JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Andrews Spouses Club is scheduled to host a variety of events in January, ranging from movie nights to recipe swaps, designed to unite the most integral part of any service member's household: the spouse.
Heather Umstattd, a Team Andrews spouse who serves as the club's coordinator, said she felt a need to join enlisted, officer, Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine spouses together.
"I believe military spouses are very important to each other; we need to feel close to those who share similar experiences and feel part of the special family that military spouses create together," Umstattd said. "When I arrived at Andrews there was a disconnected feeling among the spouses I met and many believed it was hard to meet and make new friends and connections. There was a need for a widely available public gathering of military spouses on Andrews."
Umstattd and several other kindred spirits made that connection happen with the Andrews Spouses Club.
"If someone is looking for an easy, enjoyable way to meet others in the community to make friends and connections, the spouses club is the perfect solution," she said. "We also try to inform others about what resources and exciting opportunities are available to everyone. In addition, this is an easy outlet to help the community. Often we meet others who tell us about issues they are facing and we work together to come up with ideas and offer solutions about how to help those who need it."
This kind of unity is no longer in short supply at Andrews.
"If we don't feel isolated in our own community, then we feel more of a part of a family," Umstattd said. "Often, this leads people to contribute to the health and success of our environment in, on and around Andrews in extraordinary ways."
For more information, visit the Andrews Spouses Club Facebook page.
Upcoming events:
· "Game Night"
January 19, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Andrews Military and Family Support Center. Come be a kid again with other spouses and enjoy many of your favorite childhood games including, Monopoly, Clue, Battleship, cards and more! Bring your favorite game or enjoy one of ours. All spouses are welcome regardless of rank or branch. Children and military personnel are all welcome! For more information, call (386) 626-8025.
· "Getting to know you" Monthly Get-together
January 20, from 6 p.m. - 8pm at the Andrews Military and Family Support Center. This is a chance for all military spouses to meet each other, share stories and make new friends in a fun and informal atmosphere. All spouses are welcome regardless of rank or branch. Children and military personnel are all welcome! For more information, call (386) 626-8025.
· "Recipe Swap"
January 26, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Andrews Military and Family Support Center. Spouses are encouraged to make their favorite food to share with the group, then share this recipe and many more. You don't need to be a pro to contribute or make anything to attend. All spouses are welcome regardless of rank or branch. Children and military personnel are all welcome! For more information, call (386) 626-8025.
· "Movie Night" Featuring 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
January 27, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Andrews Military and Family Support Center. Come enjoy a classic comedy with fellow military spouses. Bring some popcorn or candy to share, drinks are provided. All spouses are welcome regardless of rank or branch. Children and military personnel are all welcome! For more information, call (386) 626-8025.