22nd CES spouse wins Joan Orr Air Force Award

Published June 5, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- By reaching out to others and volunteering countless hours in support of many 22nd Air Refueling Wing and community organizations, one McConnell spouse has earned Air Force-wide recognition.

Amanda Chastain, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron spouse, has been named the 2011 Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year.

"I've always had a heart for helping others," said Chastain. "It's always been a part of who I am and what I do."

This award, sponsored by the Air Force Association, honors the late Joan Orr, wife of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr. The award recognizes spouses of military members for their significant contributions to the Air Force.

"It's an incredible honor," said Chastain. "To receive it means that I've actually made a difference and people have noticed."

Chastain's involvement at McConnell for the past three years covers many areas of volunteerism, centered on caring for the military family.

"Right now my heart is military spouses and their families," she said, "like with Girl Scouts, my troop is almost solely military dependents."

Chastain is the 22nd CES key spouse, 22nd ARW enlisted spouse's club vice president, nationally recognized Girl Scout leader and wife of Purple Heart recipient, Staff Sgt. Beau Chastain, 22nd CES explosive ordnance disposal technician.

Her volunteer efforts continue with youth ministry services and she recently started a Military Wives' Ministry at McConnell, among many other activities.

"One thing I love about her is that she motivates other people and inspires them to do good things for others," said Courtney Hisey, 22nd CES key spouse.

Chastain often shares a quote with other spouses, "do what you can, with what you have, where you are," to help encourage them to get out of the house, volunteer and meet new people.

"Sometimes it's hard to get out and volunteer because we might not have our families here to help out," said Chastain. "You don't have to go out and head up something, but you can go out and be a helping hand."

Chastain's drive for extending her own helping hand will be formally recognized at the Air Force Association Convention, Washington D.C., September 2012.

"Amanda has selflessly given to the community this past year," said Col. Ricky Rupp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, "and her continuous dedication to our military family and the community sets a great example for others. Ultimately, she lives by the Air Force's core values."