Spouses group aims to welcome, encourage others in community Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Tinker Enlisted Spouses Group helps spouses by giving them a friend to turn to in times of need. Helping out other spouses and being a friendly face is fundamental to the group. They group members want their organization to be one that spouses feel excited and welcome to join. They help the Tinker Community by volunteering their time, raising awareness of base services and being an outlet for the military spouse. "Moving to a new base can feel intimidating. Familiar friends and family get left behind and it's like starting your life from scratch. Our group can help spouses bridge the gap from being a hermit, to becoming a social butterfly," said Brittany McDaniel, group president. The group not only tries to help new spouses feel welcome to Tinker, but they also create programs that will benefit the Tinker military community. One of their programs, Operation Lunchbox, provides goodie bags for troops on the deployment line. They do fundraisers throughout the year for the program, as well as community outreach programs. "Spouses can come to one of our meetings and talk about PCSing, deployments, base housing and other military terms foreign to many of our civilian counterparts. We not only understand what you are going through, but we have been there too," said Ms. McDaniel. "There are spouses from all walks of life, young spouses, experienced spouses, working spouses and spouses' who have children. By coming to one of our meetings, spouses not only meet people like themselves, but also see how much fun we have." The group is a meeting place for enlisted spouses stationed here at Tinker. They support each other in times of need and become close friends. The group encompasses a variety of spouses who have become accustomed to the Air Force lifestyle and brand new military spouses. Different viewpoints can be seen from members. Ms. McDaniel said that helps keep the group fresh and balanced. "Anyone can come to our meetings. Meetings are a place to socialize, meet people and learn about military life. Members are enlisted spouses or retired enlisted spouses. Only paying members may vote on group issues or election," said Ms. McDaniel. For information on this program, e-mail Ms. McDaniel at bnmcdaniel702@yahoo .com