Hearts Apart program helps families of deployed Airmen Published Feb. 1, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Kenneth W. Norman 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Hearts Apart program is scheduled to host an Arts and Crafts event Feb. 7 at the Balfour Beatty Community Center from 3-5 p.m. The event is open to all BBC residents, but spouses and children of deployed service members or those who have experience with deployments are encouraged to come. "The Hearts Apart program is designed to offer a stress free environment for the family members of deployed, remote, or Temporary Duty personnel," said Tech. Sgt. Rowena M. Ennis, 97th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of Airman and Family Readiness. "The program's intent is to allow the family members an opportunity to enjoy activities together and connect with their squadron's leadership and other families." The program currently is hosting two events a month for families of deployed Airmen. "These events lets the families know that there is support for them in the Air Force and here on base," Ennis said. "It helps them network and meet other families that are in the same situation and make lasting connections." Families of deployed spouses can use these events as an opportunity to talk with other families who can relate to the hardships of being separated from a loved one. "I love [this program]. I really enjoy getting together with the spouses and the children that are also involved are going through the same things as my children, so they relate very well," said a spouse of a deployed service member from Altus, who attends Hearts Apart events. "I have a lot of friends that are not military, but it's really nice to be able to get together with people who know what you are going through. I would definitely recommend this program to other families of deployed Airmen. This is a very good support system for when your spouse is not here." To get involved with the Hearts Apart program contact Tech. Sgt. Rowena Ennis at 481-6761.