Heart Link welcomes spouses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Gamboa
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Heart Link brought spouses together to introduce them both to the base, and their new support network, April 18.

Heart Link is a program established by wing leadership to introduce new wives and husbands to fellow spouses and the base. The program is offered between four and five times a year to welcome Air Force spouses and help them to feel more at home in new surroundings.

The program occurred at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, where guests were first welcomed by 28th Bomb Wing senior leaders, who thanked them for supporting their Airmen and emphasized the importance of their contributions as members of the Air Force team. Then, they had the opportunity to see several special presentations about Ellsworth's mission, and the many resources available to them.

"I could not do what I do, every day, without the support of my wife," said Col. Trent Edwards, 28th Mission Support Group commander. "Thank you for providing stability in your homes, and for allowing our Airmen who may be working long hours or deployed, to miss birthdays and other special occasions with more peace of mind than they otherwise would without your support. You support them, and as the commander of the Mission Support Group, I want you to know that we are here to support you."

The spouses were informed of Ellsworth-specific issues, and how important they are in helping to reduce DUIs and suicides by staying involved in their Airmen's lives, and by immediately discussing their concerns with first sergeants and friends. Spouses also learned about health care options on base, including the process for obtaining referrals to Rapid City physicians. They were also provided important phone numbers to know in case of emergency.

"I learned everything I needed to know about the base today," said Melissa Begeman, wife of Airman 1st Class Matthew Begeman, 28th Operations Support Squadron intelligence analyst. "Heart Link is a good opportunity for spouses to meet people and learn about the area."

After their introduction to the base, the spouses were provided lunch at the Dakota's Club. From there, they were shown base facilities on their way to see the B-1.

The spouses received a personal tour of the B-1 from Col. James Katrenak, 28th Maintenance Group commander.

After their experience with the B-1 on the flightline, the group headed back to the AFRC where they met with representatives from agencies across the base. Among those present to answer spouses' questions were Chaplain (Maj.) James Parrish, 28th BW chaplain, and Airman 1st Class Anum Naseem, a finance technician from the finance office.

"Heart Link is a fun and informative way to introduce every Air Force spouse to the resources that are available to them here at Ellsworth," said Ellie Taliaferro, wife of Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "We have catered the program to give spouses what they want to know about making their time in the Air Force family successful. We recognize that you're not likely stationed here with your mom, sister, best friend or support system that you grew up in, so we want to create an environment where you can feel connected to your community and Heart Link is a great place to start."