Caring is sharing

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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The transition from being single to married life can be a difficult process and marrying an Air Force member can pose its own unique challenges.

Heart Link is a program designed to familiarize civilian spouses with the Air Force and alleviate some of these issues.

From military protocol to traditions and lingo, Heart Link teaches civilian spouses what their Air Force counterparts deal with on a daily basis.

"Air Force spouses are introduced to the military community," said Jan Kienast, 19th Force Support Squadron. "They have an important role to play, which is keeping up the home front while their spouses are deployed and being a source of support for the Airmen."

Heart Link, which is geared toward newlyweds, is designed to help connect military members with their spouses.

"By integrating spouses into the Air Force, we also help to enhance mission readiness," she said.

Participants will learn about military protocol and Air Force traditions, including the role of coining and the Air Force song. Learning these things helps them understand Air Force culture.

"Learning about protocol teaches spouses how to conduct themselves during ceremonies and understand other Air Force traditions," said Ms. Kienast. "They'll also receive a list of defined Air Force acronyms to translate lingo Air Force members use every day."

It can be overwhelming for civilian spouses, she said.

"They're given the basic tools they need, so they're familiar and comfortable with the military and feel less like an outsider," said Ms. Kienast.

Senior spouses also volunteer to mentor new spouses.

"Volunteers are usually husbands and wives of wing and group commanders who share personal experiences and lessons they've learned," she said.

Spouses also receive information from agencies including finance, mental health, the child development center and the enlisted spouses' club.

"It's not only a good time with the C-130 tour and lunch at the dining hall, but a good place to network with other spouses in the same situation," Ms. Kienast said. "The Heart Link graduates are all given Heart Link coins. We're showing them how important their role is in the military family."

The next Heart Link is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 987-6801.

(Courtesy of the Airman and Family Readiness Center)