Spouse helps families find better lives

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Mike Meridith
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. --  A desire to help make a better future for local families recently earned Air Force recognition for a Grand Forks Air Force base spouse. 

319th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Bill Bender formally presented the Air Force Volunteer Excellence Award to Elaine Sison on April 25, but she said her real “reward” came much earlier - from helping. 

“I am honored to be the recipient of this award, but I also have mixed emotions about it. When you volunteer to do something you really enjoy, you don’t expect recognition,” said Mrs. Sison. 

Mrs. Sison, along with many other volunteer efforts, has been providing free child care to families at Grand Forks' Red River Valley Community Action shelter for more than a year.
According to shelter officials, Mrs. Sison’s efforts have freed mothers there to pursue the education that can be the first step toward finding new homes and careers and achieving self-sufficiency. 

“It’s so hard for them [shelter residents] to find child care. She [Elaine Sison] has been instrumental in making the whole process work,” said Danielle Conrad, RRVCA case management supervisor. “She’s always willing to help out and she asks the women what they need and then goes out and finds it or gets us donations. She has just been a real pleasure to work with.” 

That glowing assessment was also shared by Tom Slaughter, who coordinates base volunteer efforts through the family support center. He noted that Mrs. Sison’s efforts extend into many areas, including support of the base thrift shop, the officers’ spouses club, her church and the wing sponsored SpouseLink program. 

“She really impresses me,” said Mr. Slaughter. “She didn’t even want to be nominated. She volunteers because she believes in it.” 

For Elaine Sison, the ultimate reward comes each day - in just being able to lend a helping hand where it is most needed. 

“I hope my efforts can help provide a better future for these moms to be able to get back on their feet and on their own,” said Mrs. Sison. “To me, that the best part.”