Caring for People Forum concerns reach AF level

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --   A May Caring for People Forum was deemed a success by event coordinators when two of the nine issues Laughlin submitted to Air Education and Training Command advanced to Air Force level.

The forum allowed Laughlin members the opportunity to come together and discuss their opinions and concerns about different topics on how to improve specific areas of life for those stationed here.

The concerns that were brought up at the forum are currently going through a three-tier solution process beginning at base level. If an issue could not be resolved at that level, it was submitted to AETC to be evaluated.

Each of the 12 installations eligible could present 10 concerns from their respective base. The major command then narrowed the concerns to 10 that could not be solved at that level, which were then sent to Air Force level. Of the 10 chosen, two were submitted by Laughlin.

"This is great for Laughlin," said Machelle Terrell, 47th Flying Training Wing sexual assault response coordinator. "For our first time hosting the forum, we did great. The discussions that took place brought up some great points and that is why we have two going up to the Air Force level."

One of the two concerns that will be evaluated is deployment support with orders being received two weeks or shorter before deploying.

"Short notice taskings seem to happen here all the time," said Robert Wade, 47th FTW Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century coordinator. "This is a real problem because it causes a lot of chaos at home."

The other issue that was sent was how military dependents' graduations are sometimes at risk due to the military lifestyle.

Terrell noted how students are penalized and graduation can be jeopardized because of variance in grading standards and curriculum requirements across states. She also explained how credit transferability can force students to attend summer school and lose high school rank for scholarships and acceptance to college.

"I am most excited to see this go up," Wade said. "If it is as successful as it was perceived it will have a major impact. This won't just affect the Air Force or Department of Defense, but everyone. This will have a societal impact."

Laughlin's key issues will be evaluated with all other Air Force installations submissions in Alexaderia, Va., July 19 to 21.

While the two most difficult problems are scheduled to be dealt with, other base level issues are currently being elevated.

Youth sports teams are being implemented for Laughlin members. Youth sponsorships, bullying at local schools, school transportation and an enlisted spouses club are just a few things that are being worked since the Caring for People Forum took place in May.

"We want everyone to know that the things that stayed local are not just going to fall off the map," said Aliyah Negley, Airmen and Family Readiness Center school liaison. "We are actively working the issues to help better the Laughlin community."