Photo By Staff Sgt. Parker Dubois | Sharon Dyess, Spouses Club of Fort Eustis member, informs attendees of the rules of...... read more read more
Subscribe
Spouses from Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Norfolk Naval Station came together for a Joint Services Luncheon at the Ft. Eustis Club, March 16, 2017.
The three Spouses’ Clubs in Hampton Roads gather annually for the luncheon to provide members with an opportunity to learn about each service’s unique traditions, exchange ideas and foster camaraderie.
To emphasize the joint partnership throughout the military community, each year the clubs rotate where the luncheon is held, providing the spouses a chance to visit the three separate bases.
“I think it is important to get spouses from all branches together to celebrate similarities and differences in the service branches,” said Anna Dvorak, Spouses Club of Fort Eustis president. “This luncheon allows us to better understand other services while connecting with spouses.”
The main topic of discussion for the luncheon was ‘United by Tradition,’ in hopes of familiarizing each other with their branches military traditions. These traditions included singing each service’s song, giving toasts for each branch and the playing of the National Anthem.
According to Dvorak, creating lasting friendship is the organization’s number one priority, and it is especially beneficial for spouses who are new to the military and the area. Joining a spouses’ organization can make new spouses, particularly in overseas locations, feel welcomed into the military family by introducing them to the culture and providing a support channel.
Along with hosting monthly luncheons and fundraising events, the SCFE gives back to the community through grants and scholarships to organizations and service members and their families in the local area. One of the main SCFE programs is the Whistle Stop, a thrift shop on Ft. Eustis which donates 70 percent of its proceeds directly to the community grants and scholarship funds.
“With all the volunteer opportunities, our club members can give back to their community even if it is on a small scale,” said Dvorak. “We have plenty of volunteer opportunities, including positions on our board, helping with committees, activities and, of course, helping in our thrift store. We plan tons of fundraisers, like the upcoming Warrior Color 5K Run, to raise as much money as we can to give back to our community.”
According to Michelle Funkhouser, SCFE honorary advisor, the Spouses’ Clubs provide social opportunities for spouses to develop strong friendships that typically last beyond one duty station while giving back to the community that has welcomed them in.
The club is open to spouses of all ranks of active duty, guard, reserve, foreign liaison and civilian personnel, as well as spouses of local retired or deceased Armed Forces personnel and Gold Star family members over the age of 18.
“Since our club is open to all ranks, active and retirees, the possibilities of helping each other and our community are endless,” said Funkhouser. “It is important for us to gain these connections, so we can create our own network of knowledge, support and friendship. Anything is possible when spouses get together to help and give back.”
For more information about SCFE, visit www.scfeva.com, the Langley Officers’ Spouses’ Club, visit www.langleyosc.org, the Langley Enlisted Spouses’ Club, visit www.langleyenlistedspousesclub.webs.com, or the Norfolk Spouses’ Club, visit www.navywivesclubsofamerica.org.
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2017 17:28 |
| Story ID: | 227778 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Spouses Luncheon brings services together, by SSgt Parker Dubois, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT