Year of the Air Force Family events continue

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force is now halfway through the Year of the Air Force Family and Team Eglin has some new events for all members of the base community from physical fitness to financial classes.

"The Year of the Air Force Family shows our constant commitment to supporting our Eglin warriors through the four pillars," said Col Bruce McClintock, 96th ABW commander. "Team Eglin continues to improve our infrastructure and family support to the military and civilian team who serves here in pursuit of YoAFF goals and mission excellence."

In the coming months, Eglin will continue to host events for the Air Force family with a singles Super Bowl party Feb 7 with the Chaplains, a marriage celebration week Feb. 14-21, a basketball skills contest at the youth center Feb 3, financial investment classes throughout February and March, and a home buying course by the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.

The concept of the Year of the Air Force Family began at the "Caring for People Forum" in early April 2009. The Air Force has used the Year of the Air Force Family to highlight the many successful programs already in place on base and in the community to inform Airmen and their families of developments in enhanced and new programs.

The program is built around four pillars: Health and Wellness, Airman and Family Support, Education, Development and Employment, and Airman and Family Housing.

"Our aim is to continue the tradition of the Air Force taking care of our people," said Lisa Splinter, community readiness consultant with the Airmen and Family Readiness Center. "The Year of the Air Force Family is about helping people reach their goals both personally and professionally in the four pillars of excellence."

Last quarter YoAFF initiatives included building new Airmen's dorms, replacing playground equipment, creating a marriage enrichment retreat, assisting more than 40 injured or ill Airmen and their families, and creating closer ties to reserve counterparts.

Team Eglin YoAFF events will continue through July 2010 when the Air Force concludes the program. However, the Air Force family remains vital to supporting troops and the war effort.

For more information about YOAFF events mentioned above, call Lisa Splinter at (850) 882-1516.