Supporting those who support the mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sergeant Lauren Padden
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE --  President Barack Obama recently said, "Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great Nation every day. Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice."

The Airman and Family Readiness Center hosted Spouses' Night and recognized the service of our spouses here at Whiteman at Mission's End May 5.

The 1950s-inspired celebration attracted more than 75 spouses in poodle skirts, horn-rimmed glasses, pink jackets and greased-back hair at this Air Force Global Strike Command base.

Cassandra Belton, 509th Force Support Squadron A&FRC community readiness technician and event emcee, said she was thrilled to host a night which turned the spotlight on the spouses.

"Tonight was about giving the spouses love and attention and recognizing their ongoing support of their military loved ones and all they do to keep things going at home," said Mrs. Belton.

Chief Master Sergeant Anna Collins, 509th Force Support Squadron chief enlisted manager, was excited about the event.

"It was a great turn out and the spouses had a fabulous time," said the chief. "Our spouses single-handedly run the home when their loved one is deployed or working long hours during exercises. They also endure frequent moves therefore they have to put their schooling or career behind the needs of the military. For these reasons and more, giving back and giving them a night to relax and have fun was so important."

Andrea McKeever, wife of 2nd Lt. Lance McKeever, 509th Security Forces and costume contest winner, is new to base and was invited by a friend.

"It just so happened that I had a 50s themed outfit from Halloween," said Mrs. McKeever. "I was hesitant at first to wear it; but it paid off when I won a gift basket ... I had a lot of fun."