‘Square patcher’ spouse named McConnell top spouse

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell recognizes its best for their contributions each year, and one spouse from the 22nd Operations Group is among those honored.

With over more than 500 volunteer hours, Jennifer Forness, wife of Maj. Jeffrey Forness, 384th Air Refueling Squadron navigator, won the 2013 McConnell Joan Orr Air Force Spouse of the Year.

"It sounds like a lot of hours ... but I like to help people, so it doesn't feel like 500," she said

This award, sponsored by the Air Force Association, honors the late Joan Orr, wife of former Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr. It recognizes spouses of military members for their significant contributions to the Air Force.

"I'm very honored and blessed and thank everybody that mentored and helped me along the way," said Forness. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my husband and the ideals that my family has instilled in me."

Forness is known as a "Renaissance woman," teacher, friend and mentor by her peers. She has pursued a doctorate program with a 4.0 GPA while continuing to support the Airmen and families of McConnell.

"This inspirational educator has dedicated every ounce of her free time despite being enrolled into a full-time doctorate program," said Col. Thomas Riney, 22nd Operations Group commander.

The Lubbock, Texas, native is the second vice president of the McConnell Officer Spouses Club and treasurer and Key Spouse for the 384th Air Refueling Squadron.

Forness volunteers for Red Cross blood drives, bakes cookies for 250 base Airmen and VA hospitalized veterans, according to the award package. She not only takes care of the settled spouses but also welcomed more than 200 newcomer families.

She said that she feels that winning is a direct representation of all military spouses. Winning this is not just for her, but it's recognition of the hard work all the spouses do.

Winning at the wing level, Forness will now compete at the Air Mobility Command-level. However, she hopes that winning here can encourage others to put service before self.

"I hope what I have accomplished has inspired other spouses to want to donate their time, because what you get from doing it is greater than anything you can accomplish in life," said Forness.