ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The new and improved Heart Link spouse orientation, a briefing for spouses sponsored by the Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Air Force Aid Society debuted recently. As a part of the greater "Welcome to Andrews" initiative and a mandatory brief, Heart Link offers an avenue for spousal participation.
"Spouses are encouraged to attend both Heart Link spouse orientation and Welcome to Andrews for the most up-to-date information on Andrews Air Force Base," said Shelly Walker, 316th Force Support Squadron A&FRC community readiness consultant. "Attendance is encouraged to provide continuous information to spouses and to request their input to help make their orientation more interactive." The improvements to the Heart Link program were as a result of participants' input as to how to make the orientation more fun and informative.
Engaged military members are welcome to bring their fiancées to the Heart Link spouse orientation as well. "We encourage our military members to bring their fiancées to the base orientation," said Ms. Walker. "It allows the future members of our military family to gain much-needed information before they get married." During the Heart Link orientation, spouses and fiancées learn about the base's mission, Air Force customs and traditions, as well as information from other supporting base agencies such as finance, legal and family support, among others.
"Many spouses are under the perception that Heart Link is only for spouses married within five years, but all military spouses are welcome to attend," said Ms. Walker. "There is such useful information that spouses just don't know about."
The number one topic most spouses and active duty military members do not know is the savings deposit program. "If I had to say that there was one benefit our military members and spouses didn't know about, it's the guaranteed 10 percent return with the savings deposit program during deployment," said Ms. Walker.
The Heart Link orientation can serve as a one-stop shopping for all of their needs. Participants get briefings from the legal office, the chapel, childcare information, and Tricare among other organizations. Plus, spouses can receive information about on- and off-base resources that contribute to their quality of life while in the area and can learn about resources which provide support during deployments.
The Heart Link program is offered the third Thursday of the month from noon to 3:30 p.m. The next Heart Link orientations are Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and Mar. 19. Lunch is provided for free to military members and spouses participating in the afternoon portion of the program. Active Duty military members and their spouses are also invited on an optional tour of Washington D.C. Free childcare is available and advanced reservations are required.