F o r e w o r d
FOREWORD BY A
LADY ANNE DALTON
s the Families Federation approaches its third anniversary, I look back with amazement at how time has flown since November 2007 when, as
the wife of the then AMP, I was invited to the Federation’s formal launch. Troughout the rest of my husband’s tour at Air Command and, subsequently, since he became Chief of the Air Staff, I have watched how this small team has grown in stature and consistently ‘punched above its weight’ in representing the needs of RAF family members.
And I count myself as one of those. As a mother of school age children, just emerging from the stresses of A’ levels, as the only child of elderly parents, and as a wife to a busy man, who regularly disappears off to one part of the world or another, sometimes with me in tow, often without, I can relate to anyone trying to balance family life in the modern military environment. Mobility and separation are constants in our lives and, whilst I feel incredibly lucky to experience the lifestyle of the partner of one of the most senior military officers in the UK, sometimes I struggle to reconcile meeting the needs of children, husband and parents and, like many of you reading Envoy, I would dearly like there to be more hours in the day, a 4-day weekend and a little bit of “me time”.
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to visit many Units and Stations each year and I greatly enjoy meeting and talking to RAF personnel and their families, our veterans, and the young air cadets who always fill me with such hope for the future. I genuinely value hearing what family members are concerned about and when I read Envoy or the Federation’s
evidence-based reports, I recognise the same themes being covered as are raised in my discussions around the RAF. Housing is always an issue – trust me, I know the challenges of getting someone out to fix pipes that have left running water down the inside walls of my daughter’s bedroom! And if you think the rank of your serving partner helps, forget it – and whilst I know that the Defence Estates team are working hard to try and improve contractor performance, I have experienced the same difficulties in getting repairs done that so many of you report to the Federation team. But I am confident that, with the support of the Federation, RAF family members can make a difference and influence future policy for the better. That is why it is important that the team conduct evidence-gathering workshops and why, more critically, you and your family members contribute your views.
From where I sit, I can see great strengths in the RAF’s support to its families but there is always more that can be done. And things will improve more quickly if we speak up and highlight the things we believe are important. I put families at the top of the agenda because, as my husband is only too well aware, without me and his family in support, he could not do his job for the RAF nearly as well as he does with his family firmly behind him. And that goes right across the rank structure – families are a ‘force multiplier’ and we contribute to operational effectiveness at every level – and we do it for free! So take the opportunity, whether through direct contact, the workshops or via the website to make the Families Federation aware of your concerns, issues and how life in the RAF affects you and your family – together we can make a difference!
MESSAGE FROM ANDREW ROBATHAN MP MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL, WELFARE AND VETERANS
I
am delighted that my ministerial responsibilities include the support given to the families of those serving in our armed forces. I am impressed by the bravery, professionalism and, above all, the
commitment that our people display in everything they do – day in, day out. I also have huge respect for the sacrifices they make when leaving those they love when duty calls.
So it’s right that this government supports those families who support our men and women in uniform, support which is so crucial for effective operations. I include in this not only the support given by spouses but also by parents, siblings and the wider family.
As we face the future together I do want to find better ways of doing things. You do not need me to tell you that money is tight. As with any budget, when you have run out of money you stop spending, and if you want something more you have to decide what you are going to give up to pay for it. We need to look carefully at what we do and why we do it to ensure that we are doing the right things
www.raf-ff.org.uk Autumn 2010 5
to support serving and former serving personnel and their families.
This government believes in the moral obligation to treat those who serve, their families, and veterans with fairness and dignity. I value the contribution of the Families Federations and look forward to working with you on those big issues affecting armed forces’ families. I welcome your practical suggestions to reduce the inevitable burden that separation entails, and look forward to being your champion within government.
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