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Phoenix Spouse program provides relief to Pope families

  • Published
  • By Emily Smith
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Phoenix Spouse program, offered through the Airmen & Family Readiness Flight, is a community resource promoting individual, family and unit readiness. Also called Key Spouses, the program offers peer-to-peer support for military families new to a base, going through a deployment or for anyone who just "needs to talk." Phoenix Spouses are directly linked with the A&FRF, which provides information about base services. 

The program evolved from an idea to form a service of military spouses helping other military spouses. After it was realized that the number of spouses and family members neared the number of Airmen, it was decided that the best way to get information out was through families. 

The Phoenix Spouse's role includes a wide variety of support duties, including offering a helping hand to families during difficult times, welcoming incoming Airmen and their families to their respective squadrons, as well as providing family readiness information.
Anyone interested in becoming a Phoenix Spouse should contact their respective squadron's commander. The commander appoints the individual in writing and refers them to the A&FRF for training. Once the training is completed, the A&FRF will forward the names of the Phoenix Spouses who have completed the training to the first sergeants and commanders. 

Yvonne Haskins, Flight Chief at the Airman and Family Readiness Flight, said she thinks this is a worthwhile program. "The Phoenix Spouse program is so important," Ms. Haskins said. "It supports squadron commanders in their efforts to keep fingers on the pulse of military members and their families." 

A Phoenix Spouse is thoroughly connected to the squadron they're serving with. The Phoenix Spouse's performance directly impacts the quality of life and morale of squadron families. Both the commander and squadron first sergeants rely on the Phoenix Spouse's judgment, reliability, and positive attitude in accomplishing the goals of the program. 

"As for all programs, it's important to have an extra ear on the ground or an extra set of eyes out in the community," said Tech. Sgt. Jems Smith. "The Phoenix Spouse program is not only a liaison between the squadron as the program was set up to be, but it's a liaison for all people programs." 

Sergeant Smith said he believes in the effectiveness of the program. "The strongest quality of the program is that it's usually a volunteer spouse that wants to be active and a part of their squadron," he said. "It's a spouse reaching out to a spouse. In most cases, it gives the spouse seeking assistance the feeling of 'you know what I'm going through' when they talk to a Phoenix Spouse." 

The next training session for Phoenix Spouses is Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the A&FRF, with lunch included. The A&FRF also hosts general Phoenix Spouse meetings to stay connected with what families are going through. 

The Phoenix Spouse program is a resource used to enhance squadron family readiness. It allows for effective communication and support and is an important aspect of any military family. For more information about becoming a Phoenix Spouse or to learn how to be connected with your Phoenix Spouse, contact Sergeant Smith at the Airmen & Family Readiness Flight, 394-2438.