Health

Heart Link: Education and connection

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
April 21, 2023
Attendees and guest speakers pose for a group photo during a Heart Link course at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. The next course is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2023. To sign-up or get additional information, call DSN: 480-51100 or CIV: 06371-47-5100. Registration must be made a week prior to the class date. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)

The Military and Family Readiness Center hosted a Heart Link course for the second time this year, Ramstein Air Base, April 4.

Heart Link is a spouse orientation program that is hosted at bases across the Air Force to educate spouses who might be new to the Air Force or need more information about helping agencies available at their base.

When attending Ramstein’s Heart Link, spouses are introduced to each other and connected with representatives from multiple helping agencies, explains Alicia D. McLelland, 86th Force Support Squadron, Military & Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Thomas Simmons, 86th Airlift Wing deputy wing chaplain, speaks to military spouses about his role as a chaplain at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. Simmons was one of many helping agency representatives who explained their agency’s role and resources available to the military spouses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)

“My favorite thing about Heart Link are the connections made,” said McLelland. “For some of the attendees, this is their first time away from home or their first time overseas.”

Focusing on resources and community, the class is hosted quarterly by members of the M&FRC and supporting agencies to help military spouses learn about resources available.

“The true intent behind Heart Link is to get spouses connected with one another and let them know they are not alone,” McLelland said.

Attendees were introduced to programs available at the M&FRC as well as discussions with members from finance, first sergeants and chaplains during the class.

“We want all spouses and family members to know we are here for them,” explained U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tiffany White, 76th Airlift Squadron first sergeant. “Just putting a face to the name of your unit’s first sergeant is important. Making sure you know your first sergeant helps encourage people to reach if they need help and understand that we are here for them.”

The one-day course ends with the spouses attending a resource fair to get additional information on specific resources that interest them.

“Attending Heart Link has helped me learn more than any website or pamphlet could have taught me,” said Kayla Bousquet, a 691st Cyberspace Operation Squadron military spouse. “Everyone was very friendly and answered all my questions. It was a lot of fun. I was introduced to people who are here for me and in my corner.”

The next Heart Link event is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2023. To sign-up or get additional information, call DSN: 480-51100 or CIV: 06371-47-5100. Registration must be made a week prior to the class date.

*Editor’s note: This is two of four in a series about resources provided by the Military & Family Readiness Center at Ramstein Air Base.

Military spouses gather for a Heart Link spouse orientation program hosted by the Military & Family Readiness Center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 4, 2023. Heart Link is a quarterly event hosted by the M&FRC for military spouses new to the Kaiserslautern Military Community or military. The next course is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
Heart Link attendees learn about the helping agencies at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, during a resource fair portion of a Heart Link spouse orientation program April 4, 2023. The resource fair provided military spouses with time to make connections with other attendees and get additional information on specific resources available to them and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jordan Lazaro)
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