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Heart link educates, connects spouses together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Jeffers
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Airman and Family Readiness Center held a quarterly orientation for spouses to introduce them to military life, called Heart Link, at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center here, Aug. 13.

Heart Link is geared toward spouses who have been married five years or less or who are new to the Air Force and it provides information to help them understand military life, said Esperanza Romero, 20th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist and the person in charge of Shaw's Heart Link program.

"I think Heart Link is a good program because it provides resources and (opportunities) to build friendships," she added.

The event had a variety of activities that were designed to help strengthen three of the four "Pillars of Wellness" that build a person's resiliency; the pillars were emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.

The spiritual pillar refers to not just a person's strength of faith, but also to their sense of purpose and feeling unity with something greater than themselves. Military members helped the spouses feel like a part of the community and give them a sense of unity by enlightening them about the military and connecting them to others who can understand their situation.

"I have been here a week," said Ashley Small, a military spouse. "I had no clue about anything and I didn't know anyone. It has been hard feeling a part of the community."

This program was extremely beneficial for Small because it gave her the opportunity to meet people in her same situation. It also educated her about the resources available to her, Small said.

The spouses had the chance to speak to Col. Scott Arcuri, 20th Mission Support Group commander, listen to a representative from protocol who educated them on military customs and courtesies, and speak to a representative from finance who answered all questions regarding military pay.

Afterwards, the spouses were introduced to a panel of 10 representatives from various units that provide services that spouses are able to use.

"On the panel we have (representatives from) the chapel, Mental Health, Health and Wellness Center, Family Advocacy, school liaison office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, and 20th FSS," Romero said. "They have the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. It dispels any myths or rumors like they can never contact their husband's first sergeant. We have a first sergeant who will tell what their role is as a first sergeant and that a spouse can (call them)."

"Everyone was really personable and helpful," Small said. "I feel like I could actually talk to them if I had a problem."

The participants then tested their new knowledge with games like jeopardy and "Whose Agency is it Anyway?" which strengthened their second pillar: emotional well-being. How strong a person's self esteem is and their ability to relax and de-stress is represented in the emotional pillar.

The third pillar, social well-being, refers to a person's social support and their involvement in the community and group activities.

"They get to build relationships with other spouses," Romero said. "Some people say they meet lifelong friends through Heart Link."

Small, who before attending Heart Link did not know anyone in the community, was approached by multiple spouses at the event.

"I realized there are people who understand loneliness and the heartbreak of not having your loved ones around," Small said. "They also have dealt with moving away from family and having their husband or family member being away. They told me how they went through this and how they handled it. They gave me their phone numbers and told me to call. Heart Link has been really helpful and I am glad I went."

The next Heart Link is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2013. For more information contact A&FRC at (803) 895-1283.