Key Spouses offer unit stability, support Published May 16, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Senior Master Sgt. David F. Strickland, 80th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, and other first sergeants within the 94th Airlift Wing have many deployed Airmen within their squadrons. "Because of the volume of the Airmen we have deployed right now, we can't possibly keep up with all the family members and the issues that always crop up," said Strickland. "So far this year, families have had flooded homes from water leaks, broken washers and dryers, and a host of other issues that go wrong in the home." Life at home still must go on even when a spouse or parent is deployed. To help first sergeants and commanders, the 94th AW Airman and Family Readiness Office has developed the Key Spouse Program. "Key spouses help ensure that family members have appropriate information and resources to meet their needs," said Angela Pedersen, Airman and Family Readiness director. "A key spouse is appointed by the unit commander from among the spouses within that unit that volunteer for the role." They are then required to attend the Air Force key spouse training conducted by Airman and Family Readiness. Each unit may have different needs, and it's important that families and commanders have someone they can identify with to help them out." The program enlists spouses of unit members, like Kelley Janzen, to plan, coordinate and execute initiatives that positively impact mission readiness and retention. Janzen has been involved with the 80th APS Key Spouse Program for almost four years. When my husband first started at the 80th APS I was asking him if there were anything for wives, he checked around and found about the Key Spouse Program," said Janzen. "This year we have had a bunch of people deploy so we helped first sergeant get ready by making cards to record contact information. Also, we reach out to the loved ones that are still here. We contact them on a biweekly basis." The bottom line is that key spouses make themselves available to support the Reserve member and their families throughout the deployment cycle. Reserve members often joke about support being someone to "mow the lawn, walk the dog or pay the bills." However, the Key Spouse Program was developed by spouses for spouses, and address concerns and needs that are unique to military families. Military spouses left at home may need advice while having to make major decisions alone, help with finances, disciplining children or be assured that the unit is, in fact, concerned with their well-being. Key spouses can be someone to listen and offer timely advice on a peer-to-peer level. "While not a new concept - spouse volunteers have always existed within squadrons - the Key Spouse Program offers a framework for stability and support to both the squadron and the volunteers," said Pedersen. For more information on the wing's Key Spouse Program or to volunteer to become a key spouse, contact Pedersen by phone at 678-655-5004. "My advice is to try to seek out your unit's key spouses," said Janzen. "We can help them anyway possible. If someone is in the hospital then we will go and see them, if their hot water heater is busted, we can help them find someone to make repairs. We are here for the spouses and families. We are even here if they just need to talk to someone."
