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Air Force spouses receive deserved recognition

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --   The Air Force unveiled a new program Nov. 8 to show appreciation for and recognize those who support Airmen around the world its spouses.

The Air Force Spouse Pin a blue star cradled in the Air Force symbol is a contemporary adaptation of a wartime tradition. Beginning with World War I, families hung service flags in their windows to display a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces.

At Fairchild, and throughout Air Mobility Command, word of the Spouse Pin program is spreading quickly.

I think the Spouse Pin Program is a spectacular idea, said Lt. Gen. William Welser III, 18th Air Force commander. It recognizes the partnership the Air Force has with its families."

He said his wife is an integral part of the Air Force family.

She is often my wingman, said General Welser. To give her and other spouses this recognition is a wonderful idea. They are a huge part of our Air Force team and have earned this recognition.

Requesting a spouse pin is simple.

At the members request, through a Web-based program at www.yourguardiansoffreedom.com, the pin is given to the wives and husbands of Airmen and civilians in appreciation of the sacrifices they make for their spouse's service. In addition to the pin, spouses will receive a personalized letter from Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper.

I participated in the parent pin program both as a parent and as an active-duty member who registered for my mother, said Chief Master Sgt. Terry Speer, command chief for the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. Recently I went on line to register for the spouse pin program as well.

The chief said the "Your Guardians of Freedom" program is an excellent opportunity to recognize and show appreciation for those who support Airmen.

I am extremely proud to wear the Parent Pin as a parent of two Air Force active-duty members, and I am also proud to recognize the support of my family with the spouse and parent pins registration, said Chief Speer. My wife has not received hers yet, but last year my mother got her letters and pin in the mail and still proudly wears it wherever she goes -- I encourage everyone eligible for this program to get on-line now and register.

All Airman (active duty, Guard or Reserve) are able to participate in the program. In addition, Air Force civilian employees are eligible to participate. Once an online request is made, it normally take three to five weeks for the recipient to receive their free pin.

If the requestor opts to receive the pin, it can be presented to the recipient during promotion, award or retirement ceremonies or the requestor can present it to their spouse as they wish.

I think this a great way to recognize spouses, said Nancy Jo Doubrava-Dull, Family Support Center community readiness consultant. I think [the pin] will make spouses feel that they are an important part of the team. This form of recognition will be something concrete they can wear."

She said the timing of the Spouse Pin Program is also perfect, as it coincides with November's Military Family Month.

Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division
Office of Public Affairs
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Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335
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