911th AW Key Spouse Program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joseph E. Bridge
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The Key Spouse Program is a program within the Air Force Reserve family that focuses on support for the families of deployed Airmen to get through the deployment cycle. It provides a framework of stability and support for families through regular contact and delivering appropriate information and resources to meet their needs.

"Our philosophy here in Pittsburgh is to give as much as we can give, to help out in any way we can, with whatever a family might need," said Maureen Poisker, a Key Spouse Group volunteer at the 911th Airlift Wing.

The role of a KSP volunteer is an official Wing representative serving as a point of contact for providing referral assistance to families during a crisis or difficulty. KSP members maintain consistent contact with spouses and families through routine morale calls, enhancing family resiliency, fostering communication between the Air Force and families, and promotes individual, family and unit readiness.

"I would say that nine out of 10 families are receptive and appreciative that we call and see if they need anything while their family member is deployed," said Poisker.

While performing their duties as KSP members the volunteers do not gossip, judge, or counsel. They are bound by Privacy Act guidelines that prevent them from doing so, and are not trained counselors. They only act as points of contact and provide referrals and needed information.

"I know that people have the perception that a Key Spouse Group is a clique or more of a social gathering than what it really is, but it really isn't like that here," said Kathy Peters, KSP Program Mentor at the 911th. "We are truly here to help out the families as much as we can, and to let them know they are not alone."

On top of performing their normal volunteering duties such as calls and referrals, the KSP volunteers also help with a number of activities around the base in recent years. The KSP is the driving force behind the Halloween festivities, Easter Egg Hunt, and Holiday celebration during the December UTA. "We do anything and everything for the families of the 911th," said Peters. "The reserve bases don't have all of the resources as active duty has, so programs like this try to fill in any gaps their might be. We really need to stick to together here and make sure everybody is okay when their loved one is deployed."

The KSP are all volunteers, self-funded by donating their own time and funds or donations from private organizations.

"We don't just support the families, we are the family," said Poisker.

If interested in volunteering as a KSP member contact the Airmen and Family Readiness office at 412-474-8544.