Spouses tour Cannon

Nearly two dozen spouses were provided an in-depth look into Air Force Special Operations Command and 27th Special Operations Wing capabilities during a Nov. 3 Leadership Spouses’ Tour.

Cannon’s Leadership Spouse program is a formal initiative that provides information and referral assistance to help connect group, squadron and unit families to installation activities, resources and services. This program was developed and standardized by the Air Force as a Quality of Life initiative to meet some of the challenges and concerns facing Air Force families.

The goals of the Key Spouse program are to:

• Establish communication and contact with spouses and families within the group, squadron or unit

• Encourage peer-to-peer support

• Enhance family and community resiliency

• Provide an informal sounding board

• Enhance the flow of information

The group gathered on base at the bowling alley before heading over to wing headquarters for a mission brief with Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27 SOW commander. They were then bused to the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance shoot house for live demonstrations with military working dogs, tasers and special tactics.

Next, the attendees were provided a hands-on look at tactical communication capabilities and explosive ordnance disposal team assets – including an explosives clearing.

After a quick lunch at the Pecos Trail Dining Facility and a Quality of Life brief, touring members were taken to the medical facility where they were shown one of the more advanced medical training tools available to 27th Special Operations Medical Group personnel — the SimMan.

Literally saving the big guns for last, spouses were transported to the flightline for a full static display of all Cannon aerial aircraft – from the CV-22 Osprey to the MC-130J Commando II.

“This tour is one of the best ways we can showcase the AFSOC mission to our spouses and more importantly, how our Air Commandos keep it going,” stated Lt. Col. Joyce Storm, 27th Special Operations Mission Support Group deputy commander. “Our command and our base thrive on the support we receive from all members of Team Cannon; spouses are the backbone that keep our Air Commandos resilient. We couldn’t do much of what our mission demands daily without the support of this phenomenal group of spouses; this tour is a small thank you for how they augment our mission and wing.”

Editor’s note: Those interested in getting involved with the Leadership Spouse program can contact respective first sergeants or the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 575-784-4228 for more information.