Air Force spouses: Heart of the team

Published Nov. 9, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- Bolling Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center members welcomed 14 Air Force spouses to a Heart Link seminar Nov. 7 in the AFRC training room.

"Heart Link is designed to be a fun, interactive and informative orientation for military spouses to learn how the Air Force works and the important role spouses play on the Air Force team," said Bethany Brown, AFRC community readiness consultant. "Through this program, the Air Force hopes to improve spouses' quality of life. Spouses are a critical part of the entire Air Force family, so this is a great way for them to learn about the Air Force and empower them with the knowledge they need regarding the Air Force way of life."

The seminar opened up with spouses being asked to share a little about themselves, such as how long they've been 'married to the Air Force,' whether they live on- or off-base, how many children they have, hobbies and interests, and what they hoped to gain from the seminar.

The central theme for the expectations of the day was that spouses all hoped to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the military and how they fit into the big picture.

Presenters included Col. Carl Gramlick, 11th Wing commander, protocol, the military personnel flight, finance, AFRC, services, legal, the health and wellness center, family advocacy, Tricare, mental health, Chaplain (Capt.) Richard Compton and Master Sgt. Dustin Pence, 11th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant. Each presentation was made with the goal of increasing spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocols and available resources and services.

Colonel Gramlick began by explaining Bolling's unique mission of "Superior customer service, precise musical and ceremonial engagement and expeditionary response at home and abroad." He explained that Bolling is entrusted to support a customer base of thousands of Airmen and their families in the National Capital Region and worldwide. He spoke about the role of the U.S. Air Force Band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the Arlington National Cemetery Chaplaincy. He also said that Bolling nurtures combat-ready forces in preparation for world-wide deployments and homeland security operations.

Maj. Mia Kreimeier, 11th Wing Protocol, briefed attendees about the significance of change of command ceremonies, promotions, retirements, reenlistment ceremonies and the retreat procedures.

Toward the end of the seminar, Sergeant Pence explained the first sergeant's role on the Air Force team.

"The first sergeant is like the voice to the commander on the heartbeat of the squadron," he said. "If the commander is like a doctor, and the squadron is like the heartbeat, then the first sergeant would be the stethoscope."

Sergeant Pence explained that the 'wingman concept' is especially pertinent to the first sergeant.

"We are here to be an advocate for Airmen and their families," he said. "We're always here to lend a hand at all hours of the day or night."

The seminar wrapped up with a few closing words from Colonel Gramlick encouraging Airmen and their families to bring any questions or concerns to his attention at any time.

The AFRC typically offers the Heart Link program twice a year.

"I would recommend that spouses attend Heart Link at least twice," said Christy Compton, a seminar participant and wife of Chaplain Compton. "The first time I came I felt so overwhelmed, but now that I know what questions to ask, I feel much more relaxed and comfortable. You always have a chance of learning something new you might've missed the first time."

For more information about Heart Link and other AFRC programs and services, call (202) 767-0450.