Year of the Air Force Family Published Nov. 6, 2009 By Senior Airman Aaron M. Johnson 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- July 2009 to July 2010 was announced as the "Year of the Air Force Family," earlier this year by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. It's to be a year-long focus on Air Force programs highlighting the importance and dedication to the entire Air Force family. All Airmen: married, single, spouses, children, Air Force civilians, extended families and retirees are significant in their own way. Shaw recognizes the importance by participating in the National Military Family Appreciation Month. According to the 20th Force Support Squadron here, developing and caring for Airmen and their families remains one of the top priorities of the Air Force. It has a long history of meeting the needs of the families in it through comprehensive quality of service initiatives. Initiatives like that help strengthen military families and are vital to the readiness and retention of Airmen, officials said. "During the Year of the Air Force Family we will examine our existing services and look for ways to evolve and expand them to meet the changing needs and expectations of our Airmen, their families and the larger Air Force Family as well." "Members of our Air Force Family truly are our greatest assets and this time of observance provides the perfect opportunity to say "thank you" and recognize the continuous, positive gifts they bring to our Air Force," said General Norton A. Shwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. To read more about events going on during the Year of the Air Force Family, go to http://www.af.mil/yoaff/index.asp