Spouses club lends helping hand

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   Frequent moves, long separations, managing households and families, are just some of the things military spouses go through, oftentimes by themselves.

The good news is they don't have to do it alone, Goodfellow Combined Spouses' Club is here to help. A non-profit organization run by volunteers, the GCSC, which became official in June, was founded to support and improve the base by building a strong support network, and to promote a sense of community amongst Team Goodfellow spouses.

Chantelle Girley, GCSC president, said she would like to ensure that every spouse here knows about the club.

"We get to this base knowing nobody and being away from family and friends," Girley said. "Getting involved in the club is the easiest way to meet people and form friendships. Being a military spouse means that we support our service member, but we also need support too."

Girley added that when a spouse needs support, they should know they can rely on the club.

"We organize and sponsor social, educational and charitable activities, which enable our members to connect and network," said Girley. "We also provide information and education on what resources are available to them and are dedicated to giving back to our community."

Emily Swinarski, the club's secretary said GCSC is important to Team Goodfellow because it provides a place for spouses to get involved, make friends, and develop a sense of belonging.

"We want to see spouses and families thrive," she added. "Whatever the club needs to do to make that happen, that's what our goal is."

Ashley Austin, a club member who joined GCSC in June after her family moved here from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., said the spouses in the club welcomed her with open arms.

"I couldn't have asked for a better support system," she added. "This club has been beyond helpful."

Austin, who is expecting her first child, said the other spouses offered advice, help, and even maternity clothes they no longer needed.

"Being a part of a spouse's group like the one we have here is amazing," she added. "I would urge every spouse to take part. I feel like I have not only made new friends here with this group, but also a new addition to my Air Force family."

From children's play-dates, fitness classes, to monthly luncheons, a book club and coupon exchanging, the club has something for everyone.

"Spouses are more than welcome to come to a meeting or event and try it out first before they join," Emily said.

She added that Team Goodfellow had been excellent in assisting the club and all of the spouses.

"The response to the club from base officials has been phenomenal, and all of the spouses who have become a part of this amazing group are finding their niche," Emily said.

On July 8, the 17th Training Group recognized the club for all its efforts. Col. JD Willis, 17th TRG Commander, presented the GCSC officials with certificates and coins in gratitude for their service.

"There is a truism about Air Force service that says '"we recruit Airmen, but we retain families."' Willis said. "Given that reality, the GCSC is making a lasting and positive impact by improving the conditions for Air Force spouses and families through its attention to their needs."

Willis added that he was impressed by their focus on the needs of Airmen and their families and said they reminded him of veteran commanders and first sergeants due to their selfless sacrifice and dedication to spouses and families.

"I was surprised at the recognition," said Swinarsky. "I didn't know spouses could receive that type of recognition at a ceremony. All military spouses and families deserve to be recognized for their own service and sacrifices. The club is just a small representation of what spouses everywhere are doing every day."

One member said the club is one of the most accessible privileges military spouses have and that she is part of a group supporting a cause greater than her.

To join, there's a nominal annual membership fee which covers administrative costs, like the club's postal box and website.

For more information, visit the Goodfellow Combined Spouses' Club Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/goodfellowcsc , call (325) 212-9912 or email thegirleys@hotmail.com.