Key spouses thanked for their service

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  More than 100 people attended the first-ever Offutt Key Spouses appreciation event Oct. 14.

The event was hosted by the 55th Wing commander and his wife as a way for them to personally thank the key spouses on behalf of Team Offutt for all they do throughout the year.

"The key spouses play such an important role in our mission success here at Offutt," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander, "and this event was simply our small way of saying thanks for their dedication and support."

There have been other key spouses events held in the past, but leadership hoped that by holding this one in the evening it would help increase attendance.

"It was a welcome change as it allowed for many of the key spouses who have daytime commitments the opportunity to attend," said Jessica Babcock, 38th Reconnaissance Squadron key spouse, who has been with the program for almost four years.

There are 122 key spouses spread throughout units across Offutt, so this event also provided them with the rare opportunity to all get together at one location.

"Events such as these are wonderful ways to encourage key spouses from different organizations to meet and share ideas," Babcock said. "It's so helpful for us to learn from each other and coordinate events together."

Key spouses are appointed by unit commanders and act as liaisons between the unit and its families. They offer valuable assistance through an assortment of areas that pertain to life in the military, while maintaining a direct line of communication to unit leadership.

"With our focus on Comprehensive Airman Fitness, the role of key spouses is now more important than ever," Guillot said. "Their roles will continue to increase and leadership will rely on them more and more."

The Offutt Key Spouse program is managed by the 55th Force Support Squadron. All appointees attend training and then help educate other spouses within the unit on what installation and community resources are available, identifying and resolving issues at the lowest level as well as preparing families and providing support during separations among other things.

"This event was such a success that we're going to try and hold one on an annual basis from now on," said Billie Gaines, 55th FSS Airman & Family Readiness Center chief. "It is very important for us to show this group how important they are to Team Offutt."