Key Spouses provide family support Published Jan. 14, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Stephani Hunter 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Moving to a new location, particularly an overseas location, can pose a number of challenges. The last thing most families want to hear when moving is that a family member will be deploying immediately upon arrival. Moves are hard enough to adjust to without having to worry about family separation. While Airmen often have a built-in network of people in their unit available to help them acclimate, family members can easily be left in the dark. Fortunately, the 52nd Force Support Squadron Airman & Family Readiness Center is there to answer any questions families may have. The A&FRC provides a number of resources for Airmen and families to help adjust to new locations. In addition, the staff coordinates a number of different programs to help families get involved in their new community. One example is the Key Spouse program. "The Air Force has been experiencing an increase in operations tempo," Beverly Pineiro, A&FRC supervisory community readiness consultant, explained. "Increasing frequency and length of overseas deployments created the need for Key Spouses." The Key Spouse program was implemented in 1997 with the purpose of providing support to families of military members during times of deployment or separation. The program was standardized across the Air Force in March 2009. Key Spouses assist families to find and utilize available base and community resources. They work closely with the unit's first sergeant to ensure every spouse receives the support he or she needs. The program is also designed for commanders to tailor the program to meet the needs of each individual unit. "We help spouses and families become more resourceful and self-sufficient while military members are away from home," Ms. Pineiro said. "We want to ensure families are taken care of." To become a Key Spouse, a husband or wife must volunteer and be chosen by the unit commander. The A&FRC provides training once a quarter for new volunteers. Spangdahlem currently has more than 80 trained Key Spouses on base. During the most recent quarterly training Jan. 7, nine new spouses were trained. To find out more about becoming a Key Spouse, contact the Airman and Family Readiness center at DSN 452-6422.