GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
The 17th Training Wing hosted a two-day Key Spouses' immersion seminar to familiarize Key Spouses with programs that the wing offers Oct. 1 and 2.
Presenters briefed the participants with an overview of the 17th Mission Support Group, the 17th Training Group, their respective squadrons and how they support the wing mission. The event included trips to the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, the Crossroads Student Center, the Taylor Chapel and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.
David F. Sullins, 17th TRW community support coordinator, organized the immersion to enhance Key Spouses’ knowledge of base programs.
“It’s an orientation program for Key Spouses so they’re aware of what resources and information’s available for them to assist other spouses and their families,” said Sullins.
Tiffany L. Sellers, Key Spouse, enjoyed the tour and felt it provided insight into the east side of the base where she’s never visited.
“I would recommend it,” said Sellers. “I’ve never even been on this side of base and I’ve been here two years already. To know all of this exists over here is really interesting and now I’m able to tell other people about it that maybe have some interest in going. I would absolutely recommend it.”
Caren R. Welling, Key Spouse, is a newcomer to the base getting to see some of what the base organizations have to offer for the first time.
“It’s enabled me to see around the base; we’re new so I haven’t actually been to many of these places,” said Welling. “It’s been great to see them in action, what they can give to our students, family and permanent party while we’re here.”
At the clinic, the spouses had the opportunity to see behind the glass at the pharmacy.
“That was really great getting to see the robots,” added Welling. “It’s all just been very informative, a lot of behind the scenes stuff that we don’t normally see or take for granted we now get to see who’s doing it all.”
As with all programs, they couldn’t happen without the support of everyone involved.
“Thank you to everybody who supported it,” said Sullins. “All of the squadron commanders that were involved, protocol and the wing leadership.”
This was the first year the program has run for Key Spouses and both Welling and Sellers agreed it was a good thing.
“It’s a really good tour and we’ve learned a lot,” added Sellers. “I’ve seen a lot that I didn’t know about.”
Sullins provided the spouses with surveys towards the end of the immersion to receive feedback and to tailor possible future immersions.
“I recommend continuing this for next year,” said Welling.