LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Langley Officers' Spouses' Club consists of a time-honored recipe for success. Its ingredients are no secret, but they produce an almost magical result.
Combine patience, tolerance, adaptability, a pinch of adventure and a dash of courage, then mix together using a little bit of elbow grease. Let it sit alone for six months and marinate frequently with salty tears. Sprinkle lightly with money, and knead the dough until payday. Once the recipe has been seasoned with international spices, bake the mixture for 20 years or until done.
The LOSC is a non-profit organization open to the spouses of all active duty and retired officers. The club's primary goal is to serve the Langley community and its Service members, while supporting one another as a group.
In giving back the community, the club supports local and national charities as well as provides opportunities for spouses to develop supportive friendships through social functions and volunteer work.
"We host fundraisers throughout the year to support the community," said April Golden, LOSC president. "All proceeds are used to sponsor scholarships for military dependents and community projects on Langley."
The LOSC provides annual contributions to the Air Force Village and the Air Force Enlisted Foundation, which help provide services to surviving family members of fallen Airmen. The club also hosts projects including the American Red Cross, Hampton VA Medical Center, Operation Warmheart and the USO of Hampton Roads.
According to Golden, the LOSC gives its members a chance to come together and reach out to those in need of a helping hand.
"Everyone is feeling the pressure of the economy and budget cuts, and every bit of help makes a difference" said Golden. "We want to make sure we are doing our part to support each other."
Although giving back is a major component of the organization, it still focuses on having fun by sponsoring at least one social event per month for its members.
"The greatest part of the LOSC is that we have a sense of family," said Golden. "Military spouses are put into unique situations, unlike any other. The group allows us to lean on each other for support."
If the once-a-month gathering doesn't feed a particular passion, the club has a long list of special activities exclusive to LOSC members, such as bowling, bridge, tennis, book clubs and more.
"The LOSC is an irreplaceable organization," said Golden. "It provides strength within the spousal community that allows you to be better partners to your Service members, better supporters of the Langley community, and ultimately make the local area a better place for everyone."
For information on how to join the LOSC, contact langleyosc@ymail.com or visit langleyosc.org.