Key Spouse town hall meeting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 90 Airmen and spouses met with Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, and other unit leaders at the Dakota's Club for the semi-annual Key Spouse Town Hall meeting Nov. 18.

The purpose of the event was to find new ways to raise awareness for the base's Key Spouse program.

"The Key Spouse program is an official unit and family program overseen by commanders which is designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of unity within the Air Force community," said Laurie Adkins, 28th Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant.

The program was standardized across the Air Force in March 2006 to address the needs of all military families with a special emphasis on supporting families during stressful times such as deployments, separations, and emergencies.

Other subjects covered during the meeting included creating support networks and encouraging the involvement of all Ellsworth families.

"Spouses have an incredible breadth of experience," Adkins said. "The key spouses are a smart and talented group who represent the bedrock of our Airmen and they help spouses lend support to build a strong Air Force community."

Adkins said key spouse roles includes welcoming new families and spouses, assisting them in finding and utilizing available base resources and serving as a communication and support link between the commander, first sergeant and families.

The program helps the leadership in each squadron connect with families through a system of volunteers who work to keep families informed while providing available resources and relaying any concerns to leaders, plus enhancing and encouraging regular communication between units and families, Adkins said.

"The Key Spouse program is important because it bridges the gap between families and squadron leadership, thereby helping leadership identify any morale and readiness concerns that would impact the mission," Adkins said.

For more information on the Key Spouse program, contact Laurie Adkins at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663.