Networking at the heart of Oct. 8 event for spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Airman & Family Readiness Center will conduct an event designed to help spouses better understand a vast array of topics ranging from deployments and frequent moves to acronyms and referral agencies.

Heart Link is an Air Force program designed to enhance mission readiness by strengthening families and connecting spouses with on-base resources to help them acclimate to the military environment.

Kimberly Geffre, 28th Force Support Squadron work life specialist, and Heart Link facilitator explained that Ellsworth hosts Heart Link events quarterly for spouses to attend and learn more about the Ellsworth community and programs available to them.

The next Heart Link event will be hosted by Cindi Boswell, spouse of the 28th Bomb Wing commander, at their residence Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m.

"All spouses are encouraged to come to these events," Geffre said. "This includes husbands and wives who are new to the military, and those who are familiar with it."

She said that while most of the information is geared toward new spouses who have been with the Air Force for one to five years, experienced spouses are encouraged to join and share their experiences and knowledge with newer members.

"The upcoming event on October 8 will be a little different than what we have done in the past," Geffre said. "It is taking place at a new venue, a new time and we are focusing on networking, which is a critical aspect of the military community."

During the event, spouses will receive a booklet containing useful information including acronym explanations and details about Air Force customs and courtesies. New attendees will also receive a Heart Link coin.

"Spouses are the heart of our Air Force," Geffre said. "We really want them to know what resources are out there to help them navigate their own Air Force adventure. Being able to network can really help for resiliency."

Geffre added that knowing who to reach out to and having someone who understands what spouses are going through can really help them adjust to their new lifestyle.

For more information, call the Airman & Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663 or visit http://ellsworthafrc.org/spouses/heartlinkonline/.