Spouses can help other families

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56TH Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  A new program has arrived at Luke Air Force Base to assist spouses with playing a key role in enhancing mission readiness by assisting other family members during deployments and remote assignments, said Angela Teixeira, 56th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Flight community readiness consultant. 

It is called the Key Spouse Program and is modeled after the Navy's Ombudsman Program implemented in 1997 at five high-deployment bases. KSP was so successful that it has been standardized and implemented Air Force-wide. 

Luke will have one umbrella KSP, but a key spouse's duties will vary according to the needs of each squadron. 

A vital part of the program will be finding key spouses and training them, Ms. Teixeira said. 

"I have provided guidance to commanders and first sergeants," she said. "The commanders will get the word out at commander's calls and via e-mail. The initial training is scheduled for June and will last four hours. Key spouses will be trained by the Airman and Family Readiness Flight. There will also be a requirement to attend various types of training such as suicide and sexual assault. 

"Since key spouses often deal with a variety of issues and become a referral source, we want them to be aware of all of the resources the base has to offer," Ms. Teixeira said. 

Key spouses are appointed by the commander and volunteer their time and assistance to offer support and provide information to families during deployments and remote tours, she said. 

"They also welcome newcomers to the base," she said. "One of their vital tasks is to provide a bridge among families, the first sergeant and commanders. Key spouses are appointed for a one-year term." 

People who volunteer for the key spouse program need to be good listeners, as well as friendly, accessible and professional, Ms. Teixeira said. 

The KSP is an important part of successfully accomplishing the mission, she said. 

"With the current number and length of deployments, it is more important than ever that families are supported during these times of separation," said Deborah Iverson, Airman and Family Readiness Flight chief. "In addition, the KSP will benefit commanders. Their members will come to work more focused on the mission knowing their families are taken care of." 

Key spouses never have to feel overwhelmed because they have a partner in this process. 

"As community readiness consultants at the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, we will be able to assist key spouses by providing information, referral and guidance as they assist their unit members," said James Knuckles, Airman and Family Readiness Flight director. 

Spouses who want to volunteer to be a key spouse should contact their squadron's first sergeant. Training is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon June 10. For more information, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (623) 856-6550.