News

Heartlink acquaints new spouses with military family

  • Published
  • By Holly Logan-Arrington
  • Robins Public Affairs

Marrying a military member often means marrying into a whole different way of life.

Heartlink is a new spouse orientation which aims to increase spouse awareness of the Air Force mission, its customs, traditions, protocol, and to inform spouses of the resources and services available to assist them at Robins.

Heartlink is designed for new military spouses married within the last five years or spouses that are new to Robins.

Candace Franks, a community readiness specialist in the Airman & Family Readiness Center, said the program gives new spouses a one-stop shop approach to learning what resources are available to make their lives a bit easier.

“Heartlink is a collaborative effort of the Integrated Delivery System at Robins that’s hosted, coordinated, and delivered by the Airman & Family Readiness Center,” she said. “It’s a six-hour orientation with a master of ceremony, fun learning games and briefings. Experts from base protocol, military personnel squadron, finance, legal, the chaplain team, Airman & Family Readiness Center, 78th Force Support Squadron, Integrated Delivery System, Tricare, Family Advocacy, Military Family Life Counselors, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, and Defense Commissary Agency are available to explain their services.”

A&FRC also hosts an information fair as part of the orientation.

“Agencies from across the base are welcome to attend the event such as housing, the Enlisted Spouses Club, Officer’s Spouses Club, Red Cross, Exceptional Family Member Program, the school liaison and any additional agencies who want spouses to have their information,” Franks said. “Spouses are encouraged to interact with each other throughout the morning during a meet and greet and for the closing of the day, each spouse is coined by the wing commander or designated person.”

Franks said the goal of Heartlink is to strengthen military families and enhance mission readiness.

“New spouses should attend Heartlink to increase awareness of Robins and also to learn how their role strengthens our Air Force mission,” she said. “Our spouse coin reads, ‘Mission Readiness through family readiness’ and I believe that to be true.”

For more information on Heartlink, call A&FRC at 478-926-1256.