SecAF, DVs tour Luke AFB, highlight military families

Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Sharene Brown, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., visited Luke Air Force Base, Sept. 17.

While on base, the distinguished visitors engaged with military leaders and spoke with spouses about initiatives to support military families, such as military spouse employment and suicide prevention.

"You are the home-front heroes, your stories of strength, courage and generosity inspire me and so many other Americans," Pence said. "I've met thousands of military spouses over the last four years and I continue to be amazed by your kind gestures, your tenacity and your incredible work ethic. You are the backbone of military families, and I want you to know that we see you, we thank you and we stand with you."

The group also toured the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit to learn about the 56th Fighter Wing mission and capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35A Lightning II.

"Every time a fighter zips across the Arizona sky, a pilot-in-training is one step closer to using his or her skills to protect the nation," Barrett said. "While Airmen here continue to train combat-ready forces, they also need to know their support system is being cared for at home. Military families are fundamental to maintaining the elite forces needed to protect the United States, and the Department of the Air Force is committed to military family well-being and support."

To conclude the visit, Barrett recognized several outstanding performers and supervisors within the 56th FW and coined them for going above and beyond in their service.

Through family-focused support, U.S., Air Force senior leaders offers a 21st century roadmap to success

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and Karen Pence, spouse of Vice President Mike Pence receive a salute from Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, Sept. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Pence, Barrett and Sharene Brown, spouse of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., visited Luke AFB to engage with military spouses and discuss military spouse employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

Through family-focused support, U.S., Air Force senior leaders offers a 21st century roadmap to success

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett recognizes 56th Fighter Wing outstanding performers during a tour Sept. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Barrett recognized Luke AFB's outstanding Airmen for their role in supporting the wing's mission of training the world's greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen. Barrett, along with Karen Pence, spouse of Vice President Mike Pence, and Sharene Brown, spouse of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., visited Luke AFB to engage with military spouses and discuss military spouse employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caroline Burnett)

Through family-focused support, U.S., Air Force senior leaders offers a 21st century roadmap to success

Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett speaks to 56th Fighter Wing military spouses at Club 5/6 Sept. 17, 2020, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Barrett, Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, and Sharene Brown, wife of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., visited Luke AFB to engage with military spouses and discuss military spouse employment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke Moeder)

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