Leadership Spouses Focus day gives voice to Travis spouses

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Leadership Spouses Focus day opened up an avenue of communication between the spouses of senior leadership and commanders Monday. 

"The goal of the day was to give the leaderships’ spouses an orientation of base programs and information about what services are available to help them help other spouses," said Capt. Chris Hornburg, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander’s action group. 

Approximately 60 senior leadership spouses from squadrons across the base attended the day-long orientation. They received briefings about services available to them across the base, including the chaplain’s office, the housing office, family support center and mortuary affairs. 

The spouses also took part in a panel discussion with Col. Robert Millmann, 349th vice commander, Col. Jenny Pickett, 571st Contingency Response Group commander, Col. Byron Hepburn, 60th Medical Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. Patricia Thornton, 349th Air Mobility Wing command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Carol Johnson, 60th Maintenance Group command chief. 

During the panel, spouses emphasized the need for communication between base officials and households where an active-duty member is deployed. One spouse cited the recent front-gate incident as an example of how information breakdown occurs in communication with spouses. 

However, Colonel Millmann explained the need to put forth accurate information that does not compromise base security. 

“Unfortunately, that takes time,” he said. “We cannot give you the immediate CNN-type response. We also cannot create an information void and not say anything.” 

The need for information extends to all aspects of base life, including morale boosting events. 

“It’s a huge problem,” said Mrs. Lori Yerger, Enlisted Spouses Club vice president. “Young Airmen don’t want their spouses contacted when they’re deployed, then spouses become excluded from base and squadron activities. I think it leads to a feeling of isolation. [People] don’t know [their] support system. If [they] have a need, [they] don’t know where to go.” 

The commander’s action group is currently looking at creating a Web site or message board that spouses can use to obtain information. 

“They would then be able to use the internet as a communication and support tool, especially while the military member is deployed,” Captain Hornburg said.