Is now a Key Spouse!!

As very few of you know, I have recently been appointed "Key Spouse" by the commander in our squadron, 388th MOS. I will be working with 2 other women, one of which I am good friends with. I'm very excited to start my training and help support the program.

Here is a small article explaining what a key spouse does. I found it at  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2190653/the_role_of_a_key_spouse_pg2.html?cat=31

A Key Spouse is a volunteer in the U.S. Air Force appointed by their spouse's Unit Commander. Successful Key Spouse candidates act as an official unit representative and work closely with their spouse's unit and relay

 important information to other military spouses, often during military deployments. But what else does a Key Spouse do? 

Duties

According to the Commander and First Sergeant Reference Guide, the Key Spouse Programme was implemented to help improve the quality of life for Air Force families by promoting closer links between various base agencies and family members. A Key Spouse is not employed as a babysitter, counsellor, or a fundraiser. He or she is trained to provide a link between unit leadership and families. Key Spouses also provide assistance during emergency situations such as when a deployed member needs to be recalled quickly due to a death in the family. Due to the nature of the job, Key Spouses are required to be professional individuals who are team players in their spouse's unit and to be able to maintain strict confidentiality. Key Spouses assist with the unit newsletter, sometimes even contributing to it, and take part in the distribution of the newsletter to families. Some other duties are determined by unit leadership to meet the specific needs of families. 

Training

Key Spouses undergo 12 hours of training to include Initial Key Spouse Training, Heartlink Orientation, and Spouse Suicide Prevention training. Key Spouses should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. 

Keeping in Touch

However, not all military spouses want to be kept informed of how their spouse is getting along from a Key Spouse and their decision should be respected. The choice is entirely up to them to be kept on the list or to be removed. But if you do want to hear from your Key Spouse, make sure your name is added to the list before your spouse deploys so that you can receive regular calls and updates from your Key Spouse who will be able to let you know of unit events and functions that may be of interest to you, key dates and other important information. 

Key Spouses work hard behind the scenes to ensure that they are carrying out their duties to the best of their abilities, for no pay. Be sure to keep this point in mind when you liaise with your Key Spouse. 

Sources:

http://30fss.com/Downloads/A&FRC/Key%20Spouse%20Guide%20May%2009.pdf