Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. -- The Key Spouses Group hosted senior leader spouses during an installation tour Feb. 19. Subject matter experts provided a variety of resources to increase communication and lessen uncertainty for Airmen and their families.
Maggie Yates, spouse of 4 Fighter Wing commander, Col. Donn C. Yates, has focused communication efforts between the spouses and service members throughout her tenure.
“I wanted a chance for SJAFB agencies to inform spouses of what we offer our Airmen and their families,” said Mrs. Yates. “Communication is the largest obstacle when trying to find information the spouses need for their families.”
Each stop of the tour focused on a different services tailored to help spouses and other dependents. Attendees learned more about the 4 Medical Group, Airmen and Family Readiness Center (AFRC), United Service Organizations (USO) and the Connect 4 facility.
“This tour put resources at our fingertips to share with other spouses,” said Cindy Mullinax, wife of 4 Mission Support Group commander, Col. Anthony J. Mullinax. “I think it was very helpful and informative, shining light on all of the helping agencies available on base and within the local community for Airmen and their families.”
Polly Craig, 4 AFRC flight chief, said agencies like AFRC aim to build stronger self-sufficient communities to enhance mission readiness.
“During the spouse leadership immersion, we offered resources to enhance these goals,” said Craig. “Our military spouses and families are the foundation in enhancing quality of life for all.”
Participation has doubled since the initial spouse installation tour in 2019.
Mrs. Yates, who will be transitioning from Team Seymour this summer, hopes this will develop into an annual event.
“I would love for it to be annual,” said Mrs. Yates, “especially since the base leadership changes every two years.”
The goal of this tour is to foster key connections amongst military spouses while providing senior leader spouses’ the tools they need to help others.
For more information please visit www.seymourjohnson.af.mil