Encouraging base wide discussion during forum

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Deana Heitzman
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  More than 60 Team Aviano members had the opportunity to improve quality of life on base here, May 27, by addressing concerns, brainstorming solutions and asking questions during the 2014 Caring for People Forum.

"The forum is an initiative that began in 2009 to help working professionals," said Capt. Relinda Hatcher, CfPF lead coordinator. "This is the primary venue for people to discuss ideas for potential solutions to problems."

The forum divided active duty, spouses, civilian employees and teenagers into working groups based off topics they experienced issues with and were given the opportunity to directly relay the information up to Air Force leadership.

The working groups covered aspects of military and family life to include, family, health and wellness, single Airmen and deployment support. Within the working groups, participants brainstormed specific sub-topics and issues, which were monitored by trained CfPF facilitators.

"I came to the forum to address more things for pre-school aged kids to do," said Cristel Boedecker, spouse of 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Boedecker. "This is a great avenue for the appropriate leaders to hear our concerns. I can say all I want to other people, but that doesn't mean it will go anywhere. With this forum, there is a process to listen to our concerns and try and find a solution."

After smaller issues were discussed, topics were then voted on based from ideas that were most needed. These top issues will go on to be presented to base leadership for resolution.

"If the problem can be solved at installation level, leadership will look into solving the issue," said Hatcher. "If it is an issue that impacts policy or something larger than installation level, it pushed up to the [major command] level to be solved."

The last CfPF that took place at Aviano was in 2012 and solved 42 installation issues, which included a future 24-hour gym and more healthcare providers to see civilian and family members.

"I want to stress the importance of participation on events like this to the base populace," said Hatcher. "I hear people with concerns all the time and this is the forum people should come and share their issues. It is an opportunity to have your voice head."