Quality of Life Survey Online Now: Participation to help shape Team Mildenhall QoL

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  There's no doubt about it - RAF Mildenhall is a busy base, and being the only permanently based Air Force tanker fleet refueling U.S. and allied aircraft over the span of more than 20 million square miles, it's hard to imagine setting aside time to be concerned with quality-of-life issues.

However, QoL is not only important to Team Mildenhall warriors and their families; it's a major objective in one of the 100th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Christopher Kulas' top three priorities: mission, people and building partners.

Falling under the people priority, Kulas, said he, expects his team to continue to develop their workforce and bolster QoL.

Team Mildenhall now has the chance to speak up and help shape the future of QoL initiatives here through the annual Quality of Life Survey. To access it, click here.

Last year's survey resulted in a town hall meeting, where commanders and civilian managers from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath responded to assigned member's questions and concerns with straight-forward answers.

The survey brought wing members' worries to light and gave leadership a tactical look at the issues, said Tech. Sgt. Ronald Cooney, 100th ARW Air Force Smart Operation for the 21st Century office representative.

As a result, the 100th Force Support Squadron implemented an expanded customer service program and reinforced manning in their passport section. The 100th Civil Engineer Squadron identified more parking areas, while continuing to increase force protection initiatives.

The 100th Mission Support Group utilized end-of-year funds and installed wireless internet in dormitory dayrooms, and AAFES exceeded the industry standard of 92 percent retail stock, keeping their shelves nearly 94 percent stocked for Team Mildenhall and Lakenheath members.

Meanwhile, at RAF Lakenheath, the 48th Medical Group stood up a phone tree, an automated operator service, to improve their appointment process, and the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron opened a new housing office on RAF Mildenhall, right next to the unaccompanied housing office, to take care of Mildenhall-assigned Airmen's needs on site.

As U.S. and NATO missions continue, RAF Mildenhall will carry on supporting the more than 10,000 military, civilian, dependent and retiree personnel, including the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-U.K. Detachment, and four associated partner units assigned.

However, if Airmen have recommendations on ways the wing can improve QoL while continuing that vital mission, the commander wants them to make their voices heard, as he and his senior staff will take their team's concerns seriously.