JB MDL spouse named AMC Key Spouse of the Year Published May 3, 2016 By Senior Airman Lauren Pitts Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A 305th Aerial Port Squadron spouse was awarded the title AMC Key Spouse of the Year by the Air Mobility Command commander during a ceremony here, April 26. Kara Weekly accepted the award from Gen. Carlton D. Everhart, AMC commander and Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey in a conference room full of star performers where she was recognized for her work as a key Spouse. The Air Force Key Spouse Program is an official unit and family program designed to enhance readiness and provide support to the Air Force family. The volunteer Key Spouses are appointed by their unit commanders, and work to specifically help bridge families of deployed service members to resources available to them. "The reason I chose to be a Key Spouse is because I felt I could offer something more to the squadron," explained Weekly. The mother of young twin boys, both of whom are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, is no stranger to holding down the home front while her spouse, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Weekly, 305th APS, serves. "Matt has deployed seven times, so I know what it's like and I've pretty much seen every scenario," she said. "This command promotes family, and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to give back." Serving as a Key Spouse for two years, Weekly has implemented "Operation: Embracelet It" as a way to introduce new families to the Key Spouse Program. "Our spouses need to know that we're here," said Tina Flack, Weekly's Key Spouse mentor. "If they don't need us, that's fine, so long as they know we're here." Weekly and her team use personal free time to make home deliveries to family members during the holiday season, and special days like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, letting families of the deployed know they're not alone. Despite all the recognition Weekly has been receiving, she is using this time in the spotlight to highlight her Port Dawg family, her "Port Pups," her mentor and the Key Spouse mission. "I truly appreciate the recognition, but it's not what this is about," Weekly said. "It's not about me, it's about us." Now that Weekly is in for the Air Force-level award, she explained that she is honored and fortunate to serve in her Key Spouse role. Her way ahead is continuing to better the program, and ensure that those left behind are taken care of, she said. "From here, my goal is just personal growth," said Weekly. "Supporting the squadron, and supporting the base."