A&FRC hosts International Spouses Conference

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  U.S. Military spouses born and raised in ten international countries participated here Wednesday in the International Spouses Conference hosted by the D-M Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

The conference, held monthly, brings together military spouses originally from countries throughout the world to meet, connect and share information with spouses new to the military and American culture. 

For many of the 20 spouses that participated in Wednesday's conference, being oceans away from their families, friends, and the place they called home for so many years is a challenge, but they found that meeting other foreigners here on the same path makes the journey a welcomed and fun experience. 

"You always leave feeling like you've made new friends and have visited other countries without leaving Tucson," said Janet Powers, who is originally from England and has recently received her U.S. citizenship in July. "I'm always asking people to come join because it really is a great thing for military spouses. We learn a lot about the American culture, and meeting others on the same journey is good." 

The number of spouses participating in the conference has grown since its startup in April because of the excitement so many of the participants have surrounding the monthly conference. The spouses currently participating in the conference are originally from Bolivia, China, France, England, Guam, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippians, Portugal, and Spain. 

During Wednesday's conference the families had a pot-luck dinner with food from all over the world to include Germany, Japan, and Mexico among others. 

Some of the topics discussed during the monthly conferences include sharing information about obtaining U.S. citizenship, all phases of the deployment process, finding a job in the Tucson community, TRICARE and shopping on the local economy. 

"This group focuses on bringing people together from different cultures; people who share the common thing of not being from the American culture, and helping each other adjust and feel connected," said Hillary Walker, the group coordinator who is originally from the United Kingdom. Mrs. Walker added that the group is inclusive of every culture and that everyone is welcomed to join. 

The next conference is scheduled for mid-January. To find out more about the International Spouses Conference contact the D-M Airman and Family Readiness Center at 228-5690.