Heart Link connects new spouses, the Air Force

  • Published
  • By Rogelie R. Johnson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  For many new spouses, being married to the military is similar to being a fish out of water. The jargon, abbreviations and protocols can confuse new spouses who have no prior affiliations with the military. 

Newlywed Souriya Schwartz, who has been married to Capt. Chris Schwartz of the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron for five weeks, felt just like that. Although her husband tried to ease her into military life, she said she still wasn't fully prepared for the transition. 

"There are just so many rules and etiquettes in the military culture that we have to follow, and it's hard to keep up," Mrs. Schwartz said. 

This is where the Air Force steps in with a solution for new spouses: Heart Link. 

Heart Link is a free, one-day orientation class aimed at increasing spouse awareness about the military and its mission, as well as helping spouses become more comfortable with the military environment, said Donna Lindenstruth, administrator of the Airman and Family Readiness Center Heart Link program. 

"The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen military families through knowledge about military programs, agencies and the mission," said Dena Howard, chief programs officer for the Heartland Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Heart Link also provides an opportunity for spouses to share contact information and start making those 'lasting friendships' while they are with the military." 

Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, welcomed spouses and explained their intricate roles and where they fit within the overall mission of the 55th Wing and the Air Force. He also emphasized that Airmen and their families are valuable resources. 

Chief Master Sgt. Lisa A. Sirois, 55th Wing command chief, couldn't agree more. 

"Our Air Force has you, our families, as a priority," Chief Sirois said. "We don't get our job done without our families." 

General Shanahan added that Heart Link is important because it's a chance for Team Offutt to say thank you to military spouses for their hard work and introduce them to services and resources available in the wing. 

Throughout the day, spouses received information about Air Force customs, traditions, protocol, support resources and available services on base. Spouses were also given tours of the base, as well as the homes of General Shanahan and Rear Adm. Doug McClain, director of operations for U.S. Strategic Command. 

The AFRC also provided a panel forum with several guest speakers from different base agencies, such as finance, legal and chaplain services. 

Heart Link was an informative program for new spouses who are in the process of integrating themselves in the military life, Mrs. Schwartz said. 

"The amount of resources available to Air Force families is incredible," said Heather Jones, who has been married to Capt. David Jones of USSTRATCOM for almost two years. "Unfortunately, we were more than 30 minutes from the base at our last location, and I had no idea of the 'help' I could receive on base." 

Mrs. Jones said her favorite part of the day was making connections with other spouses.
 
"It gives me great comfort to have people who understand military life and can relate to those personal experiences," she said. 

Although the program is primarily targeted at new spouses who have been part of the military for five years or less, all military spouses are encouraged to attend the workshop, share their experiences and continue to learn more about their roles as military spouses. 

At the end of the day, General Shanahan gave each spouse a challenge coin, which had an imprint of the Heart Link emblem. 

Mrs. Schwartz said after attending Heart Link, she now has all the information she would want if she ever needed help. 

Heart Link is offered once per quarter with limited seating. The event also includes free breakfast, lunch and child care. The next Heart Link session is scheduled for Nov. 4, at Bldg. 323C, Room 206. 

To sign up or get more information about Heart Link and other available programs, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 294-4329.