FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- Wife, mother to four, microbiologist and key spouse are just a few titles Christie holds, but she recently added a new title to her list. The wife of Capt. Samuel, 7th Intelligence Squadron, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Fort Meade, received her commission as a 2nd lieutenant in March during a graduation ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
In a way, Christie’s Air Force career began long before she pinned on her 2nd lieutenant bars.
The couple, from a small town in Maine, married in 2000. Samuel’s career began on the enlisted side as a 3C371 – communications project manager. He transitioned to the officer ranks in in 2009.
Throughout his 17-year military career, Samuel and Christie have been stationed at bases in Florida, Colorado, United Kingdom, and now at Fort Meade.
“I enjoyed being a military spouse,” Christie said. “The only hard part was/is being away from loved ones, but that is only temporary.”
As a military spouse, Christie was already a type of military member.
When Samuel transitioned to the officer corps, Christie became involved in the Key Spouse program at Peterson Air Force Base, and continued volunteering when they arrived at Fort Meade.
Military services also recognized spouses, and family members, during retirement, re-enlistment or promotion ceremonies because they served their country, as well. While service members defend the country, the spouses’ sacrifices allowed the service members to carry out their duties.
In holding down the home front, the Key Spouse program can be a big part of a military spouse’s support system.
The Key Spouse program is an official unit/family program designed to enhance readiness and establish a sense of Air Force community. The program serves as a community connection at all times, especially across the deployment cycle and it provides a volunteer opportunity for spouses interested in giving back to their communities.
“The Key Spouse program is the connecting point for all spouses to the unit and to the base,” Christie said. “When a new family arrives, they are the welcoming face. During the entire assignment, the KS program keeps the family engaged with the unit.”
After being a key spouse and helping others, in 2015 Christie made the decision to apply to enter the Air Force herself. In 2017, she attended officer training.
“I have always wanted to join the military, but it was never the right time,” she said.
When she did decide to join, her husband was fully supportive of the decision, she said.
“I was excited for her,” Samuel said. “The Air Force has been an amazing opportunity for us, and I was happy to see her make the decision to serve and give back.”
Samuel’s unit is also supportive of Christie’s decision.
“From her impact as a Key Spouse, the example she sets as a working mom, and now wearing the uniform herself, the Tigers (7th Intelligence Squadron) could not be more proud of Lt. Christie,” said Lt. Col. Rebecca Lange, 7th IS commander. “She and her husband, Capt. Sam, are an incredible example of the commitment and sacrifice of the military family.”
After assisting spouses and family members as a Key Spouse for the past few years, Christie will now work with the Airmen those families supported.
“I feel very proud to be a member of the greatest military in the world,” Christie said. “I hope to take care of my Airmen in the ways that I have come to admire from other officers.”
Christie is currently at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado for training in the Space Operations career field. Once her training is complete, the family will be reunited.
(Editor’s note: Last names were omitted for security reasons)