Kadena spouse named first PACAF Key Spouse of the Year

  • Published
  • By Nicole Williams
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  On June 20, Joanna Urban received recognition from the commander of Pacific Air Forces, the PACAF manpower and personnel section and 18th Wing leadership, for her unwavering dedication to the mission and families of the 18th Security Forces Squadron.

Col. Corey J. Martin, 18th Wing vice commander, officially recognized Urban as the 2010, and first ever, PACAF Key Spouse of the Year and presented her with a coin from Gen. Gary North and a crystal Key Spouse Award from PACAF/A1S.

Urban also attended the July 18 Caring for People Forum in Arlington, Va., where she was personally recognized by the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. Urban was in attendance at Gen. Norton and Suzie Schwartz's historic home, Air House, on Fort Myer. Here Urban had the chance to talk with Air Force leadership and their spouses regarding the role of the Key Spouse Program and how it positively impacts the Air Force family and community.

"It is very evident that the Schwartzs and the Roys [Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James and his wife Paula] are key players in the implementation of the Air Force-wide Key Spouse Program. The one thing that instantly grabbed my attention is how much importance they all placed on the Key Spouse Program, Air Force spouses, and Air Force families in general," said Urban. "They are huge advocates for caring for our active duty and their families. It was an extreme pleasure to meet all of them."

Although Urban knew she had been nominated for an award, her husband, Tech. Sgt. Gary Urban, 18th SFS response force leader, who was responsible for putting together and submitting her award package, never mentioned what type of award it was.

"I had no idea that being a Key Spouse was something one could win an award for doing," she said. "I didn't know you could win an award for something you thoroughly enjoy doing."

While she is honored to be recognized, Urban said she sincerely wishes there was a way to share this award with not only the other 18th SFS Key Spouses, but all Key Spouses on Kadena Air Base, Japan.

"I cannot be an effective Key Spouse for a large squadron like ours without the support of the squadron leadership, without great Key Spouse mentors, and without our squadron's other Key Spouses," she said. "I also think of Key Spouses from other squadrons who are very dedicated, and I feel they should be recognized as well."

Urban has been working hard as the Key Spouse for the 18th SFS in an official capacity since 2010, but unofficially since 2009.

"Joanna is very knowledgeable about all the programs available to deployed spouses, enjoys being actively involved in the squadron and is always going above and beyond for the families of the 18th SFS," said Aggie Misaniai, an 18th SFS Key Spouse mentor. "She also works hard to ensure new spouses are met upon arrival to the island and helps the squadron booster club organize events and fundraisers. Basically, she is awesome!"

Her need to care for others comes from a desire to make sure no spouse ever feels forgotten.

"I wanted to use my prior experiences to help other spouses and prevent them, if possible, from feeling like they are alone and uncared for," Urban said. "I was pleased to see that Kadena placed high priority on reaching out to base families."