Hurlburt Spouse's Club

Amber Ryan, membership director of Hurlburt Spouse's Club, wears vintage clothing at the HSC 50th anniversary celebration luncheon held at the Soundside Club, Hurlburt Field Fla., Nov. 15, 2012. The luncheon featured a military etiquette presentation by the 1st Special Operations Wing protocol office, 50 years of photo scrapbooks and a then-and-now fashion show featuring nostalgic and modern thrift store clothing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Valentine)

Hurlburt Spouse's Club

A page of the Hurlburt Spouse’s Club scrapbook from 1961 showcased during the HSC 50th anniversary celebration luncheon held at the Soundside Club, Hurlburt Field Fla., Nov. 15, 2012. The luncheon featured a military etiquette presentation by the 1st Special Operations protocol office, 50 years of photo scrapbooks and a then and now fashion show featuring nostalgic pieces and modern thrift store clothing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Valentine)

Spouses: Making life better for each other

Published Nov. 16, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Michelle Vickers
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.-- -- Hurlburt Field spouses took a trip back in time during their celebration of the 50th anniversary of the base spouse's club at the Soundside Club on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 15.

Echoing one of the original club's fall events, the spouses held a fashion show strutting modern clothing sold at the Hurlburt Field Thrift Shop.

"The fashion show is supporting the Thrift Shop, which the spouse's club runs, so everything the models wear is for sale," said Stephanie Daeges, programs director of Hurlburt Spouse's Club and wife of retired Master Sgt. Darrell Daeges.

The money the spouses raise through the Thrift Shop goes towards the group's charity work.

"It's a club that's not just social- we do a lot of good for the community with the college scholarships we provide through the Thrift Shop," said Patsy Gordy, president of Hurlburt Spouse's Club and spouse of Col. Kevin Gordy, director of safety of Air Force Special Operations Command.

In addition to the fashion show, 1st Special Operations Wing Protocol provided lessons on change of command ceremonies and tips on RSVPs.

"The protocol staff came in and showed us some of today's etiquette, not our grandma's etiquette," Daeges said.

While honoring traditions of the past, the spouses acknowledged some differences in today's spouses compared to the women of 50 years ago-besides the lack of bouffant hairdos and white gloves.

"My grandma was a Navy spouse, my mom was an Air Force spouse and I'm an Air Force spouse, and I just think today's spouse is stronger and more empowered," Daeges said.

Despite changes over time, the role of military spouses is constant.

"Military spouses play an important role by taking care of their families so Airmen can focus on taking care of their vital mission," said Gwendolyn Slife, honorary president of Hurlburt Spouse's Club and wife of Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing.