An Air Force spouse gains a new career that can move with her
As a military spouse, Heather Cameron wanted a career that would be easily transferable for when her family inevitably is relocated. Or, in Heather’s words one that she can put “in go-mode.”
Through the Air Force Aid Society’s (AFAS) Spouse Employment Program (SEP), Heather enrolled in the certification course as a pharmacy technician at Dover Technical College. The program provides free, no-cost entry-level job training to active duty military spouses with a goal to help them secure immediate, viable employment and possibly long-term careers.
Upon completing the SEP course and passing the national certification, Heather will be a certified pharmacy technician. It will open new opportunities in a field of interest to her, and she won’t have to start over again with each permanent change of station (PCS) move.
Heather and her spouse, Master Sergeant Theodore Cameron, are grateful for the support from AFAS and the opportunity their family has received. She also recognizes the opportunities that the program provides to many families who cannot otherwise afford additional schooling.
“There are so many families that wouldn’t be able to attain this, or even think of going for this course because of the financial strain that it would incur on their family,” she explains. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to have that financial burden lifted.”
Having received aid from AFAS after Hurricane Michael in 2018, Heather sees her participation in the SEP as a second blessing from AFAS. To Heather, admittance to the program says, “We believe in you, and here’s another gift that we can give.”
And for this second gift, Heather is extremely grateful to AFAS and its generous donors. “There’s not enough words for me to say,” she humbly states.
The Air Force Aid Society is the official charity of the U.S. Air Force and has been meeting the unique needs of Airmen and their families since 1942. AFAS works to support and enhance the USAF mission by providing emergency financial assistance, educational support, and community programs. Since 2008, AFAS has provided more than $215 million in direct support to Air Force families. Visit www.afas.org to learn more, apply for assistance or to donate.