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Team Shaw spouse receives wing-level award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Karika White, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron key spouse mentor, was awarded the 2018 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year Award from the 20th Fighter Wing, Nov. 2017.

The award is sponsored by the Air Force Association and honors the late Mrs. Joan Orr, wife of the late retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Verne Orr, former Secretary of the Air Force. The award recognizes the significant community contributions made by non-military spouses of Airmen.

“It’s kind of amazing,” said White. “The thought that what I’m doing is helpful and useful makes me feel like I’m really making a difference.”

Throughout the year, White assisted the Airmen, leadership and key spouses by acting as the squadron’s Airman and Family Readiness Center liaison and revitalizing the Key Spouse Program within the squadron.

“Her efforts go beyond the Key Spouse Program,” said Maj. Francis Schillinger, 20th CMS commander. “Karika has given tremendous support to our Airmen and their families throughout this past year. From hosting baby showers for our newborns to helping a family in need, she is there with the Key Spouse team making a difference. She sets a great example for others and we are lucky to have her on our team!”

White stated she will continue her work with the Key Spouse Program and building relationships between the squadron’s leadership, Airmen and spouses.

The award is meant to showcase the impact spouses have on the Air Force mission and how the spouses of Airmen who may be deployed or experiencing hard times come together to assist one another.