JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 11th Force Support Squadron hosted a Heart Link event at the Military & Family Wellness Center here, Aug. 9.
The Heart Link program was designed to strengthen military families and enhance readiness by keeping families physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy and increasing spouses' awareness of military programs.
Participants were able to receive information on customs, protocol, finances, readiness and other support services.
Tonya Freeman, wife of Senior Airman Dennie Freeman, 11th Security Forces Squadron, traveled from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to JBA to learn about the resources available to her and her family.
"The toughest thing [for me] is the distance," Freeman said. "It's hard to do things as a family."
Other spouses experience different hardships throughout their significant other's career in the military.
April Hart, wife of Capt. Eric Hart, 11th Wing Legal Office, has been married for 10 years but a military spouse for five.
"Packing up and moving can be a lot of work, especially with three kids and one on the way," Hart said. "Also, 'holding down the fort' when [Eric] is working away from home."
No matter how new or old a marriage is, the Heart Link program is prepared to answer questions and to keep Airmen and their families resilient, happy and healthy.
"I got to see what programs specifically apply to Reservists," Freeman said. "It was great to meet some of the other spouses as well."
Hart said she learned about different options for medical care to those who aren't located near the base.
"I am thankful they offer services to people who live off base," Hart said.
Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing/JBA commander, reinforced the importance of the spouse's role in the military.
"It is important that spouses are aware of the support groups to help the Airmen remain resilient," Hoagland said. "Spouses are the heart of military families."
For future Heart Link events, contact the Andrews Military & Family Support Center at 301-981-7087.