Spouses' club has big impact

The Cannon Spouses' Club continues to be a pivotal driving force, improving the quality of life wherever they can for Air Commandos stationed at Cannon Air Force Base.

U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Alexxis Pons Abascal

Members of the Cannon Spouses' Club present Rob Ferry, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron chief of unaccompanied housing, with a check for $2,400 April 17 at Cannon Air Force Base. The money will be used to purchase high-quality storage units for airmen residing in the Cannon dormitories to secure valuable possessions.

From January 2012 through March 2013, the CSC has donated more than $28,000 toward improving Cannon through things like the First Sergeant Association, the Airman & Family Readiness Center, the Combined Federal Campaign and the Special Operations Wounded Warrior Foundation.

"We are focusing much of our effort this year on scholarships for military spouses and dependents," said Priscilla Swantner, CSC president. "We have allotted more than $9,000 to be used by members of the Cannon community for tuition."

Most of the funds the CSC has raised in the past year have come through its largest on-going fundraiser — the Thrift Shop. The store is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is operated solely by base volunteers.

"We rely heavily on the money we make from the thrift shop to provide more for the men and women here at Cannon," Swantner stated. "The CSC is always looking for more volunteers to keep our store running. We welcome everyone — just come out and see how you can get involved."

Recently, the CSC allotted $2,400 to dorm management for the sole benefit of unaccompanied Airmen living in the dormitories. The donation will be used to purchase high-quality storage units for airmen to secure valuable possessions.

"It's about taking care of our own and our local neighbors through 'Random Acts of Kindness'," Swantner continued. "We want to inspire a movement toward a culture of positivity and giving around the installation."

The CSC is an all-inclusive organization open to all ranks, civilians, retirees and contractors. The group affords spouses the opportunity to make a difference in the Cannon community and also contribute toward meaningful, charitable causes in the surrounding communities.

"Bottom line, our organization is open to everyone," Swantner said. "The more help and involvement we can get, the better our organization will function and the wider impact we will be able to make. We just want to make sure that everyone feels like they have a strong support system — that's what Cannon is all about!"

For more information on the CSC or to view the current social calendar, visit the club's website at http://www.cannonspouses.org/