Caring for People Forum generates ideas, solutions

  • Published
  • By Teresa Reinhard
  • Community Support Coordinator
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In an effort to give Airmen and their families the opportunity to voice concerns or provide suggestions on Air Force policy and support services, Kirtland recently hosted a Caring for People Forum. The result was more than 20 recommendations for change being submitted for local level consideration and two recommendations being elevated to the Air Force level.

The event drew 110 attendees from across the base, including military members, military spouses, Key Spouses, and Air Force civilian employees, who discussed quality of life issues. Participants and volunteers discussed concerns and generated recommendations to forward to base and Air Force leaders.

"Critical issues were discussed and real solutions presented," said Janet Cooley, who participated as the Air Force Research Laboratory's Key Spouse mentor. "It was truly exciting to know that our ideas would be pushed forward not only at the local level, but also Air Force-wide."

One idea generated by her group, the Spouse Support Group, recommended the Air Force join the existing Service Member Opportunity Consortium to allow for the transferability of college credit for Air Force military spouses. This benefit is currently afforded to spouses married to members of other military branches.

The Special Needs Group recommended establishing "Q" code subcategories based on severity, need, and resource requirements of the family member. The goal is to make the program specific to the unique needs of families, while saving the Air Force time and money.

Suggestions for local consideration included the creation of a community center, a more viable sponsorship program, establishment of a support group for those in the Exceptional Family Member Program, and increased Alcohol and Abuse Prevention and Treatment outreach.

Maj. Paul Milazzo, a mental health provider in the 377th Medical Operations Squadron, facilitated the Young Airmen Support Group. He said it was exciting to see volunteers tackle some of the common obstacles they face every day, and realize they have the power to make a positive difference.

"I think some people were very surprised to see their ideas and suggestions were not only being listened to, but could very likely result in real change," he said.