K is for Key Spouse 

In the past I have been part of the Key Spouse program, and would be happy to be part of it again in the future. It is essentially a program what was set up to help establish and maintain a sense of community within the Air Force and its families. A spouse is appointed the position of Key Spouse by the commander and becomes the liaison (of sorts) between the commander and the families. Each branch of the military has a similar program, just for the Air Force it is referred to as the Key Spouse program. 

One of the biggest roles of a Key Spouse is to offer support during deployments. Since the Air Force usually deploys in smaller groups or as individuals it can leave families feeling a little isolated, especially when they don’t know any other families with a deployed spouse. This is where the Key Spouse should come in. They are there to be a sounding board for the family, and someone to turn to when they don’t know who to call. 

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go through Key Spouse training. I learned so much about the structure of the Air Force, and was amazed at how many resources are really out there for military families. So if I can offer one word of advice, if a Key Spouse reaches out to you and asks how things are going, be honest with them. They aren’t there to judge, they are there to help, and can point you in the direction of some pretty amazing programs available for the families of deployed personnel. 

If you want more information you can visit the Key Spouse page on the USAF Services page, or visit you local Airman and Family Readiness Center on Base. 

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