A free “basic training” course for military spouses is being offered on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fleet and Family Support Center on the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. All active duty and reserve spouses of any military agency (Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard) are welcome. Lunch, refreshments and child care will be provided.

The course is designed for spouses who are new to the military lifestyle, but may also be helpful for seasoned spouses as a forum to get acquainted, network, and to share tips and experiences.

Subjects to be highlighted include “Dealing with Separations and Deployments,” “Exploring your Community,” “Moving Tips,” “Finances,” and “Military History and Traditions”.

Instructors are volunteer spouses of active duty military service members stationed at China Lake. The course in presented by the local chapter of LINKS – “Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills”. LINKS is sponsored by the China Lake Marine Aviation Detachment’s Family Readiness Officer and is supported by the Director, Marine Corps Family Team Building, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif.

Each LINKS class is unique to the assigned military station location and the experiences of the community around it. Those military spouses who have been on station for awhile can provide answers to questions that new arrivals may have, sharing the time in a fun and very relaxed atmosphere.

For more information or to enroll in the course, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center, Naval Air Weapons Station, 610 Blandy Avenue, China Lake, (760) 939-4545.

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In support of the L.I.N.K.S. program, NAWCWD Commander RDML Mat Winter visited with military families on Sept. 15 at Boulder Park. The admiral presented several military spouses with letters of appreciation for their dedication to service. Winter said, “We are a military community charged with mission execution and the value you bring to your families, your community, and to each other as mentors, is critical to mission success.” (Photo by Greg Turnbaugh)