ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Andrews Officers' Spouses' Club is gearing up for another eventful, fun-filled year. But Beth Owens, AOSC president and wife of Lt. Col. Ron Owens, 316th Operations Group deputy commander, says AOSC is so much more than just coffees or socials.
"AOSC does so much for the base community," said Mrs. Owens. "Be-cause of the tremendous work of our hard-working volunteers in our AOSC Thrift Shop, last year alone, we gave over $16,000 in scholarships for military spouses and children."
"We also gave thousands of dollars to base and local organizations through our philanthropic funding program. It's truly a wonderful organization to be a part of and it is very rewarding, too." Mrs. Owens said the AOSC not only gives back to the base community financially, but gives of their time and talents, as well. "We help out the First Shirts with the annual Cookie Caper Drive and the Angel Tree. We make it a point to reach out to the entire base community."
"In September, we'll be kicking the year off with our 'Passport to the National Capital Region' luncheon," said Mrs. Owens. "We will have organizations from around the base and the Washington D.C. area on hand to answer questions and provide insider tips and information for those who are new to our area--or even if you have lived in the D.C. area for years. There's a little something for everyone and it's a unique opportunity to have all those resources available in one spot."
"In addition to monthly luncheon events this year, there will be an opportunity each month for members to socialize in the evening as part of special activities. Many spouses work in the Washington, D.C. area and we want to be sure to reach out to them giving them an opportunity to meet other working spouses."
Mrs. Owens said the AOSC provides the opportunity for spouses to network and connect with other spouses. "I often hear how spouses don't feel a connection with the squadrons because we live in such a fast paced city and everyone seems to go in so many different ways."
Eligibility requirements for AOSC include spouses of active duty, commissioned, and warrant officers, deceased or retired commissioned and warrant officers, and spouses of all service branches that live, work, or play at Andrews. For more information, visit the AOSC website at
www.andrewsosc.com.
The kickoff meeting will be held at the Community Activities Center on Tuesday, Sept. 9, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The cost is $5 for AOSC members and includes lunch. Non-AOSC guests eligible for membership and who are also first-time visitors to AOSC are free.
Any and all attendees must RSVP to Mrs. Marcoux. The first evening function will be a dinner out at a Mike's Crab House on the South River in Riva, MD. Information and times will be posted on the AOSC website.