Meeting the community's needs in 2011, beyond

  • Published
  • By Capt. Corey Carnes
  • 1 SOW IDS chair
The Integrated Delivery System working group is sponsoring the 2011 Community Assessment Survey of service members, spouses, reservists, spouses of reservists and civilians. This survey is the best way for Air Force community members to make their opinions and needs known.

Air Force community members at Air Force bases worldwide have been randomly selected to participate in the study, which is underway right now.

Participation is crucial to the success of the project - selected service members, and their spouses are strongly urged to take part.

The 2011 Community Assessment Survey is a top priority. It is the best way for us to listen to community members and then provide services to help them meet their needs and the needs of their families. It allows them to express their opinions anonymously so participants can respond openly and honestly to issues that affect them every day.

The results of the survey will be used by base leadership and the Air Force to target resources where they are most needed and enhance the well-being of the community.

Survey responses can directly influence family services and related support activities at local bases and throughout the Air Force. In fact, results from previous Air Force Community Assessments have impacted the policies and programs that support families at every level of the Air Force, to include:
- Expanding financial counseling programs to members and their families
- Develop a user-friendly support network for AF single parents
- Set up marriage support seminars for junior enlisted members and their spouses
- Adjusting childcare and other support services to better match the needs of the community
- Increasing opportunities to socialize and participate in on- and off-base activities.
- Increasing spouse-to-spouse support, especially during times when service member is deployed or TDY
- Increasing job opportunities for AF spouses

"The 2011 Community Assessment Survey provides community members a wonderful opportunity to improve the Air Force Community," said Debby Lundblad, from the Hurlburt Field Airman & Family Readiness Center. "We hope those selected will do everything they can to respond to the survey as quickly as possible."

This year's survey at Hurlburt Field will be particularly important. As part of a Department of Defense sponsored initiative, this year's Community Assessment, along with some supplemental questions, will be used to direct additional resources to help service members and families base wide. Base agencies will be working with researchers to ensure that this year's survey results are used to maximum benefit.

If you have any questions regarding the 2011 Community Assessment, please contact me as your local Integrated Delivery System Chair.