ACC Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award: A spouses quest to make Whiteman a better place!

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rachel Davenport
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Having touched many lives with countless volunteer hours at various locations around Whiteman, it's no surprise Mrs. Christina Lynch has been selected as the 2009 Air Combat Command Joan Orr Spouse of the Year Award recipient.

The Joan Orr award is presented to spouses of active-duty members that have made significant contributions for various organizations and events throughout the year.

Mrs. Lynch, spouse of Lt. Col. Mark Lynch, 509th Logistic Readiness Squadron commander, is a motivator and a role model for not just spouses, but mothers as well. She has a fulltime job as a mother of two, yet also finds time to touch numerous other lives outside her home. 

"Everyday is a challenge for every parent, especially if you are working or volunteering outside the home," said Mrs. Lynch.

Mrs. Lynch, Whiteman Officers' Spouses' Club Thrift Store chair and WOSC Charitable Committee member, has devoted more than 330 hours at the Thrift Shop, bringing with her many innovating ideas and leading efforts to establish new policies and procedures.

She does not stop at the Thrift Shop though. Mrs. Lynch pours hours into the Wing Key Spouse Program by supporting spouses of deployed members in their time of need. For her husband's squadron alone, she has assisted more than 40 LRS spouses during their loved one's deployment. 

Because she is married to an active-duty member, she knows the vital importance of networking and supporting other spouses.

"I think it's important for everyone to get out and get involved in their community, and I really encourage our spouses to do that," Mrs. Lynch said. "There is always an organization or someone on base who needs help."

Other organizations Mrs. Lynch volunteers for include: the 509th LRS Booster Club which she helped raise $6,000 through fundraisers; the Knob Noster Middle School children working a Music Boosters' Valentine's Day fundraiser assembling 400 candy-grams; and leading the Wing Holiday Cookie Drive which collected more than 10,000 cookies for dorm residents.

Mrs. Lynch is a fitting example of how generous people truly can make a difference.
"No one does it alone," said Colonel Lynch. "I am very proud of her example and delighted that she is being honored this year as a symbol of all those who work hard every day behind the scenes as spouses to make our military the envy of all others."