New military spouses get ‘backstage’ tour of Vance facilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Heartlink, a program designed to orient new military spouses to the Air Force way of life, is hosting a "backstage" tour of Vance facilities for new Team Vance family members Aug. 16.

The Airman & Family Readiness Center sponsors the Heartlink program here.

"This program is designed to basically orient spouses to military life," said Maggie Laws, the school liaison and Exceptional Family Member Program manager at the A&FRC. "We generally target spouses who have been with the military five years or less."

The A&FRC revamped its approach to reaching spouses by offering better tours with more relevant information for the needs of families at Vance, said Laws.

The tour will include a visit to the Arts and Crafts Center, Automotive Skills Center, the Clinic, the 71st Flying Training Wing headquarters building and the Chapel.

Spouses will have a chance to meet more seasoned military spouses during the tour and be introduced to Col. Darren James, the commander of the 71st FTW, who will welcome them to the Air Force family and give each a Wing coin.

"We are also presenting highlights on all the benefits and resources that come with being a spouse in the military," said Laws.

"My husband has been in the military 17 years now, and I had no idea how much support I could have had throughout his career," said Laws. "The Heartlink goal is to make sure families know how much support they can get.

"For example Base Housing will take care of your yard for free if a family member is deployed," said Laws. "We have a financial-planning computer program that normally would cost more than $4,000, available for families to use free. We even write up financial resumes for free as well, which normally can cost about $500."

Heartlink is a program funded by Air Force Aide Society to educate military spouses about services on base and their importance to the military, their spouses and the Air Force team.

The next Heartlink tour is scheduled for Nov. 8. Call the A&FRC, 213-6330, for more information and to reserve a spot.