Spouses’ leadership forum held Published Sept. 18, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Kasey Zickmund 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Spouses of unit commanders gathered at the Kadena Air Base Officers' Club Sept. 12 to receive information on base programs for service members and to network with each other. "I wanted to let the spouses know what programs are out there that can help them and their spouses' troops," said Marianne Williams, wife of Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, 18th Wing commander. "And also have them meet with other spouses and give each other ideas on different things." The spouses received more than 10 different briefings from program representatives and agencies on Kadena. They included: the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Department of Defense Dependent Schools, the American Red Cross, Family Advocacy, Legal, the Co-Commander Program, Kadena Disciplinary Action Program, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, and Mortuary/Casualty Affairs. "There was a lot of information given to us," said Dwight Goforth, husband of Maj. Kathy Goforth, 18th Munitions Squadron commander. "It was great to learn about all the different programs and agencies that are out there to help people." Spouses spent time socializing and discussed initiatives they have tried to get spouses within their squadrons involved. They shared ideas and talked about what had worked and what didn't. "It was great to meet with the other spouses and get their perspective on things," said Candy Johnson, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Jr., 18th Wing command chief. "Today was very informative and a great opportunity to meet with other spouses." At the end, Mrs. Williams told the spouses to be themselves, be involved, and always be thankful. "You and your spouse are a team working together to make a better Air Force," she said.