Bolling AFB celebrating 'Year of the Air Force Family'

Published Oct. 20, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Katherine Windish
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- Earlier this year Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the "Year of the Air Force Family," a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of, and commitment to, the entire Air Force family: all Airmen, married and single; spouses; children; Air Force civilians; extended families; and retirees.

The Bolling Airmen and Family Readiness Center will be sponsoring events throughout the first week of November in support of the Year of the Air Force Family. The week of programs and events is part of their year-long plan to highlight Air Force families in the National Capitol Region.

"We've been so busy, we take a lot of our great family programs for granted," said 11th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Robin Johnson. "This Year of the Air Force Family is a great way to stop and make sure we use and appreciate the great programs we already have in place to help our families."

"The Air Force has long been recognized as the service for exceptional commitment to families," said Secretary Donley in his speech at the 2009 Air Force Sergeant's Association Professional Airmen's Conference. "This reputation is well deserved, but will only continue through the dedicated effort and focus of our senior leaders. You can rest assured that taking care of families is a solemn promise we make to each Airman and family--and one that Chief Roy, General Schwartz, and I each take very seriously."

During YOAFF, significant emphasis will be placed on the four important areas of concern for Air Force families: affordable and available family housing, safe schools that challenge and prepare children for the future, accessible and quality medical care for Air Force families, and quality childcare.

"I think the programs we have are incredibly flexible to help meet the needs of families," said Chief Johnson. "From single Airmen to spouses and children, the programs get the job done as far as assisting the people who need it."

In his speech, Secretary Donley also explained that senior leaders quickly sought to enhance the lives of Airmen and their families with actions such as offering affordable family housing through privatization; strengthening educational initiatives for children by funding school liaisons; and continuing to improve care for wounded warriors.

Each of these improvements and initiatives fosters a greater sense of community, adding to the quality of life for Airmen and increasing mission effectiveness -- both at home and while deployed.

"Simply put, we are an expeditionary Air Force and deployments are now part of our culture," said Secretary Donley. "While we have made great progress in enhancing our support to families for this expeditionary paradigm, we must continue to refine our efforts and continue to recognize that an Airman's deployment is really a family's deployment."

For more information go to http://www.af.mil/yoaff.