Revamped Heart Link links spouses

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton Jr.
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Juli Robertson, Airmen Family Readiness Center community readiness specialist, and Ruthy Srun, AFRC community readiness consultant, look over the itinerary for Heart Link on Ramstein Air Base Sept. 28. Robertson and Srun have worked for the AFRC for many years and have helped to assimilate many military spouses.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center held Heart Link, a free event for military spouses, at the Ramstein Officer’s Club Sept. 28.

“The AFRC is here to provide a multitude of services to families, whether it’s financial advice, relocation assistance, or personal and family services, like the Heart Link program,” said Juli Robertson, AFRC community readiness specialist.

The event, newly revamped to include increased networking and to accommodate today’s needs, allowed spouses an opportunity to build connections.

“Heart Link has traditionally been Air Force 101 for spouses,” said Ruthy Srun, AFRC community readiness consultant. “Our target audience are those who have been married five years or less. We want them to build relationships with one another, with base leadership, and to get familiar with resources in the community that will help them assimilate better.”

Forty-two spouses participated in the many networking opportunities provided at the event.

The Kaiserslautern Military Community spouses completed an online training course prior to attending the event.

“Spouses were briefed by representatives from various organizations such as patient advocacy and the Exceptional Family Member Program,” said Srun. “Even [Brig. Gen. Richard G. Moore, 86th Airlift Wing commander,] and his wife came to welcome the spouses.”

“We encourage military spouses just to get out and get involved, no matter what it is,” said Srun. “Whether they travel, volunteer, or go to school, do something that will ease the mind and bring the family together.”

Heart Link is held twice a year, with the next event taking place on Feb. 12, 2018. For more information about the event, contact the AFRC at 480-5100 or 06371-47-5100.

Spouses attending Heart Link line up to get supplies for a networking activity Sept. 28 on Ramstein Air Base. The spouses participated in networking, team-building and self-reflective activities during the event.
Military spouses listen to a guest speaker at the Airman and Family Readiness Center’s Heart Link event Sept. 28 on Ramstein Air Base. The event focused on spouses who have been married five years or less.
Jacklyn Williams, patient advocate, speaks to participants of Heart Link Sept. 28 on Ramstein Air Base. Williams was one of the many aid representatives tasked to inform attendees on the organizations at Ramstein created to assist military families.