Spouses presented latest base information during briefing conducted in their honor

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Wing leadership and key members of the wing staff conducted a Spouse's Call Jan. 14 at the base theater to bring Malmstrom's spouses together and share important information. About 100 spouses attended the evening event.

The lobby area of the theater was transformed into an information center, offering spouses the chance to talk with members of the Chapel, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Troy, Park and Embry Riddle Universities, and the 341st Force Support Squadron marketing division about the programs and services each offers. Many provided free items for the spouses to take home.

After allowing time for the spouses to browse through the lobby, Col. Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, 341st Missile Wing command chief, welcomed those in attendance.

The key messages leadership wanted to deliver to the audience included re-emphasizing why we are here; introducing the members of the Key Spouses Program and explaining the program to them; and providing an overview of the many other programs and services available for their use.

One new program set to start Jan. 29 is called "Spouses in the Know," and will be facilitated by the A&FRC staff.

"'Spouses in the Know' is a an open forum for all military spouses to receive updates on services, events and upcoming changes, as well as to provide discussions on any issues or concerns they may have within the military community or with the military lifestyle," explained Karan Hilliard, Community Readiness Technician with the A&FRC.

The forums will be held at the A&FRC from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. once a month. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch with them.

Staci Corder, 341st Force Support Squadron marketing director, provided an update on recreational opportunities, the new social networking site, youth programs, changes with the club, and special events geared toward families of deployed active-duty members.

Dr. John Foley, A&FRC director, discussed the importance of the Integrated Delivery System -a collaboration of the eight on-base agencies that provide help for those who might be suffering. He also explained the Year of the Air Force Family initiative.

Ongoing construction projects, which include a new community activities center, a new base exchange, an addition to the child development center, upgrades to Sun Plaza Park, and continued work in family housing, were also addressed.

The 341st Medical Group finished the briefing by giving updates on care provided at the clinic and through the TRICARE network of provider; tips on preventing the flu, directions on where and when to get immunized; and changes to the Exceptional Family Member Program.

"It is important that we keep our spouses informed and provide them the chance to address their concerns with us, the leadership, without reservation," said Colonel Cotton. "We - the active-duty members - realize and appreciate the tremendous sacrifices they make daily in support of our mission and our careers. We owe it to them to provide these types of information-sharing events."