Key Spouses: Tonya Heath – 30th MDG

Tonya Heath, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Michael Heath, 30th Medical Group superintendent, poses for a photo, May 13, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Team Vandenberg honors Key Spouses for their continuous service and dedication to military members and their families. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)

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Key Spouses: Tonya Heath - 30th MDG

Published May 13, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg honors Key Spouses for their continuous service and dedication to military members and their families.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I am from Blytheville, Arkansas. My husband and I actually met in high school.

Q: How long have you been serving the military as a spouse?

A: We're approaching 30 years now.

Q: What made you want to be a part of the Key Spouse program?

A: I like being involved with the spouses, the squadron and making sure that everyone is taken care of when their spouse is gone because it's a difficult thing to deal with.

Q: What is your role in the program?

A: I'm a Key Spouse mentor and a Key Spouse for the executive staff at the 30th Medical Group. I check on peoples' families when their loved ones are deployed and make certain that they are taken care of before, during and after their trip.

Q: Why is your job important to you?

A: Whenever your spouse is gone, you feel somewhat isolated. I think it's crucial for spouses to support each other during those trying times. We're such a tight-knit group here and we want to provide whatever assistance we can.

Q: Why is the Key Spouse program important?

A: To me, it's important because you know there is always someone you can call on for help or guidance.

Q: How does it feel to give back to the community on a regular basis?

A: It's an absolute honor to be able to give back to people. My husband and I have been taken care of every day for almost 30 years so to have an opportunity to reciprocate that kindness is an amazing feeling.

Q: What is your Key Spouse Tip of the Week?

A: I encourage all spouses to be there for each other and to help out whenever you can, even if you're not in a Key Spouse role. You never know when someone has something going on in their life where you could lend a helping hand.

Key Spouses: Tonya Heath – 30th MDG