Kadena RAVs Provide Critical Family Support

  • Published
  • By Ashley Marshall
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  To help ease the minds of Airmen and their families, Kadena Air Base relies on a support system known as Readiness Assistance Volunteers.

Also called Key Spouses, RAVs provide help and guidance to Team Kadena with any issues that may arise during their tour on Okinawa and especially during deployments.

"[RAVs] make a difference [and are] an important part of the mission," said Senior Master Sgt. Grant Embry from the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The volunteers are trained by the Airman and Family Readiness Center during a half-day orientation where they develop the tools they need to become a successful RAV. During the briefings, 18th Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Brett Williams and his wife, Mrs. Marianne Williams, take the time to thank volunteers and show support for their service to the community.

Ultimately, the RAV serves as the family support equivalent of a First Sergeant, according to Sergeant Embry. RAVs are also supported by RAVAs, Readiness Assistance Volunteer Advisors, who are spouses of commanders that have been in the military community for many years, and have gained a spectrum of experience doing so.

Mrs. Renee Coogan, an active RAVA and wife of Lt. Colonel Coogan, 18th Operation Support Squadron commander, explained "RAVs keep families [of the deployed] involved and show [them] we're here for you." She also says the OSS RAVs send care packages to the deployed service members each month to show their support.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to become a RAV should contact either their sponsor's commander or First Sergeant. The volunteer must be appointed to a RAV position and receive training from the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"Our volunteers contribute directly to our operational readiness," said Lt. Col. Mario Troncoso, commander of the 18th Force Support Squadron. "By helping our Team Kadena families, they enable our Airmen to stay focused on the task at hand. We wouldn't be as effective without them."

For more information, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 634-7539.