AFA Enid Chapter Honors Military Spouses at Vance AFB

The Air & Space Forces Association Enid Chapter 214, serving the Vance Air Force Base community in Oklahoma, is supporting Heroes at Home—an effort focused on recognizing, supporting, and connecting military spouses through meaningful, community-centered events that strengthen resilience, foster belonging, and honor the sacrifices made behind the scenes of military service.

Heroes at Home was founded on the belief that strong military families contribute directly to mission readiness, and the initiative aims to create spaces where military spouses feel seen, valued, encouraged, and supported. While the initiative first began as a local effort to serve military spouses in Oklahoma, it continues to grow, with a vision to expand into military communities nationwide.

The 2026 Heroes at Home Military Spouse Appreciation Event was held on May 9 in Enid, Okla., to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day and recognize and encourage the spouses serving behind the scenes of military life. The event brought together military spouses, community partners, local leaders, and supporters for a morning focused on appreciation, connection, and community support.

 More than 80 military spouses attended the event, representing Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran-connected military families. Hosted at Oakwood Country Club, the program featured brunch, interactive experiences, resource organizations, door prizes, and opportunities for military spouses to connect in a meaningful and uplifting environment.

The event featured a special address from Col. Joshua Lundeby, Commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance. Also in attendance was Enid Chamber of Commerce CEO, Ryan Zaloudek. AFA Enid Chapter 214, community organizations, and support agencies were also present to provide attendees with information about local and military-connected resources.  

The generosity of local sponsors and donors played a significant role in the event’s success and showcased the strong spirit of partnership and appreciation for military families in the Vance community. More than 30 door prizes valued at over $8,000 were donated by local businesses and gifted at the event.

Military spouses serve an essential but often unseen role in supporting the mission readiness of Airmen and Guardians. Frequent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, deployments, training schedules, career interruptions, and extended periods of solo parenting can place tremendous strain on military families. 

Events like Heroes at Home provide appreciation, but also create opportunities for connection, support, and resilience-building within the military spouse community. By investing in military spouses, communities strengthen the overall well-being and readiness of military families. The Heroes at Home initiative exists to ensure military spouses feel recognized, valued, and supported for the sacrifices they make alongside those who serve in uniform.

AFA support, including from Enid Chapter 214, helped ensure the success of the 2026 Heroes at Home Military Spouse Appreciation Event. AFA’s investment in initiatives that strengthen military families and foster community connection helped create an experience where military spouses felt recognized, encouraged, and valued for the vital role they play in supporting Airmen, Guardians, and the mission as a whole.