CMSAF stresses family, resilience

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Chief Master Sergeant 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."