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Download Year of the AF
Family Brochure

 

 

 

 

“…We will focus our attention on Air Force families—their hardships and needs, what we might do to make Air Force life more compatible with family life, and how we can build a greater sense of community across the Air Force.”

 

“…Single Airmen are, of course, part of our Air Force family and share many of the same interests and needs.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009

 

“We’ll use this year to highlight our longstanding commitment to the four basic needs of Air Force Families:

• Affordable and available family housing

• Safe and rigorous schools that challenge and prepare our children for children and adulthood

• Accessible, quality medical care for families, Wounded Warriors and those with special needs

• High quality, affordable childcare that meets the needs of working spouses and families with deployed members”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009

 

"…an Airman’s deployment is really a family’s deployment.
Airmen expect us to provide a stable environment for them and their families.  And, doing so is part of our heritage and culture. 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 perform to their highest potential if they are unencumbered by worries about their families and personal affairs. The sense of community is a cultural trademark of the Air Force, and we will seek ways to nurture it as part of the larger “Year of the Air Force Family” effort."

Secretary of the Air Force speech to the AF Sergeants Association, 19 Aug 09

 

“I have asked the headquarters staff to review our policies and determine whether there are Air Force, MAJCOM, or base-level policy adjustments that we can make to improve family life at our bases… we can encourage local commanders to identify these local issues and seek solutions, and identify where MAJCOM or Air Force policies are hindering their effort.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009

 

“Taking care of families is a solemn promise we make to each Airman and Family Member.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009

 

“We need to recognize that supporting families and communities does not always mean adding another program or throwing money and people at the problem.  While our personnel and strength is down 7% since fiscal year 2000, our personnel costs are up 16%... we must find ways to do more with the resources and authorities already in our grasp.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009

 

“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.  Enhancing our service to families and fostering a greater sense of community increases our mission effectiveness – both at home and while deployed.  Our missions are demanding, and our Airmen perform to their highest potential if they are unencumbered by worries about their families and personal affairs.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley
Remarks to Air Force Sergeants Association, Aug 19, 2009