U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Key Spouse Program recently underwent updates to enhance the quality of the program by making it easier for new and current key spouses to be trained.
The Key Spouse Program is an official Air Force unit family readiness program designed to enhance mission readiness and resilience and establish a sense of community.
“It is a commander's program to promote partnerships between unit leadership, volunteer key spouses, families, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and other helping agencies,” said Donna Chavez, the Academy’s AFRC community readiness coordinator.
Changes to the program include reducing initial training from 12 hours to six hours, with quarterly refresher sessions; individuals who were key spouses at a previous assignment only need to complete local resources training instead of going through initial training again.
“The updates will enhance the program,” Chavez said. “Many of the key spouses work outside of the home, so scheduling training sessions can be a challenge. In addition, the refresher courses and networking opportunities with other key spouses will allow them to share ideas.”
Currently, there are 28 key spouses serving units at the Academy. Jennifer Sheldon, the key spouse for the Dean of the Faculty, believes in the importance of the program.
“I believe my involvement has been positive for the spouses,” Sheldon said. “Prior to me taking this position, one of the wives confided to me that she was disappointed with the unit because no one called her during the time her husband was away for training for six months. She said she felt alone. After hearing that, I vowed (after taking this position) to never let that happen.”
Sheldon’s duties as a key spouse involve creating recall rosters so the spouses can touch base with each other, coordinating get togethers, which create a family environment between the spouses, forwarding information, and being available or finding resources for spouses in need.
Individuals interested in becoming a key spouse need only contact their member’s first sergeant or commander, according to Chavez.
“Since the key spouse is representing unit leadership, they have to be appointed in writing by the unit commander,” Chavez said. “The key spouse meets regularly with unit leadership to discuss contacts with unit families, needs and concerns of unit families and trends. This also allows unit leadership the opportunity to ensure the program is meeting their intent.”
Sheldon is honored to do her part for Academy families.
“I'm honored to be the key spouse for DFCE,” Sheldon said. “Since I separated from active duty in 2005, I feel assuming this role has satisfied my desire to be part of a team and support the mission of the department and USAFA. The Academy is a unique base where it can be difficult to feel involved or informed of what the base and Colorado Springs has to offer the military. Keeping the spouses informed is key for them to handle any stressful situation by being aware of the resources available to them. In the end, it always feels good to know someone is there for you, whether or not you need them.”