ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Nina Sargent, Spouse Orientation: Heart Link coordinator is enthusiastic about welcoming spouses to the area. She knows first-hand how valuable the spouse orientation can be -- as wife of Coast Guard Lieutenant J.G. Nathaniel Sargent, Office of the Assistant Commandant for Operations staff officer, she attended the Airman and Family Readiness Center's spouse orientation after her husband's transfer from Buffalo, NY.
As a result of the networking opportunity during the spouse orientation, Mrs. Sargent started volunteering at the center and eventually got a job as a contractor at the A&FRC.
"This program is a great opportunity for spouses to learn about Andrews and the surrounding community," said Mrs. Sargent. "We offer a fun-filled, information-packed two days at the Spouse Orientation: Heart Link. This program is vital to welcoming newly-arrived spouses. We provide an immense amount of information and the opportunity to network with other spouses in the same situation."
Mrs. Sargent said all military spouses assigned to the national capitol region, regardless of service affiliation are welcome to attend the orientation. "We welcome any spouse of military personnel who lives, works, or plays near Andrews to attend," said Mrs. Sargent. "It's a great time."
The first part of orientation is at The Club at Andrews and covers base services and information. "It's the classroom portion," said Mrs. Sargent. "We have organizations from around the base introduce themselves and explain what their organization has to offer. We then take a break for lunch and then the spouses join us at the A&FRC for a fun, interactive afternoon session."
The second day of spouse orientation is also fun-filled and informative. "We have a windshield tour of the base, and then we head to downtown DC and provide a local area orientation. We'll take a break for lunch and have a chance to visit monuments and museums." Mrs. Sargent said at the end of the tour, spouses are given an introduction to the public transportation system with a METRO orientation and train ride to the Branch Avenue Metro station where a bus meets and takes them back to base.
The Spouse Orientation: Heart Link program is offered the third Thursday and Friday of the month in collaboration with "Welcome to Andrews". This month's orientation is Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20. Children ages 16 and older are invited to attend. Childcare is available with advanced registration. For more information, call 301-981-7087.