Year of the Family: It's so much more than a motto Published March 30, 2010 By Christopher Calkins 45th Space Wing Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- It's easy to throw around mottos like "Be a Good Wingman" and the "Year of the Air Force Family." What isn't always easy, however, is putting those words into action: "walking the talk," as the saying goes. Fortunately, for retired Tech. Sgt. Shawn Mette and his wife, Nelia, they have a "family" here who believes in "walking the talk." Sergeant Mette has been battling stomach cancer. Though he is now hospitalized in nearby Melbourne, Fla., he has been living in the same housing area he lived in while on active duty, thanks to the housing privatization partners at Patrick AFB. This has meant one less stress on him, his children and his wife of more than 10 years. The stress began for Sergeant Mette, formerly with the 45th Medical Group, and his family back in 2007 when he was first diagnosed with the disease. They battled it to a virtual draw through 2008, and then they watched in horror together -- together is a word his wife uses all the time -- as it came roaring back last year, forcing him to be medically retired in the spring of 2009. The family was faced with a daunting situation because of the retirement. They would have to move because, at the time, retirees were not yet eligible to live in the recently privatized housing. This meant that their two children, Sebastian, 9, and Sklyar, 5, would have to deal with a new environment while their father battled cancer. Then officials with HP Communities LLC, the privatized company that now has control over housing in north, central and south Patrick AFB, stepped up. "It's our company's job, and my responsibility, to take care of the families who call Patrick Air Force Base home," said Sophia Reeves, the company's community director for Patrick AFB. "So we went to work," she said. "We had the family moved from a two-story, three-bedroom unit to a single floor, four-bedroom home (at no expense)." Because Sergeant Mette had difficulty going up and down stairs, this was a welcome move, Mrs. Mette said. In addition, company officials have arranged for free lawn care services for as long as needed, procured free tickets and lodging for a Blue Man's Group performance at Universal Studios, and a company employee offered to lend a helping hand to assist the family with any simple chores around the house. One problem solved. Several more to consider. "Just knowing we had a permanent place to live when our world was crumbling down around us gave us something solid to hold on to," Mrs. Mette said. "I feel safe here, the kids love their friends and the neighborhood and the schools are great." Mrs. Mette; however, is not blind to what the future probably holds. She said she is also aware and very thankful for the much-needed assistance she and the children have been receiving. "His mother, Darleen, has been here to help with the kids and share hospital time; that has been a big help," she said. "And I also want to give thanks to all my friends at the South Patrick Chapel; they have been just great. And to all our neighbors, friends and Airmen from all around the base, especially my husband's squadron at the med group." Lt. Col. Teresa Skojac, Sergeant Mette's former commander at the 45th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, said he was dedicated professional. "I am honored and proud to have worked with an Airman like Shawn Mette; and I know everyone who knows him feels the same way," she said. His wife said she sure feels the same way. "Shawn is such a good guy, and such a wonderful husband and father," she said. "We always do everything together as a family and I know we are the most important thing in the world to him. It hurts so much to think about what the future holds and what 'might-have-been.'" But still, she said she knows she has to remain strong for their children. "We made a pact a long time ago, and I have no intention of taking anything back now," she said. "We are getting so much help and support I know we will make it. Together."