UDPATE - Heart Link gives a look inside the military

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The "Heart Link" program is being held July 14 from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center.

At Altus Air Force Base, military spouses and children join our Air Force family without the benefit of any basic training in military lifestyle. The military jargon, customs and courtesies, and expectations are present without taking the oath of enlistment or commissioning; and yet they are expected to understand the details of an upcoming deployment, and terms like PCS, SRB, AMW and AETC.

"The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen Air Force families through knowledge about military programs, agencies and the mission. Our goal is to enhance overall mission readiness," said Jackie Williams, community readiness consultant.

At "Heart Link," spouses learn what helping resources exist, as well as bringing them together with other spouses to network and enhance communication and knowledge. There will be presentations on military protocol and Air Force traditions including the role of coining and the Air Force song. They also receive information from agencies including finance, mental health, and the child development center.

"It improves communication between the member and spouse, since the spouse will be informed about acronyms and Air Force culture," said Williams.

According to feedback from attendees of a recent Heart Link class, every military spouse should attend, because everyone learns something new. Although Heart Link was originally created for Air Force spouses of five years or less, Williams encourages all spouses to attend regardless of their "time in service" as they all have something to contribute to the mission - whether they've been through 10 PCSs or whether they're still not sure what a PCS is. Childcare and lunch are provided for participants.

Reservations are required by July 13 at Noon. Please call the Airman & Family Readiness Center, 481-6761, for more information or to sign up.