How do you define family?

  • Published
  • By Maj. Michael Riley
  • 436th APS acting commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  If someone asked how you define family, what would be your answer? If a poll was conducted on this very question, many of us would certainly come up with a different answer. Each of us has unique perspectives from our past experiences that shape our definition of family. No matter where you are in life, I trust each of us can define how we value the idea of family. 

The Air Force's family is comprised of active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen, single or married, with or without children, civilian employees and their families and retired Airmen. The Air Force family also includes the extended support system of the Airman found in parents, siblings or other close family or friends (and don't forget our pets). Their support is critical to our mission and they are stakeholders in our success. 

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley was recently quoted as saying "... an Airman's deployment is really a family's deployment." I could not agree more. The value of a community made up of trusting friends and understanding neighbors is ever so important. That deployment is also felt by every co-worker that must take up work when the Airman leaves. To this end, it is the "work family" that feels that deployment just as an immediate family would and we each shoulder each other's burdens, whether you realize it or not. Since these examples are everyday realities, the Air Force and Air Mobility Command are doing something to help. 

The Air Force has designated July 2009-July 2010 as the "Year of the Air Force Family." Its purpose is to examine existing services and look for ways to evolve and expand them to meet the changing needs and expectations of Airmen, their families and the larger Air Force family. AMC will assess the effectiveness of its services through Community Action Information Boards and at the base and major command levels. The plan centers on three basic themes: caring for Airmen and their families, quality of life is an important part of caring for Airmen, civilians and their families, and every member of the Air Force family is important. 

So, what can you expect this year? Throughout the year, we will celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Air Force family. In November, we will participate in National Military Family Appreciation Month and set aside the week of Nov. 1-7 to celebrate Air Force Family Week through planned events such as tonight's Harvest Festival, the Stride across America challenge at the Fitness Center and the Youth Center's Air Force Family Tree project. The purpose of Air Force Family Week is to recognize and celebrate the many members of the Air Force Family while providing education and awareness on how Air Force programs and community partners support them. 

So, how do you define family? How do you care for and foster relationships that make up your definition? The Air Force is dedicating an entire year to help us better understand that our Service cares and appreciates the value of a great family.