When Airmen deploy, key spouses take charge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cierra Presentado
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During a deployment, spouses are often left with many questions that need answers. That's when the Dyess Key Spouse Program takes action.

The Key Spouse Program is a group comprised of individuals whose duty is to mentor Dyess spouses on any occasion. The program is offered to active duty members and their spouses.

"Each key spouse is selected by their commander and is then trained on how to interact and handle different situations with the spouses within their squadron or unit," said Master Sgt. John Miles, 7th Force Support Squadron, Key Spouse coordinator. "They are also given resources to aid them."

Before their loved ones deploy, spouses are highly encouraged to attend pre-deployment briefings, which are offered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. These briefings cover finances, legal matters and answer any questions the spouses may have. It also allows spouses to meet others who are in the same situation.

"The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers classes and programs that are helpful to a spouse whose Airman is deployed," Miles said. "But the key spouses will always be available to point them in the right direction."

While deployed, each active duty member and spouse are also encouraged to maintain the wingman concept, by looking out for each other on a day-to-day basis.

"We have a schedule where the key spouses call and check on a deployed member's spouse," said Jennifer Sumangil, 9TH Bomb Squadron key spouse mentor. "Keeping in contact with the individuals let's us know everything is ok; a simple phone call can make a difference in a spouse's life."

Providing peer-to-peer support is the main goal of the key spouse program. Although individuals are highly encouraged to call their key spouse, it's acceptable to contact the first sergeant or commander.

"If a spouse has a question, they are more than welcome to call their service member's first sergeant; we are here to provide help and support," said Master Sgt. John Frith, 7th Bomb Wing first sergeant. "As first sergeants, it's our job to make sure our Airmen know who their appointed key spouse is."

For more information on the key spouse program, contact your squadron's first sergeant or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (325) 696-5999.