Spouses clubs promote networking, fun

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  People often forge friendships with other individuals in similar circumstances. The Eielson Enlisted Spouses' Club and Eielson Officer Spouses' Club are no exception, acting as hubs for starting friendships with spouses sharing the same situation.

The EESC and EOSC organizations support the base and local community through various charitable contributions, volunteering, scholarships and events such as the Airman's Attic, Airmen's Dinners and Cookie Crunch during the holidays.

Members also receive support from other club members through monthly meetings, socials and various special interest activities. The organizations focus on social networking and the welfare of the community.

The EESC and EOSC hold socials each month involving themed get-togethers revolving around ideas such as murder mystery dinner parties, British tea parties or bunco nights. The events include food, mingling, fun and guest speakers, allowing important information to be passed directly to the spouses in a casual setting where they can find enjoyment and information.

"It gives spouses on base some camaraderie, especially when their loved one is away and gives them adult time away from the children so they can have a moment to socialize with other spouses," said Heather Laca, outgoing EOSC president.

On-base organizations brief spouses on updates and new information that applies to them and family members. Agencies like the 354th Medical Group, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and commissary inform attendees about their services.

"Being a military spouse is a very hard job, but I have learned that being around others who know what you are going through makes your experience at each base so much more memorable," said Kathy Holmes, 354th Medical Group appointment clerk.

This information network also extends to other spouses.

"The more you interact together the more you know what's going on around base and the community," said Laca. "If you're PCSing to another location and someone has been there before you can get information about where you're going; it's information trading."

It's important that as part of Eielson, everyone works together to make our community great since this is where we live and work, said Holmes.

"My hope for the club is that we can continue to help the community and reach out to the largest amount of spouses possible," said Holmes.

New board members have been chosen for the EESC and elections for new EOSC board members will take place next month. This is an opportunity for individuals wanting to attend a meeting or event for the first time to get to know members from the beginning of the year.

EESC meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Chapel. For more information, call Holmes at (321) 544-5763.

EOSC meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month from August to May. For more information, call Sheila Skinner at 372-3066.