Key Spouses - New program bolsters support, communication Published Feb. 25, 2009 By Airman 1st Class David Salanitri 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- Getting through difficult times has just become a little easier at Keesler. Jan. 14, Brig. Gen. Greg Touhill, 81st Training Wing commander, signed the order starting the Key Spouse program on base. With this program, family members now have a place to turn for support. "The Key Spouse program establishes an open, efficient communication link between the commander, first sergeant and families in the unit, and promotes family readiness," said Jackie Pope, 81st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. Added Chief Master Sgt. Alex Perry, 81st TRW command chief, "As more and more Airmen from Keesler deploy, each unit that has a Key Spouse program will ensure regular and open communication between unit leaders and Airmen and their families." Once a spouse is appointed by the squadron commander and attends the training, that "key spouse" becomes the link between families and leadership. A key spouse does many things to support squadron families, such as welcoming incoming members and their families. Responsibilities include maintaining a family readiness roster and offering assistance to families during times of crisis or difficulty. Key spouses will also meet with and provide feedback to leadership. "Air Force families sometimes face challenges while their loved ones are deployed," said Chief Perry. "As families get to know each other, they can often share in supporting each other. Getting to know another spouse who has been around the Air Force and has been through more than one deployment helps our younger families see the positive examples of how our more experienced spouses and families cope with deployments."