ACC command team spouses reaffirm commitment to Eglin Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rebecca Abordo
  • 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Combat Command team recently visited Eglin Air Force Base, accompanied by their spouses, Cindy Wilsbach, wife of Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of ACC and Dr. Doniel Wolfe, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Dave Wolfe, command chief of ACC.

During the visit, the spouses toured the base’s Fisher House, Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV), Intrepid Spirit Center, and Eglin’s Child Development Center III. The immersion provided the team an opportunity to connect with key components of readiness and resilience for our military families.

“It was rewarding to witness the commitment to our Air Force families and explore opportunities to volunteer and contribute further,” Wilsbach said. “Today's theme resonated across all locations: caring for our families during and after their service, recognizing their sacrifices and giving back.”

The AFEV is a nonprofit retirement community founded to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Airmen. The facility is unique to the Emerald Coast, as it is the only establishment for spouses of retired enlisted Airmen in the country.

During their immersion at the AFEV, the spouses engaged with residents and staff to better understand the facility’s mission.

“The enlisted village embodies a remarkable sense of community where residents eagerly engage and display genuine friendliness,” Wolfe said. “One resident's personal connection with Director Brooke McLean, among 600 residents, exemplifies the essence of what community really means.”

Additionally, Wilsbach and Wolfe toured the base’s Fisher House, a facility that provides a “home away from home” to military families during treatment for serious illness or physical therapy. Any time a military member or family member is treated at local medical facilities, they are eligible to use the Fisher House at no cost.

The immersions also helped the spouses identify issues they could support at higher levels.

“It's cool to see all the awesome things people are doing for Airmen and families,” Wolfe said. “But let's be real, we're here to fix the stuff that's not so great. Don't hesitate to tell us when you need help.”

As part of their immersion, Wilsbach and Wolfe met with Eglin first sergeants and members of the Military and Family Readiness Center to discuss concerns and trends identified by Airmen and Guardians, such as employment, housing and childcare issues.

“We're continuously gaining insights at this stage, which is why we're here, and grateful for your expertise,” Wilsbach said. “It’s crucial to share this knowledge with local leaders who directly influence our families, and we want ensure that the issue isn't solely a lack of information.”

Reflecting on the experience, Wilsbach and Wolfe reaffirmed their commitment to addressing challenges faced by service members and their families, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and support from all levels of leadership.