Spouse orientation key to knowing Eglin, Air Force

  • Published
  • By The Airman and Family Readiness Center
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Moving to a new installation can be stressful for spouses, but there is help available. 

"Spouse Orientation provides an enjoyable, interactive, comfortable way for spouses to learn about the military lifestyle and more specifically about their installation," said Nancy Prescott, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. 

Military spouses will learn indispensable information and meet with other military spouses, providing a support network for those who have common circumstances, concerns and situations. 

Heart Link, as it is known Air Force-wide, was created in 2002 through the A&FRC. Eglin recently tweaked the name of the program from Heart Link to Spouse Orientation (Heart Link) to take away confusion as to its purpose. 

"We changed the name of the program to eliminate confusion with our Hearts Apart program," said Ms. Prescott. 

Even though this program was targeted for new military spouses, the ever-changing issues and resources presented are essential even for the veteran spouse. 

"I have been to Heart Link twice now and both times I have learned something new about military life, even though I've been married to the Air Force six and a half years," said Julie Tuskes, a spouse at Eglin. 

Feedback provided by spouses who recently attended an orientation course was very helpful so A&FRC officials know the course is important. 

"When participants were asked to sum up their experience in a sentence or two the comments were very positive," Ms. Prescott said. "Some come for the opportunity to meet other spouses while others feel it's necessary to survive as military family member." 

"This experience is a must. All information is essential to know for military life," said Star Cochran, a recent course participant. 

"What makes the program work is the staff from many base agencies that attend to give information on what they have to offer," Ms. Prescott said. "They also share what services are available and how these services can be applied to everyday life." 

To attend a Spouse Orientation class, please call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 882-9060 and sign up for either Feb. 18 from 5-8 p.m. or Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.