Wright Start and Heart Link programs welcome new members to Wright-Patt Published July 18, 2024 By Ashley Richards 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Each month, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base welcomes a steady influx of new personnel. Whether it’s Airmen and Guardians with their families, or new civilians and contractors joining the team, there is a lot to learn about Wright-Patterson AFB. For this reason, the Military Family and Readiness Center regularly hosts the Wright Start Program to ensure Airmen are equipped with the tools they need to succeed at Wright-Patt. “Wright Start focuses on welcoming new individuals to Wright-Patt, as well as introducing them to helping agencies on base and in the surrounding community, within their first 60 days upon arrival,” said Robyn Kramer, 88th Force Support Squadron MFRC community readiness specialist. “Our goal is to support newcomers with their specific needs and ease the transition as they start their new jobs.” Capt. Clifford Mullen, 88th Air Base Wing chaplain, briefs the Heart Link Spouse Orientation Program attendees at the Wright-Patt Club on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, July 9, 2024. Heart Link is an orientation aimed at military spouses and provides an opportunity to learn about local resources, benefits, and an overall understanding of the installation’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ashley Richards) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The morning portion of the program kicks off with an informational fair, where base organizations and helping agencies can attend to illustrate their programs. Following the information fair, attendees receive a mission brief from base leadership, an overview of base services, and additional informational briefs that apply to newcomers. “We want to emphasize that this program is available to everyone who comes to Wright-Patt,” Kramer said. “All active-duty personnel are required to attend the program and we highly encourage individuals to bring their families.” In an effort to create a welcoming family atmosphere, Wright Start has joined forces with the Heart Link: Spouse Orientation Program, combining the programs into a one-day event. Heart Link is an orientation aimed at military spouses and provides an opportunity to learn about local resources, benefits, and an overall understanding of the installation’s mission. “It can be overwhelming moving to a new area. So, instead of hosting the programs on separate dates and times, we wanted to welcome both the active-duty service members and their spouses to explore the community information tables and base support services together as a team," said Donna Gilpin, 88 FSS MRFC community readiness specialist. "The spouses will have an opportunity to hear from various Wright-Patt support programs focused on spouse and family readiness. Children are welcome to attend with their parents, and an activity table will be available." "This orientation partnership allows the Military and Family Readiness Center to make this event more of a family affair,” Donna added. “Ultimately, both programs provide the same information in different avenues. Our goal is to hopefully ease some anxieties and stressors during this transition and allow families the opportunity to get to know their new area and lifestyle together.” Adrienne Clark, 88th Medical Group recovery care coordinator, briefs Airmen and Guardians on the Wounded Warrior Program during the Wright Start Program the Wright-Patt Club on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, July 9, 2024. Wright Start is a newcomer’s orientation for active-duty members and introduces them to helping agencies on base and in the surrounding community, within their first 60 days upon arrival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ashley Richards) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A Wright Start attendee, Capt. Henry Chouinard, flight nurse and aeromedical evacuation technician instructor at U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, provided insight to the program’s uniqueness. “This is my third permanent change of station, and this has been the best newcomers experience for me,” Chouinard said. “To start, the professionalism and high quality of the welcome videos really set the tone for the day overall. Additionally, it was super beneficial to be able to speak one-on-one with different organizations throughout the information fair.” Chouinard also highlighted the importance of networking when moving to a new base. “Today has been fun meeting new people and it has allowed me to connect with others faster than ever,” he said. “I am only on day six of being at Wright-Patt, but I can already tell it’s going to be a great base for my family!” Both programs, Wright Start and Heart Link, are offered on the second Tuesday of every month at the Wright-Patt Club from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Active-duty members and new civilian employees can sign up through their Command Support Staff or during their in-processing. Military spouses and family members can register for the Heart Link Program here. For questions regarding the programs, dates, or registration please contact the MFRC community readiness team, Robyn Kramer Robyn.kramer.5@us.af.mil or Donna Gilpin Donna.gilpin@us.af.mil.