'Year of the Air Force Family' top priority at McChord

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  One of the Air Force's top priorities is taking care of its Airmen and their families and to further ensure that this is taken care of, 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.

"We will devote this year to identifying what we are doing right and what we need to do better to support the entire Air Force family and to rekindle the sense of community that has been our tradition for so many generations," General Schwartz said.

Furthermore, November has been designated National Military Family Appreciation Month and Sunday through Nov. 7 has been designated Air Force Family Week. Across the installation, many different activities will be offered.

"Our goal is to highlight the many successful programs already in place and to inform Airmen and their families of the development of new programs; unveiling them throughout the year," said Jeanne Morrow, family advocacy outreach manager. "It also serves to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Airmen and their families."

The theme of YoAFF is, "The Air Force is a great place to live, work, play." Some of the issues that will be emphasized include: health and wellness, Airman and family housing, Airman and family support and education, development and employment. In addition to activities on McChord, there will also be Air Force-wide activities throughout the year.

Several organizations on base have come together to create many programs to take care of the McChord family which includes, active duty members of all branches, Reserve and Guard components, civilians, single military members, spouses, children, retirees and community partners. The Year of the Air Force Planning Committee is comprised of personnel from all McChord helping agencies and supportive programs and services.

"We will continue to highlight the programs and services that are already offered to families including parenting classes, family dinners, holiday portraits, theme activities and youth activities," said Ms. Morrow. "In addition to these, we are planning some new events to celebrate our Air Force families including events to honor those family members that have gone above and beyond to support our Airmen.

The Air Force is offering five competitions over the course of the year: a T-shirt design contest, Short story competition, short video competition, original song competition and photography competition. To enter any of these contests, members must register online at www.myairforcelife.com and submit entries. There are prizes for each category.

We are also hoping to get feedback from our community about the needs of Air Force families and how we can better address them, she said.

"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," Secretary Donley said. "And we make this commitment not only because it's the right thing to do for our Airmen, but because it is the smart thing to do for our Air Force."

Airmen and their families can log on to http://www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp to learn about AF-wide initiatives, monthly themes and programs, as well as contact the McChord Airman and Family Readiness Center at 982-2695 to find out about local events and activities.