Acting SecAF addresses furloughed workforce Published Oct. 9, 2013 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Eric Fanning, released a statement Oct. 9, about the approximately 800 civilian Airmen who remain furloughed due to the government shutdown. "We have not forgotten that more than 800 of our civilian Airmen remain furloughed due to the mechanics of the Pay Our Military Act. While the interpretation of the law places these Airmen outside the scope of the Act, this is not a reflection of their work," said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning. "As a former deputy chief management officer, I know first-hand the important work these functions perform. Looking ahead over the horizon and building long-term relationships for the Air Force is vital to what we do. While the impact of this continued furlough may not be immediately felt, the long-term effect on mission success will become evident. Every day, we work diligently to bring more of our civilians back to do the jobs they signed up to do. We will continue to do so until our last member returns." (Information courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)