Balancing Reserve force discussed at Commander and Spouse Forum


WASHINGTON -- Commanders and their spouses are briefed by Lt.. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., Air Force Reserve Command commander, during the Air Force Reserve Commander and Spouse Forum, July 6-9, 2011. The forum provided an opportunity for wing leaders and their spouses to engage in discussions with different organizations about military issues and gain information on new programs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis)

Balancing Reserve force discussed at Commander and Spouse Forum

by Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis
459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/12/2011 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Air Force Reserve wing commanders and their spouses attended the annual Air Force Reserve Commander and Spouse forum here July 6-8 to gain increased awareness of the needs of Citizen Airmen and their families.

Attendees engaged with Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, and took part in discussions on topics including military benefits, military community and family policy. Attendees also received a Warrior briefing from Explosive Ordinance Disposal Airmen, who provided personal stories from the field.

"At each forum we try to develop relevant topics, through feedback, geared toward helping Air Force Reserve spouses," said Dee Stenner, wife of General Stenner.

Mrs. Stenner said hearing things like the Warrior briefing makes the jobs of Air Force spouses more important, especially with the love and support they give to servicemembers.

"We have a great group of caring spouses here trying to make things better for those coming behind us," she said.

During the forum, spouses visited Capitol Hill and met with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is also married to a retired U.S. Navy commander. McMorris Rodgers is also a co-chair of the Congressional Military Families Caucus.

"We recognize that when a servicemember joins the military, it's not just a job, but a family commitment to our country," she said. "The caucus also recognizes that the National Guard and Reserve have more challenges, especially with re-integrating into civilian life after deployments. We're focused now on putting a microphone in front of families and connecting them with leaders at the highest levels. "

While the spouses met with the congresswoman and listened to military briefings, wing commanders were also engaged in separate discussions on issues facing their organizations and the Reserve.

"I thought the forum was an excellent opportunity to coordinate strategic-level policy with command leadership as well as my counterparts at other wings," said Col. Russell Muncy, 459th Air Refueling Wing commander.

Colonel Muncy also recognized the importance of having spouses participate in the forum and said it was a great opportunity for them to hear more about military programs and to network.

In his closing remarks, General Stenner summarized the topics covered over the three-day gathering. He stressed the importance of utilizing resources from the forum to help balance the Reserve's "three-legged stool" concept of family, civilian employer and the unit. He also said a status report will be provided to the commanders with an update on the issues brought up during the forum and at the senior leader conference held earlier this year.

"During the forum we heard about all the different ways to balance the Reserve component resource, which is a huge part of our national defense," General Stenner said. "We can use this information to assist us, and while situations are different at every location, know that resources are available for any circumstance."