Pope Spouses - Are you ready for fun? Published Sept. 8, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope officer and enlisted spouses, are you ready for a party? Are you ready to leave you cares and worries behind, are you ready to leave your children with your spouses or babysitters? Are you ready to meet with other spouses and talk? An opportunity to talk about your children, talk about your spouses, your jobs, their jobs, TV shows, current events, deployments and anything else that strikes your interest. If you answered yes to any of these, then you are ready to become a member of the Pope Spouses Association. The PSA is an organization that was started to support the spouses of Pope. Its primary goal is to provide a support network for Team Pope spouses plus provide financial aid to many programs here on Pope. This is the second year that the PSA has been an all-ranks organization. "We would love to see the PSA reach out to more spouses," said Kelly Wivell, PSA President. "We would love to see more male spouses in our group as well, the PSA is not just a group for wives, it is a group open to all spouses and any spouse can join." The yearly dues for the PSA are $30 and the remaining welfare funds are generated from the Pope Thrift Shop, which is run by the PSA. The Thrift Shop generates most of the funds that allows the PSA to give back to the Pope community. Last year alone the PSA provided financial support in excess of $20,000 to the Pope Scholarship Fund, Santa's Attic, Military Family Appreciation Week and Project Pope Thanksgiving meals, Pope Elementary School programs, Pope Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, American Red Cross, Air Force Village and many more. Along with providing financial support, the PSA also supports the dormitory Airmen with the PSA signature event, the Saint Nicholas Project. "Last year we donated more than 500 bags of goodies for our Pope Airmen who live in the dormitories," said Felicia Huweart, PSA Welfare Chair. "We had volunteers from our group deliver bags of goodies, including movie tickets, calling cards, munchies, candy and more to each door in the Pope dormitories. Many businesses in Fayetteville donated to this cause." The PSA has socials on the second Tuesday of each month. This month the PSA will be playing Bunco, it will be at the Pope Club with free finger food provided by the PSA and starts at 6:30 p.m. Other social events the PSA has held include wreath making, Halloween costume parties, bingo, guest speakers, luau and an occasional trip to the movies. "We always have great prizes and good food to go along with our socials," said Mrs. Wivell. "We try to have a lunch bunch group every month, where anyone can get together and have lunch and enjoy each other's company. The PSA pre plans the location and dates; all anyone has to do is just show up. "I joined the PSA when I first moved here as a way to get involved with the base and to meet more people," said Mrs. Wivell. "I have since had tons of fun and met some lifelong friends. The PSA is a great group that does wonderful things for wonderful people." "I have been a member and advisor to the PSA since arriving here a little over two years ago," said Bonnie McDonald, PSA Advisor. "The PSA has given me the opportunity to meet such a fun and eclectic bunch. It has been a great way to connect with and get to know other spouses and develop friendships." Anyone interested in joining the PSA can attend the next social scheduled for Tuesday or by contacting Kelly Wivell at 339-5759.