'We Are Family' campaign gains Air Force-level recognition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Teresa Aber
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  The "We Are Family" campaign at Langley Air Force Base, Va., has caught the attention of key Air Force leadership, earning recognition from Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody.

Following the Department of Defense's sexual assault prevention stand down earlier this year, Langley's leadership created the 60-day campaign to revitalize the family concept and bolster wingman culture in an effort to eliminate sexual assault.

"We're creating a culture here of family," said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Trae King, 633rd Air Base Wing command chief. "If we can take care of (wingmen) and think of each other as family instead of (only) coworkers, then we can start preventing issues that are deteriorating our force."

The campaign aimed to reinforce the concepts of trust, respect and other components leaders believe are key to stamping out sexual assault. Events to help foster the family concept included an enlisted call, a base retreat ceremony, a family reunion and a block party.

King said the events have proven successful.

"Since the beginning of the campaign, we've had more than ten individuals come forward with reports of sexual assault or sexual harassment," said King. "It shows that the campaign is having a positive effect and people are feeling more comfortable coming forward."

At several recent conferences and base visits, Cody has recognized the military culture that Langley Airmen are creating.

"(Langley held) different events (where Airmen) began to appreciate each other in more meaningful ways ...  (having) stronger relationships [and] trusting each other more," Cody said during the Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sept. 16. "This is what it's all about. It's about our Airmen and our families."

Langley leadership heard about Cody's mention and began making plans for future events, including guest speakers and more small-group forums.

"We're extremely proud to get to be recognized by the CMSAF," said Capt. John Riley, 633rd ABW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response deputy coordinator. "We're not stopping there. We plan to keep the conversation going."