Keesler Spouses Club holds amazing race Published March 26, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mosness 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Keesler Spouses Club held its own version of The Amazing Race here, March 11. The Amazing Race is a reality television game show in which teams of two people race around the world in competition with other teams. They use clues and various forms of transportation in hopes of reaching the finish line first to win the big prize. While the KSC event didn't take contestants around the world, it did provide them a fun and exciting way to meet new people from Keesler community. The event also gave those who weren't familiar with the spouses club a chance to see what it's all about. "The race was a great way to meet new people while learning more about the base," said Trenna Hart, KSC programs chair and wife of Lt. Col. Brandon Hart, 81st Training Wingstaff judge advocate. "The race also seized an opportunity to get the word out to people that weren't familiar with the KSC." As the event took form, coordinators positioned 13 race officials at each location of the race. Some 25 contenders split up into six different teams to take on the challenge in hopes of becoming the KSC Amazing Race champion. At the end of the race, one team stood victorious. Amanda O'Brien, Melinda Cabell, Elaine Wright, and Katie Cain took the win by mere seconds. While there could only be one winning team, the opportunity for spouses to learn more about the KSC was vast and the event was a success, explained Hart "This was an important event because we opened it to all military spouses and even invited Seabee spouses to join us," said Hart. The "Seabees" that Hart mentions are the Navy's core of highly-specialized construction personnel. One of their installations is the Naval Construction Battalion Center about 14 miles west of Keesler. By inviting the Seabee spouses, the KSC expanded the opportunity for military spouses to meet beyond the gates of Keesler. Hart explained that KSC isn't just for Air Force spouses. "The KSC is a charitable and social organization focused on community involvement," said Hart. "We are open to spouses of any Armed Forces service member, including active duty, guard or reserves, spouses of civil service or civilian personnel working at Keesler, including both women and men." The KSC currently has 63 members, including spouses of officers and enlisted members. The 2013-14 club president is Angela Wood, spouse of Chief Master Sgt. Michael Wood, 81st Medical Group. "Membership is open to all spouses of any military rank and civilian members of Team Keesler," said Hart. In addition to events like the race, the KSC also operates The Keesler Thrift Shop. "The Keesler Thrift Shop is a nonprofit organization staffed and ran by the KSC for charitable welfare," explained Hart. "Profits benefit Keesler, local charities, and even Air Force-wide programs. Proceeds also fund our scholarship program to help eligible students and spouses further their education." The KSC hosts a monthly social the second Tuesday of each month. In addition, they have various special groups that meet throughout the month. Here are two of the groups that will meet in the coming weeks. Bunco is 6:30 p.m. March 27 at the Bay Breeze Event Center third floor. The book club meets for dinner at 5:30 p.m. April 1 at Newk's in D'Iberville, followed by seeing the movie "Divergent." For upcoming events, visit the Keesler Spouses Club Facebook page.