Whiteman Key Spouse named Joan Orr Spouse of the Year

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whether it's helping coordinate a wing 5K, raising money for local and national charities, spear-heading holiday parties, or cooking food for base residents, one Whiteman spouse has done it all.

Marie Bowlin, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Eric Bowlin, 509th Munitions Squadron NCOIC of munitions accountability, was named the wing's Joan Orr Spouse of the Year.

Sponsored by the Air Force Association, the Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award honors significant contributions made by non-military spouses of active-duty Air Force members.

"I wanted to show my support of the Air Force by being a source of information that spouses can use in support of their families," said Marie. "Being able to help someone, even if it's the smallest thing, if it makes their day or provides a positive outcome, that makes my heart happy."

Marie distinguished herself as a Key Spouse by volunteering more than 280 hours to the Airmen's Attic, providing aid for more than 200 junior enlisted Airmen. She took part in a team of spouses that assisted in raising $4,300 towards the 2014 Air Force Ball. Marie also cooked and served meals at the wing chapel's Spirit Café, ensuring approximately 300 Airmen living in the dormitories were fed.

"Our Air Force community has needs from time to time and by donating my time I see that some of those needs are met," said Marie. "I am just one person trying to make a difference and show my support to my husband, his squadron and our Air Force community as a whole."

Nominees for the award are evaluated on several different categories to include participation in base and community activities, self-improvement efforts, voluntary service in Air Force-related organizations and activities, contributions to the state or nation, moral and religious leadership, as well as contributions to the resolution of contemporary social problems.

"Marie is a tremendous asset to the 509th MUNS as one of our key spouses," said Maj. Matthew Drossner, 509th MUNS commander. "From helping coordinate wing and squadron events, ensuring the well-being of spouses in the squadron, cooking and serving food for our single Airmen in the dorms as well as married Airmen in times of need, she has touched the lives of many people. I am very proud of Marie and her husband as a part of our Air Force family. Our unit is very tight knit and I believe much of that is attributed to the spouse network she is a huge part of."