Ellsworth hosts Heart-Link

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Airman and Family Readiness center hosted a program designed to strengthen military families, June 14.

The program, dubbed "Heart Link," allowed spouses of Ellsworth Airmen an opportunity to meet new people, hear about the 28th Bomb Wing mission, take a tour of the B-1B Lancer and learn about various resources available both on base and in the local community.

"We want spouses to come away from this program with an awareness of everything they have access to," said Laurie Adkins, 28th Force Support Squadron AFRC community resource technician.

Mrs. Adkins said there was an amazing turnout to Heart Link from spouses across the enlisted and officer ranks.

There was a diverse mix of spouses, with partners ranging from Airman to colonel, she said. Everyone participated and was eager to learn more about what Ellsworth has to offer them.

The support for Heart Link has been amazing, Mrs. Adkins said. Ellie Taliaferro, wife of Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28 BW commander, has been especially helpful in this program's development and advertisement.

"Having been an Air Force spouse for more than 20 years and attending a few of these programs at other bases, I can certainly say, without question, that the Ellsworth Heart Link Orientation is by far the most informative, most comprehensive, most open informal format and the most fun," said Mrs. Taliaferro. "I hope everyone who hasn't yet had the opportunity to see for themselves will come check it out in the future. Keep your eye on the Ellsworth website spouse link as well as the Airman & Family Readiness Center page, and the posters around the base for the upcoming dates."

Mrs. Taliaferro encouraged spouses to stay informed about services and events on base, get connected, stay involved and enjoy their time on Ellsworth.

"You're not likely to be stationed here with your best friend from childhood, your mom or sister or brother, your extended family or your neighborhood network," Mrs. Taliaferro said. "But the Air Force recognizes that fact and has in place many great programs available to help ease the transition and support you during deployments and other changes in life. But it's your responsibility to reach out for what you need. Heart Link is a great program for you to learn about what's out there for you."

Mrs. Adkins hopes more spouses attend future Heart Link programs, with the next one tentatively scheduled for Aug.

"Knowledge is power," Mrs. Adkins said. "We want spouses to have as much knowledge of the different resources available as their active duty partner."