ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Military members and spouses gathered for the quarterly Heart Link seminar at the 28th Bomb Wing commander’s residence on Ellsworth AFB Sept. 8.
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 BW mission.
“The objective of Heart Link is to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness,” said Kimberly Geffre, work life specialist assigned to the 28th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center. “The program has four goals that include increasing spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocols and available resources and services, and enabling spouses to capitalize on the availability of on- and off-base community resources.”
Additionally, the program helps spouses acclimate and feel they are an important part of the Air Force community, and assists families in becoming physically, emotionally and spiritually healthier, Geffre said.
“In past years, the format of the class was to be presented in a full day structured with a mix of presenters and experts from many base agencies,” Geffre explained. “We found this format was not working for today’s spouses. After discussions with leadership and upon the arrival of Mrs. Cindi Boswell, the consensus was to change the format to a more modern and relaxed format to encourage networking between spouses/base agencies and hopefully increase attendance.”
The A&FRC and base leadership found that shortening the course to only three hours and alternating between the Balfour Beatty Community Center and the Boswell residence garnered a greater attendance.
“Attendees have commented how much they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the information they have gathered during Heart Link,” Geffre said. “Attendance has increased from the minimal five to ten attendees to 70 in our most recent gathering. Subject matter experts are embedded at tables with attendees so if questions come up the expert right there to answer them.”
In addition to learning about wing agencies, spouses also learned about wing leadership, Ellsworth’s mission with the B-1 bomber and had opportunities to interact with one another to promote networking.
“The people sitting around you in this room are your Air Force family,” said Cindi Boswell, spouse of Col. Gentry Boswell, commander of the 28th BW. “People are going to go through tough times, whether it’s recovering from an injury to having a spouse deployed. Your Air Force family will be there to take care of you when you need it most.”
For more information on the next Heart Link, Airmen and their spouses can visit the A&FRC website or call (605) 385-4663.