Bingo event to help connect spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano spouses are invited to a "Spouse It Up" event 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the La Bella Vista Club.

"Spouse It Up" is a 31st Fighter Wing sponsored event that started back in 2005 to give spouses the chance to get together and network with other spouses.

"Spouse It Up' is an opportunity for spouses to get out and meet new people by doing something they may not normally do," said Meagan Bingaman, Aviano Community Enlisted Spouses Club president.

Because there is no housing facility on base, it is important for spouses to set up a support system in their community.

"We lack on-base housing at Aviano; this makes it hard to build community," said Jason Gunnarson, Airmen and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "Spouse It Up' is a program that helps spouses network and build a community."

Due to Aviano's high operation tempo, it is essential for spouses to have a strong community foundation as a support system.

"Who better to know what you're going through than other spouses who have gone through it before or are going through it at the same time?" Mr. Gunnarson said.

This support system can make adjusting to change easier. Spouses can talk to and advise one another because they may share a similar situation.

The bingo-themed event will feature games, food and prizes. Past themes have been cabin fever, Mardi Gras and Let's Make a Deal.

This gives spouses the opportunity to create new friendships using fun activities involving group interaction and teamwork.

"We try to come up with clever ways to split up groups," said Mr. Gunnarson. "You come with people in your comfort zone, but by the time you leave, hopefully, you have met new people."

"Spouse It Up" is hosted by the Aviano Enlisted Spouses Club, Aviano Officer and Civilians Spouses Club and Protestant women of the Chapel.

"We are always looking for fresh ideas from the community," said Yvette Roberts, Aviano Officers and Civilian Spouses Club. "Someone out there may have a fantastic theme that we haven't even thought of yet."

In addition, the committee welcomes other professional organizations to get involved with the planning and execution of the event.

"It would be great to have volunteers from other groups," said Mr. Gunnarson. "This way the spouses who normally volunteer could enjoy themselves and participate in Spouse it up."

For more information or to volunteer, call the AFRC at 632-5407.