WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Alexis Baumgartner was recently named the 2024 Air Force Global Strike Command’s Key Support Liaison of the Year and 2025 Eighth Air Force Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year, recognizing five years of dedicated service to Airmen and their families.
Baumgartner leads the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron’s KSL program, which evolved from the traditional Key Spouse model. The new initiative now allows spouses and any trusted adult, like relatives or close friends, to be a vital support link during deployments, TDYs, or emergencies.
“Our goal is to make sure when Airmen go TDY, deploy, or are pulled away suddenly, they can stay focused knowing home is taken care of,” Baumgartner said. “We provide resources, events, and real-time support to make sure families stay connected and resilient.”
Baumgartner helped pioneer KSL integration into deployment out-processing, planned large-scale family events, and responded to base-wide needs, including coordinating 1,500 cookies for the Logistics Readiness Squadron after the death of a service member.
“We’re here for readiness and resiliency,” Baumgartner said. “If families need help, we act without overstepping.”
Baumgartner, who began her journey in 2020, said the award validates years of effort.
“It’s never been about a title,” Baumgartner said. “It’s about making sure families feel connected to the mission and supported.”
Families interested in getting involved can contact a first sergeant, the Military and Family Readiness Center, or any current KSL