CMSAF stresses family, resilience

Photo By Staff Sgt. Austin Harvill | Chief Master Sgt. (retired) Athena Cody and Stephanie Johnson watches a children’s music camp performance at the Aviano Elementary School, June 16, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. Cody’s 26 years of service gave her firsthand understanding of the needs and concerns of Air Force families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Austin Harvill/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

06.16.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy - Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody visited Aviano Air Base, Italy, to thank Airmen and their families for their continued sacrifices, receive feedback on important topics and learn more about Aviano's mission, June 16, 2015.

Chief Cody said the Air Force is asking a lot of its Airmen and called on leaders to renew their focus on family resiliency.

"It's foreign to us to say 'no,'" said Cody. "We can't keep pushing people the way we've been pushing them without a break."

He highlighted suicide rates, domestic abuse and sexual assaults as particular signs of stress.

"The hardest part of my day is about 2 a.m. when I get the casualty report," said Cody.

Chief Cody called on Airmen to make a concerted effort to understand these indicators in the midst of continuing demands and changes to the force.

"It's been two years since I was able to come here and a lot has happened in those two years. Fundamentally, how we do business in our Air Force and how we think about the future has dramatically changed in ways that are impacting you and your families," said Cody. "This visit is really about taking the opportunity to look you in the eye and tell you how proud and appreciative we are of you and your families, and to make myself available to you for open dialogue about anything that is on your minds."

In light of the recent Air Force draw down, Cody took the opportunity to address the current state of the Air Force and the plan for the enlisted force.

"The intent is for the Air Force grow by approximately 4,000 active duty members and approximately 3,000 guard and reserve members," said Cody. "We are already operating at the max capacity that our pipelines can handle. We will have very targeted accessions; not [every career field] will get a piece of that 4,000. It will be limited to a few select career fields."

In addition to addressing the future of the enlisted force, Airmen also raised concerns about proposals to increase Tricare fees, reduce the basic allowance for housing and transform the active duty retirement plan.

After addressing these concerns, Cody closed the all call with his appreciation for Airmen.

"You're doing tremendous things. We want to communicate that with you. We're proud of you. Extend that heartfelt thank you to your families," said Cody. "Families don't get to choose whether or not they serve. We owe them a great level of gratitude."

• Date Taken: 06.16.2015
• Date Posted: 06.17.2015 06:32
• Story ID: 166947
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT