Five Marine Helicopter Squadron One spouses met outside the wire with the unit’s family readiness officer during a bimonthly Nighthawk Spouses’ Coffee Group meeting in Stafford on March 4.

When the group began in January it was called “Coffee with FRO” and was the FRO’s way of meeting the spouses of HMX-1. Caitlin Lewis began as the HMX-1 FRO in December 2012.

“One thing I’ve noticed, being a part of family readiness, is that when the spouses are content and happy there is a domino effect. If the spouses are happy, the kids are happy, the Marines are happy and do their jobs well,” said Lewis.

Meeting with the spouses in a casual setting is one small way HMX-1 makes that happen, she added.

Each meeting normally has five to 10 spouses attend.

“Some repeats, always new faces, too,” said Lewis.

Lewis brought the idea for the group from her husband’s previous unit’s FRO, Dora Fry at Camp Lejeune.

“It was a huge success with the battalion, so I figured it would be more of a success with HMX-1,” said Lewis. “I’m secluded behind the barbed wire, though the spouses can meet me there.”

To help break the ice, Lewis starts each meeting with everyone introducing themselves and telling how they met their significant other. From there she has a list of discussion points to bring up if the conversation starts to ebb.

“I’m hoping it will expand to the spouses knowing each other,” said Lewis.

As Lewis leaves, she provides note cards for the spouses to exchange contact information as a way to connect afterwards.

Connecting with other spouses is the key reason most of the spouses attended.

“I come to meet other spouses,” said Nina Kinsley. “I’m new. This is my first duty station.”

“It’s fun to be involved,” said Amber McCarstle.

“Just to get to know the spouses,” said Terri Koch.

Correspondent: rebekka.heite@usmc.mil