WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Deploying 445th Airlift Wing members have a resource available to their families to help them get through any challenges faced while their spouse is deployed. That resource is the Key Spouse Program.
The Key Spouse Program, owned by the wing commander and administered by the Airman and Family Readiness Center is a vital link between leadership and families. It provides a framework for stability and support for families by maintaining regular contact with family members and referring them to base agencies and squadron resources.
The program is a liaison that connects military member’s families with leadership and the Airman and Family Readiness Center during deployments and times of crisis. Tech. Sgt. Julia Slifko, a non-commissioned officer for the 445th Airlift Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center says the program’s success is based on the participants.
“The spouse, commander, and first sergeant are all essential for the success of the program,” Slifko said. “We are also in need of more spouse volunteers to keep up with the number of Airmen deploying.”
Slifko said for families that aren’t located near a base, the program can become even more important so they can have that network of support.
Key Spouses are a peer-to-peer support system. They connect the families with valuable resources located around the base and the surrounding communities or wherever the military member and their families reside. The Uniformed Services Organizations (USO) has a facility where family members can go and partake in a wide variety of fun filled activities and services, including the use of an auditorium and several conference rooms. They also offer volunteer opportunities.
Melissa Fowle, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. Brian Fowle, 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron inflight medical care superintendent, is a key spouse for the wing. Her entire immediate family serves in the 445th Airlift Wing.
“I like the fact that someone would be looking out for them and their families. I have the unique perspective as a retired Ohio Air National Guard member, spouse, parent and mother-in-law of seven military members, six of whom are serving in the 445th Airlift Wing,” said Fowle.
Fowle hopes to promote programs available to military families and to provide information to help out with all of her past experiences with her family’s deployments.
The 445th AW is actively looking for volunteers for the Key Spouse Program. Spouses interested in becoming a volunteer can contact Mrs. Elyse Willis at elyseamarks@yahoo.com, the 445th AW Airman and Family Readiness Center at (937) 656-1502) or the spouse’s unit first sergeant for details. Join today. It’s easy, fun and supports our 445th family.