Heartlink brings Ellsworth spouses up to speed

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Military jargon like "1400 hours" and "reveille" is common among most Airmen, and often finds its way into conversation among Airmen and their spouses.

At the latest iteration of Heartlink, July 15, those spouses were given a crash course to help them understand this and other aspects of a military lifestyle, while networking with and learning from others in similar situations.

David Brinkworth, AFRC community readiness consultant, led July's participants through the day's events - including presentations from wing leadership and other groups and agencies on base.

"Heartlink introduces spouses to the Air Force life and helps them understand more about the base mission, and what their spouse does and how they contribute to the mission," Brinkworth said.

Jana Morehouse, wife of an Ellsworth Airman and a member of the most recent class, said she wanted to come to Heartlink because of the good experience she had with the program at another base.

"I'm new to Ellsworth, and I really liked the information that Heartlink gave," said Morehouse, who has been at Ellsworth for approximately one month.

The program isn't strictly for new spouses, though. Morehouse said she thinks even those who are more seasoned than others can benefit from the information.

"You can get updates all the time and meet new people," said Morehouse, who has been married to her Airman for more than two years. "There's turnover with the base leadership, so it's a good way to get to know the faces for names that we see all over."

Key spouses from across the wing are also on hand to share their wisdom with the group.

"Being able to learn from other spouses who have been in for a long period of time is really nice," Morehouse said.

Before delving into the wealth of recreational and support resources Ellsworth boasts, the group was fortunate to have the opportunity of touring a B-1 bomber static display.

"It was great," Morehouse said. "I loved it. It gave me a new respect for all of the pilots and WSOs (weapon systems officers) who sit in those tiny seats for such a long time."

Although the bus travelling to the flightline was filled with much enthusiasm, perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the orientation is the interaction and exchange of information between spouses. Morehouse recounted how she and another spouse were able to connect over common ground.

"There's a woman here from Kirtland (Air Force Base, N.M.) and that's where I came from," Morehouse said. "It was really fun to talk about stories from our past bases."

The AFRC is committed to fostering similar relationships among Ellsworth families. Brinkworth added spouses are an especially integral part of an Airman's success.

"It's important to involve your spouse and educate them about the Air Force," Brinkworth said.

Morehouse added she is grateful for everything that Heartlink offered her.

"It was very well-organized and I'm glad I decided to come," Morehouse said. "I'm excited to use some of this information in the future."

For more information or to register for the next Heartlink iteration, call the AFRC at (605) 385-4663.