The 419th Fighter Wing Airman and Family Readiness Flight spearheads the Key Spouses program, which serves as a communication link between 419th FW units, personnel and family members in an effort to make long deployments less difficult.

Those who volunteer through this program can be especially effective because they are peers who know what it's like to have a family member away for long periods.

The program is a collaborative effort between the unit, the volunteer, and Family Readiness. Each volunteer's main focus is increasing awareness of resources available to deployed members and their families.

Some of these programs include the Hearts Apart program, morale calls, videos and childcare options.

Volunteers work very closely with unit commanders and first sergeants, and their role is designed to meet the individual needs of each unit.

For more information about the Key Spouses Program, or to volunteer, contact the 419th FW Family Readiness office.