AFA Launches ENGAGE, A Publication Series on Military Family Readiness

AFA’s United Forces & Families (F2) program has officially launched ENGAGE, a new digital publication series that identifies key readiness opportunities, addresses challenges, and provides resources for military families. The publication, authored by military members and spouses, premiered at AFA’s 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference.

“We are all in this together,” said Jennifer Saltzman, spouse of Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, in an interview featured in the inaugural edition of ENGAGE. “There are roles for all of us to play to find the best answers for our families.”

The ENGAGE initiative highlights lived experiences and challenges, provides in-depth analysis on family readiness challenges affecting mission readiness, and offers opportunities to strengthen connections.

There are currently three editions of ENGAGE available to read online, each one focusing on a unique challenge faced by military families, and each one providing solutions head-on. Here is a glimpse into each edition.

1. Empowering Guardians and Their Families

Shaping the Guardian experience means empowering the U.S. Space Force, our newest service branch, through external opportunities to strengthen connections and support overall family well-being. ENGAGE’s “Empowering Guardians and Their Families” edition, authored by Guardian spouse Nicole Murray, delves into these connection opportunities.

One key initiative inspiring Guardians and their families and creating a continuum of connection is a brand-new Space Force tradition at Basic Military Training (BMT) graduation: family pinning ceremonies.

“We wanted to bring in the people who are important in the Guardians’ lives,” said Maj. Clinton Emry, the Commander of the 1^st Delta Operations Squadron. “That’s where the next space warfighter is going to come from—the influence of a fourth-grade science teacher,” he said.

The family pinning ceremonies are underwritten by an AFA F2 grant with two pins provided per graduate.

“We’ve witnessed the powerful impact these pins can have on bringing in family members and recognizing their sacrifices and contributions. These pins are small but mighty… an inch of Guardian family pride with the unlimited power of connection,” said Kari Voliva, AFA’s Vice President of Member & Field Relations.

2. Childcare Matters

One of the most hot-button challenges for military families today is childcare. In the childcare edition of ENGAGE, Savannah Stephens, an Air Force Reserve Public Affairs Officer and DAF civilian, explores the significant challenges like inadequate staffing at childcare centers and limited childcare options for Air and Space Forces families.

The “Childcare Matters” edition focuses on retooling military families as it relates to access to reliable and safe childcare options. DAF senior leaders are not turning a blind eye, Stephens writes, but they are diving in to support these critical issues to fight for affordable solutions. 

“I hope you all know that you’ve got someone at the very top in your corner ready to fight for the issues that you’re working on and take childcare to the very top within the Pentagon,” said Grier Martin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower Reserve Affairs, at the first-ever Childcare Summit hosted in 2023.

3. Elevating Family Readiness

“Military families are the backbone of our all-volunteer force. Supporting the success of military families is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity for the security and defense of our country,” said Heba Abdelaal, an Active-duty spouse and expert on military family readiness.

ENGAGE’s “Elevating Family Readiness” edition offers key strategies for resilience in family readiness. shares often-overlooked statistics and facts, including that 80 percent of surveyed military families are paying more for housing than they can comfortably afford; and that 50 percent of stateside military bases are in health care deserts.

In another section, Heather Campbell, a military family advocate and expert on food insecurity, provides insights on challenges military families face.

What Makes ENGAGE Unique

The unique challenges facing military families require unique solutions that evolve over time. The ENGAGEseries includes authentic, first-person insights and in-depth expert insights that meet Air and Space Forces families where they are, says Lyndsey Akers, AFA’s F2 Task Force Chair.

“What makes this digital publication series so special is that it was envisioned, curated, and designed by military spouses who were compensated for their work while also sharing stories that offer creative solutions to quality-of-life issues that many military families face,” Akers said.

Indeed, the ENGAGE team is comprised of a variety of individuals across the services, and from milspouses to dual-mil Airmen.

“ENGAGE connects, empowers, and inspires, offering insights and fostering a strong sense of unity. As an Active-duty Air Force spouse for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience and strength of our families. I’m proud to be part of an initiative that highlights their vital role and ensures their voices are heard,” said Kristin Walker, 20th Fighter Wing Deputy Command Spouse and ENGAGE’s Creative Director.

“It has been an honor to watch ENGAGE grow from an idea in a listening session to the collaborative and empowering resource it is today,” said Voliva. “ENGAGE has proven to be a strong solution to keep critical family readiness issues at the forefront of discussions. We look forward to continuing to amplify these stories, challenges and opportunities while also recognizing the exceptional value of the military spouse through paid opportunities.”

To learn more about ENGAGE and AFA’s United Forces & Families program or to join the United Forces & Families community, visit www.afa.org/Engage.