Military spouses have made a commitment to a unique lifestyle that may send their Airmen away for deployments, TDYs and sometimes training.

To alleviate the stressors spouses may encounter, the 93d Air Ground Operations Wing led spouse resiliency training on May 4, here.

“We each have our own ways that we cope [with stress],” said Tiffany Kirtley, spouse of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joel Kirtley, 822d Base Defense Squadron vehicle mechanic. Going through resiliency training helps us understand that there are more ways out there and other people that can help us.

The purpose of the training is to help military spouses manage their emotional reactions to the stresses of military life, communicate effectively, problem solve, and lastly, set and achieve their goals.

“Moody is a high-tempo base for deployments and it affects the family,” said Victor Johnson, 23d Force Support Squadron resiliency trainer. “[This training] lets [spouses] know ‘hey you’re not alone.’”

“We try to give them other avenues where they can talk with someone,” Johnson added. “We open up the door to get with other [spouses] who have experience with that same [issue] at the same time.”

Without the support of others, something as simple as a daily routine can turn into an uphill battle.

“It’s important that [spouses receive] this because if they don’t, they can find themselves being frustrated or depressed,’ said Johnson. “That’s why it’s [crucial] that they understand the importance of being able to bounce back.”

After the training, the spouses were more prepared for the pressures of caring for themselves and supporting fellow spouses while their Airmen are gone.

“I think this is vital training,” said Tiffanie Newcomer, spouse of Maj. Daniel Newcomer, 23d Operations Support Squadron senior intelligence officer. “I believe it teaches great coping skills, especially in the many adversities that we face as military spouses.

“I almost wish we had a way of making it mandatory for new or young spouses,” Newcomer added. “When I look back to when I was a young spouse, [I think] ‘I wish I had these resources back then.’”