ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Dedicated enlisted spouses have been hard at work renewing the Enlisted Spouses Club and its mission.
"Being a new military wife, I want to know and learn as much as I can - protocols, traditions; everything," said Beth McPhee, Andrews Enlisted Spouses Club president. "That's why I wanted to join the ESC - I wanted to get plugged in with the base community and other spouses." As a civilian and a military spouse of six months, the military world was something foreign and new to her.
"From what I understand, the ESC was very active at Andrews for a number of years, and then the membership dwindled," Ms. McPhee said. "We believe that the base community should have an ESC and have enlisted representation, but, most especially, our enlisted spouses should have a voice, and that's what ESC provides for them. We want the ESC to be a group that's inclusive - not exclusive."
The fact that Andrews did not have an ESC did not go unnoticed.
"When we first came to Andrews and we saw there wasn't an ESC, it became something that we wanted to make sure was reestablished on base as a gathering place where spouses can come and meet other spouses," said Pat Davis, wife of Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, 316th Wing command chief. "We're an organization that unites enlisted spouses of military personnel --whether Active Duty, Reserve, Guard or retired -- from all branches of service. In this community, we're so spread out around the D.C. area, it's nice to have a place where spouses can come together and have a place to connect."
Ms. McPhee said the purpose of ESC is to make a difference in the lives of its members, their families and the community.
"We want to be able to provide our members interesting social activities where they and their families can come together, but also where we promote the well-being of base community," Ms. McPhee said. "We also see a need to reach out to the international spouses, too. They are new to this country, and maybe feel a little isolated. It's our goal to extend a warm welcome to them, as well."
The slogan for ESC is the foundation of the group.
"'Every Spouse Counts' is our motto, and it really is fitting as we want every enlisted spouse to understand they have something of value to offer the ESC," Ms. Davis explained.
The next ESC meeting is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 1191 Menoher Dr. Childcare is available by reservation. Members of the ESC will be planning the June 27 ESC Family Picnic at the base lake at noon. Event details can be found on the ESC Web site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/esc_ncr/.
Anyone married to an enlisted military member from any branch of service, whether Active Duty, Reserve, Guard or retired, is eligible to join the ESC. For more information and to RSVP, contact Ms. McPhee at elivers14@gmail.com.