A unique club, offering a warm welcome Published Sept. 28, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Everyone has experienced the first day of school or the start of a new career, it is normal to panic. Between worrying about who is cool, wondering if you are wearing something stylish or making a good first impression with your boss, starting something new can be a scary thing. The men and women of the Enlisted Spouse Club (ESC) at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., are here for spouses of military members to relieve some of nervousness and stress. "We know when you transition from one base to another or just starting the military, it is difficult for the active duty member and their families to get acclimated to the area and figure out where to go for the things you take for granted, like where to get your hair cut or nails done or where to go shopping," said Lynn Orton, ESC president. "Our goal is to try to help them become more familiar with the area, the Air Force and the base as well as build connections so you feel like Seymour Johnson is home and you don't feel so isolated," Orton Said. "If the spouse is happy, usually the [military] member is too. We are trying to make Seymour Johnson more enjoyable." The ESC not only supports spouses of military members on Seymour Johnson AFB, but also from the surrounding areas. The club consists of 40 women and two men from the local area and continues to grow as more people reach out. "[Any] spouse related to the military is allowed to be part of the club," said Krystal Lawson, vice president of the ESC. "We also have some spouses of retirees and spouses that are also in the military," Lawson said. "We are trying to get more people involved to help do more in the community and to help support each other." On top of supporting spouses and meeting about once a week, the club volunteers in the community. From participating in Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, the Airman's Attic and visiting the local nursing home where some veterans live, the club always has something to get involved in. "Just because we are volunteering as an organization, doesn't mean each member has to do those things," Orton said. "It means when you can and want to, come out and join us. If you have a sick baby, or if you need that time with your [spouse], we are spouses supporting spouses, but we are also parents, wives, siblings and sisters, a lot of us have jobs and a lot going on in life and we understand that. You aren't going to hurt anyone's feelings if you can't make it to a meeting or volunteer event." "We are centered to be spouses supporting spouses and not work, work, work or volunteer, volunteer, volunteer," Lawson added. The ESC is a non-profit organization, however, it does request that its members give three dollars a month. The money given from each member goes to many things including paying for babysitters and helping out fellow spouses if a they need extra funds for a hardship or a legitimate cause, the club can give them up to $200. The ESC holds many monthly events that bring families together or gives the spouse a break from everyday rituals to spend some quality time with others who are in similar situations. These events range from family barbecues to spouses night out. It allows the spouses to build relationships and know that no matter what happens, they will have someone to count on in the local area. "We want spouses to feel like they have a place to go when things are overwhelming or to blow off some steam," Orton said. "Your friends and family aren't around the corner anymore; sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands where you are coming from." For more information about the ESC, e-mail the club at sjafbesc@yahoo.com Seymour Johnson Enlisted Spouse Club website