Key Spouse program vital to easing deployments

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sharida Jackson
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Key Spouse Program at Minot AFB is designed to enhance mission readiness by supporting family members of those deployed, on remote tours or serving an extended temporary duty.

"The Key Spouse Program compliments existing unit spouse activities and networks. It enhances the flow of communication between unit leadership and unit spouses," said Mrs. Cindy Whitesell, director of the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

At Minot AFB, like other missile bases, Airmen are often deployed in-place, which makes this program even more important. Missile security forces, missileers, chefs and facility managers can be deployed to the field for days at a time.

"The key spouse program is very critical because it helps spouses stay connected to the military community," said Master Sgt. Guy Jencks, 5th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "Most spouses are more likely to talk to other spouses about issues and concerns rather than a commander or first sergeant. Having the key spouse available as a liaison makes it easier to have their voices heard."

It takes a team effort to ensure the success of this program. There are four key players in the program: unit commander, first sergeant, key spouse, and the AFRC.
The unit commander provides administrative support to the program and appoints a key spouse after an interview.

Once a key spouse is appointed, the individual will have an official appointment letter, attend key spouse training held by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and serve as an official liaison between leadership and families.

The key spouse's basic duties include informing and referring family members to appropriate support agencies, welcoming new families, supporting families in times of separation and bringing unit attention to family issues.

The key spouse's first level of contact with a work center is the first sergeant. The first sergeant also recruits other key spouses and coordinates their training.

The key spouse program was first tested in the Air Force in 1997 at five high-deployment bases, providing insight on assisting family members while the service member was deployed or otherwise separated from their family.

For more information on the key spouse program, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 723 - 3950.