The continuing resolution—and corresponding lack of an enacted defense appropriations bill for Fiscal 2011—is the No. 1 issue on airmen’s minds today, CMSAF James Roy told House lawmakers Wednesday. “Our men and women are deployed to foxholes around the world, yet we are dangling this [CR] in front of them, saying we may or may not be able to pay you,” Roy told the House Appropriations Committee’s military construction and veterans affairs panel. From a policy perspective, the top three quality-of-life issues that have captured senior leaders’ attention are building a culture of resiliency among airmen and their families, continuous support for those that deploy, and upgrading the Air Force’s exceptional family member program, Roy said. “The quality of life of airmen and their families is an overwhelming factor in how long they will serve,” he said.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
