Goodfellow honors Key Spouses Published Feb. 17, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas -- The 17th Training Wing commanders, first sergeants and spouses of deployed servicemembers gathered Thursday night at the Events Center for a dinner in honor of the key spouses. The Key Spouse Program, made up of volunteers, cares for families of deployed servicemembers at home. This allows servicemembers to focus on the mission downrange. The key spouse's performance directly impacts unit families' morale, Master Sgt. Brandon O'Neil, Airman and Family Readiness Center noncommissioned officer said. "The dinner provided an avenue for the key spouses, deployed members' spouses, commanders and first sergeants to meet, socialize and talk about any issues or concerns they may have had," Master Sgt. O'Neil added. Mrs. Amanda Anderson-Boyd, one of the key spouses, said she really enjoyed the dinner and was grateful to be part of the program. The commander establishes and maintains the program within the unit by selecting, appointing and replacing key spouses, providing resource support, encouraging unit spouse participation and supporting meetings and functions. The program's team is comprised of the commander, first sergeant, key spouse mentor, key spouses and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Colonel Thomas Geary, 17th Training Wing commander presented certificates and gifts to the key spouses in recognition of their contributions to the program. "Honoring spouses is very important because we recognize the great contribution they make to the success of the mission," said Colonel Geary. The key spouse mentor, advocates unit concerns and supports the program initiatives which include mentoring junior spouses, encouraging spouse and family interactions with each other and the unit, and recognizing contributions of key spouses. "The program ensures that spouses get the right information on time which helps squash rumors and take care of any concerns or issues they have," said Master Sgt. O'Neil. The first sergeants monitor the program and are the commander's 'go to' point of contact. They are the primary point of contact and the link between the commander and the key spouses. The AFRC provides oversight and assistance and facilitates training. They also provide information and referral support and provide continuing education and training opportunities. "The dinner was a great success and we hope to see more participation in the future," said Master Sgt. O'Neil.
