Spouses receive special treatment while their Airmen are deployed

  • Published
  • By 319th Airman and Family Readiness Center
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Thanks to a donation by TriWest, 25 military spouses were given the chance to relax at a local spa, July 28.

"The donation, made to Friends of Family Support earlier this year, was initially earmarked for Air Force families," said Cheryl Anderson, director of the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "However, it was agreed that the best way to care for a family is to take care of the person responsible for the home."

The chosen facility offers everything from haircuts to massages, and the initial plan was for the spouses to receive the service of their choice, said Mrs. Anderson. However, when almost everyone requested a massage, some adjustments were made.

Staff from the spa's Fargo, N.D. location arrived shortly after 9 a.m. to assist local staff in taking care of the military spouses. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. that evening, pedicures, manicures, facials and massages were given along with waxing, haircuts and styles, and makeup application. Mario Oliveiri, owner of several area salons, provided haircuts on the spot to any spouse interested in a new look.

Jon Falch, father of three and who is expected to deploy shortly after his wife returns, signed up for a massage and a manicure.

At least three of the participants competed in the base triathlon earlier that day.

Many of the spouses dropped their children off at the child development center on base where free childcare was paid for by the Air Force Aid Society.

"The event was a success, not only for the participants but for the staff that participated. Many staff members were interested in the stories these special clients told," said Mrs. Anderson. "They were impressed with the military spouse's resilience in the face of long deployments, raising a family and maintaining a home while working or going to school."