Caring for People forum aims to strengthen community

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
Military members, spouses and civilian employees came together March 11 to discuss strategies that will strengthen base family support services and improve the quality of life for the Hanscom community during the 2015 Caring for People forum.

"Looking at issues and designing programs that people want at Hanscom, versus anticipating issues and designing programs for what we think they need, is the focus of this forum," said Linda Ambard, 66th Air Base Group community support coordinator and Integrated Delivery Systems chair.

66th Air Base Group Deputy Commander Lt. Col. David Dunklee opened the forum by challenging attendees to make Hanscom AFB stronger by beginning the conversation during this event.

"This forum is about listening to our community," said Dunklee. "This is an opportunity to discuss Air Force concepts and figure out ways to better implement them at Hanscom."

The keynote speaker, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Dana H. Born spoke about being a leader in the community.

"We all have a story, and that story fuels our passion and brings our best into whatever it is we do," said Born, who spoke on the need for leadership on 9/11 while she was a commander at Boling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., and also a parent of a 4-month-old and 3-year-old in the Pentagon daycare.

She highlighted her story as an example as how the military community can come together during times of need.

"What happened in the military community after that to embrace our families while we were going about accomplishing the mission was inspiring," said Born, now a lecturer on public policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Born pointed out that there are always ways to better assist the military community, saying "that's what this forum is intended to accomplish."

"We shared a little about our story, but what is your story?" she asked the more than 75 people in attendance. "What is it that you bring with you, things that you know you are really good at, and your passion that you bring to this effort today - those things, your capability and passion, is what will make today enriching."

Following the speakers, participants attended breakout sessions to discuss topics such as family and deployment support, health and wellness, special needs family support, single airman support, spouse communication and housing.

Each of the top issues will be forwarded to local senior leaders for discussion between the Community Action Information Boards and IDS and their communities. Local issues will be given to the appropriate agencies to work and find solutions.

Issues for discussion at Air Force-level will be forwarded to Air Force Materiel Command and possibly to the Air Force Community Action Information Board for consideration.

"This forum is an excellent way to grow and connect the Hanscom community," Ambard said. "The success of programs on base depend on it."