Year of the Air Force Family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Air Force has dedicated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family to focus on Airmen and their families and raise awareness of the services and products available to them. 

The 354th Force Support Squadron is leading the way -- creating new programs and services as well as improving current programs. The Airmen and Family Readiness Center is a place where Airmen and their families receive support in many different ways -- from offering classes to sponsoring single Airmen and family events. 

Year of the Air Force Family is focusing on the Air Force Family--active duty, guard, and reserve Airmen, single Airmen, civilians, spouses, children, extended family members, retirees and community partners. 

"The Air Force family doesn't mean a husband, a wife, two kids and a dog, it's family in the bigger sense," said Leslie Rick, AFRC community readiness technician, "so that everyone knows they're a part of our family." 

The program has four main areas of focus: health and wellness--not just physically but also mentally and spiritually; Airman and family support; education, development and employment; and Airman and family housing.

Events and programs scheduled during November include Sunday Brunch, "Tell Me a Story", and "Sesame Street." 

Once a month, Sunday morning family brunch has returned to the Yukon Club. 

There will be a family event, "Tell Me a Story" held at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Aurora Club, featuring Chief Master Sgt. Al Hannon as the celebrity guest reader. Families will be given snacks, crafts, and a copy of the book "How to Make an American Pie." The event is free but families need to sign up with the A&FRC at 377-2178.

Another event for families will be held at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nov. 28. The United Services Organization will be bringing "Sesame Street" to the base theater.

These are just a few of the YoAFF events. There are classes and programs every day on Eielson to ensure Icemen and their families have a great place to live, work and play -- from the more than 25 classes offered at the fitness center; the crafting and hobby classes at the Arts and Crafts, Wood Skills, Auto Hobby Shop to youth sports and Chapel programs.

"The Year of the Air Force Family is important to all of us; the total force," said Maj. Jennifer Allee, 354th Force Support Squadron commander. "Our mission can't get done without the daily contributions of all. From volunteers to our paid force, from our civilians to the surrounding communities, we are better because of each other and the mission gets done because we all engage in its accomplishment."

"In FSS, we believe every year is the Year of the Air Force Family, but for others this is a chance to reflect on and appreciate the sacrifices that our family members make," she added.

To find out more about the Year of the Air Force Family events visit www.af.mil/yoaff. Additionally, YoAFF events are being advertised in the Polar Press, on-base marquees, through e-mail, the Commander's Access Channel, in the Community Briefs section of the Eielson AFB website, and on bulletin boards and displays throughout the base. People can also contact the AFRC at 377-2178 to get involved with any of the YoAFF events.