445th AW revitalizes Key Spouse Program Published June 10, 2014 By Capt. Elizabeth Caraway 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Members of the 445th Airlift Wing are actively engaged across the globe in a variety of missions. For many, the stress of the ops tempo can be heightened by concerns for family left behind. An Air Force program is being revitalized here to ensure that those family members receive continuous contact and support during their separation. The Key Spouse Program is an official Air Force commander's program that promotes partnerships with unit leadership, volunteer Key Spouses appointed by the commander, families, the Airman & Family Readiness Center and other community and helping agencies. The program has a special emphasis on support to families across the deployment cycle. "The Key Spouse Program is Reserve families helping other Reserve families," explained Stephanie Smith, 445th Key Spouse Program mentor and wife of Lt. Col. Raymond Smith, Jr., 89th Airlift Squadron operations officer. "From pre-deployment to reintegration, we reach out, we listen, and we help families. If we can't assist them directly, we can put them in touch with base agencies that have the necessary resources to do so." Sometimes, family members are not aware of all the resources available to them during deployments, said Smith. For example, Our Military Kids offers grants to children of Reservists deployed overseas. The grants cover six months of future instruction, lessons or tutoring for one activity or program with a maximum grant award of $500.00 per child. "I think many Reservists don't know about these options because drill weekends are so packed with activity that it can be difficult to get the word out," said Smith. "The Key Spouse Program connects families to these kinds of resources." The program also enhances readiness and establishes a sense of Air Force community. "Key spouses help get Air Force members mission-ready because the Airmen receive the peace of mind that their loved ones are taken care of during their absence. It's a weight off. Likewise, families are more comfortable because they are able to connect with someone that understands what they're going through," said Smith. Smith, who served in Westover Air Reserve Base's Key Spouse Program for eight years, emphasized the difference the program makes when people are actively engaged. The 445th Airlift Wing is still looking for Reserve spouses or family members to volunteer for the program. Key spouses are appointed for one year, sign a confidentiality agreement, and receive training on base. "We are looking for volunteers from families of all ranks and squadrons," said Smith. She also stressed that the program is not solely for married Reservists. "For deployed single Airmen, the Key Spouse Program reaches out to parents and other family members to see how they are doing throughout the deployment." If you or your spouse is interested in learning more about the wing's Key Spouse Program or becoming more actively involved, you can contact Stephanie Smith at ssmith2979@gmail.com or call (413) 301-3152.