The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose core mission is to provide a safe, secure home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen. Located along the beautiful Emerald Coast of northwest Florida in Shalimar near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, apartments are available at Bob Hope Village, our independent living community, and at Hawthorn House, our assisted living and memory support residence.

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"We provide lifelong support for our residents so they may share memories of military life, build lasting friendships, and live comfortably in a community with their pride and independence intact."
 

CMSAF#9 James C. Binnicker

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About Air Force Enlisted Village

The Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV) provides life-long support for our residents. Bob Hope Villages 1-6 consist of independent living apartments and Hawthorn House provides an assisted living with memory support option.

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Residents here share memories of military life, build lasting friendships, and live comfortably in a community with their pride and independence intact.

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Eligibility

Residents of Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House must be 55 years of age or older. When space is available, the following are eligible for residency at Bob Hope Village or Hawthorn House:

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• Surviving spouses of retired enlisted members of all U.S. military branches

• Married couples with one or both being a retired enlisted U.S. Airman

• Married couples with one or both being a retired enlisted U.S. military member

• Mothers of active duty and retired enlisted U.S. Airmen

• In the event of the death of the active duty enlisted U.S. Air Force sponsor, surviving spouses under the age of 55 may be admitted for a maximum of one year to meet emergency needs

Although the Air Force Enlisted Village has expanded to provide a home for members of our military family, surviving spouses of retired enlisted U.S. Airmen continue to be the focus of our nonprofit mission. The retired enlisted U.S. Air Force surviving spouse with the greatest need is given priority to move to Bob Hope Village or Hawthorn House.

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Low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or significant assets. Air Force surviving spouses requiring financial assistance live at Bob Hope Village or Hawthorn House among peers sharing memories of military life without the stigma normally associated with subsidized housing. At Bob Hope Village and Hawthorn House, all staff treat our beloved residents with the respect they would reserve for their own moms.

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'The Mom Rule'

In 2000, former President and CEO, CMSAF #9 James C. Binnicker (shown above with Bob Hope at the Village), instituted a philosophy known as “The Mom Rule” to ensure that all residents are treated with respect and dignity. “The Mom Rule” guides all AFEV employees to ask themselves these three questions when working with residents or making decisions about a resident’s care:

1. Would I do this to my mom?

2. Would I do this for my mom?

3. Would my mom approve?