Next Heart Link program for military spouses set for Feb. 17 Published Jan. 15, 2009 By Airman and Family Readiness Center TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Military spouses are special people. They join the military without having to take an oath, their spouses deploy for months on end and they pack their entire house and move to points unknown. All of this begins by falling in love with someone in the military. The Airman and Family Readiness Center is ready to help ease the stress that a military spouse can sometimes feel. New military spouses can be easily overwhelmed. Military members speak in acronyms and get recalled in the middle of the night to "exercise," but they dress in their uniform. This can be confusing for new spouses. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers answers to spouses' questions through a program called Heart Link. "The goal of Heart Link is to strengthen military families through knowledge about military programs, agencies and the mission. This enhances overall mission readiness," said Jane Allen, Tinker Airman & Family Readiness Center director. The Heart Link program is targeted at spouses who have been "in the military" for five or less years. Through the help of "seasoned spouses," those spouses who have been around the military for a while, new spouses get information on topics that range from customs and courtesies to deciphering the leave and earnings statement. "The program is kept fun by using an interactive game where spouses match scenarios to base agencies," Ms. Allen said. "We try to avoid typical military briefings to encourage spouses to interact while they learn." The orientation begins at 9 a.m. with an ice breaker game of bingo. This gets the spouses up and out of their seats talking right away. Shortly after the ice breaker, the 72nd Air Base Wing commander provides an overview of the broad mission at Tinker. This is the first opportunity for many of the spouses to see all that Tinker is responsible for. The commander also takes time to answer any questions the spouse may have. "This is a rare opportunity for a military spouse," said Ms. Allen. Lunchtime provides attendees the opportunity to share experiences, and to continue to learn more about their roles as military spouses. This is a time when spouses can share contact information and start making those "lasting friendships." Stacy Crane, a military spouse, attended the Heart Link program held in January last year. "I'm really impressed with the Airman and Family Readiness Center," he said. "They helped me feel at ease and made it a great learning experience." Tinker's Heart Link program also incorporates the "Tough Talk" video. "The video discussed an important topic that needs to be addressed," Mr. Crane said. "It gave me some good ideas on how to open a discussion with my wife." As the day comes to an end, each participant is presented a graduation certificate and coin by the 72nd ABW commander, who reminds the group of their vital importance to the mission. Ms. Allen said Heart Link is typically held on Tuesdays and one Saturday program is offered for spouses who work outside the home. She also said child care is provided for those who need it for a Tuesday session with prior arrangements." To register for Heart Link on Feb. 17, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 739-2747.