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Heart Link: Air Force 101 for spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Morris
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Andersen Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted the Heart Link Spouses Workshop, an orientation program, Jan. 26, 2015, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Heart Link is a program that helps strengthen Air Force families by informing Airmen's spouses about the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, protocol and other support resources and services in a one day class.

"After having a deeper understanding of how the Air Force works, spouses can better help support their service member. The premise of the program is to teach them about the Air Force also known as Air Force 101 for the spouses," said Priscilla Pacificar, A&FRC work/life consultant. "They learn about community resources and other support that is out there. The more knowledge they have about what is available to them, the better it is for them to support their active duty member."

During the first portion of class, agencies went to the A&FRC to talk to spouses about life in the Air Force. 36th Wing Protocol explained Air Force customs and traditions and the military personnel section informed the spouses on benefits and entitlements.

"The A&FRC gets all agencies to come to the spouses, kind of like a one-stop for information sharing, instead of going to the education center or going to family advocacy, the agencies come to them so they can get all of the information at one time," Pacificar said.

Lunch was provided by the A&FRC and other agencies came to discuss services available to the spouses and their families. Representatives from mental health, the family advocacy program, Tricare, the education office and the legal office along with many other organizations contributed by informing the spouses on the resources they provide.

"I really enjoyed the class," said Brittany VanVleet. "All of the guest speakers provided an abundance of information and guidance. I would definitely recommend it to any spouse who hasn't attended the class."

To enroll in the class and other courses provided by the A&FRC call 366-8136.