Caring for People forum gives opportunity for base members to air concerns, gain information

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  RAF Mildenhall's Integrated Delivery System and Community Action Information Board hosted a Caring for People forum recently, which gave base members an opportunity to join discussion groups looking at issues and challenges Air Force personnel and their families face.

Air Force leadership and helping agencies had previously met to look at the issues and challenges, and solutions were discussed. As a result, new programs and initiatives were created, and each base then hosted its own forum to further discuss any issues that people had. Any that couldn't be resolved locally will be forwarded to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force forums.

Key areas that were discussed here were support of single Airmen, families, health and wellness, special-needs family members, and spouse communication.

Military, civilian, spouses and retiree representatives spent most of the day discussing specific areas important to them.

According to Sharon Rector, 100th Force Support Squadron Caring for People coordinator, Team Mildenhall participants were empowered to voice their concerns or suggestions on Air Force and local policy, and support services.

"This year, the groups discussed a myriad of issues, from special needs to fitness," she said. "It was a huge success and was enlightening to see the interaction within each group."

Everyone who attended had volunteered their time to be part of the forum, because they had concerns or issues they wished to share and get advice on.

"I quickly realized that some of the issues my family and I had were shared with many others within the RAF Mildenhall community," said Tech. Sgt. Corey Coleman, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department. "The topic I received the most feedback on was the exceptional family member program - we were recently placed in this program because my daughter has asthma.

"We'd been given very little information on why we were put on the program, what it meant, and whether or not it had any impact on my career (as far as assignments)," he said. "To my amazement, another panel member was in the same boat; but some of our fears, concerns and questions were answered by other EFMP members already in the program. We were even given informational brochures on it, as well as support group and network information."

Sergeant Coleman said overall he found being part of the forum a good experience, and felt like he walked away with a better understanding of the EFMP and was pointed in the right direction for getting other questions answered.

Other hot topics for the family support and special needs portion included spouse employment.

Participants on the forum agreed that they or their spouses had run into many problems with the job application process, as it takes too long to get into the system, and by the time people are in the system, the job position has closed and is no longer taking applications. Also, the issue was raised that recruiting for even local positions is only done in the states, so even though spouses may be fully qualified for the position, they run into problems when applying.

Transportation for children after school was also one of the issues raised.

One of the other key areas concerned single Airmen. Issues raised included internet access in the dorms, lack of support from Airmen for the Airmen Committed to Excellence committee, and sponsorship coordination.

Two first sergeants were on hand to offer advice, along with Micah Steinwandt, 100th Air Refueling Wing Chapel Single Airmen's Ministry coordinator.

Several Airmen participated to get their views heard.

"The Caring for People forum is a great way for the Air Force to hear the voices of its Airmen, which in return, strengthens our quality of life," said Airman 1st Class Chuck Sweeney, 100th CES, a participant at the forum.

Eight of the issues raised have been forwarded to the USAFE IDS team, who will compile and identify what they can resolve at the major command-level, Ms. Rector said. Any issues impacting at an Air Force level will be discussed at the Air Force Caring for People forum in July.