JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- When a service member arrives at a new duty station, they report to their unit and have access to people who can help them in-process and get settled. On the other hand, the military members spouse is potentially left to figure things out alone and does not have any direct connections to their new community. That’s where the Richardson Spouses’ Club comes in.
The RSC is an instant connection for military spouses of all branches to get involved with their community. The RSC was established in the 1950s and is currently the only spouses’ club on base.
By providing monthly social gatherings in the community, the club strives to give military spouses an opportunity to meet new people who have shared interests and who are also learning about new hobbies and activities in the local area.
“There is so much to get out and do here in the Alaska frontier,” said Kate McCray, the club’s president. “When a person first gets here, they don’t necessarily know where to begin or what they might experience along the way. Having a friend to connect with can mean knowing which hikes to take with children or what can be done to reduce risks with wildlife.
“When one connects with others they can get up-to-the minute information on where to go and what to do,” McCray continued. “Spouses need to know they are not alone in the things they are facing. Finding friendship means deepening the connection with the community you are planted in.”
In addition to facilitating friendships through social gatherings, RSC organizes local volunteer opportunities for spouses.
“Finding organizations to volunteer at and having a buddy to do it with can be less intimidating,” McCray said. “RSC offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, including the Thrift Shop on the Richardson side, which is often where spouses meet others for the first time. There is also the soup kitchen in downtown Anchorage along with other monthly welfare events, so people can socially volunteer without always feeling like the new person.”
More than $100,000 goes into several welfare programs and direct support on and off JBER, which is sustained through annual fundraisers, like the upcoming Country Fair scheduled for Nov. 4, 2017, at the Buckner Fitness Center, and an annual Support the Troops silent auction in March.
“We have a calling to serve right alongside our spouses who are military by keeping the fires lit on the home front and by also serving in the community,” McCray said. “Getting spouses the support they need and to get them involved using their talents to improve the communities around them on and off-base is one of our primary focuses.”
While the RSC focuses on ways to serve the local community in and outside of the base, it is ultimately meant to be there as a support for the military spouse.
“The nice thing about the RSC is that you have a combination of spouses from different services and ranks,” said Thaira Richardson, RSC member. “It’s just about coming out and doing something good for the community while meeting other spouses you might have something in common with, without having to be service specific.”
Membership is open to all military–affiliated spouses.
For membership information or other questions about the Richardson Spouses’ Club, visit https://www.richardsonspousesclub.com.