COMMENTARY>>Taking time to recognize Year of the Air Force Family

By Col. Patrick Mordente
314th Operations Group commander

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Gen. Norton Schwartz have designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family. We’re nearly a third of the way through this year of special recognition, and with the holiday season fast approaching, I believe now is a great opportunity to reflect on the importance that each of our family members has on an

Airman’s ability to serve in the United States Air Force.

For starters, I’ll be the first to stand up and acknowledge I would not be as successful in my career if it weren’t for the support of my spouse and children, and my parents before them. My parents instilled in me a sense of patriotism and obligation to serve. I then met a great lady from Columbus, Miss. - Marissa, my wife of 20 plus years, and she’s been by my side through it all ... multiple assignments, deployments and TDYs. My children have moved from Germany to Arkansas, New Jersey to Kansas, Virginia to Texas, and several other places in between. Each time they looked forward to the next adventure, while at the same time, they hated saying goodbye to new-found friends. An Air Force adventure most certainly, but not one that has been easily undertaken by my family, and I am sure you would say the same for yours.

Their resilience and willingness to support me could be easily overlooked or quickly labeled as being a great “Air Force family.” We, as active-duty members, cannot let that happen. There is a price each of our family members pays as the multiple PCSs, deployments and TDYs add up. They willingly support us so we can serve this great nation, and they’re some of our country’s greatest silent heroes.

As this holiday season fast approaches, I encourage you to go home and thank your family for their tremendous support. If you’re fortunate enough to be home during this time of year, make it an extra special season by personally recognizing all of your family -- mom, dad, brother, sister, spouse and children -- and the great support they give you each and every day.