SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
Team Scott gathered to express gratitude for Key Spouses and their contributions to military families on Friday, April 19 here.
The event provided a platform for Key Spouses from different parts of the installation to connect, share experiences, and listen to keynote speaker and mentor, Mrs. Ashley Minihan, the spouse of Air Mobility Command Commander, Gen. Mike Minihan.
“If I hadn’t had my Key Spouses to assist and support me, as well as everyone in our group and squadron, I don’t believe we would have stayed in [the Air Force],” shared Mrs. Minihan, emphasizing the essential role Key Spouses have played throughout their Air Force journey. “What you do is remarkable and even 20 years later, I still get emotional about it. Just remember that someone will remember your actions 20 years from now.”
The event also acknowledged Adrienne Humann as the 375th Air Mobility Wing Key Spouse of the Year, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the Airmen and families of the 375th Civil Engineering Squadron. In her role as a Key Spouse, Humann’s primary goal is to ensure support for the entire unit.
“I became a Key Spouse because I genuinely want to assist others… I aim to help all Airmen,” stated Humann. “That’s why I’m excited about the rebranding. It’s more inclusive and ensures that everyone is taken care of and included.”
Humann’s reference to rebranding pertains to a recent program change. The Key Spouse Program, a Commander-led initiative, facilitates better communication and connection between units and families. Originally established in 2009, the program has undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent update taking place last month.
At the Major Command Spouse Conference in March, the Department of the Air Force introduced the Commander’s Key Support Program as the new name for the program.
“The core of the program remains the same,” explained Jessica Volkman, 375th Military and Family Readiness community readiness consultant. “It continues to offer resources, information, and a connection with leadership and families to foster unity within the unit. Renaming it to Commander’s Key Support Program aims to remove the misconception that it’s solely a spouse program and emphasizes that volunteers can be anyone appointed by a commander to support the role.”
In addition to the name change, the program is emphasizing readiness, resources, and connectivity to strengthen networks within units and cater to the evolving needs of modern families.
“This is a readiness program; the focus is on ensuring our members have the necessary information and resources, as well as ensuring our spouses and families are well-informed to prepare for what lies ahead,” stated Sarah Bloom, 375th Military and Family Readiness community readiness consultant.
Enhanced virtual training in support of the CKSP rebrand is expected to be accessible later this year through MilLife Learning.
“As they work on revamping the training for the program, our volunteers are currently appointed as Key Spouses or Key Spouse Mentors,” mentioned Volkman. “Once the new training is introduced, they will then be designated as Key Support Liaisons or Key Support Mentors. So, families will hear both terms for a while longer.”
These changes stemmed from a collaborative effort between the Air Force Personnel Center and current and former volunteers, aiming to align efforts to meet the current needs of military families.
For more details about Scott’s CKSP, reach out to the Military Family Readiness Center at (618) 256-8668.
