AF Village and Officer Spouse Club Share Legacy of Service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During moments when veterans have endured the challenges that come with serving, one aspect of their lives are oftentimes overlooked. During the commendation ceremonies, the parades, and the constant deployments and threats of being in harm's way, there is one element that is credited with getting many service members through their dedication to serve their country; the spouse.
 
As a service member deploys often for six months to a year, the spouse is the one who is in charge of making sure things are squared away at home. Spouses handle everything from financial responsibility to the tasks of raising a family as a single parent in a two parent household.

When a service member gives their life in the line of duty or a couple wishes to retire they face many challenges. One such place that takes on that challenge is the Air Force Village.

The Air Force Village, situated in San Antonio, Texas, is a retirement community that hosts former officers from all of the uniformed services including spouses, widowed spouses, parents, and grandparents.
 
The AF Village shares a unique relationship with the Officers Spouses Club (OSC) and their mission of providing enhanced quality of life for those who are embedded with the military life of their spouse.

"The charitable part is what makes us so warm inside," said Donna Bowman, a representative from the AF Village. "It's the golden thread that runs through the Air Force."

Bowman looks at the AF Village as an augmentation to the Air Force life that many spouses experience.

"It's an extension of the family spirit that was the Air Force to us (spouses)," Bowman said.

For others in the OSC at Sheppard, it represents the heritage and knowledge of past generations.

"It's nice to have a glimpse of our future," said Leigh Weidman, OSC president. "They've made so many advances for us."

Weidman takes pride in the overall mission of providing a sense of solidarity for officers' spouses.

"It's nice to be reminded why you are carrying on the tradition," Weidman said.

To Bowman, the village represents a pivotal part of her journey in military life.

"Coming to the Air Force Village; it's like coming back," said Bowman. "It's my last permanent change of station."