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Show HILLTOP TIMES flMES 3 July 29, 2010 (Left to right) Ann Maglio, outgoing Key Spouse coordinator, and Dotti Blesse, new Key Spouse coordinator, both of the 75th Force Support Squadron, discuss the Key Spouse program with new trainees ^ Danielle McCrary, who will be working with the 75th Comptroller Squadron, and Natasha Hodges, Helen Williams and Amy Bortz, who will all be working with the 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Who is your Key CATHERINE McNALLY/Hilltop Times events and more, Key Spouses can gain more knowledge about the resources to which they refer their families. However, again, this is based on each Key Spouse's available time. Overall, the Key Spouse program is a great way to support the Air Force through its families, plus get volunteer experience at the same time. Each Key Spouse may be different, but in the end the feeling of satisfaction at seeing happy Air Force families is the same. If you would like to learn more about , the Key Spouse program, please contact Dotti Blesse at (801) 7774681 or dorothy. blesse@hill.af.mil. BY CATHERINE MCNALLY Hilltop Times staff B eing a spouse in the military — newly married or celebrating a 20th anniversary — can be a difficult job at times. While husbands and wives are off to defend the country on the front line, spouses are left to defend the home front. No matter how tough it gets, though, spouses should know that their Key Spouse representatives have got their back. The Key Spouse program is a commander's program that "supports Airmen and their families during deployments, separations and emergencies, as well as enhancing and encouraging regular comijnunication between units and families," dn Aii* Force memorandum reads. f It's important to know that these volipiteers, who are typically active duty ijnembers' spouses, are there to provide ^ieer-ta-peer support and resources for all family members of their assigned unit. f Right now there are about 75 Key Spouses at Hill Air Force Base, said Dotti Blesse, Key Spouse coordinator and a ijnember of the 75th Force Support Squadron. Of course, that number is in constant flux mostly due to permanent changes in Ration or PCS. H Still, some squadrons don't have a £ey Spouse to assist their families because they are unable to find a volunteer. Though the time and training is an investment, the effort is well worth it. Becoming a Key Spouse By volunteering for some of the AFRC Commanders may also appoint a Key events and programs, such as Hearts Spouse Mentor who will act as an advoApart, Heart Link, care package creation cate for Key Spouse initiatives. Usually Key Spouse Mentors have previous experience, which they use to then mentor junior spouses. , The Airman and Family Readiness Center provides oversight and assistance to the program as well as training. Key Spouses are required to undergo three The Air Force is accepting comments on an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of training sessions: initial Key Spouse train- a new public works facility by the City of West Wendoveron the south side of Nevada State Route ing, Heart Link, and Suicide Awareness Highway 93A, and north of the existing wastewater treatment plant and composting facility. The proposed action would be located on land owned by Hill Air Force Base, (AFB). Due to revisions to Training. There are also quarterly training sessions intended to keep Key Spouses the EA, an additional public comment opportunity is being offered. up to date. This EA has been prepared to analyze and document potential environmental and socioeconomic Completion of training earns each Key consequences associated with the proposed development projects. Spouse a Certificate of Training, which can also be used at new installations if the Based on the results of this EA, the proposed development would not have significant adverse effects spouse would like to continue participaton the human environment or any of the environmental resources described in the EA. The Air Force, ing in the program. therefore, proposes a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed project and has Once their training is done, Key determined an Environmental Impact Statement is unnecessary. Spouses are able to jump right in and Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 10, 2010. To obtain a copy of the EAor to submit begin showing their support to Air Force comments on the documents, please contact: families. A shoulder to lean on Sam Johnson Public Comment Opportunity July 26-Aug. 10,2010 Not only do Key Spouses provide support to families who are experiencing deployment, they also assist families who are new to the base. The AFRC teams up with the Key Spouses to provide a well r Unit and squadron-commanders are in of base and community resources to Air charge of establishing and maintaining Force families. the program, which also includes selection of new Key Spouses. First sergeants Resources can include mental health and counseling services, child care proact as primary points of contact for each f£ey Spouse and also assist in the selection grams such as "Give Parents a Break," or of new members. even a Link to the Outdoor Recreation office if a family is planning a camping trip A When selecting new Key Spouse canand wants to rent a tent. didates, commanders and first sergeants look for qualities such as: New families may need a connec•\ • Unit family member tion with the base housing office or child ;• • A positive attitude about the Air care center. They may also be interested Force in learning more about the community, such as which schools are the best, which ;! • Communication skills neighborhoods are safest, and where to ;1 • Dependability get a good deal on groceries. ;j • Friendliness '; Of course, Key Spouses can range from Key Spouses are also able to provide being extremely outgoing to even a bit other types of support as they wish. Some introverted, Blesse said. So if you aren't Key Spouses send out e-mails or make very outgoing that shouldn't discourage phone calls to check up on their families you from becoming a Key Spouse. and others may even send out homemade \ Key Spouses are also able to team up, birthday cards. Of course, how much especially if their unit or squadron is par- work and effort that goes into support is ticularly big. Some units even have up to up to the Key Spouse and not required by it) Key Spouses, Blesse noted, and in the the commander or AFRC. end the number of Key Spouses per unit Along with connecting with their famiisiup to each commander. lies, Key Spouses are encouraged to make K Once selected, the commander will themselves known in the base commuisjsue a Key Spouse Appointment Letter, nity by attending squadron events, AFRC which is good for up to one year and can programs such as Heart link, and other b^ renewed by the commander. social groups. 75 CEG/CEVP 7274 Wardleigh Rd. Hill AFB, UT 84056-5137 (801)775-3653 Sam.Johnson(S)hill.af.mil Set yourself free or Active Military and Veterans <l\ the Intel you need: r^r^ Gl benefits •! •• 1 financial aid M~'"~ • advising registration p\ Lifelong Learning Center - Dumke Legacy Hall tDon't let hearing loss hold you captfve. [1 *When you lose your hearing, you lose touch wtth the people and things that are an Important part of your world, i You feel trapped. Break Free from Ihe Isolation of hearing [loss wtth AgH from Ottcon. With AgB, you'll reconnect with >Jhe voices, music and sounds lhat enrich your world. Ufe ! will seem brighter and more fulfilling, because you're • hearing better and understanding more. [Set yourself free and rediscover the real you. ji please call us for a risk free trial of Agfl. Wilh purchase of PAgil receive a $100 Hearing Zone Coupon to use on any •product In our office. i We are happy lo verify your insurance coverage \. Call to schedule your RISK FREE TRIM ofAgiltoday! 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