Spouse forum equips for success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Lake
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  In an effort to keep military spouses informed about support programs and outreach activities around Kadena, more than 40 spouses attended the quarterly Leadership Spouses Forum Sept. 20.

Spouses of base leaders had the opportunity to address concerns with 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, and speak with numerous organizations including the Red Cross, Airman & Family Readiness Center, Base Chaplains and the legal office.

The group was also treated to a special guest appearance by motivational speaker Dan Clark who personally thanked spouses for their devotion to the military community.

For spouses like Rosie Cioppa, wife of the 67th Fighter Squadron commander, the forum was a chance to link up with other spouses to voice their concerns and come up with ideas to help make things better for other spouses within their respective unit.

"[The forum] was a great opportunity to learn from people who are in the same boat as you are," she said. "It also provided us with the tools to help spouses who may be away from home for the first time, or help others deal with the day-to-day challenges."

For servicemembers, military service begins with an oath, but for military spouses military service begins when they take their wedding vow, said Cindy Wilsbach, wife of 18th Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Mrs. Wilsbach said spouses not only have to worry about the safety of their loved one serving on the front lines, but also hold down the 'fort' on the home front - taking care of finances, children and changes in the family routine.

"This is a high operations tempo base with a lot going on," Mrs. Wilsbach said. "Communication is important - especially being overseas because that adds a whole other element to military life. We want to encourage spouses to get involved and make sure they have the necessary tools."

Officer spouses interested in joining or getting more information about the Officers' Spouses' Club can email membershipchair@kadenaosc.org or visit www.kadenaosc.org.

The Okinawa Enlisted Spouses' Club will be hosting a social at the Rocker NCO Club Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. Enlisted spouses interested in joining the club can attend, or email Okinawaesc@yahoo.com for more information.