Mountain Home AFB's 'Air Force Family Week' a success

Published Nov. 10, 2009

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Earlier this year, the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz named July 2009 to July 2010 as the "Year of the Air Force Family,: or YoAFF. Mountain Home, along with other bases across the Air Force, increased their focus on YoAFF Nov. 1 through 7 during "Air Force Family Week."

"Our goal for this year is to promote the spirit of the Air Force family while at the same time saying thanks for the many sacrifices they make on a daily basis," said Betty Frederickson, 366th Force Support Squadron airman and family services flight chief.

YoAFF provides leadership at all levels the opportunity to communicate information to Airmen, family members and surrounding communities on the variety and scope of programs offered by the Air Force. YoAFF is a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance of, and commitment to, the entire Air Force family.

"The Year of the Air Force Family will be used at Mountain Home AFB to highlight the many successful programs already in place and to inform Gunfighters and their families of the development of new programs, unveiling them throughout the year," said Chap. (Capt.) Dwayne Jones, 366th Fighter Wing senior protestant chaplain and chair of the integrated delivery systems, or IDS, committee.

IDS is comprised of base agencies committed to helping active-duty military members and their families, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. These agencies include, but aren't limited to, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, family advocacy, health and wellness center and the chapel.

During Mountain Home's Air Force Family Week, the 366th Force Support Squadron and IDS ensured everyone, from the youngest Gunfighter dependents to retirees and everyone in between, were included. Events included free golf and bowling for retirees, youth and teen events at the base chapel, family meals, marriage strengthening sessions, single Airmen gaming tournaments and a company grade officer comedy night.

"Our Air Force Family at Mountain Home includes the young and experienced alike who impact the mission in a positive way and make Mountain Home a wonderful place to work and raise our families," said Chaplain Jones. "It comes down to people taking care of people with a resulting mission and personal fulfillment."

Though the base's focus on the Gunfighter family increased during the week, Mountain Home Air Force Family activities are constantly being added and can be found at www.MHAFBFun.com under the Year of the Air Force Family icon.

"With the outstanding support of base leaders and the dedication being put forth by our facility managers and staff to ensure top notch programs, I have no doubt that Mountain Home will be a leader in this year's efforts to show that the Air Force and in particular Mountain Home, is indeed a great place to work, live and play," Mrs. Frederickson said.