Heartlink educates spouses on Air Force structure, encourages networking

Ellsworth military spouses participate in an airplane icebreaker activity during the first quarter Heartlink workshop at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 6, 2015. Heartlink provides an opportunity for spouses of active duty military members to learn about the Air Force, its structure and the 28th Bomb Wing mission, and to network with newcomers to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker/Released)

Heartlink educates spouses on Air Force structure, encourages networking

A display of resources available to military spouses is laid out prior to the start of the first quarter Heartlink workshop at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 6, 2015. Among the pamphlets and handouts is the Ellsworth spouse’s handbook, which includes family support and resource agency contact information, employment resources, resume writing workshop information and a schedule for upcoming financial readiness classes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey R. Staker/Released)

Heartlink educates spouses on Air Force structure, encourages networking

Published March 17, 2015
By Senior Airman Hailey Staker
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted its first Heartlink seminar of the year March 6.

The quarterly program is geared toward spouses who have been married to military members five years or less and teaches them basic Air Force structure and the 28th Bomb Wing mission.

"We're giving them a bird's eye view of the Air Force, as well as Ellsworth Air Force Base, but not in the specifics that a military member would get it in," said Nikki Reynolds, 28th Force Support Squadron A&FRC work life specialist and lead coordinator for Heartlink.

The workshop also provides spouses an opportunity to meet and network with new people through icebreaker activities and group discussions.

"It is a fun educational day, and we want people to meet each other and network," Reynolds said. "At least two of these people's spouses are deployed, one with a brand new baby, and several that are so new to the base their spouses haven't been to Right Start yet."

Each quarter during 2015, the A&FRC is hosting Heartlink at the Rushmore Center.

"I wish this program was available 23 years ago when I became a military spouse," she added. "It's helpful to let people know that the military isn't scary and that it's a great lifestyle. Hopefully in doing this workshop we're creating a family environment for our new spouses."

Phyllis Williamson, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Evan Williamson, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron jet engine mechanic, added she wanted to meet new people, who understand the military lifestyle.

"While I do have some friends in the area, it's nice to also have other friends that have more Air Force experience," Williamson said. "It gives you a support group that understands what you're going through as a military spouse. [Heartlink has] been helpful because I've been a dependent under my dad but I'm not sure what my role would entail with being a spouse, so I thought there would be good information here."

For those who are unable to attend the workshops in person, Heartlink is available online at http://ellsworthafrc.org/ under the spouse's tab, Reynolds said.

For more information on the next Heartlink, Airmen and their spouses can visit the A&FRC website or call (605) 385-4663.