulnerable. Not only are they separated from their partner, they feel disconnected from the Air Force Family. Sometimes a spouse will go the entire deployment without anyone calling or checking on them.
The number one responsibility of a Key Spouse is to connect with families of deployed service members. Sometimes it's just a phone call or meeting for coffee to say hello, but sometimes it could be sitting at the hospital with them or finding financial programs for their family. Key Spouses go to incredible lengths to reach out to family members still at home.
Goodfellow's Senior Key Spouse Mentor, Leisa Willis, said the Key Spouse Program is all about peer to peer contact.
"Prior to 1996, the onus fell upon the command spouse to do everything," Willis said. "In some cases it was a good thing and in other cases it wasn't. Some spouses were not comfortable talking to a commander's spouse or even the commander about a problem in their lives. However, they do feel comfortable talking to a friend or peer."
Although working with spouses of deployed service members is their main priority, most Key Spouses have taken on the role of first contact with new spouses. Every Key Spouse is different, but for most the part, the program covers every spouse member of the unit.
Most Key Spouses take on this role because they recognize a need within their unit. The position is commander-appointed, and a full day of training goes along with it. It's a strictly volunteer position with much of their free time spent calling and checking on other spouses.
Willis said being a Key Spouse is about being trustworthy, dependable and caring about other spouses. She said that a Key Spouse has to be positive in life and the military service. It's also important that they are discreet and refrain from gossip, something that will cripple a unit.
It takes a unique person to volunteer for a job like this. Quoting a plaque her husband has on his wall, "Service awakens the soul," she believes it applies to the person who wants to become a Key Spouse and is willing to open their life to helping others.
Those interested in becoming a Key Spouse, should contact their unit Key Spouse, commander or first sergeant for more information.
(Courtesy of Stacy Huisman.) |
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Unlocking Answers to Key Spouse Program 
