Kirtland AFB holds Heart Link Spouse Orientation

  • Published
  • By Marie Vanover
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  Twenty-eight Team Kirtland spouses attended Heart Link Spouse Orientation July 16, a program geared toward strengthening military families and enhancing mission readiness.

Initially designed with the new Air Force spouse in mind, the program has been expanded for all spouses, regardless of the length of their affiliation with the military and explains the critical role spouses have in the Air Force family.

After a welcome by Col. Robert Maness, 377th Air Base Wing commander, spouses received briefings from various agencies at Kirtland and had an opportunity to engage with senior leaders from across the base. Additionally, Colonel Maness and his wife, Candy, hosted lunch for attendees at their home.

The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen Air Force families by providing information on military programs, agencies and the mission. The orientation serves as a one-stop source for information on a variety of programs and organizations, such as TRICARE, Family Advocacy, Finance, and the base chapel. Spouses are also briefed on military traditions and receive information about on- and off-base resources that provide support during deployments and enhance quality of life.

"Spouses are a critical part of the entire Air Force family and this is a great way for spouses to learn about the Air Force and meet others who share the same interests," said Ms. Candy Maness.

Air Combat Command introduced Heart Link in 2002, and it was adopted Air Force-wide shortly thereafter. The free program is available quarterly to help spouses gain a better understanding of the Air Force and the base through guest speakers, interactive segments, and briefings.

"I found the Heart Link Spouse Orientation very informative. Being a veteran and now military spouse for more than 12 years, I thought I would not learn anything. I was wrong. Benefits, agencies and information are always changing. The Heart Link program is a great way to keep apprised of new information. It is also a nice way to meet some new people who may become lifelong friends. I highly recommend attending this to any military spouse, no matter how long they have been around the Air Force," said Ms. Julie Payne.

Ms. Kim Bogart said, "Heart Link gave me information on the various base resources and made me feel more connected to the base."

Kirtland AFB's next Heart Link program will be Oct. 22 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. To sign up or get more information about Heart Link and other available resources, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 846-0741.