[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE AIR FORCE ENLISTED VILLAGE, CELEBRATING THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2018

  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an organization of 
true American heroes and patriots.
  Over fifty years ago, a survey by military organizations found that 
over 50,000 widows of retired military members were living in poverty. 
U.S. Air Force members found this news to be a travesty and decided to 
do something about it. On January 17, 1968, the Airmen's Widows and 
Dependents Home Foundation (now Air Force Enlisted Village) was 
incorporated with the mission to provide senior housing to widows of 
retired enlisted U.S. Air Force members.
  The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) is a nonprofit organization 
whose core mission is to provide a safe, secure home for surviving 
spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen. The Air Force Enlisted Village 
is situated along the beautiful Emerald Coast of northwest Florida in 
Shalimar near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field.
  Air Force surviving spouses live at Bob Hope Village or Hawthorn 
House among peers, where they are able to share memories of military 
life. All residents of AFEV are treated with the highest level of love 
and respect.
  The Air Force Enlisted Village is one of four official charities of 
the U.S. Air Force and is an affiliate of the Air Force Assistance Fund 
campaign that takes place February through May each year at all U.S. 
Air Force installations. The Air Force Enlisted Village is also one of 
seven worthy charities of the Air Force Sergeants Association.
  Any service member will testify that the support of their spouse was 
one of the most important contributions during their years of service. 
Most military spouses are known for their ability to adapt and find 
happiness wherever their spouses' career took them and their families. 
The journeys were not always easy or short, but these spouses made a 
home wherever the military needed and sent them.
  The United States Military family is stronger because of these 
spouses and their dedication and support. It is only fitting that when 
the time comes, they are provided a loving and worry-free place to call 
home. For the past fifty years, the Air Force Enlisted Village has been 
committed to making sure that the widows of service members always have 
that home.
  The mission of The Air Force Enlisted Village is highly revered by 
our community, which is full of partners who strive to fulfill that 
mission daily. There is no greater gift than providing basic essentials 
that may be taken for granted as one ages; a safe home, security, 
dignity, independence, and camaraderie. The AFEV community gives 
residents the feeling of being cherished and not forgotten.
  I extend my gratitude to all who have served in any capacity with the 
Air Force Enlisted Village and its honorable mission.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize and celebrate the Air Force Enlisted Village on their 50th 
Anniversary.

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