Vance Officers' Spouses' Club opens arms to community

  • Published
  • By Valerie McClure
  • OSC Publicity
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The Vance Officers' Spouses' Club is an independently run organization consisting of spouses married to military Officers from all branches. They are brought together by common circumstances with one main goal: to promote a sense of community through welfare, recreational and social activities.

The pride and joy of the VOSC is the support it provides to various causes and needs in the community. The club donates money from its charitable donations fund to local and national charitable organizations, requesting groups in need of funds (such as other non-profits and high school clubs), and also gives out scholarships to the winning applicants of high school senior dependents and spouses of Vance personnel. The money that is donated is raised through the proceeds from the Vance Thrift Shop and various fundraisers throughout the year. The biggest fundraiser that the VOSC operates is the upcoming Holiday Marketplace.

"This year's event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center and will include over 100 vendors selling arts and crafts, food, clothing, jewelry, and various other items," said Jennifer Platner, organizer of the event. There will also be a silent auction and blood drive with Northwest OBI. All VOSC proceeds benefit the charitable donations fund. The other large fundraiser the VOSC conducts is its annual Silent Auction, featuring items donated by local businesses and base services and organizations. It will take place in March 2007.

The social aspect of the club is also incredibly important to its members.
"Adjusting to a new way of life, a new base and finding new friends are challenges all military spouses face at one time or another," said Mary Beth Rogers, VOSC president. "There are monthly social functions for members and prospective members that offer a myriad of activities."

The socials help create friendships and support between spouses from all squadrons and groups and also help spread information and tips about the military way of life.
The VOSC meets the second Tuesday of the month from September to May at the Vance Club. Socials usually begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a meal, which is served during a program.

The VOSC board meets the first Tuesday of every month.
The club also publishes a monthly newsletter, called "The Wheatland Flyer," to keep members informed of upcoming events and information regarding the military lifestyle and the local community that will affect its members.

"The VOSC is one in which all spouses of officers, whether they are student pilots, instructors, retirees or reservists in the Air Force, Navy, Marine, Army or Coast Guard, are welcome," Mrs. Rogers said. "The VOSC exists to help members, new and old, get better acquainted and educated regarding military life, and to ultimately give back to the community and Vance AFB."

Anyone who wants more information or who would like to attend a function to see if they'd like to become a member can contact President Mary Beth Rogers at hercdriver2@yahoo.com or at 237-2441.