Base comes alive with SpouseBuzz

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY --  More than 100 spouses from Team Aviano participated in the first overseas Military.com SpouseBuzz Live event at Aviano Air Base, Italy March 29.

SpouseBuzz is hosted by Military.com four times a year in various installations throughout the U.S. The 4-hour event gives spouses the opportunity get together, learn from each other and share the joys and challenges of being a military spouse.

"Living overseas adds a layer of complexity to any military couple," said Jacey Eckert, Military.com Spouse and Family Programs director. "We thought who needs a workshop more than military spouses overseas."

During the event guest speakers discussed a series of topics including marriage, the importance of friendship, finance and children. Scott Halliwell, USAA financial expert, discussed and addressed the top 10 financial questions that affect military families.

"The event is a great way for spouses to get together and get involved," said Amanda Wetter, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Joshua Wetter, 31st Maintenance Group. "Since there is no housing on base it's hard to meet other spouses. This event allows people to stop being shy and actually talk and mingle."

Incorporated into the program was the concept of "speed dating," which gave spouses a chance to talk and ask each other questions one-on-one.

"Using the idea of speed dating is a quick way for people to meet friends," Eckert said. "Individuals rotate, which allows them to get to know multiple people. The idea is when you see them later you already know something about them and that's the basis for creating a friendship."

Aviano Air Base is the first installation to host SpouseBuzz outside of the U.S.

"The event really helps raise the morale and build a foundation for a support network for spouses on base," said Terry Howell, Military.com managing editor.