Robins to celebrate Year of the Air Force Family Nov. 1-7 Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Public Affairs Office ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Now in its fourth month, the Year of the Air Force Family campaign is starting to build some momentum. The Air Force dedicated July 2009 through July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family. During the year, bases will focus on Airmen and their families in recognition of their dedication and service to the nation. "The Air Force has a real desire to ensure we are taking care of the needs of all family members, whatever those needs may be," said Matt Driver, Airman & Family Services Flight chief. The campaign was started to help remind people of the Air Force's long tradition of taking care of its people. The aim is to help members of the Air Force family to reach their goals, both personal and professional, while also maintaining a wartime ops tempo. "Developing and caring for Airmen and their families remains one of our top priorities," said Driver, who is Robins' project officer for the Year of Air Force Family campaign. Driver said the Air Force has a long and enviable history of meeting the needs of the Air Force family through comprehensive quality of service initiatives. The aim now is to broaden the scope of quality of life beyond the traditional programs and reach toward a more encompassing approach through quality of service. "The Air Force is a great place to work, live and play," he said. "Our focus is to make it even better. We are examining the programs we offer and looking for ways to improve them." Driver said you don't need to be married and have children to be considered family; the Year of the Family campaign targets everyone - single and married Airmen, Guard and Reserve Airmen, civilians, spouses, children, extended family members, retirees and community partners. The campaign is built around four pillars of excellence: -- Health and Wellness: Physical health, psychological health, spiritual wellness, financial health, safety, recreation/leisure, and social networking/wellness. -- Airman & Family Support: Single Airmen programs, deployment support, special needs, child care and youth programs. -- Education, Development and Employment: Support and advocacy for children and spouses; personal and professional development for Airmen (includes civilians). -- Airman and Family Housing: Safe, affordable and available on and off-base housing for single Airmen and families; housing referral and relocation assistance. Robins is dedicating Nov. 1 through Nov. 7 as a week to help market this campaign. There will be activities throughout the week to provide recreational and entertainment activities for members of the Air Force family. - from staff reports