Offutt holds inaugural Spouse Empowerment Night Published Feb. 4, 2013 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Family members of Team Offutt's military men and women gathered at the Capehart Theater Jan. 29 to take part in the first-ever Spouse Empowerment Night. The event's theme was, 'It's All about Good Communication,' and its goal was to educate spouses and family members about services available to them on base and where they can find information about those programs. "I think it was a great start for this new initiative," said Jack Sweet, 55th Wing community support coordinator. "The objective was to promote programs and services being offered and to solicit feedback on how we could enhance our communication to better serve the Airmen and families of Offutt Air Force Base." The event, which was hosted by various base organizations, lasted for approximately an hour and received such positive feedback from those who attended that Leadership is considering having them on a quarterly basis. The line-up for the evening included Col. Hans Palaoro, 55th Wing vice commander and speakers from the 55th Medical Group, 55th Wing Public Affairs, Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Base Chapel. "The information we disseminate is not just for service members," said David Hopper, 55th Wing Public Affairs. "We utilize the Offutt Website, Facebook, Twitter, FLICKr, MyMC2 Smartphone App and YouTube channel to reach out to family members so they will know about upcoming events or items that may impact them." Chaplain (Capt.) James Hendrick, who is the director of the chapel's new Marriage & Family Ministry Center, talked about the new center and how they hope to help and encourage service members and their families while they are here. "The Spouse Empowerment Night was a wonderful venue to communicate the latest family-fortifying service information in a face-to-face manner," Hendrick said. "It was a joy to stand alongside Offutt's helping agencies to relationally engage our treasured families that give so much for the freedoms we all hold sacred while hearing their stories, challenges and victories." Not only did speakers pass on information to family members, but Dana Conaway of the 55th Medical Group even assisted in getting people signed up for MiCare secure messaging. "I think we'll continue to see it evolve and grow and hopefully this will help our military families learn what all Offutt has to offer them," Sweet said. For information on future Spouse Empowerment Nights, watch the base's Facebook page or other social media outlets.