Contents - Airlift/Tanker Association

The primary purpose of the AMC Key Spouse of the Year Award is to recognize an AMC KeySpouse who has diligently worked with unit leadership to plan, coordinate, and execute theunit’s Key Spouse Program. The program impacts mission readiness and retention by ensuringfamilies have appropriate information and resources to meet their needs.The AMC Key Spouse of the Year is selected by AMC leadership.2010 Air Mobility CommandKey Spouse of the Year AwardAllyssa Irene Berthelotte39th Airlift Squadron, 317th Airlift GroupAllyssa Berthelotte is the spouse of Captain Mark W. Berthelotte,Chief of Operations Plans, 317th Airlift Group, Dyess AFB, Texas.She is also the proud mother of two children; Willem and Maren.Allyssa spent her childhood in Connecticut andsouthern New Hampshire. Her involvement withthe community began during her youth, andgrew into a leadership role in high school.After graduating from Souhegan High Schoolin Amherst, NH, Allyssa attended the Universityof New Hampshire (UNH), Durham. Whilethere, she accepted several leadership roles inthe community service organization Alpha PhiOmega. Under her leadership, this organizationwas able to increase membership and providecommunity service for several key groupsincluding Relay for Life NH and Special Olympicsof New Hampshire.During her time at UNH, she was hired bythe State Director of the New Hampshire SmallBusiness Development Center (UNH-SBDC) toprovide program support. As a member of theNH-SBDC team, she helped small business owners start businesses,sustain their businesses, and address their needs to our legislativeleaders. In 2004, she graduated Cum Laude with a Degree inBusiness Administration concentrating in Management.After graduation, she traveled to Laughlin AFB, TX with herhusband. It was there that Allyssa found her calling to support herfellow military spouses. There were many opportunities for herto help: gatherings, babysitting, dog sitting, providing meals andgeneral support of spouses. In 2006, Allyssa washired to work with the Education Service Centerin Corpus Christi, TX. She worked in a positionthat provided opportunities for military spousesand former military members to become certifiedschool teachers in Texas.Now residing at Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX,Allyssa works to improve the everyday lives ofthe 39th Airlift Squadron and 317th Airlift Groupspouses. She helped co-author a grant proposalwith the Airman and Family & Readiness Centerto request funds to improve the parents’ room atthe Dyess AFB fitness center. At the squadron, sheleads spouse fundraising efforts by coordinatingthe weekly Operation “Sweet Treat” bakingand partnering with the local Chick-Fil-A forfundraising Spirit Nights.As a Key Spouse, she works to bring spousestogether during deployments by encouraging participation in thesquadron playgroup and making meals for families in need. In thecommunity, she is an active member of Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS), which helps to support all mothers in the community. Shealso volunteers at Aldersgate Pre-School.“The best way to find yourself is to loseyourself in the service of others.”–Mahatma GandhiKey spouses are specially trained volunteers that promote individual, family and unit readiness. They are a support system that encourages peer-to-peer supportyear-round. They meet the vital needs of spouses and provide an informal sounding board through an informal network. They are a part of the leadership teamin each unit. The AMC Key Spouse program evolved from an idea to develop an organized program where military spouses help other spouses. Key Spouses workclosely with the commander, commander’s spouse, First Sergeant, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 201045