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McGuire Phoenix Spouse recognized - February 2009

  • Published
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Military families are unlike many other families. Frequent relocations - uprooting children from school and spouses from jobs - and the ever-present reality of overseas deployments, can cause stress for those families. Single servicemembers and their families, back home, also have to deal with the stress that accompanies the military lifestyle.

The Phoenix Spouse Program, offered through the McGuire Airman and Family Readiness Center, provides military families with someone who can assist them in dealing with that stress before, during and after a deployment.

Each month, the Airman and Family Readiness Center will recognize a McGuire Phoenix Spouse for all of their hard work, dedication and commitment. We thank you all for what you do as Team McGuire members and Phoenix Spouses. 

Full name: Allyson Ludington 

Unit assigned: 2nd Air Refueling Squadron 

How long have you been a Phoenix Spouse? Two years 

What activities have you taken part in as a Phoenix Spouse? As a Phoenix Spouse, I work very closely with Master Sgt. Michele Noggle, 2nd ARS first sergeant. The 2nd ARS commander and operations officer have always embraced the Phoenix Spouse program, which contributes to our success. I have organized squadron parties: Easter, Halloween and Christmas. I have helped with fundraisers for the booster club and organized a squadron picnic and a spouses' morale luncheon. I have also organized pre-deployment dinners, which have included briefings from various base agencies. On a weekly basis, I notify the family members of return deployers and help make homecoming arrangements for them. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a Phoenix Spouse? I have great admiration and appreciation for the sacrifices our active-duty members make. I am also thankful to have the distinct privilege to serve their families who are also making big sacrifices. I truly marvel at the resolve of military families. They endure so many difficult situations with a positive attitude. I am honored to have relationships with such great patriots. 

What do you think about this program? The beauty of the Phoenix Spouse Program is that it is customized to meet the specific needs of each squadron. The program was very thoughtfully constructed with military families as the focus. When utilized properly, the Phoenix Spouses are an excellent tool and can really help build morale within the squadron. The Phoenix spouse Program can greatly impact and enhance happiness and stability in military households. 

I have gained a great deal of perspective from my time as a Phoenix Spouse. I have always participated in spouse activities, therefore my Air Force knowledge was gained through informal social interaction. As a Phoenix Spouse, I now have a much greater understanding of how the Air Force and the 2nd ARS operate. This understanding has helped me to value Air Force life and to be a little more patient as well. I treasure the families of the 2nd ARS and look forward to serving them in the future!