Enlisted spouses group enhances camaraderie, VAFB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Twelve Team Vance enlisted spouses have begun tackling family issues and supporting enlisted camaraderie in a new enlisted spouses group.
The ESG began in September, spearheaded by Debbie Suttles, group president, and already has several projects planned to enhance Vance Air Force Base.
Krystal Morris, group member, took on the task of handmaking more than 90 stockings for the group's first project. These stockings were filled with goodies for Vance Airmen living in the dorms, as well as a few necessities for the ones donated to Operation Cookie Cutter, which sends care packages to Team Vance deployed military members during the holiday.
The idea came from Mrs. Suttles, who has made stockings for the dorm Airmen wherever her husband, Chief Master Sgt. James Suttles, 71st Flying Training Wing command chief, was stationed.
"It's such a morale-booster for our Airmen, especially those deployed," Mrs. Suttles said. "It's a little gift made out of love that we hope brings joy and a feeling of home."
The group will also be gift-wrapping in the base exchange every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 24. Donations to the wrappers will help the Airmen's Assistance Fund through the holidays and the rest of the year.
Other future projects include painting the walls of the cyber-cafes in the dorms as well as fundraising for enlisted scholarships.
"So far, the group is going great," Mrs. Suttles said. "We all want to be here, enjoy each other's company and we're making a difference."
Myia Pettit likes the group's diversity.
"We have Navy spouses, Army active guard spouses, Air Force NCO and Airman spouses, so it's a very diverse group and I have fun learning from everyone," she said.
Amanda Monroe likes helping.
"I feel better being a part of something that helps the community," she said. "My husband also loves it and now I'm part of something that supports him and other military members."
Members of the group echoed the enjoyment of meeting new people and having a support network.
"I love running into another ESG member, say in the commissary, and know there's someone else out there I can build a friendship with," Jennifer Grauberger said.
Spouses interested in joining the ESG may call Mrs. Suttles at 234-8835.