Canuck Link September 8th, 2016

Canuck Link A Community Building Symposium Canuck Link is a Canadian Armed Forces spouse orientation helping spouses acclimate and feel they are an important part of Tyndall Air Force Base community. Canuck Link is designed to increase sense of community, ensure military families’ well-being, and enhance mission readiness. Canuck Link is a spin on the Heart Link: Military Spouse Orientation which is a US Air Force required program. Since Heart Link is designed for new US Air Force spouses, much of the information provided during the program does not apply to Canadian Armed Forces spouses. Thus, a program tailored to meet these Canadian spouses’ specific needs was developed and pilot tested in November 2015. It was decided that the program benefitted these Canadian spouses and would be offered every September.

Canuck Link is designed to familiarize Canadian Armed Forces spouses stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base with the US Air Force lifestyle and local resources/services available to them. Participants learn about the US Air Force ranks/ceremonies Learn about base resources/services Meet representatives from Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC), OPSEC, Security Forces, Chapel, Commissary, Base Exchange (AAFES), Tyndall Spouses Club, and many others. --- - Includes a walking tour to the Thrift Shop, Arts & Crafts Centre, and ITT The event concludes with a pay-as-you-go group lunch at the Horizons Community Center. Each participant is encouraged to provide feedback about the program.

Program Schedule Air Force Ranks and Ceremonies How to get your base pass and ID card. How to use the Base Visitor Center Chapel Services Base Exchange Information Base Commissary Information A&FRC Resources and programs Base Medical Group and Health Promotions Programs Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program Key Spouse Program Tyndall Spouses Club Base Commander and Canadian Detachment Commander remarks. Coin and Certificate presentation Tour of some base facilities Lunch buffet with Q&A and participant feedback

Canuck Link Coins and Certificates There is a strong historical military connection to the “challenge coin”. It often has the organization’s emblem and is carried by all members. Each member should always carry their coin and should be able to present it when challenged by other members. These coins are given to enhance morale. The coin presented at the Canuck Link recognizes each participant as a team player. It reminds them that they are part of a larger group of people all in a similar situation; and we are here to help each other. The coin is a symbol of recognition of the Spouse as a key member of military life. It is a way of honouring their hard work and dedication. As a formality, the Commander of the base presents the coins to each spouse who has attended and completed the Canuck Link program. If the Base Commander cannot attend, the Program Coordinator presents the coins and certificates.

Goals and Outcomes The overall goal of the Canuck link is to make participants feel part of the US Air Force Family and a valuable member of Team Tyndall. To introduce spouses to base facilities and resources and make valuable resource contacts Allow spouses the chance to meet/network with US Air Force Spouses and Key Spouses