Taking care of the Air Force family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Ashley
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Minot Officers' Spouses' Club have donated more than $14,000 to various base and local organizations over the past year and a half, and they show no sign of slowing down in their efforts to provide assistance to the community.

"Our goal this year is to raise even more money to help out Minot Air Force Base and the City of Minot both with financial contributions, as well as volunteer efforts," said Beth Dyson, incoming MOSC president. "The main message that we would like to convey is that we are here not only for spouses but our community as well."

The OSC has three main goals, the first of which is to provide a social support network for all of the spouses on base. Second, the MOSC focuses on promoting non-profit charitable, educational, cultural and social activities to encourage fellowship and charity among its members. Finally through monthly e-mail updates, Web site updates and Facebook, the MOSC passes on as much information as possible to help every spouse feel connected and prepare for upcoming events.

"As a charitable organization, our goal is to increase our understanding of the needs of the individuals and groups that we serve so that we can fulfill those needs more effectively, and provide more support for more people," said Dyson.

While the members of the MOSC represent a diverse group of individuals from varying backgrounds and professions, they all share a common goal.

"No matter which wing, group, or squadron a spouse belongs to, all are welcome to join the MOSC," commented Julia Coleman, outgoing MOSC president. "We are officers' spouses from all over the country and two separate wings coming together to better the entire Minot community, both on and off base."

The group is able to raise funds in support of both charities and their scholarship program, which awards thousands of dollars to seniors graduating from high school, as well as the spouses of military members, largely in thanks to the base Thrift Shop. The thrift shop is owned and operated by members of the MOSC and is open to anyone on base.

"Our profits go straight to the MOSC charitable fund to be used primarily for scholarships and charities on Minot AFB, numerous military organizations, and the City of Minot and the surrounding areas," explained Michelle VanBemmelen, MOSC Thrift Shop advisor.

From the 2011 to 2012 fiscal years, the Thrift Shop generated over $5,000 for the MOSC, allowing the group to award numerous scholarships to students and spouses. It also gives them the ability to fulfill charitable requests that come before the MOSC.

"It provides a place for people to give away unwanted, gently used items, and feel good doing so, knowing they are helping out so many in our community," said VanBemmelen.

It takes many volunteers to run the Thrift Shop and the base has no shortage of those willing to give up their time to ensure the shop continues to thrive. This is beneficial not only for the MOSC, but the community as a whole.

"Almost monthly the MOSC generously gives to numerous charities, and the volunteers know that it is possible because of the time they give volunteering at the shop," VanBemmelen stated.

In addition to the scholarship program and charitable donations the spouses group is also responsible for the annual Airman's Cookie Drive. During the event, more than 10,000 cookies from the local community, including residents of the city of Minot, are gathered, gift wrapped and distributed to over one thousand single Airmen in the dormitories who are unable to be with their families during the holiday season.

"The Airman's Cookie Drive brings Airmen a little holiday cheer and lets them know that despite the fact they are not home, their service and sacrifice is truly appreciated," added Coleman.

In addition to allowing the spouses to give back to their peers by volunteering, the club affords them the opportunity to be a part of group affiliated "Little Clubs" such as the Bowling, Scrapbook and Cooking clubs to name a few.

"Our little clubs are intended to bring together groups of people with special interests. They are coordinated by the members themselves, open to anyone who is a member of the OSC and change from year to year based on the interest of the members," Dyson said.

MOSC offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities to spouses, reaching beyond the scope of thrift shop volunteer work. It includes branching out into various events, and even spots on the group's board.

For more information regarding the club or for a list of volunteer opportunities, please contact the Minot Officers Spouses Club at www.minotMOSC.com or follow them on Facebook: Minot MOSC.