AF Reserve Senior Enlisted Advisor voices value of supporting Reserve families at Air, Space and Cyber Conference Published Sept. 17, 2024 By Andrew Biscoe Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) -- Chief Master Sgt. Israel Nuñez highlighted the importance of addressing quality of life challenges during the “United Forces and Families: Creative Childcare Solutions” panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 17. He highlighted the childcare initiatives and partnerships in support of the nearly 200,000-strong Air Reserve Component Airmen and their families. Nuñez, dual-hatted as the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and command chief of Air Force Reserve Command, was among four featured speakers on the panel. Discussion centered on the critical importance of quality and affordable childcare for military and civilian families. Access to reliable childcare is particularly challenging for Reserve forces, who predominantly serve outside of traditional business hours. The chief is a father himself with two daughters. “As a father and husband, in a dual-military family, this subject is near and dear to my heart,” he said. He talked about needing a whole of government approach to a nation-wide issue. This includes engaging with community, congressional and industry leaders to develop solutions that address the need for access to affordable and reliable childcare. Nuñez stressed, “Childcare is both a family and mission readiness issue”. He spoke about opportunities he and the chief of the Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, have to engage with Congressional and Department of Defense leaders on this topic. One of Nuñez’s most consistent messages to these leaders is the importance of understanding the nuanced challenges facing more than 800,000 Reserve Component (RC) members, across all services. “Reservists serve in multiple statuses, such as active guard and reserve (AGR), part-time, and Title 5 Reserve Technicians. Legislation and policy written for the Active Component does not always fully meet the requirements for those serving in the RC.” Nuñez added, that despite these challenges, the Air Force Reserve has partnered with Department of Air Force and civic leaders to initiate pilot programs within the local community. These pilots are offering weekend childcare supporting two Reserve-owned installations: Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, and Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia. In addition to current programs and initiatives, there’s more work to be done. Addressing these needs will ultimately improve mission readiness and have positive affects on recruiting and retention. Nuñez’s underlying message was, “Airmen and families are the service’s most important weapon system and we must do everything in our power to improve their quality of life. Addressing barriers to service through legislative and policy changes, while engaging with community partners, will drive creative and much needed childcare solutions.”