News

Year of the Air Force Family campaign draws to a close

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • 78 ABW/PA
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Although the Air Force Year of the Family campaign officially ends in just a few days, the effort to focus on Airmen and their families in recognition of their dedication and service to the nation will continue.

The year-long campaign started in July 2009 to help remind people of the Air Force's long tradition of taking care of its people. The aim was to help members of the Air Force family reach their personal and professional goals, while maintaining a wartime ops tempo.

Matt Driver, Airman and Family Services Flight chief, was the project officer for the Robins campaign. He worked with numerous helping agencies - the Health and Wellness Center, the Base Chapel, the Force Support Squadron and Family Advocacy among others - to provide a year of quality programs at no cost.

"The Year of the Air Force Family program has been an amazing success here," Driver said. "Countless Robins personnel and their family members have benefitted from the tremendous list of trips, special events and programs offered."

He said Team Robins members, namely youth, received more than $40,000 in free support through various programs. Families impacted by deployments also received more than $20,000 in support through the DePlayment Program.

Other events included a tour of Middle Georgia via a train and time with former president Jimmy Carter, and a trip to Atlanta to see a Braves baseball game from a VIP club box. Several hundred free season family pool passes were also given as part of the campaign. The campaign wrapped up with a three-hour event at the Heritage Club, which included a free buffet dinner and giveaways.

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. He said the high standard of caring for families - active-duty personnel, civilians, dependents and retirees - will not end just because this particular campaign will end.

"Developing and caring for Airmen and their families remains one of our top priorities," Driver said.