Get to know key spouses: Heather Wiles, 90th LRS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malcolm Mayfield
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Editor's note: This article is part of a series that introduces key spouses from various 90th Missile Wing squadrons.

One spouse took the wheel and works to create a stronger 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron. She strives to make the unit closer and more tight-nit.

Heather Wiles, a West Virginia native and wife of Master Sgt. Christopher Wiles, 90th LRS Material Management superintendent, has been the 90th LRS key spouse since the beginning of June.

The Key Spouse program is an official unit and family program designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of Air Force community. It promotes individual, family and unit readiness.

"I wanted to get involved with the squadron and meet other spouses," Wiles said. "My goal is to know all of the spouses in LRS. Hopefully I can strengthen the LRS community."

Enhancing the bond of those in the squadron is and important task; however, with help from the Airmen and families within the squadron, the newly appointed key spouse attempts to tackle this goal head on.

"LRS is full of awesome people," Wiles said. "If I need anything they're always willing to help out."

Master Sgt. Ricardo Borecki, 90th LRS first sergeant, was one of the first to extend a helping hand to Wiles.

"When I met him, he was there to direct me and gave me everything I needed to do my job," she said.

Borecki was a part of the interviewing team that chose Wiles as a key spouse. He nominated Wiles because of the knowledge she has as a military spouse, he said.

"With Mrs. Wiles' experience, I see a bright future ahead for the LRS family," Borecki said. "She has had to endure her husband being gone for extended periods of time, so she brings that knowledge to the table."

As a spouse, Wiles understands what family members go though and brings her experience to bear in this new position. Having a key spouse and first sergeant available for families can take a huge weight off the shoulders of deploying Airmen.

"It's easier when you know everything is okay at home," Borecki said. "If they need anything we can help."

Wiles strives to help all families who need her support through rough times, and Borecki encourages other spouses to do the same.

"It's always nice to have a few individuals that are interested in becoming key spouses," Borecki said. "If our key spouse's husband PCS's, then we lose continuity, unless we have several individuals interested in being a key spouse."

The duties of a key spouse include informing and referring family members to appropriate support agencies, welcoming new families, supporting families in times of separation and bringing squadron attention to family issues.

There are dozens of key spouses spread throughout the units under the 90th Missile Wing. Anyone seeking to talk with a key spouse from their unit should call the Airmen & Family Readiness Center at 773-2241.