Helping our Air Force family

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Sean Smith and Master Sgt. Renee Cenov
  • 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron/22nd Air Refueling Wing Judge Advocate
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  How many of us have had a mother, father, brother, sister or child call us for help in their time of need? The request may have been a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand to get them through, a monetary request or just being present.

No matter how we received the request for help, we stop what we are doing and do whatever it takes to take care of our families.

We, as Airmen, are also a family.

The Air Force Enlisted Village and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force scholarship programs are designed to take care of our fellow enlisted Airmen and our extended families. As enlisted Airmen, we develop a deep bond with each other; we treat each other as family, and families take care of each other. These large organizations have the ability to reach a greater number of people in need and collectively endow benefits much greater than we could individually.

Team McConnell has an opportunity to support the village, an organization who takes care of surviving enlisted and retired spouses, retired enlisted military members, and mothers of enlisted and retired Airmen. These are the men and women who paved the way for our enlisted force today. They’re the men and women who have carried the legacy, traditions and heritage we so proudly celebrate as enlisted Airmen in the world's greatest Air Force. While this organization is supported through the Air Force Assistance Fund and by the Air Force Sergeant's Association, we can further assist by collectively working together to give back to these great Airmen and their families. We take care of each other in times of need.

Further, the CMSAF scholarship program offers enlisted Airmen the opportunity to offset educational expenses by presenting scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 between Jan. 1 and March 31 each year. The program is available through the Air Force Sergeants Association and chaired by a retired CMSAF. Since 1988, the program has awarded more than 270 scholarships worth more than $383,000.

Take a moment and remember what family means to you. Someone in your family may be going through a time of need as you read this. Lend a shoulder or a helping hand. We ARE Family.