Visitor finds much to cheer about at Cannon Published Feb. 16, 2006 By Ms. Janet Taylor-Birkey 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Mrs. Lisa Schmidt, wife of 12th Air Force Commander General Mark Schmidt, wants to be a cheerleader for the Air Force. As a cheerleader, Mrs. Schmidt has already identified some programs to cheer. “I’m always amazed at the food banks, food pantries and Airman’s Attics. These are programs that go above and beyond,” said Mrs. Schmidt, who visited Cannon with her husband. Part of observing various base programs includes taking excellent ideas from one base and sharing them with others, and also advocating on behalf of programs needing assistance. Impressed with on-baseprograms such as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, she said it allows military members to take advantage of the program in surroundings such as a military installation that might be more familiar to the military family. “These are usually not in the system at a military base,” said Mrs. Schmidt. As a senior officer Air Force spouse, Mrs. Schmidt stresses the importance of spouses becoming involved in the military community where they live. She said spouses should consider being a part of a support network that can support themselves and others. This includes taking care of themselves and their family, knowing that “[you’ll] be better for it in the end,” she said. Mentoring other military spouses is a focus for Mrs. Schmidt, who urges spouses to use individual talents to help provide support in times of need and to form a social network. Stressing that the morale of the wing depends largely on what is going on at home, Mrs. Schmidt advised, “To retain an Airman, retain a family.” Mrs. Schmidt encourages military spouses wanting more information on how to get involved to e-mail her at lisa.schmidt@dm.af.mil.