Photo By Airman 1st Class Amanda Yastrzab | Members of the Joint Base San Antonio Honor Guard present the colors during the national anthem at the Air Force Families Forever’s “Honor Ceremony” at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 3, 2026. The Colors once served as a symbol of pride and confidence in combat, but have now evolved to being held at the position of attention to signify the beginning of the ceremony and pay the highest respect for the fallen Airmen and their sacrifices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Amanda Yastrzab)



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Air Force Families Forever honors sacrifice of fallen Airmen
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The U.S. Air Force continues its commitment to honoring the families of fallen service members through the Air Force Families Forever (AFFF) program, a long-term support initiative that reinforces the Air Force’s commitment to those who have lost a loved one in the line of service.
Hosted by the JBSA Military & Family Readiness Center, the ceremony brought together surviving family members from across the installation to recognize their continued connection to the Air Force community.
“Families have told us the event meant a lot to them and reminded them they’re still a part of the Air Force family,” Valerie Barber, M&FRC community readiness consultant said. “Even years later, they appreciate that their loved one is still remembered.”
The AFFF program provides sustained support to the families of deceased Airmen, offering resources that address both emotional and practical needs. The ceremony acknowledges that loss extends beyond the individual, touching families and communities while honoring the legacies left behind.
For attendees, the event offered a moment to reflect and connect with others who share the same grief.
“We were able to connect with people who had been through similar losses, and that made a difference,” Wahkeitha Banes, U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, retired, said, “Having someone who understands your grief, who can talk through it with you, is something you don’t realize you need until you have it.”
Ceremony elements included an Honor Guard presentation, invocation, guest speakers, a moment of silence and a luncheon with a presentation of resources available to honor the lives of the fallen.
Organizers also invited them to installation events to foster a sense of community that extends beyond the ceremony.
“We want families to know they are not alone and that their loved one will never be forgotten, Barber said, “They supported their service member, now it is our privilege to support the families they leave behind through connection, care and remembrance.”
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