Integrity, Service, and Excellence

Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All You Do. These are the Air Force Core Values, and this is what Mike Suden makes part of his life each day. Mike is a Captain in the United States Air Force and a member of Top Hand, an organization dedicated to the professional development of its officers. Work within and for the community is nothing to new to this organization, especially Mike Suden. Each member does his or her part to give something back to community.

Captain Suden brought two communities together, members of Santa Barbara County and Top Hand, when he organized the “Back to School BBQ” for foster children and their families.

Serving in the military is synonymous with service. On a more basic level, military members serve their country. However, Captain Suden’s service goes beyond the "basic level." Growing up he never experienced his needs not being met. And until recently, he never had contact with foster children, their families or the agencies that help them.

Mike began working with the Family Care Network (FCN) earlier this year. FCN is a private, nonprofit organization that provides family-based services and treatment programs as an alternative to group homes or institutional care on California's Central Coast. Captain Suden worked through the FCN to gain access to the families in need. He worked with members to Top Hand to solicit donations, buy school supplies, food and drink, as well as provide a venue and entertainment for the festivities.

When asked why he decided to volunteer his time for this program, his answer was simple. “I was lucky that this program was something I could do within the constraints of leaving for a deployment and include my family,” he continues, “That being said, this program brings the right kind of attention to the needs of foster children and their families. It allows us to make our intentions our actions.”

Captain Suden contemplates how he’ll continue to volunteer his services to these families when he returns from his deployment. “Fortunately there are no shortage of options,” he goes on to share, “the opportunities to mentor and tutor foster children is always available, as well as sponsoring a child during the holiday season and participating in FCN’s annual holiday dinner held each December.”

One benefit of being in the military is the "military family." This family you can count on through thick and thin. It is the family that plays together and prays together. More importantly it is the family that understands and appreciates the need for community. “The local community does so much to support us [military members], I just want to be able to do the same...help where I can.” Mike Suden