Heart Link helps new spouses adjust to Altus life

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Clark
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted Heart Link, an orientation for spouses new to the military and Altus, Oct. 3, 2014.

Heart Link is a commander's program established to strengthen military families, increase spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, as well as resources and services available.

Participants of Heart Link spent the day learning common acronyms used on base and in the Air Force, how to read a Leave Earning Statement, among other topics, and socializing with other new military spouses, said LisaMarie Mariglia, a community readiness consultant with the 97th Force Support Squadron. "It's a way to let spouses know what services are on base."

Attendants were informed of the different services and programs by 17 different speakers from the agencies on base.

This is the first Heart Link event held on the base in over a year, but plans are in place to hold one every quarter, said Mariglia.

Although there were many presentations loaded with information, there was a lot more than sitting and listening. Heart Link attendees participated in ice breakers, games and down times to socialize with others.

Mariglia's energetic personality and enthusiasm for what Heart Link is helped the spouses feel comfortable and relax.

"She's really bubbly and is the main reason it was so great," said Hannah Easley.

"I want this to be a living program and adapt to our community," said Mariglia. "Yes, it's an Air Force program, but I want it to be an Altus program."

Heart link is meant for those who have been in the Air Force for less than five years, or just new to Altus, said Mariglia. Participants received an Air Force 101 and Altus guide book, packages that have Air Force history, Airman's Creed and other information to help newcomers adjust to the Air Force and the local area.

Easley said she and her husband, a contractor with the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron, have been at Altus AFB for less than a month. "All of Heart Link was helpful. I'm brand new to the Air Force," she said. "I learned a lot."

"There were a lot of connections that the spouses made with each other," Mariglia said. "The best part was the time they had; time to talk about what's important to them and how we can help each other."

The day ended with a visit from U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Spangenthal, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. Each participant received a spouse's coin to commemorate the event.

Heart Link is about spouses motivating each other and the networking they do, Mariglia said. "They really are the heart of the team. It's not just a slogan. If things are going well at home the mission's going to go well, too."