JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
As we enter the final quarter of the designated Year of the Air Force Family, July 2009 through July 2010, I reflect on the continuing high operations tempo and deployments facing our warriors. Taking care of each other, like a tightly knit family, has never been more important for our Air Force.
As with any family, this means enjoying the good times, the bad times, laughing together at the funny stories, watching out for each other when dangerous situations arise and always being on the lookout for family members in need of help.
Our family has been stressed by many changing dynamics in the past few months. We have seen a huge mission increase for Haiti earthquake relief support, followed by on-going surge operations for the buildup of troops in Afghanistan.
On top of this, there was an announcement for the reduction of officers and enlisted in the Air Force to meet our mandated end strength, triggering high year of tenure rollbacks and other force reduction measures.
Another stressor for many Airmen is the upcoming implementation of new physical fitness standards in July, which could impact the careers of many if fitness standards are not met. Now let's toss in a sluggish national economy that has already squeezed many relatives and friends who quite possibly count on military members for support.
One can quickly see how we face a cauldron of stressors on the Air Force family, but with situations like the one we're in, families pull together and do incredible things.
Thanks to our exceptional First Sergeant Council, led by Council President Master Sgt. Timothy Smith from the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the team of shirts and their alternates are busy mitigating problems and challenges as they arise. Team Charleston's shirts answer the call everyday supporting our Airmen and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
I see phenomenal dedication in our Airmen such as Senior Master Sgt. Paul Yecke from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, who despite currently undergoing chemotherapy, continues to support and guide his Airmen through these stressful times. Thanks to these dedicated warriors and others supporting the Key Spouses, Airman's Attic, Loan Closet and similar programs, we continue to strengthen our Air Force family.
One suggestion to get through these challenging times is to embrace what you have. Take the time to enjoy special moments at home when you can. Remember the promises you made on previous deployments when you wished to be home for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other special events. Do you recall the feeling of being deployed and not able to share those moments?
Far too often we allow similar opportunities to slip by, reasoning that we are too busy and not making much of an effort. Before you know it, a deployment or event pops up, causing another forced separation from our families.
Don't let this happen to you. I promise, the Airmen who are currently deployed envy the fact we are lucky to be home enjoying the cool spring weather of Charleston with our family and friends. Are you capitalizing on the opportunity?
The bonds and camaraderie that you build now will serve to strengthen our Air Force. The Year of Air Force Family will soon come to an end, but our need for strong family ties in the Air Force is enduring.