Families are Airmen's greatest wingmen

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Matthew Jones
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Safety commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  This is the time of year I find most appropriate to reflect on all that I am thankful for. For me it begins with Veterans Day, purposely set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military. As an Airman, this Veterans Day was especially memorable as the four surviving Doolittle Raiders made their final toast at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Just over a week from now is Thanksgiving, a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for our many blessings. The holiday season is just around the corner.

This year more than all else, I am thankful for our families. This includes our children and parents, but especially our spouses and significant others. Being in the service is the uncommon life we chose but it is our family's unwavering support and deliberate sacrifice that truly embody the selfless service we all value in our core.

Our profession requires that every Airman be ready when called to go, mission-focused while gone and prepared to go again. None of these requirements are achievable if the Airman is distracted, preoccupied and unfocused. For the almost 60 percent of Airmen who are married, this readiness is enabled by our spouses and families. Our spouses and families are not only exceptional enablers, but they selflessly sacrifice so much. They don't just excel in running our homes, but sacrifice just so they can be home. More than any other group, they are the ones who are there for other families of enablers, all so their Airman can maintain focus. Without any training they are instinctively exceptional wingmen.

Our country has made great strides in the past three decades in appreciating and positively recognizing the troops. This is especially impressive considering we remain in combat in the longest war in U.S. history. What is it that holds everything together? It isn't steadfast public interest, increasing defense budgets or a growing coalition. So many external influences come and go but it is again our military families who never wane. They are the ones who will always be there.

I'm thankful for my grandma who raised a family of five children, enduring 26 military moves and to this day has nothing but positive things to say about her time in the Air Force. I'm thankful for my mother who in 1997 had her husband and all three boys serving in the Air Force. Today I'm thankful for my wife. Without any military background in her family and two master degrees, she selflessly sacrificed everything for the uncommon and honorable life we now share together.

I recognize that November and December bring so much joy to American families, but for the American military family also comes sacrifice. With more than 500 Travis families experiencing this sacrifice right now, I simply want to say thank you. To our families, sincerest appreciation for your military service and being the difference that makes a difference.