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Key spouses go above and beyond

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  What's better on a hot day than some free ice cream?! An ice cream social was held at the base chapel for members of the Key Spouse Program and their families at Fairchild Air Force Base, May 1, 2013.

Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander and his wife, Mrs. Newberry, 92 ARW key spouse mentor, organized the event to show appreciation to members of the KSP and their families.

"It was an idea that my husband and I had," said Mrs. Newberry. "May is military spouse appreciation month, not only do we appreciate all military spouses, we felt like key spouses go above and beyond. My husband is very passionate about his Airmen, spouses and Fairchild families."

Being newly married to a military member can be quite different from civilian life. Military members deploy, PCS, can work long or swing shifts and can be available for duty 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Being a spouse in a military environment can be equally demanding.

"Being a military spouse is not an easy job," said Mrs. Newberry. "Many spouses deploy regularly, so you need other spouses who go above and beyond the call of duty to make life easier for each other."

The Key Spouse Program helps connect spouses to each other and help them meet new people. They attend a lot of events to include: quarterly key spouse training, resiliency training, Heart Link and Right Start.

"The biggest advice I would give is to make connections," said Mrs. Newberry. "The key spouse program is wonderful because they're trying to make connections with all of the new spouses coming on base."

"To get involved on base, get to know people, help people, which is always a great thing," said Awanta Edwards, 92nd Communications Squadron key spouse. "Helping is always the best thing that you could do and help the community and the place that helps your family."

The military member's sponsor, supervisor, First Sergeant or squadron admin section can provide Key Spouse name and contact information. If further assistance is needed, please call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 509-247-2246.