WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Amanda Ingram – whose husband, Master Sgt. Wyatt Ingram, is an Avionics technician in the 442d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s Specialist Flight – has been a key spouse since 2016.
During Wyatt’s first deployment, Amanda felt alone because she didn’t know anyone from the wing.
“I felt like I was on the outside,” she said.
During his second deployment, Amanda didn’t feel included. She felt as though she was missing information that she should have had. It was then that she decided to become a key spouse. Now, she can’t imagine going back.
“I’ve made some close friends,” she said. “I would never give this up.”
For Amanda, being a key spouse has led to her feeling like she’s an important part of the team and that her opinions carry weight. She also loves the opportunity to make friends she otherwise wouldn’t have made, and to be more involved in the wing.
The program has also helped the Ingram family in general. As Amanda has become more involved, it’s helped her daughter feel more involved and comfortable when her father is away.
The bottom line for Amanda is support. “Getting to know more people makes it feel like I can support [Wyatt] more because I feel like I have support,” she said. “I have support from other spouses and key spouses and I feel like they have my back.”