944th Spouse Support Group: spouses helping spouses

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Military family members may not wear a uniform, they have no rank on their shoulder, they are not required to salute or take orders but the military world is where they have to live at times. They do not have a chain of command, they are not the one who fires a weapon, or puts their life on the front line while deployed, but they are left to serve...behind the lines. 

Getting ready for a deployment is busy, stressful, and hard on the families, however loved ones are still together. It is after the military members has deployed that many families realize what a large void has been left in their daily life. What happens after the military member leaves? 

For two members of the 944th Fighter Wing family it meant getting involved and creating the 944th Spouse Support Group. Kelly and Karen, two 944th Fighter Wing family members, worked together and developed the support group in the hopes it would help serve the deployed spouses and family members while loved ones are away from home. 

"Spouses just don't know how much support is out here and this group really helps in providing those resources," said Kelly. 

"I work full time and have several children but felt like I was falling apart when my spouse deployed. I went to the family support center for help and one of their suggestions was to get involved with other spouses. I also found tons of helpful information there as well," said Kelly. 

Realizing they were not the only ones going through this family separation, they decided to share their information with other spouses. They organized a monthly support luncheon for all spouses of deployed members. They meet each Saturday of the UTA's at 11:30 a.m. in the 944th Civil Engineer Squadron building. With free child care being available on base at the Child Care Development Center for members who have registered with the Airman & Family Readiness Center, this is a perfect time for a spouse to come out attend the support group and then utilized the commissary and Base Exchange, according to Kelly. 

During the meetings they have guest speakers such as family support center representatives, chapel office and 944th senior leadership to help answer questions and supply information. They provide handouts, booklets and fliers with resources, but the crucial thing they offer is friendship, reinforcement and comfort. 

"Because I have been through this a few times I wanted to help other family members. It's always the first few weeks that are really hard. This [support group] gives us a chance to get together and share some camaraderie. These two individuals have really done a great job about keeping us informed and reminding of us of meetings," said Audra, a 944th family member and supporter of the group. 

In addition, the support group they also produce a monthly newsletter with items like important phone numbers, helpful hints on ways to stay involved with children during deployments and links to other Web sites. 

The 944th Family Support Office also puts out a monthly news letter which includes Military information; deployment news; general information and family friendly free activities to help keep families informed and involved. 

"There is so much information out there but sometimes it is hard bringing it all together. This support group is a great system for family members. Reserve spouses have a more unique situation than active duty members. They are spread out all over the city and many do not know much about the base or the support available. Really getting involved has been my therapy," Kelly said. 

In the words of President Bush during Military Spouses May 2008, "Being left behind when a loved one goes to war has got to be one of the hardest jobs in the United States military. The harder job in many ways is to be the person at home taking care of the kids and having sleepless nights as you pray for safe return. You're carrying out the burdens -- you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States of America owes you a huge debt of gratitude. And so, on behalf of our people, thank you for what you're doing." 

Any family members who are interested in knowing more about the 944th Spouses Support Group or would like to receive their monthly newsletter, please email Kelly.