Base looking for volunteers to share opinions, make a difference

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Volunteers are needed to help identify, develop and prioritize issues that affect their personal and professional lives during the Caring for People forum held April 3 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hanscom Conference Center.

Volunteers can include military members and their spouses, Department of Defense civilians and retirees. Topics during the forum will include health and wellness, family support, deployment, single airman support and special needs family member support.

After the forum, the issues and concerns will be presented to base leadership. Local issues will be given to the -appropriate agencies to work on and find solutions. Air Force-level issues will be forwarded to Air Force Materiel Command and possibly to the Air Force Community Action Information Board for consideration.

"We want people who want to make a difference in the community and the Air Force to participate in the Caring for People forum," said Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. "With all of the changes taking place throughout the DoD, this is your chance to make your voice heard."

The Caring for People forum is an Air Force-mandated effort. Last year was the first time Hanscom conducted the forum and organizers hope this year is just as successful.

"These volunteers will help shape the future of not only Hanscom, but the Air Force," said Tina Bowen, Caring for People forum coordinator. "Last year, two of the issues raised during the forum were considered at the major command level. This goes to show that what you say really does matter and can effect change."

As a result of previous forums, for example, the Air Force established the Single Airman Support Program, assigned school liaison officers to all Air Force bases and enhanced services for exceptional family members.

This year's topics offer a wide variety of choices for discussion. The health and wellness focus group will not be limited to exercise and eating right, organizers explained. Sample topics may include physical, spiritual, psychological or financial health; safety issues; social networking and wellness; or recreation and leisure.

The family support group discussions could include spouse education and employment, financial readiness, elder care, emergency resources, relocation issues, child care, work environment or retirement.

Both military members and spouses can participate in the deployment focus group. Sample topics could include any aspect of the deployment cycle, information and resources for family members of single airmen who deploy and wounded warrior support.

The single airman support group is not just for military members residing in the dorms, although participants must be single airmen. The discussion may center on sponsorship, single parent programs, dorm life, recreation or mentorship.

Finally, the special needs family member support group is looking for families that have a member with special needs. Topics may include the assignment process, respite care, school issues and resources.

Anyone interested in participating or offering a discussion topic should contact Anne Wilson or Dawn Andreucci from the Airman and Family Readiness Center. They can be reached by emailing anne.wilson@hanscom.af.mil or dawn.andreucci@hanscom.af.mil or calling 781-225-2765.