Heart Link provides Air Force orientation to new spouses

Published Jan. 25, 2011
By Beverly Ryles
Airman and Family Readiness Center

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- All new military spouses and spouses who have not attended Heart Link at Malmstrom AFB are cordially invited to attend the next one scheduled Feb 11 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Heart Link is a Spouse Orientation Program designed to strengthen Air Force Global Strike Command military families and enhance mission readiness. Appreciating that spouses are a critical part of the Air Force team and play an integral role in impacting retention decisions, Heart Link's goal is to assist spouses, especially those with five years or less, acclimate to the Air Force/military environment. By increasing spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocol and support resources available to them, spouses will be able to make better use of the community resources supporting them and their families.

Spouses will receive information from base agencies, participate in various games, and have an opportunity to win prizes. Lunch is provided and free childcare is also available through the home day care providers. A program highlight is a visit from the wing commander or one of his representatives who will presents a coin to each spouse for completing the program.

Contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 731-4900 to make a reservation and to pick up a childcare certificate if needed.

HEART LINK AGENDA

8-8:15 a.m. Registration
8:15-8:30 a.m. Welcome/About the Program
          - Knowledge Check
          - What's in the Bag?
8:30-8:40 a.m. Information/Activities/Class Introductions
8:40-8:50 a.m. Role of the Command Chief Master Sergeant
8:50-9:10 a.m. You and the Air Force - Where You Fit In - Wing Mission Brief
9:10-9:20 a.m. BREAK
9:20-9:30 a.m. Role of the 1st Sergeant
9:30-9:45 a.m. Readiness NCO
9:45-9:55 a.m. Key Spouse Program Overview
9:55-10:15 a.m. Medical Services and TRICARE
10:15-10:25 a.m. BREAK
10:25-10:40 a.m. Overview of Finance
10:40-10:55 a.m. Overview of Military Personnel
10:55-11:05 a.m. GAME BREAK
11:05-11:15 a.m. Learning the Air Force Song
11:15-11:30 a.m. Spouse Link/Scholarship/Grant Information
11:30-11:40 a.m. HAWC
11:40-noon Family Advocacy
Noon-12:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK
12:30-13:30 p.m. Support Agencies
     -TROY University 12:30-12:40
     -Embry Riddle 12:40-12:50
     -Park University 12:50-1
     -Red Cross 1-1:10
     -Airman's Attic 1:10-1:15
     -Spouse's Club 1:15-1:20
     -Thrift Shop 1:20-1:25
     -MFLC 1:25-1:30
1:30-1:45 p.m. Force Support Services
1:45-2 p.m. Outdoor Recreation
2-2:30 p.m. Graduation