Membership key to Warren Spouses Club’s office Published May 16, 2008 By Capt. Nora Eyle 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- The Warren Spouses Club's newly elected president Nicole Williams' priority is to increase membership during her time in office, which begins June 1. "The WSC is a great organization," Mrs. Williams said. "We have around 100 members, but there are a lot of people we haven't been reaching, to include younger spouses and the Wyoming National Guard spouses. We're going to focus on drawing them in this year." The WSC is an inclusive club and is open to spouses of enlisted members and officers as well as spouses of Guard, Reserve and active-duty members. "Many people think that we are a ladies club and they couldn't be more wrong," she said. "We have a couple guys that are members and this year we hope to focus on more events geared toward them." According to Mrs. Williams, there are no excuses that she will accept when it comes to not being a WSC member.It's easy to join; there are no required meetings or events; and it's a great way to get to know people from base, she said. "I know there are spouses that look at the $30 membership fee and think it's impossible to join for financial reasons. We understand that some people can't afford the fee, so we have a box you can check on the application to waive it, and the fee will be picked up anonymously by members who contribute to the member scholarship fund. "The identity of the applicant is confidential, so the only person who will know will be the membership chair who processes the paperwork," she added. "We want everyone who can join, to join." Another reason people put off joining is because some of the socials cost a minimal fee, usually around five dollars for an event, she said. In the future, Mrs. Williams plans to make as many of the socials as possible free of charge as well as have free childcare available for at least half of the events. "We want to make sure everyone who is eligible to participate in the WSC can participate," she said. "And I know exactly how tight some budgets can be. My husband was an airman and I'd hate to see people miss out because of the cost." Mrs. Williams has been married to Tech Sgt. Brian Williams, 30th Airlift Squadron, for 13 years and knows how challenging being a military spouse can be. "My husband deploys a lot and the WSC is a great support network that new spouses really need to be aware of," she said. "Yes, it's a social club, but we want people to make connections with each other because it's also a great support network that is there for spouses during tough times like deployments, temporary duties and other hardships." The new president is looking for inputs on how to make the club better for its current members as well as how to incorporate new members. "I'm really grateful to the past board for all their hard work; we want to take up where they left off and have a great year that strengthens our military family." For more information on the Warren Spouses Club, visit http://www.warrenspousesclub.com or call the membership chair at 638-4665. (Editor's note: This is part one of a three-part series.)