CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Do the acronyms PCS or TDY boggle your brain? Are you having a hard time understanding your spouse's Leave and Earnings Statements? Don't know what benefits you're entitled to?
Whether you're a spouse who is new to the Air Force lifestyle, about to become one, or if you've been an Air Force spouse for 20 years, Heart Link has something to offer everyone.
In 2002, former Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. John P. Jumper, launched the Heart Link program with the intent to educate active-duty Air Force spouses on the Air Force mission, customs, tradition, protocols and available resources.
"Heart Link is a standardized Spouse Orientation Program, which is critical to family preparedness and enhances mission readiness," said Linda Lankosz, 437th Airman and Family Readiness Flight community readiness consultant.
Charleston AFB hosted its first Heart Link in 2002, which was originally geared towards spouses who had been affiliated with the Air Force for five years or less.
Since then, Charleston AFB has made it a priority to educate all Air Force spouses about their entitlements and the role they play in the 437th Airlift Wing mission, regardless of how long they have been an Air Force spouse.
Those who attend Heart Link will receive information about military identification cards, casualty assistance and survivor benefits. They will also receive briefings from the finance office, base exchange, commissary, chapel, family advocacy, mental health, A&FRF, First Sergeants Association, Health and Wellness Flight, legal, services, TRICARE and the medical group.
Col. John Millander, 437th Airlift Wing commander, believes strongly in the benefits of attending Heart Link, and as an incentive to attend, he allows all spouses and their sponsors the opportunity to take a C-17 orientation flight, said Ms. Lankosz.
"I really enjoyed the class because it lets you know what the Air Force has to offer," said LaToya Walker, whose husband is with the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron. "Even the spouses who have been associated with the Air Force for more than twenty years said they learned something."
Christina Brooks, whose husband is an executive officer for the 315th Airlift Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, had not been involved with the base at her husband's previous duty station. When they moved to Charleston, he suggested she attend the Heart Link class.
"He said it would be good to attend because they will teach you things you may or may not already know," said Mrs. Brooks. "The cool thing is once you complete Heart Link you are able to go on a C-17 orientation flight."
The A&FRF hopes those who attend Heart Link will walk away with more than just an understanding of the Air Force.
"It is wonderful to see spouses interact and create new friendships and support systems," said Ms. Laknosz. "Spouses will acclimate and feel they are an important and integral part of the Air Force community."
Heart Link orientations are currently scheduled for Apr. 1, 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Jul. 26, noon to 5:00 p.m., and Oct. 7, 8:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All Heart Link orientations take place at the A&FRF, Building 500. For childcare issues, please call the A&FRF at 963-4406.
"I would really encourage more spouses to attend," said Mrs. Brooks. "The ladies from the Airman and Family Readiness Center make it really fun."