Heart Link Linking hearts and minds of military spouses Published Feb. 6, 2009 By Senior Airman Erica Stewart 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- The words "Heart Link" may envoke a mental image of animated cartoon hearts holding hands or perhaps the infamous paper heart chain that has become a staple around school houses during Valentine's Day. Sometimes spouses may feel like that flimsy chain of paper hearts, vulnerable and alone. Heart Link is a program meant to help new military spouses develop a support network and become more comfortable in a new and often strange setting of the military environment. "Going from the civilian sector to the military can be an intimidating transition," said LeAnn Throlson, Incirlik community readiness consultant. "Heart Link helps the spouse become more familiar with military customs, courtesies, rank, traditions, benefits and entitlements, as well as what resources are available to them on base." In addition to learning what the military has to offer them, the crash course in "military" is designed to improve spousal relationships. "It improves communication between the member and spouse, since the spouse will be informed about acronyms and Air Force culture," said Ms. Throlson. This dynamic program also explains to spouses their critical role in the Air Force family. "Most new Air Force spouses come into Heart Link not knowing where they fit into the Air Force mission," Ms. Throlson said. "They just think that they're on the outside looking in. It's our job to show them that they're much more than that." Spouses learn their intricate role in the mission through knowledge and networking. "Heart Link explains to spouses the helping resources available to them as well as bringing them together with other spouses, expanding camaraderie while enhancing communication and knowledge," said Ms. Throlson. According to feedback from attendees of the October 2008 Heart Link class, every military spouse should attend, because everyone learns something new, no matter how many years the member has been associated with the military, To sign up for the next Heart Link class begining April 23, call the Incirlik Airman and Family Readiness Center at 676-6755.