Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group

Heart Link acclimates Airmen spouses

by Thea Skinner

21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

Spouses of Peterson Airmen were introduced to the Air Force during the Heart Link Spouse’s Orientation Program May 29. The quarterly Airman and Family Readiness Center program assists spouses in acclimating to the Air Force culture.

“Being in the Air Force is a team sport. There are hardships — long deployments and moves from one base to another,” said Col. Jay Raymond, 21st Space Wing commander. “We have a whole support structure on base that is here to take care of families.”

Resources were provided by presenters from a broad spectrum of offices including Protocol, Military Family Life Consultant, Military Personnel Section, Legal, Military Pay, Peterson First Sergeant, and Survivor Benefits.

“It (the program) was really informative,” said Kelly Gaudet, fiancée of Maj. Matthew Edmonson, chief of the Space Application Programs. “There is a lot of stuff you need to know.”

The orientation was the first held since April 2008.

The orientation helps “demystify the military life,” said Beverly Price, A&FRC assistant director. “Family is first.”

The next orientation is Sept. 4. For more information, visit www.21fss.com.