Key Spouse unlocks deployment support programs Published Sept. 19, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Stephen Razo 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Long before the Air Force launched the command-initiative Key Spouse Program in 2009, Kelly Dourlein was so far ahead of the game that when the program was eventually mandated, it only meant her program was now official -- and the fruits of her labor were realized when Kelly became the recipient of the 2010 AFRC Key Spouse of the Year Award. As part of the July 2009 - July 2010 Year of the Air Force Family initiative, the Air Force launched a revised and standardized Key Spouse program which is an official communication network designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of community among unit leaders, Airmen and their families. "It's not about me!" proclaimed Dourlein. "When my husband [Chief Master Sgt Jan Dourlein, 944th Civil Engineer Squadron] deployed in 2008, I felt lost," stated Dourlein. "I didn't know what help and services were available to me so I decided to find out and help other spouses who might be in the same position as I was." Once the Key Spouse Program became mandated in 2009, Dourlein was able to complete formal training which opened doors to data and resources that were difficult to obtain before. Training enabled her to access a broader member database as well as become better acquainted with what family readiness and services had to offer families dealing with a deploying spouse. But according to Dourlein, the Air Force Key Spouse Program created a unique challenge for Reserve spouses. "I came to the conclusion that Reserve spouses have a more unique situation than active-duty spouses because they tend to be not as familiar with the installation as well as what support is available on base," said Dourlein. Another challenge was getting Reserve spouse participation at Luke AFB Key Spouse events because meetings and events were held during the week. Not to be deterred, her energies turned to creating events, programs, holiday dinners, care packages, and most importantly support meetings with guest speakers from family services as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Families learned of these programs through her extensive email database and monthly newsletter. Most of these programs were held on weekends. According to Air Force policy on the Key Spouse Program, the program is intended to "support families during separations and other emergency situations, while enhancing communication between leadership, spouses and other family members." "Although the focus of the program is deployment...I feel it's better to know all you can before a deployment than to be overwhelmed if and when it happens," stated Dourlein. "My email database includes everybody, deployed or not. Families need to know now what family readiness and services is all about." As the recipient of the 2010 AFRC Key Spouse of the Year, Dourlein represents the inaugural group of key spouses. Col. Jose Monteagudo, 944th Fighter Wing, commander, stated "Kelly is the epitome of total force integration. Her exceptional care and devotion are a hallmark of the Air Force spouse corps." Chief Master Sgt Dourlein is planning to retire in December. What does that mean to Kelly Dourlein? "My husband is retiring...I'm not! It's my passion, I started it, it's not where I want it to be yet, it's my child," proclaimed Dourlein. "I don't want any family to be left out." ____________________________ The 944th Fighter Wing Key Spouse Program is sponsoring a "Bike the Base" event on October 29, 2011 from 0900 to 1200. Families are invited to tour the base on bicycles with exciting stopping points to learn what services Luke AFB has for everyone. RSVP by Oct 14 to TSgt. Goya Johnson: (623) 856-8096 A Key Spouse volunteer may be the spouse of an officer, an enlisted Airman, a Department of Defense civilian or other qualified person connected to the unit. Unit leaders formally select and appoint each Key Spouse. Senior officer or enlisted spouses are encouraged to serve as mentors or advisers. Desk and resource guides have been developed for all Key Spouse team members. For more information about the 944th Key Spouse program, contact the staff at the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (623) 581-0392. If you are a 944th member or family member and would like to receive 944th Key Spouse emails, please send an email request to: 944KeySpouse@cox.net.